More New York restaurant owners are turning their attention to vegan and vegetarian dining, whether or not they subscribe to meatless diets themselves. The city’s vegan restaurant scene has changed, and several longtime establishments have closed. Still, there’s never been a better time to find delicious meals that don’t rely on meat and dairy. From fast-casual burger joints to top-notch dim sum, there’s something for everyone at these knockout vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
Read MoreThe Best Vegan Restaurants in New York City
From late-night smash burgers to $100 tasting menus
Fat Choy
Fat Choy closed its Lower East Side restaurant in 2022, despite positive reviews from the city’s food critics. Last year, it got a second chance in Englewood, New Jersey, of all places, now with additional seating and more of a full-service premise. Chef Justin Lee, the restaurant’s owner, teamed up with a Bluestone Lane operator for the revival. The menu has continued with its modern Chinese American vegan focus (kung pao tots, spring rolls with Rueben sauce, mushroom rice noodles) and landed on the New York Times’ best restaurants list for 2023.
Temple Canteen
Serving South Indian vegetarian fare since 1993, the Ganesh Temple menu is aimed at worshippers, but everyone is made welcome (the entrance is around the corner on Holly Avenue). Consult the posted menu for specials, and order chaats, dosas, uttapams, idlis, and rice dishes at the counter. Tiffins feature small versions of signature dishes; red onion sambar vada (savory donuts), and mirchi bajji (deep fried chiles).
Also featured in:
Bersi Ethiopian Restaurant
There’s so much to choose from at this Greenpoint newcomer, whose injera has been described as some of the city’s best, especially if there are vegetarians and vegans in your party. The shiro wat stew is especially good, as is its coffee service.
HAGS
HAGS had a stutter step when it opened last fall: a long-anticipated opening that got thwarted a few weeks in by necessary repairs. Now the restaurant, queering fine dining, is back in full force, serving a six-course tasting menu that’s all-vegan and as thoughtful as any other high-tier restaurant’s meat experiences.
Spicy Moon
Classic Sichuan dishes get the vegan treatment at Spicy Moon, a cozy space tucked away on the East Village’s buzzing Sixth Street. (There’s an additional location in the West Village, as well.) Options include General Tso’s mushroom and vegetable wontons in chile oil, with bigger plates featuring vegetables, tofu, eggplant, or potato in dry pepper, dry pot, and kung pao styles.
Sunday C&C Eatery
Sunday C&C opened in the Bowery Market in May, a permanent home for this concept that first launched at Smorgasburg. Owner Christian Torres is a one-man operation serving up Latin American vegan food with a rotating menu. When it opened it featured Venezuelan-style arepa that’s made with sweet corn, housemade cashew “mozzarella” with ssamjang, and vegan honey, but the menu regularly changes. The market is technically open-air, but covered and shaded for weather, and there are several tables for dine-in.
Desi Stop
It can be extraordinarily hard to find options for late-night drunchies that are vegan or vegetarian. Behold Desi Stop: At this 24-hour deli, the samosa burger will only run you $5 and it’s made with actual vegetables: quinoa, chickpeas, and walnuts. It’s a worthy on-the-go snack no matter the time of day.
Superiority Burger
Superiority Burger drew legions of fans when it opened a tiny takeout spot on East Ninth Street. Last year, the restaurant relocated to bigger digs in the former home of Odessa Diner. Owner Brooks Headley has continued to sell vegetarian fare, some vegan, only now the menu and seating are much more extensive. The terrific food, desserts, and atmosphere made it Eater NY’s “restaurant of the year” for 2023.
Jerrell's Betr Brgr
New York’s smash burger scene is sizzling and thankfully, those who prefer their patties meatless can come along for the ride. The smash burgers at Jerrell’s are entirely vegan, sure, but they easily rank among the best in the city, beef or otherwise. The Soho burger spot stays open late, making it an ideal pitstop before or after a night out.
Also featured in:
Dirt Candy
Amanda Cohen has been at the forefront of experimental, playful vegetarian, and vegan fine dining in New York City for well over a decade (long before the Eleven Madison Park team tried their hands at it). The chef has been a pioneer in her creative use of ingredients, but she’s also helped lead conversations about fairer wages for workers. A tasting menu is priced at $105, with the additional option for a beverage pairing.
The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
Continuing the long history of Chinese mock meats, there are dozens of kosher and vegan dim sum options at this Chinatown stalwart. Popular dishes include fried turnip cake, steamed “pork” buns, “shrimp” dumplings, and more juicy delights. Make sure to bring friends so you can try a little bit of everything.
Púsù
Whether or not you are vegetarian, Púsù is one of the borough’s most exciting new Chinese restaurants, and one of several to open in North Brooklyn, alongside Mala Project and Breeze. The most visually appealing dish is the mapo tofu served in a pumpkin, while other dishes include Peking mushrooms, and beet salad with sesame oil.
Aunts et Uncles
Launched by Flatbush locals, the vegan cafe Aunts et Uncles also functions as a design store with clothing, magazines, and more. The menu pays homage to owners Michael and Nicole Nicholas’s Caribbean heritage: There’s a lobster roll made with hearts of palm, as well as a vegan bake and saltfish.