Ready to experience all of the best vegan restaurants in NYC like a local? If so then you’ve come to the right place!
Because I’m a New York City local who has been a vegetarian – sometimes vegan – for the past 10+ years.
Therefore, I know all about some of the top vegan restaurants in New York City.
And I want to share all of my most secret insider tips with you so that you can quickly and easily experience all of the most iconic plant-based restaurants in the city that never sleeps.
So, step away from the guidebook and get ready to experience the best plant-based cuisine NYC has to offer.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Where to Stay in New York City
Because there are an overwhelming number of awesome hotels in NYC, it can be hard to know where to stay during your trip.
Thankfully though, I’m a 30+ year local who wants to share all my expert picks for the best places to stay in NYC, no matter your budget. So, be sure to check out:
Pod 39 (budget) – Located in Murray Hill (right next door to the best Indian food in the city), thischic, pod hotel features amazing rooms that are well-priced at under $120 per night.Yes, rooms here will be a bit tiny but they are clean and are nestled inside a charming buiding from 1918.- Even Hotel New York Times Square (mid-range)– Well-located in Times Square. this hotel is adored by guests and has stylish rooms that feature free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, ensuite bathrooms, spa showers, eucalyptus linens, and EO bath products. As result, this place is an amazing deal at $150 a night.
The James New York (mid-range) – Hidden away in SOHO is the uber-fabulous James New York . It’s a sleek, modern hotel with rooms that include high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, glassed-off bathrooms, complimentary toiletries, and soft linens with all-natural fibers. And all for just $177 per night, so be sure to book your room now.The Bowery Hotel (luxury) – Located in Nolita,this fabulous 5-star hotel offers guests sleek rooms that start at $300 per night. They’re pretty stylish though and include Wifi, free bike rentals, and stunning city views. The service here is also outstanding, making theBowery Hotel the perfect home base from which to visit the best vegan restaurants in NYC.
Best Vegan Restaurants in NYC – Manhattan
1. Avant Garden
Located in the East Village, this refined vegan restaurant offers patrons a wide array of sleek items to choose from; exquisite dishes that are served amidst a cozy atmosphere that includes exposed brick walls and a stunning, branch chandelier.
And while everything on the menu at one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC is next-level delicious, their paella, avocado salad, and an assortment of specialty toasts are all extra special, with the cremini mushroom toast being my personal fave.
Pro Tip: The service here is top-notch but this is definitely one of the more popular top vegan restaurants in NYC on this list. Therefore, be sure to make reservations in advance if you can.
Address: 130 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Hours: Open daily from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at around $16 each.
How to Get There: Take the 6 train to Astor Place or the F train to 2nd Ave and walk from there.
2. HipCityVeg
This super casual, vegan fast food joint in Union Square just recently opened and has quickly emerged as one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC if you’re looking for an amazing vegan burger or an over-the-top vegan “chick’n” sandwich.
After all, this famous chain of vegan restaurants now has locations scattered all across the US and is renowned for their delicious pumpkin shake, vegan chicken sandwich, vegan cheesesteak, and delicious sweet potatoes fries.
Just be aware that while their vegan ice cream is amazing, it does sometimes clump together, making it difficult to drink their decadent vegan milkshakes.
Pro Tip: If you can, put their cobb salad into a wrap since this is a popular “secret” menu item at one of the best vegan restaurants in New York City.
Address: 28 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Price: Burgers start at $10 each.
How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 or the N/R/W to Union Square and walk from there.
3. Planta Queen | New York
With locations spread out across Canada and the USA, this chic, modern eatery attempts to redefine what plant-based food really is using nothing but the highest quality ingredients.
And you know what? They do a really good job of it since they have a delicious, kick-ass sushi menu that includes things like vegan spicy tuna rolls and eggplant unagi.
That’s why, if you’re a vegan who is in desperate need of a sushi fix then this is one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC for you!
Do yourself a solid though and come with a group so that you can order/taste a whole bunch of dishes since their crispy rice and bang bang broccoli are really good too.
Also, do try and make reservations since this is one of the more popular top vegan restaurants in NYC on this list and you don’t want to get stuck waiting for a table – even though service is still fast when they’re busy.
Pro Tip: Stop by on Wednesday evenings to enjoy half-priced bottles of wine! Also, save room for dessert since this eatery serves up delicious, soft-serve vegan ice cream.
Address: 15 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, except on Fridays and Saturdays when they are open until 11:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at around $12.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the R or W train to 28th Street and walk from there.
4. Ladybird
First opened in 2016, the only thing better than the inventive small plates, the incredible service, and the delicious artisanal cocktails at this sleek wine bar and tapas joint is the refined decor.
So, step inside this eatery’s bright red door and admire the plush banquettes, bright white walls, vibrant green seats, and chic tiled floors all around you.
Trust me, you’ll want to chill out here for a few hours while devouring Buffalo Maitake Buns and a decadent selection of chocolate and cheese fondues.
Just be sure to visit one of the best vegan restaurants in New York City with a couple of friends in tow so that you can order a bunch of different small plates like mushroom and onion toast, Brussel sprouts, eggplant, KFB, and truffle mac and cheese.
Chase it all down with a Ladybird Union cocktail (Lillet Rosé, Rose, Lemon, Basil Simple, Passionfruit, Tiki Bitter) and you have an ideal spot for a primo gossip sesh with all your besties.
Pro Tip: Stop by for brunch to try amazing dishes like scallion pancakes, grilled cheese, and matcha waffles. They even serve an egg yolk that looks and tastes just like the real thing! Yeah, no idea how they do it but vegan dreams really do come true at one of the top vegan restaurants in NYC.
Address: 111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Thursday and Friday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Price: Tapas start at around $14.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the 6 train to Astor Place or the L train to 1st Avenue and walk from there.
5. Hangawi
Are you a vegan who loves Korean food? If so then Hangawi is definitely one of the top vegan restaurants in NYC for you.
Not only is this eatery conveniently located in Koreatown (right near the Empire State Building) but it also has a Michelin Bib Gourmet recommendation to its name.
Therefore, it’s an ideal spot for delicious, unique, high-end, vegan cuisine that is served to you in a tranquil but refined atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re sitting inside a Korean temple.
So, your shoes will definitely come off at the door as you are escorted to your table, where you can order vegan delicacies like avocado stone bowls, crispy mushrooms, and sticky rice cakes.
Personally, though, I’d opt for either the Emperor’s Tasting Menu (includes a starter, appetizer, entree, and dessert for $69) or the Mini Enpreror’s Lunch Pre Fixe Menu (includes a starter, appetizer, entree, and dessert for $35) since ordering a la carte here can get pricey.
Pro Tip: The Date Paste Tea, the Tofu Kimchi Hot Pot, and the Todok Stone Bowl Rice are all really good.
Address: 2 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Price: Entrees start at around $20 each.
How to Get There: Take the N/R/W train to Herald Square station and walk to the restaurant from there.
6. Peacefood
With locations in Union Square and on the Upper West Side, Peacefood is a fun and funky place – with a super cool, artsy vibe – to get some of the best vegan food in NYC.
So, whether you’re in a rush and want to grab something quick from their bakery, or have a bit more time to relax in their dining room, this is one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC for you.
So, stop in today and choose from a wide variety of bowls, sandwiches, fries, pizza, and quiche, in addition to their immortal chickpea fries and carrot cake.
Trust me, the food is great, the price is right, the service is fast, and the staff is helpful. Therefore, I never miss a chance to stop in and eat at one of the top vegan restaurants in New York City.
Pro Tip: Must-try foods include chickpea fries, carrot cake, dumplings, and sauteed beech mushroom bowl.
Address: 41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.
Price: Sandwiches start at $11 each.
How to Get There: Take the N/Q/R/W or 4/5/6 train to Union Square and walk from there.
7. NY Dosas
Looking for one of the cheapest and best vegan restaurants in NYC? If so then hit up this immortal food cart in Washington Square Park.
Because as the name would suggest, this awesome little cart creates a wide variety of Indian snacks and dosas that people just can’t get enough of.
So, even though you probably will have to wait in line – like upwards of 2.5 hours – it’s totally worth it if you order dishes like the vegan drumstick or the masala/Pondicherry dosa.
The owner is also really friendly, the food is well-priced (and super delish), and the line moves relatively quickly since he’s a fast cook.
Pro Tip: You’ll want to get ALL the food here since it’s so good. But, my personal fave is the Pondicherry dosa with potatoes and fresh veggies. This guy is also somewhat of a local legend and has been around for well over 20 years.
Address: 50 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012
Hours: Open 11:00 am to 3:00 pm everyday except Sunday.
Price: Dosas start at $8.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the A/C/E train or the B/D/F/M train to Washington Square and walk from there.
8. Superiority Burger
Tucked away along the perimeter of Tompkins Square, this is one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC if you’re looking for some quick and delicious, vegan-inspired fare.
Because this place? Well, it may be small but they’ve been around since 2015 and have quickly built a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city…vegan or otherwise.
So, stop in and order the yuba verde sandwich, which is easily the best thing on the menu. However, their menu changes daily so you’ll always have something new to try.
This tiny top vegan restaurant in New York City is also expanding, so you’ll soon be able to devour epic burgers from inside the former home of the Odessa Diner.
Pro Tip: Definitely get here early since this place is pretty popular. I would also follow them on social media so that you can see what their daily specials are and order those since they are always awesome.
Address: 119 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Hours: N/A (They’ll be reopening soon)
Price: Around $12 for most items.
How to Get There: Take the L train to 1st Avenue and walk from there.
9. Spicy Moon
If you have a hankering for delicious, plant-based, Chinese, Szechuan-style fare, then say hello to your new best friend – Spicy Moon.
After all, it’s a small, casual, wood-accented eatery in the East Village that is known for amazing, vegan recreations of famous, Chinese-inspired dishes.
So, head on over and try fan favorites like the General Tso’s mushrooms, the vegetable wontons in chili oil, and Kung Pao anything.
Added bonus? Portions are extremely generous and the food is well-priced and flavorful, making this one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC that vegans and non-vegans alike will love.
Pro Tip: Some of my other faves include the Kung Fu Tofu and the Dan Dan Noodles, They also have a great lunch special for $14.95.
Address: 328 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, except Mondays when they are closed.
Price: Entrees start at around $11.95 each.
How to Get There: Take the 6 train to Astor Place and walk from there.
10. Cadence
Brought to you by talented, executive chef Shenarri Freeman, this amazing, vegan soul food restaurant in the East Village is one of the relatively new New York vegan restaurants on this list.
However, it’s a more than welcome addition to the top vegan restaurants in New York City since they pay homage to the chef’s roots in Virginia with decadent delights like smoked grits with oyster mushrooms, fried lasagna with pine nut ricotta, and maple buttermilk cornbread.
So, you should 100% order all of those dishes before sitting in their comfy outdoor seating area and enjoying courteous staff members who are great at catering to patrons with food allergies.
Yup, just an all-around amazing place that is great for a super casual date night in NYC.
Address: 122 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Hours: Open Wednesday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at around $16 each.
How to Get There: Take the 6 train to Astor Place, the F train to Second Avenue, or the L train to 1st Avenue and walk from there.
11. Fat Choy
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side is this bad boy of the vegan food world.
Because Fat Choy is a hole-in-the-wall, vegan restaurant that offers hungry guests innovative vegan versions of their favorite semi-Chinese foods.
Therefore, it’s fast, it’s casual, and the plates are small, but everything is awesome, including my personal faves, the rice noodles, the sticky rice dumplings, and the salt and pepper cauliflower.
I’ve also heard really good things about their mushroom sloppy, which is basically a sesame pancake stuffed with mushroom ragu. Yup, it’s supposedly a small portion but quite tasty.
Address: 250 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, except on Fridays and Saturdays when they are open until 9:00 pm.
Price: Small menu of items priced at between $6 and $10 each.
How to Get There: Take the F/MJ train to Delancey Street or the B/D train to Grand Street and walk from there.
12. Dirt Candy
A leading pioneer of the vegetarian food movement in NYC, chef Amanda Cohen has been creating whimsical, innovative, upscale vegan/vegetarian dishes for well over ten years.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy a nice evening out on the town that features an exceptional fine dining experience, then grab a table at Dirt Candy.
After all, the decor here is light, airy, and supremely stylish. Add in a selection of over-the-top, chic creations from their pre-fixe menu and you have one of the top vegan restaurants in NYC.
This place is popular though, so be sure to nab yourself a table by making reservations well in advance.
Pro Tip: If you have the cash to spend, opt for their luxe life, five-course tasting menu for $88.00. The dishes are seasonally inspired and well-explained by staff and might even include a homemade gummy bear or two towards the end of your meal.
Address: 86 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Price: You can only do the tasting menu since no a la carte options are available. So, meals start at $88 per person.
How to Get There: Take the F train to Delancey Street, the J/M/Z train to Essex Street, or the B/D train to Grand Street and walk from there.
13. Lekka Burger
Brought to you by the one and only Amanda Cohen of Dirt Candy, Lekka Burger is an infinitely more casual vegan restaurant in Tribeca that is known for its delicious, plant-based burgers.
They are also made fresh to order and served atop delicious, Japanese milk bread. Yes, vegan milkshakes, ice cream, and salads can all be found on the menu too but the real highlight of any visit here is a Masala Burger or Peri Peri.
Also, don’t expect “Impossible” style burgers here since the food is a bean mixture instead.
Oh, and if you can only get one thing on the menu, get the aforementioned burgers with the chili cheese fries since they are so stinkin’ good in this fun and modern, fast-food-style eatery.
Pro Tip: You can easily stop by after visiting the 9/11 Museum and Memorial.
Address: 81 Warren St, New York, NY 10007
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Price: Burgers start at $11.95 each.
How to Get There: Take the 1/2/3 train to Chambers Street and walk from there.
14. The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
Hidden away in largely meat-laden Chinatown is this iconic restaurant. It makes for a welcome change for anyone looking for tasty vegan and kosher versions of their favorite dim sum.
Therefore, expect to find tons of delicious dim sum that is filled with mock “shrimp” and “pork”, in addition to a variety of other tasty, Chinese-inspired dishes.
If you can though, stop by with a large group of friends so that you can order a ton of different dim sum to share.
Whatever you do though, don’t leave one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC without ordering their fried turnip cake, steamed “pork” buns, bbq buns, mushroom rice rolls, and “shrimp” dumplings.
Pro Tip: This place is popular so expect a bit of a wait, especially at popular times of the day. Also, get the vegan cheesecake and thank me later. They also have a great lunch special for $7.50 that includes soup, rice, a spring roll, and an entree.
Address: 5 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 9:15 pm.
Price: Dim sum starts at $3.25 per order.
How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 train to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall station and walk from there.
15. PS Kitchen
Known for being one of the best brunch spots in NYC, PS Kitchen serves up delicious, gourmet, plant-based food inside a chic dining room that features light tones, exposed brick walls, and fresh flowers.
Add to that a menu packed with seasonal, globally-inspired dishes that are made using classic, French cooking techniques and you have one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC.
Yup, all of the food here could be served in any of the top restaurants in the city, just without the insanely high price tag that these refined eateries often come with.
And, the cherry on top? This place has a distinct, social-business model where 100% of the profits are donated to various charitable organizations.
So, stop by this socially conscious restaurant today and feel good about dining out at some of the top vegan restaurants in New York City.
Address: 246 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at $12.00 each.
How to Get There: You can walk here from Times Square.
Best Vegan Restaurants in NYC – Brooklyn
16. Guevara’s
Real talk? This is more of a vegan coffee shop than a full-on restaurant. However, in addition to a nifty little shop that sells plants, greeting cards, and items for your pantry, Guevara’s also has a bright and airy cafe that sells a ton of different contemporary vegan foods.
So, if you should ever happen to find yourself in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, then be sure to swing by one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC for carrot cake, a hella awesome cup of Joe, croissants, and vegan bacon, egg, and cheese sammie that is pretty dang delicious.
There are also a ton of lush, green plants that adorn the bright pink walls here, a fact that makes this a place you actually want to hang out in while chatting with a friend.
Pro Tip: You could also try their breakfast special with two empanadas and a black coffee, but I prefer the eggplant torta to the empanadas hands down!
Address: 39 Clifton Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Most entrees are between $10 and $12 each.
How to Get There: Take the G train to Classon Avenue and walk to the store from there.
17. Bunna Cafe
This icon of the Bushwick foodie scene is renowned for its decadent, super sharable, family-style, Ethiopian cuisine.
So, sit down in the low-lit dining room with as many friends as possible so that you can all share delectable entrees like split pea shiro, red lentil misir wot, and injera bread – although the Habesha Breakfast (duba firfir, butecha, and kosta)and the Kita as a side are my go-to orders.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll even be treated to live steel drum music playing in the background as you enjoy this sumptuous, vegan feast.
Yup, just an all-around great place to eat since the portions are generous and the price is reasonable.
Pro Tip: Stop by for their awesome $10 lunch special and pair it with a delish sangria or Shai tea. They also have whole bean coffee for sale too!
Address: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Hours: Open Wednesday through Monday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with extended hours until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Price: Entrees start at around $11 each.
How to Get There: Take the L train to Morgan Avenue and walk from there.
18. Grilled!
Looking for super affordable, uber-flavorful, meat-free cuisine in Bushwick? Well, if you’re enthusiastically nodding your head, “yes” right now them give Grilled! a try!
It’s a cute little fast food joint run by expert chef Guillermo “Memo” Jaramillo. Therefore, nothing on the menu costs more than $10, and everything is served with a unique and incredibly flavorful Latin American twist.
So, you’ll find tons of vegan foods with distinct Colombian and Argentinian flavors like the arepa burger, the Colombian hot dog, and the choripán with meatless sausage and chimichurri sauce.
Pro Tip: Get the crispy “chicken” sandwich or the bacon, egg, and cheese.
Address: 264 Suydam St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Price: Most items are around $7 each.
How to Get There: Take the L train to Jefferson Street and walk from there.
19. Xilonen
This chill, Mexican restaurant in Greenpoint is named after the Aztec goddess of young corn and is known for its epic, vegan Mexican cuisine.
And even though this is one of the best New York vegan restaurants that is ultra low-key, dishes are still exquisitely plated and feature fan faves like the green “chorizo” taco with mushrooms and pecans and the avocado tostada with pistachio salsa macha.
Sure, their menu isn’t huge. But, everything they serve here is incredibly well-done and the space is wonderfully decorated, making this one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC that you will actually want to hang out in.
So, be sure to swan dive into the exquisite flavors, diverse textures, and incredible sauces of their crunchy taco, scrambled tostada, green chorizo taco, and olive oil cake.
Then, pair all of this foodie decadence with a frozen margarita and you’re sure to enjoy one of the top vegan restaurants in NYC.
Pro Tip: Grab your food to go and enjoy a picnic in nearby McCarren Park.
Address: 905 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Hours: Open daily from 10:00. am to 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at around $15 each.
How to Get There: Take the G train to Nassau Avenue and walk from there.
Best Vegan Restaurants in NYC – Queens
20. Samudra
Known for their incredible Southern Indian cuisine, Samudra is a low-key restaurant in Jackson Heights that vegetarians and vegans flock to for delicious dosas, idli, vadas, bisi bele bath, and more.
No, it’s nothing fancy. But, their high-quality, freshly made Indian fare more than makes up for less than opulent decor.
Also be sure to get an order of Samosa Chaat for me since they are hot, delicious, and oh so crispy.
Just be aware that this is one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC that is not totally vegan. Therefore, definitely ask your server about available vegan entrees before you order.
It’s also worth noting that the service is great and that the manager Jack is super nice.
Address: 75-18 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and closed on Mondays.
Price: Specials start at around $8.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the F/M train to 74th Street and Broadway/Roosevelt Ave and walk from there.
Map of the Best Vegan Restaurants in NYC
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