Tyler McFarland on February 5, 2024
Updated on February 8, 2024 Reviewed and fact-checked Found a mistake? Let us know!
You might not be aware, but New York City is a treasure trove when it comes to plant-based dining options. As a culinary capital, it’s constantly innovating and reinventing the food scene, with vegan fare being no exception in 2024.
From chic bistros to laid-back cafes, you’ll find a myriad of eateries that will tantalize your taste buds without an ounce of animal products in sight. But how do you pick the best among the rest? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Intrigued to find out which establishments are the best vegan restaurants in New York City and why they’re worth a visit? Read on to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- Etérea is an exceptional vegan and gluten-free Mexican restaurant that provides a unique and captivating dining experience.
- The Organic Grill has been a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts since 2000, known for its organic, plant-based menu.
- Ladybird is renowned for its innovative vegetarian and plant-based dishes that are creatively presented and full of flavor.
- Orchard Grocer offers a wide variety of specialty vegan items, catering to both those in need of a quick lunch and those looking to fill their pantry with quality vegan products.
- PLANTA Queen blends Eastern and Western cuisines to provide an eclectic array of vegan dishes.
- P.S. Kitchen not only offers artisanal vegan dishes but also contributes to a noble cause by providing employment opportunities for marginalized individuals.
- HanGawi provides a unique vegan dining experience deeply rooted in Korean cuisine and culture.
- Delice & Sarrasin is a European-style restaurant that blends tradition with vegan ingenuity, offering delightful French cuisine.
- Franchia Vegan Cafe is cherished for its relaxed yet elegant approach to vegan cuisine, offering an array of flavorful vegan options.
- Urban Vegan Kitchen is a delightful surprise for those craving Southern-style American vegan soul food, with ingenious twists on classics.
Etérea
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/eterea-new-york-city-262355
In your search for vegan and gluten-free Mexican cuisine, Etérea stands out as an outstanding choice. Nestled in the heart of NYC, this restaurant and cocktail bar offers an array of tantalizing dishes that are sure to impress. Their menu boasts of tostadas, corn rib elote, fajitas, and a tinga quesadilla. This gourmet restaurant also offers irresistible options like al pastor and quesabirria tacos.
Etérea prides itself on being a top-tier vegan restaurant. They ensure all their vegan dishes aren’t just plant-based but also packed with robust flavor and the true essence of Mexican cuisine. The vibrant and colorful presentations will immediately catch your eye, and the innovative twist they add to traditional Mexican recipes will keep you coming back for more.
With its unique and captivating dining experience, Etérea is simply hard to beat.
HappyCow Score: 5 stars
The Organic Grill
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/the-organic-grill-new-york-city-2276
From the heart of the vegan culinary scene in NYC, The Organic Grill is a must-visit destination for all food enthusiasts. Since its inception in 2000, it has carved a niche for itself in the city’s vegan landscape. This restaurant is renowned for its organic, plant-based menu that spans from burgers to desserts.
The Organic Grill prides itself on its meticulous preparation of vegan dishes. Only organic, seasonal produce is used to ensure the freshness and quality of each plate. The variety on offer is impressive, with an array of gluten-free dishes and house-made vegan cheeses to choose from. Even the most discerning diners will be pleased with their gluten, soy, and nut-free patties.
But it’s not just about the food. To elevate your dining experience, The Organic Grill serves organic vegan beer and wine that are bound to elevate your dining experience to new and exciting heights!
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Ladybird
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/ladybird-new-york-city-81378
The moment you step into Ladybird, you’re instantly bathed in a gentle neon glow, setting the scene for a unique vegetable tapas and cocktail experience inspired by worldwide cuisines.
This hidden treasure, tucked away in the heart of the West Village, enjoys a reputation as one of New York’s top vegan eateries. Their menu showcases a wealth of innovative vegetarian and plant-based dishes that are bursting with creativity and taste.
Picture yourself savoring their truffle mac & cheese or experiencing the spicy thrill of buffalo maitake buns. Or maybe you’d prefer their whimsical take on the classic chicken and waffles?
Ladybird isn’t merely a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary for vegan food enthusiasts and an essential entry in any vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide. In a city that’s always awake, Ladybird offers a memorable and mouthwateringly good respite.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Orchard Grocer
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/orchard-grocer-new-york-city-89415
Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Orchard Grocer has been a beacon for vegan foodies since 2017.
When stepping into this unique New York establishment, patrons are welcomed with a wide variety of specialty vegan items. These include vegan cheeses, mock meats, dressings, snacks, and even ingredients for those who want to whip up their own vegan dishes at home. The offerings at Orchard Grocer cater to both those in need of a quick, tasty lunch and those looking to fill up their pantry with quality vegan products.
From bagel sandwiches with mock meat fillings to vegan soft-serve ice cream and a host of prepared grab-and-go meals, Orchard Grocer ensures it has something for everyone.
HappyCow Score: 5 stars
PLANTA Queen
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/planta-queen-new-york-city-236638
Venture into the heart of the upscale vegan dining scene in New York City with PLANTA Queen.
This unique establishment promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you craving for more. PLANTA Queen seamlessly blends Eastern and Western cuisines to provide an eclectic array of vegan dishes.
From succulent sushi, rich nut cheeses, hearty pasta, and pizza to the classic vegan burger, the choices are endless and cater to diverse taste palates. But PLANTA Queen doesn’t just stop at the food. It also doubles as a full bar, providing a carefully curated selection of cocktails and other beverages.
Happy Cow Score: 4.5 stars
P.S. Kitchen
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/ps-kitchen-new-york-city-98369
P.S. Kitchen is a plant-based vegan eatery and bar that offers more than just an array of artisanal vegan dishes. While you indulge in some of the best comfort food, you also contribute to a noble cause, making your dining experience doubly rewarding.
Established in 2017, it stands out with its mission to provide employment opportunities for marginalized individuals in New York City and commits to donating 100% of its profits to sustainable charitable endeavors.
With its diverse menu that includes small and large plates, desserts, and bar drinks, and a mission that intertwines philanthropy with scrumptious cuisine, P.S. Kitchen is a vegan sanctuary that deserves your visit.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
HanGawi
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/hangawi-new-york-city-2269
HanGawi is a plant-based restaurant that whisks you back to ancient Korea. This unique vegan dining experience is deeply rooted in mountain greens, grains, and a serene atmosphere amplified by traditional teas, folk, and zen music.
Uncover the rich flavors of meat-free dumplings, tofu clay pot in ginger sauce, and vermicelli delight. Relish the multi-grain rice, a significant staple in Korean cuisine, and make sure to sample the bean curd with kimchi and vegetables.
Every mouthful delivers an explosion of delicious oriental flavors, making for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Delice & Sarrasin
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/delice-and-sarrasin-new-york-city-79712
Visiting the heart of the West Village? Check out Delice & Sarrasin, a delightful European-style restaurant that blends tradition with vegan ingenuity! Proudly flaunting its vegan French cuisine since 2016, it has carved its niche as one of NYC’s top vegan bistros.
This gem offers a delightful array of both sweet and savory crepes (also known as galettes) and even crafts its own plant-based cheeses in-house.
Delice & Sarrasin takes on the challenge of reinventing traditional French classics using only vegan ingredients, ensuring an authentic yet unique dining experience. The bistro’s intimate and warm atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for a snug dinner or a laid-back brunch.
If you have a penchant for vegan food with a global flair, Delice & Sarrasin should be a priority on your culinary journey.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Franchia Vegan Cafe
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/franchia-vegan-cafe-new-york-city-2265
Franchia Vegan Cafe is famous for its blend of traditional Korean architecture and modern decor and ranks among the top vegetarian and vegan restaurants in NYC. This establishment, a sister restaurant to the acclaimed Hangawi, is cherished for its relaxed yet elegant approach to vegan cuisine.
At Franchia Vegan Cafe, diners are treated to an array of flavorful vegan options like vegetable sushi, Korean dumplings, and a variety of noodles and rice dishes. Not just a place for a meal, the cafe also offers a selection of teas and gifts available for purchase.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Urban Vegan Kitchen
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/urban-vegan-kitchen-west-village-new-york-city-31266
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Urban Vegan Kitchen is a delightful surprise for those who often crave Southern-style American vegan soul food. This unique vegan restaurant offers ingenious vegan twists on classics like waffles and chicken, seitan and gravy, breakfast tofu scramble, and buffalo pizza.
The ambiance of the Urban Vegan Kitchen is as comforting as its food. The chic, rustic interior invites you to sit down, relax, and enjoy your meal. This is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vegan dining experience in NYC.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Conclusion
New York City is a vegan paradise, teeming with a diverse range of dining options that cater to all plant-based food enthusiasts.
Whether you’re craving French crepes, Mexican tacos, Korean dumplings, or American soul food, the city’s vegan restaurant scene has got you covered.
From helping out the community while dining at P.S. Kitchen to exploring ancient Korean traditions at HanGawi, your culinary journey in NYC will be anything but ordinary.
So, the next time you’re in New York City, make sure to visit these must-visit vegan havens. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite dish! Bon Appétit!
I’m Tyler McFarland, the editor and main author here. When I first went vegan 13 years ago, convenience products like veggie burgers and soy milk were a lot harder to find. Now they’re everywhere!