Menu
NYC Guide

9 amazing vegan restaurants in New York City

July 10, 2023
Written by
0

I don’t think it’s news to anyone that New York is a culinary mecca, right? A lifetime in this city is not enough to know and explore all the restaurants located here. But, in addition to the variety of cuisines and options for all tastes and budgets, New York City is also, literally, a full plate for those who have dietary restrictions, those seeking a healthier lifestyle, or those who follow different diets. More people have been choosing to follow a vegan or plant-based diet and, according to GrubHub, a food delivery service, there is no better place to be vegan than in New York State. The company’s “Year in Food” report found that vegan orders were 27% more popular in 2019 than the year before, with New York state finishing ahead of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Pennsylvania as the most vegan-friendly state in the country.

I’m not vegan, but over the last few years I’ve been eating less meat and dairy, especially at home – not to mention I consider myself a real foodie – I like to eat and explore new restaurants, new dishes, and new flavors, and I think the vegan cuisine is too creative! And you don’t have to be vegan to eat at these restaurants – vegan food is not bland food! Not to mention that these places can also be excellent options for people with food restrictions – dairy, for example. In today’s post, I bring 7 options for vegan restaurants in the city.

1. Planta Queen

Planta Queen is a 100% plant-based restaurant with a chic environment and a very creative menu. Everything we ordered was so delicious – from the drinks to the appetizers and main dish. Even if you are not vegan or vegetarian, I’m sure you’re gonna love it, cause the food is full of flavor featuring ingredients in unique combinations. I highly recommend getting a lot of small plates to share! Prices range between $5 -$18 for small plates and 10 to $25 (main dishes). Truffle fried rice, bang bang broccoli and dumplings are a must-try! Another thing you should know is that every dish at Planta Queen is is made from produce, legumes, grains, and spices – there isn’t anything synthetic in the cuisines of Planta.

2. Beyond Sushi

Vegan sushi? Yes – and look: it’s really good! Beyond Sushi started with casual restaurants, serving plant-based sushi, with ingredients like 7-grain rice and black rice, fruits and vegetables, plus special sauces full of flavor. Each sushi roll has 8 pieces and prices start at $8. I recommend the Spicy Mango and the Mighty Mushroom. In 2021, the chain launched its latest and most ambitious menu, with new dishes like Nori Tacos, Fried Chick’n Bao, Ube Cashew Cheesecake, and more. All delicious too!

3. Seasoned Vegan

Brenda and Aaron Beener – mother and son – are the team behind Seasoned Vegan, a restaurant that is located in Harlem and features a  menu full of vegan cuisine from around the world— with a lot of soul food influence. The “meats” are made from a mix of soy, beans, cassava, mushrooms, and vegetables. You’ll find vegan versions of Soul classics like Mac n’cheese, nuggets, barbecue, and more. Everything is very well prepared and full of flavor!

4. Coletta

The chef behind Beyond Sushi opened this new spot in the city – Coletta offers an Italian food menu with reinvented classic dishes. I’ve seen so many reviews, and I had high expectations – all exceeded. Such a great experience – trust me, even if you are not Vegan (I’m not!): the food is so delicious! The menu can change, but you can expect a pasta and pizza options, of course, and creative appetizers. I had the  Tuna Crudo – which was shocking and delicious, how do they do that?; and also the Portobello carpaccio, I love the flavors; light and refreshing. I wouldn’t skip dessert – Chocolate Budino was probably one best chocolate desserts I’ve ever had! And the cocktails were also excellent – I love the Nuts & Berries, with a creamy layer on top. Plus, the environment is so elegant.

5. Beatnic

You may remember by Chloe – a fast-casual vegan food chain – now that chain is called Beatnic. The menu feature delicious salads – I love the Quinoa Taco one! – in addition to burgers and also other options such as mac n’cheese in a vegan version. There are several locations scattered around the city and I think their salads are a great option for when you want something light and tasty. Good for quick lunches/snacks. In addition, they also have vegan cookies and cupcakes.

  • Locations: 185 Bleecker Street/ 240 Lafayette Street / 181 Front St / 1 Rockefeller Plaza / 630 Lexington Ave / 1385 Broadway / 60 W 22nd Street / 171 N 3rd Street (Brooklyn).
  • Check the menu on the website.
6. Le Botaniste

Le Botaniste is the only organic, plant-based, and carbon-neutral restaurant in New York City.  Alain Coumont, the founder, is a globetrotter. During his travels, he would often miss places to eat good, simple, organic, plant-based food. In fact, anyone looking to find a convenient plant-based meal outside their own kitchen was in for a challenge. Years before the trend, he started dreaming of opening a 100% plant-based, organic restaurant and began experimenting with innovative, flavorful recipes. Today, the restaurant has 4 locations in NYC – and two in Brussels – offering quick, healthy, easy-going and comforting food, focused on quality, freshness, and local traceable ingredients. The menu features pasta, sushi, soups and other options

7. Next Level Burger

In a country famous for fast food where a lot of people love a burger,  there’s the need for a vegan option, right? Next Level Burger is a vegan fast-food chain with locations across the country — and a Brooklyn location inside Whole Foods. The menu has no less than 20 burger options, which include fake meat patties and also beans, quinoa and mushrooms patties. In addition, as a good fast-food restaurant, there is a variety of French fries and milkshakes made with plant-based kinds of milk (soy and coconut).

8. Neat Burger

Neat Burger is vegan burgers chain whose investors include Leonardo Di Caprio and Lewis Hamilton, with several locations in the UK. In 2023, they opened the first location in the US, in New York, in the neighborhood of Nolita. The menu features plant-based burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, fries and milkshakes + salads, and wraps for those who want a healthier option. Prices start at $5.99.

9. Jajaja

Plant-based Mexican food restaurant also features a curated and extensive Tequila and Mezcal program, Mexican beers, Mexican-style lagers and pilsners from local microbreweries. They serve lunch, dinner and brunch, and options include nachos, empanadas, tacos, and quesadillas, all vegan! There are 4 locations in NYC!

More tips for Vegans in New York City

  • You don’t have to go to a vegan restaurant to find vegan options on the menu – more and more restaurants are adding some vegan options on their menu. And it’s worth remembering that it’s very easy to plan and check the available options, as you can find the menus on the restaurants’ websites.
  • Most fast-casual chains — like the salad spots where you make your own salad — offer vegan options.
  • Indian = restaurants can be a great option too – Indian cuisine has a lot of plant-based dishes.
  • Smorgasburg – the famous street food fair – check the website for more information – always features lots of vendors with vegan and creative options!
  • Happy Cow is a great source for researching vegan options in the city – and around the world.
  • If you are visiting the city and are planning to save some money by buying groceries, remember that Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have a lot of vegan products.

I hope you enjoyed the tips and if you have any suggestions for vegan restaurants, please comment below!

Links

Further Reading...

How to make a positive impact as a tourist in New York

June 7, 2020

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker – review and tips about the ballet performance in New York City

January 7, 2019

New York on a Budget: 5 Money Saving Tips (Ft. Sarah Funk)

January 9, 2019

No Comments

    Leave a Reply

    Iceland road trip in April/May – things you need to know RiseNY – NYC’s new museum and ride review You can go glamping in New York City: NYC Glamping review! Everything about World Spa in Brooklyn, NYC Food halls in NYC: explore the world without leaving the city Tips for traveling with only carry-on luggage in the summer Things to do in Rockaway Beach Things to in Governors Island NYC 4 parks that you need to visit in NYC Things to do in Coney Island