Is there any better city on earth to be vegan than New York? As one of the world’s most diverse cities and a major meeting point of cultures from around the world, New York has long had a culinary scene that’s second to none. The options are almost endless, and that includes options for vegans.
The New York food scene is volatile as it is vibrant. Restaurants open and close with unbelievable rapidity, and yesterday’s hot new place can quickly become today’s has-been. However, the places on this list have stood the test of time and become staples in the city.
If you’re from a more carnivorous part of the world, you may find that New York offers almost too many options for vegan dining. Asking a local is always a good idea, but everyone has their own opinion. So do we. Here’s a guide to some of the best vegan places to eat in New York City.
Blossom
A lot of vegan restaurants in New York tend toward the casual end of the spectrum. Blossom bucks that trend by offering a refined atmosphere at its two locations, one on 9th and the other on Columbus. The menu varies from one location to the next and changes with the seasons. But no matter what, Blossom offers an eclectic approach to vegan dining.
The Market Plate, with its selection of cruelty-free treats, is the perfect place to start exploring the menu at Blossom. Alternatively, you may find yourself tempted by the seitan piccata or the rosemary sausage pizza.
And don’t let the ambiance fool you. While no one would accuse Blossom of being a budget eatery, prices are more or less in line with what you would expect to pay anywhere in New York.
Eat by Chloe
A lot of people decide to go vegan for health reasons. There’s little doubt that with higher fibre and far lower cholesterol and saturated fats, a vegan diet offers real health benefits. As a result, a lot of vegan restaurants tend to be health-conscious.
There’s nothing wrong with that. But even vegans sometimes crave fast food. That’s where Eat by Chloe comes in.
The successful chain has locations throughout New York and other boroughs. It has also expanded to Boston, LA, Toronto, and the UK. However, New York remains the home of this restaurant and is the best place to try what it offers. It’s the perfect place to stop if you’re on a layover or just seeing the sights and looking for a quick bite; stash your bags at a luggage storage shop in Manhattan, grab a plant-based burger, and make the rounds.
Along with the classic lentil and chia burger, they offer chicken parmesan, smashed avocado toast, pasta dishes, and salads. At $13 for burger combo including fries and a drink, it’s a great deal for New York vegans and may even tempt non-vegans to give veganism a try.
Ladybird
Ladybird calls itself a vegetable bar, probably because it’s as famous for its cocktails as it is for its vegan food. But even if you’re a teetotaler, it’s worth a trip to the East Village to try out some of the city’s best vegan dishes.
Ladybird is set up as a tapas restaurant, offering small plates ideal for sharing or as the perfect accompaniment for drinks. Munch on Brussels sprouts in a soy truffle vinaigrette, mushroom and onion toast, fried avocado, or the decadent Ladybird fondue, made with Chardonnay and artichokes.
The cocktails here are even more inventive than the food. Ladybird is the perfect place for a vegan date or some late-night noshing in the city that never sleeps.
Beyond Sushi
Thanks to less dependence on animal products and a higher vegetarian population, Asian food has often been the salvation of hungry vegans and vegetarians everywhere. While just about any sushi bar in New York might have a few items to offer vegan diners, Beyond Sushi goes further. This is a fully vegan Japanese restaurant with plenty of choices for meat-free dining.
Sweet Tree, Spicy Mango, and Smokey Jack sushi rolls will delight fans of Japanese food. But if sushi isn’t your thing, Beyond Sushi also offers pasta dishes, burgers, tacos, kebabs, and other items you wouldn’t expect to find at a regular sushi place.
With multiple locations throughout the city, this chain is perennially popular with New York vegans. Follow the crowds and see why.
Dirt Candy
If you’re looking for high-end dining, you’re guaranteed to find it in New York. That’s as true for vegans as it is for anyone else thanks to the iconic Dirt Candy.
Legendary Canadian chef Amanda Cohen is the owner and executive chef here. Her book Dirt Candy: A Cookbook is the first graphic novel cookbook published in North America. Cohen is a chef who’s never been afraid to go her own way, and the menu at Dirt Candy shows that.
As with many haute cuisine establishments, the menu changes with the seasons. You won’t be able to order a la carte here. Instead, you can choose from two tasting menus. The five-course Vegetable Patch offers you a good overview of some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, while the 10-course Vegetable Garden allows you to really push the boat out.
Expect creative dishes that look as good on the plate as they taste on the tongue. There is also an excellent wine cellar, and the knowledgeable staff can direct you as to what drinks to pair with each dish. At $100 for the ten-course menu and $65 for the five-course, this is probably not somewhere you’re going to go every weekend. But for an occasional indulgence, is 2nd to none.
Vegan restaurants in New York City
Any list of vegan restaurants in New York can never hope to be comprehensive. There are simply too many options for anyone to try everything. But the restaurants listed above offer a perfect place to start your culinary voyage through New York.