NYC Vegan Guide: The Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in New York City

New York City is one of the top travel destinations in the world and for good reason—it’s got some of the best art, culture, and food on the planet! Nicknamed the Big Apple, NYC is home to more than 8 million people across five distinct boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island). With more than 800 languages spoken in Queens alone, NYC is truly a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines. But what are the best places to eat that are vegan in New York City?

If you’re planning a trip here or just love learning about regional foods, this NYC vegan guide will give you a tiny taste of the city’s many offerings!

Best Vegan Delis in NYC

The bustling city of New York is known for many things and while you’d be right to think pizza and bagels right off the bat, deli food is also a vital New York City staple, especially late at night. While there are a few places to get super late-night vegan options around Gotham such as at the occasional vegan-friendly bodega, we’re focusing on deli spots that are 100% vegan here.

Orchard Grocer

Located in the deli-lined streets of the Lower East Side, Orchard Grocer is an all-vegan market with a deli counter! On their menu, you can expect to find a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and best of all, vegan soft serve with seasonal flavors (mmm). They also feature products from an extensive selection of vegan favorites including The Herbivorous Butcher, Vegan Rob’s, Yeah Dawg, and Miyoko’s in addition to more unique items such as vegan caviar, local vegan cheeses, and a wide variety of dairy-free sweets. They also feature a daily special on their deli menu! Past specials have included double-decker Beyond Burgers, tofu-fried chick’n sandwiches, and JUST Egg on a vegan croissant!

Seitan’s Helper

Across the bridge in the neighborhood of East Williamsburg, Brooklyn is Seitan’s Helper. This queer and worker-owned vegan deli specializes in incredible house-made vegan meats and sandwiches. Vegan versions of pepperoni, mortadella, ham, and much more are available by the ½ pound if you want to enjoy their delicious seitan at home. In their deli case, you can also find veganized comfort classics such as pasta or potato salad along with other savory specials. On a budget and in a rush? Their grab-and-go sandwiches are pay-what-you-wish! How awesome!

Vegan Asian Food in New York City

Our NYC vegan guide could be solely dedicated to all of the incredible vegan Asian restaurant options available around the city! With delicious dim sum spots and no shortage of sriracha-heavy dishes, NYC is a haven for amazing Asian cuisine. Below we’ve included two spots that are very much worth your time in different parts of the city. Plus, you can find delicious vegan options on most Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, Cambodian, and other asian restaurant menus.

Amituofo

Located in the same area of Brooklyn as Seitan Rising, Amituofo serves a wide variety of delicious vegan dishes. My personal favorites include their Traditional Fried Rice and Grilled “Fish” Banh Mi. And once it starts to cool down, their Curry “Chicken” Noodle Soup is an absolute must! You can also find Chinese classes such as Smashed Cucumbers and Steamed Red Bean Paste Buns. You can also get Kimchi Fries, which are a delight all on their own! Want to have a Beyond Burger with a side of Spring Rolls? You can do that here at Amituofo!

Spicy Moon

Looking for a little spice in your life? Vegan Szechuan restaurant Spicy Moon features a menu full of vegan spins on traditional dishes such as Zha Jiang Noodles, Mapo Tofu with Beyond Beef, and much, much more. And no worries if your spice meter is on the lower end—you can ask for lightly spiced!

Beyond Sushi

New York City vegan sushi chain Beyond Sushi has evolved their menu quite a bit since their inception in 2012. In addition to vegan sushi made with ingredients like hijiki, vegan tuna, and eggplant, you can now also enjoy dishes such as Glazed Impossible Meatballs, Nori Tacos, and Ube Cashew Cheesecake. They even have four locations to choose from depending on where you are in the city!

Lily’s Vegan Pantry

In NYC’s Chinatown area lives Lily’s Vegan Pantry, formerly known as May Wah Vegetarian Market. This vegan Asian market features a huge variety of spices, snacks, and more mock meats than you can shake a leaf at. If you’ve ever wanted to try vegan abalone, or a vegan lobster shaped like one, this is the spot to hit up! They also partner with local vegan vendors such as Kozy Toasts and Veggie Grub.

NYC Vegan Cafés

The beauty of the Big Apple is that there’s room for a little bit of everything. If you’re craving something on the greener side or need a quick caffeine fix, we’ve got great news! These vegan cafés in NYC will hit just the spot.

Peacefood Cafe

With locations in downtown and uptown Manhattan, Peacefood Cafe offers a variety of fresh dishes, juices, and desserts for the whole family. An absolute must-try is their award-winning Chickpea Fries, which are among some of the only ones you can find in New York! Other notable dishes include their Seitan Medallion Panini, Pumpkin Quiche, and Fluffy Quinoa Salad.

Jungle Cafe

Nestled in the cozy neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Jungle Cafe features a delicious list of juices, smoothies, burgers, tacos, and more! They also have a vegan buffet with a rotating weekly menu so if you want a little bit of everything, you can have it! They even offer a children’s menu, which is a rare feature of many independent restaurants in New York!

NYC Vegan Fast Casual Restaurants

Sometimes you just want to grab your veggie burger and then get on with your day! Luckily there’s no need to settle for measly vegan options in the City of New York when it comes to fast food. With more spots opening up every day, you can truly have it your way in this bustling and brilliant city.

Marty’s V Burger

From their Original World Famous burger to their gluten-free Crabby Patty, Marty’s V Burger delivers veganized fast food classics with an authentic flair. While you can substitute a Beyond Burger or Impossible patty, what truly sets Marty’s V Burger apart from the competition is their delicious house-made patties! Made from a mix of seitan, black beans, and brown rice, you can enjoy their patties as a single or double burger along with a side of fries, coleslaw, or vegan mac n’ cheese. Find them in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan or order delivery!

Beatnic

Beatnic is a fast casual chain around NYC that serves plant-based burgers, fries, sweet potato mac and cheeze and more! Formerly by CHLOE., Beatnic rebranded in 2021 after a years-long legal battle with renowned chef Chloe Coscarelli who was originally behind by CHLOE but was ousted from her own business in 2017.

HipCityVeg

Philadelphia-based vegan fast casual chain HipCityVeg made their NYC debut in October 2021 and features favorites like their Blackened Chipotle Fajita Wrap and Ziggy Burger. Tasty breakfast specials include veganized versions of BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese) along with other sweet and savory sandwiches. Be sure not to sleep on their banana whip or seasonal shakes!

Vegan Brunch Options in New York City

Sometimes finding vegan-friendly brunch options can be a little tricky. It’s easy to get stuck with a basic bowl of fruit or some dry toast and little else. But here in NYC, vegan brunch options are not only plentiful but they’re absolutely delicious! Whether you’re in the mood for a plant-based scramble or vegan crêpes, The City That Never Sleeps is here to help you wake up.

Little Choc Apothecary

If you’re looking for the perfect place to take someone on a date or need a relaxing afternoon to yourself, look no further than Little Choc Apothecary in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Famous for their incredible vegan and gluten-free crêpes, Little Choc also features a huge menu of custom tea blends, açaí bowls, pastries, and an extensive drink list. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory Pizza crêpe or a glass of rosé, you are in for quite the treat at this adorable apothecary.

Vegan Fine Dining Restaurants

It’s no surprise that NYC is home to several upscale vegan restaurants. Some of them are even Michelin star-rated, so you know their food and flavors will be exceptional!

Eleven Park Madison

Considered one of the top restaurants in the world, this Michelin-Starred restaurant went entirely plant-based just a few years ago, thanks to celebrated chef Daniel Humm embarking on a mission to protect the environment one plate at a time. You can expect dishes that make you feel as satisfied as a meal with meat would. Rice porridge with celtuce, a brightly flavorful beet dish, and an amaranth-seed-and-sweet-pea served with a creamy fermented almond cream and pea-miso puree are just a few of the many amazing dishes on the menu.

Dirt Candy

Serving nothing but vegetables, this restaurant managed to acquire a Michelin Star, and for good reason. Their single tasting menu changes seasonally but their quality is consistently out of this world with bold and beautiful flavors.

Ladybird

This vegan tapas and wine bar has a seasonally rotating menu that highlights fresh produce alongside its classic offerings. Whether you want brunch or dinner, both menus feature mouthwatering options from matcha waffles and Just Egg frittatas to potato au gratin and truffle mac & cheese.

Flavorful House-Made Flair — Vegan Meats & Cheeses in New York City

With more than 23 restaurants per square mile, the chances of you finding a vegan restaurant that features house-made vegan meats and cheeses is higher than in most places. These two restaurants have totally raised the bar for excellent vegan fare that won’t break the bank.

Delice & Sarrasin

In the vibrant West Village tucked between Gay Street and Waverly Place is Delice & Sarrasin, a completely vegan French restaurant that serves traditional fare with a plant-based twist. You can find French classics such as veganized escargot, buckwheat crêpes, coq au vin made from pea protein, steak tartare, and much more. They also feature a house-made vegan cheese plate which is absolutely divine. If there’s one restaurant not to miss on a trip to NYC, this is it.

Modern Love Brooklyn

Owned by the incomparable Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Modern Love offers comfort classes with an elevated touch. Vegan mozzarella sticks, seitan burgers, and “Mac & Shews” are among the many delicious items on Modern Love’s meticulous menu. Looking for a Beyond or Impossible patty? You won’t find it here! If you ever find yourself in Omaha, you can also visit their flagship restaurant!

Vegan Mexican Food

Vegan Mexican food in NYC? This city truly has it all! While you may not find as wide an array of restaurants compared to cities such as Austin or San Diego, New York does have some truly appetizing options when it comes to vegan Mexican fare.

Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas

With locations throughout NYC, Jajaja delivers serious south of the border flavor with delicious Mexican dishes such as jackfruit tamales, enchiladas mole, and Mexican street corn. You can also find all day brunch options including chilaquiles and brunch tacos along with an impressive drink menu. Looking for vegan churros? You’ll find them here!

Bar Verde

100% soy and gluten-free, this Matthew Kenney restaurant is perfect for those who are looking for vegan Mexican fare rooted in truly whole foods. Items such as quinoa chorizo, napolitos, and maitake enmolada can be found on the menu along with delicious desserts such as flan and churros with chocolate.

NYC Vegan Soul Food

You don’t need to search far for some excellent vegan soul food in the City of New York. Home to large a large Black population with roots in the West Indies, Africa, and Puerto Rico, New York serves up some fantastic Southern fare.

Uptown Veg

Located in historic Harlem, Uptown Veg is a casual vegan soul food restaurant that features delicious plant-based spins on classic dishes. You can enjoy items from their buffet such as vegan mac’n’cheese, chick’n drumsticks, and chickpea curry, and much more. They also feature signature Jamaican patties filled with soy chicken, soy fish, kale, callaloo or lentil. Don’t sleep on their “chicken” wrap or macaroni salad!

Greedi Vegan

In the neighborhood of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, is Black and woman-owned Greedi Vegan, a soul food restaurant with an intentional touch. Menu highlights include the Greedi Beef Burger, Crab Cake Sandwich, Watermelon Arugula Salad, and Fried Okra Bites. They also have a robust juice menu and even serve a gluten-free mac’n’cheese! In the mood for drinks and dessert? Greedi Vegan has it all!

Plant-Based Pizza in NYC

No NYC vegan guide would be complete without the mention of pizza! The city is home to two 100% vegan pizzerias in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Screamer’s Pizza

The brainchild of the owners behind Brooklyn’s Champs and Philly’s Blackbird Pizza, Screamer’s serves some of the finest slices in NYC. With locations in Greenpoint and Crown Heights, Screamer’s features pizzas with toppings like housemade seitan, Violife cheese, garlic oil, and more. There are slightly different items available depending on which location you’re in. Crown Heights has a more extensive menu, featuring sandwiches such as a Philly Cheesesteak, a Kale Caesar Salad, and fried items.

Double Zero

Matthew Kenney’s Double Zero features an extensive menu of wood fired pizzas and finely crafted Italian staples in the East Village. They can also make any pizza free of gluten and nuts! Pizzas such as Pepperoni or Squash Blossom are served with artisan cashew cheese by default but can be made with rice cheese upon request. They also serve a variety of pastas, antipasti, and salads along with a really nice brunch menu.

Vegan Desserts in New York City

Our NYC vegan guide would not be complete without a dessert list! From vegan soft serve to raw cakes, here is are just a few of many vegan dessert spots to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Erin McKenna’s BabyCakes

Completely gluten-free and utterly delicious, this Lower East Side bakery is 100% worth a visit! Get cookies, madeleines, bagels, and so many other amazing treats.

Happy Zoe Vegan Bakery

Did someone say lavender almond cookies? Why, yes! This Greenpoint bakery has that and much more.

Rawsome Treats

Find raw revisions of tiramisu, peanut butter cups, strawberry shortcake, and beyond at this Lower East Side shop.

Dun-Well Donuts

Located just down the street from CHAMPS, Dun-Well Donuts makes completely divine artisinal donuts. Get flavors such as chocolate, sprinkle, jelly, and rotating specials such as apple cheesecake!

Confectionery!

Queer and woman-owned chocolate shop in the East Village that has some seriously amazing sweets including macarons, chocolate truffles, and even vegan dog treats!

Whipped Urban Dessert Lab

Black and woman-owned vegan ice creamery offering delicious oat-based ice creams with a variety of toppings! Located in the Lower East Side.

Clementine Bakery

Brooklyn bakery with pastries, sandwiches, salads, and more!

Even More Vegan Spots

New York City has a lot of vegan spots and this guide would be over 10,000 words long if we were to list them all. We asked the Vegan NYC Food group on Facebook and here are other vegan locations locals recommended:

• Caravan of Dreams
• Next Stop Vegan
• Organic Grill
• PLNT Burger
• Urban Vegan Kitchen
• Vegan Grill
• Willow

Vegan-Friendly & Vegetarian Restaurant Options in NYC

The following restaurants are our honorable mentions! These establishments aren’t 100% vegan but still offer substantial plant-based options and are totally worth a visit!

• Superiority Burger – Vegetarian restaurant serving housemade veggie burgers, praiseworthy yuba sandwiches with incredibly crafted sides and desserts.
• Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant – Kosher Chinese Cantonese style restaurant with an incredible array of dim sum, vegan meats, sushi, and traditional dishes.
• Natural Blend – A juice bar and cafe with loads of fresh vegan options.

We hope you found this New York City vegan guide to be helpful in planning where to eat during your next vacation or neighborhood outing!

More Vegan Restaurant Guides & City Guides

• Top Vegan Restaurants in London, UK
• Guide to Eating Vegan in Austin, Texas
• Chicago Vegan Restaurants
• Houston Vegan Restaurants
• Cleveland Vegan Restaurants
• Kauaii Vegan Restaurants
• San Francisco Vegan Restaurants
• Berkeley Vegan Restaurants
• Oakland Vegan Restaurants
• The Republic of Chile Vegan Restaurant Guide
• Vegan Fast Food Restaurants Guide
• 15 Best Vegan Resorts and Hotels

We hope you love exploring every vegan and vegetarian restaurant NYC has to offer! We’d love to hear from you in the comments below: What are the best vegan restaurants in NYC, in your opinion? Show them some love! Be sure to check online for the latest restaurant menu updates and hours of operation.

New York City cover photo from Canva designed by Michelle Cehn. Featured image credit: Marty V Burger.