27 of NYC’s Best Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Restaurants
Strictly Vegan
Beyond Sushi
A healthy and trendy twist on sushi, this spot is 100% vegan and it uses fresh and local ingredients in all of their vibrantly colored rolls.
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Pro tip: The Spicy Mang and Nutty Buddy are to die for. Period.
The Cinnamon Snail
This vegan and organic food truck is no longer around on the reg, but if you follow it on Twitter, you might be lucky enough to grab a bite. The savory sandwiches will make you foodgasm and the sweet treats are nothin’ but heavenly.
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Pro tip: If you just can’t wait till Thanksgiving for some meaty seitan, stuffing and cranberry sauce, go for the Gochujang Burger and top it off with any donut. You won’t be disappointed.
LuAnn’s Wild Ginger
This Asian vegan hole-in-the-wall has a super nice staff and is great if you’re looking for a healthy and hella filling meal. It’s also just a great place to grab dessert if you’re in the NoLiTa area.
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Pro tip: Ordering an entree to share is plenty for two cause you won’t wanna miss the vegan chocolate cake that’s layered with peanut butter mousse. Yas.
Peacefood Cafe
A little more upscale than a simple cafe, this restaurant has two locations. While one’s on the Upper West Side and the other’s in Union Square, they both have a similarly fresh, clean feel and offer a variety of food from roasted Japanese pumpkin to vegan key lime pie.
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Pro tip: I highly recommend the savory chickpea fries. They have the same feel as steak fries do, but are extra crispy on the outside.
Blossom on Carmine
Co-founders Ronen Seri and Pamela Blackwell brought four vegan eateries to the NYC restaurant scene, each with their own menus and dining vibes. If you find yourself in the West Village, be sure to check out Blossom on Carmine
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Pro tip: If you love mushrooms and pasta, the mushroom ravioli dish with truffle “butter” is bomb diggity.
Strictly Vegetarian
The Butcher’s Daughter
This rustic yet modern cafe and juice bar is the perfect place to hit up for brunch. With an extensive boozy drink menu and soups, salads and toasts, you really can’t go wrong here.
Pro tip: The spicy kale Caesar salad will make you rethink your hatred towards kale. Try it.
Two Hands
As soon as you walk into this cafe you’ll see why so many “hipster” girls love it. It’s trendy, cute and minimalistic. Two Hands is well-known for its avocado toast, juices and coffee, thanks to Insta.
Pro tip: The açai bowl is just too photogenic to pass up. It’s light, refreshing and fruity, and you’re bound to get likes on it. Oh, and it tastes real good.
El Rey Coffee Bar & Luncheonette
If you’ve ever heard of Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, El Rey is owned by the same guy. And if you’re a fan of light, inventive dishes like falafel with minted cauliflower, pickled cabbage and garlic sauce on Za'atar bread, you’ll want to check this place out.
Pro tip: This little eatery is always super crowded, so try to make it here on off hours, meaning not Sunday for brunch.
Dirt Candy
Dirt Candy is a spot worth hitting up if you don’t like veggies up, even though it’s a little on the pricier side. if you don’t like your veggies. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to try Korean fried broccoli that’s described on the menu as so good, “basically it’s crack in broccoli form.”
Pro tip: The vegetable monkey bread may sound like it could never be good, but trust me, you’ll like it.
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Photos courtesy of timeout.com, Gillie Houston, The Cinnamon Snail, Jessica Sowards, George Lin, Sue Tran, Instagram @veganeatsnyc, AmiLin McClure, Bub Chinpilas and Helen Yung.
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