12 Vegan Restaurants In New York That Are An Absolute Must Try For Everyone This Year
New York’s vegan scene is seriously having a moment, and it’s not just about salads and smoothies anymore. These places are serving bold flavours, creative dishes, and comfort food that even non-vegans keep coming back for.
It’s the kind of lineup that makes you curious, even if you don’t usually go for plant-based options.
New York is setting the bar for vegan food in 2026, and these restaurants prove it. The variety alone is enough to impress, with everything from casual bites to full-on dining experiences.
It’s exciting, a little unexpected, and definitely worth exploring.
From rich pastas to stacked burgers and desserts that don’t hold back, there’s something here for every craving. You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it, you just have to show up hungry.
These New York spots are making plant-based food feel fun, satisfying, and easy to love.
1. Modern Love Brooklyn
Picture this: Southern comfort food that happens to be completely plant-based, served in one of Brooklyn’s coolest neighborhoods. Modern Love Brooklyn at 317 Union Ave in Williamsburg is basically what happens when someone decides to veganize everything good about Southern cooking, and somehow makes it even better.
Their smoked grits are legendary, and I’m not exaggerating when I say they’ll ruin regular grits for you forever. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always count on finding hearty sandwiches, creative small plates, and desserts that are absolutely worth saving room for.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a date night or catching up with friends.
What really sets this place apart is how they nail that comfort food feeling without relying on fake meat substitutes. Everything feels thoughtful and crafted, not like they’re trying to trick you into thinking you’re eating something else.
The cocktail menu is pretty solid too, featuring creative drinks that pair perfectly with the rich, flavorful food.
Pro tip: Make a reservation because this place fills up fast, especially on weekends.
2. Avant Garden
Avant Garden on Avenue A in the East Village proves that vegetables can absolutely be the star of an upscale dining experience. This isn’t your typical health-food spot, it’s legitimately fancy, with candlelit tables and a vibe that screams special occasion.
The menu here reads like poetry, with dishes that showcase vegetables in ways you’ve probably never experienced before. Their scorched cauliflower is famous for good reason, arriving at your table looking like a work of art and tasting even better.
Every dish feels like the chef is showing off, but in the best possible way.
Located at 95 Avenue A in Manhattan, this intimate spot only has a handful of tables, which creates this cozy, almost secret-feeling atmosphere. The plating is Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, the flavors are complex and surprising.
You’ll find yourself actually excited about eating vegetables, which is saying something.
The price point is definitely on the higher side, but for a special night out or when you want to impress someone, it’s absolutely worth it. Just don’t show up super hungry expecting huge portions—this is refined, thoughtful dining where quality trumps quantity every time.
3. Jajaja Plantas Mexicana
If you’re craving Mexican food but want to keep it plant-based, Jajaja is about to become your new obsession. With a location at 450 W 33rd St, this spot brings serious flavor and fun energy to vegan Mexican cuisine.
Their chorizo tacos are ridiculously good, like, you might forget they’re vegan good. The tofu scramble is perfect for brunch, and honestly, everything on the menu has this vibrant, exciting quality that makes eating here feel like a celebration.
The space itself is bright and colorful, matching the energy of the food perfectly.
What’s cool about Jajaja is how they don’t just swap out meat for sad substitutes and call it a day. They’ve actually reimagined Mexican classics with creativity and care.
Plus, their mezcal and tequila cocktail selection is no joke, they take their drinks as seriously as their food.
The atmosphere is casual and fun, making it great for groups or a low-key dinner date. Prices are reasonable too, especially considering the quality and portion sizes.
Fair warning: their guacamole is dangerously addictive, so maybe just order an extra side from the start and save yourself the internal debate.
4. abcV
Tucked inside ABC Carpet & Home in the Flatiron District, abcV is where plant-based dining gets seriously sophisticated. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten created this space as a love letter to vegetables, and it shows in every single dish.
The menu here feels almost medicinal in the best way, everything is designed to make you feel good while tasting incredible. You’ll find dishes featuring ingredients you might not cook with at home, prepared in ways that highlight their natural flavors.
The presentation is absolutely beautiful, almost too pretty to eat (but you definitely will).
Located at 38 E 19th St, the restaurant has this airy, light-filled space that feels calming and luxurious at the same time. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger over your meal, maybe order another glass of their excellent wine, and just enjoy the whole experience.
Yes, it’s pricey, but you’re paying for top-tier ingredients, expert preparation, and an atmosphere that makes you feel pampered. Their grain bowls alone are worth the trip, loaded with interesting textures and flavors that somehow all work together perfectly.
This is plant-based eating at its most elegant.
5. By CHLOE.
Sometimes you just want good vegan comfort food without the fuss, and that’s exactly what by CHLOE. delivers. With multiple locations across NYC, this casual chain has mastered the art of making plant-based eating feel totally accessible and delicious.
Their burgers are seriously impressive, juicy, flavorful, and satisfying in a way that’ll make you wonder why anyone bothers with meat. The mac and cheese is creamy and indulgent, and their sweet potato fries are dangerously addictive.
Everything on the menu feels familiar and comforting, just made without any animal products.
What makes by CHLOE. special is how they’ve created this bright, cheerful atmosphere that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s fast-casual dining done right, with counter service and reasonable prices that make it perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
The salads are actually exciting, the baked goods are phenomenal, and their seasonal menu items always bring something new to try.
The original location in Greenwich Village is particularly cute, but honestly, all their spots have that same welcoming vibe. It’s become a go-to for vegans and non-vegans alike, proving that plant-based food can be mainstream without sacrificing flavor or fun.
6. Peacefood Cafe
Peacefood Cafe has been holding it down in the NYC vegan scene for years, and there’s a reason it’s become such an institution. With locations on the Upper West Side and in Union Square, this spot serves up exactly what you want from a good cafe: solid sandwiches, amazing baked goods, and a relaxed vibe.
Their chickpea fries are kind of legendary, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with this incredible sauce that you’ll want to put on everything. The sandwiches are generously sized and packed with flavor, making them perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
But honestly, save room for dessert because their cakes and pastries are out of this world.
The Upper West Side location at 460 Amsterdam Ave has this neighborhood cafe feel that makes it perfect for working on your laptop or meeting up with friends. Everything is reasonably priced, and the portions are generous enough that you might end up with leftovers.
Their smoothies and juices are fresh and delicious, perfect for when you’re trying to feel healthy.
What’s great about Peacefood is how they’ve stayed true to their mission while growing their presence in the city. It’s reliable, consistently good, and exactly the kind of place every neighborhood needs.
7. Bunna Cafe
Ethiopian food is naturally vegan-friendly, and Bunna Cafe takes full advantage of that fact. Located at 1084 Flushing Ave in Brooklyn, this spot serves up authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a space that feels warm and communal.
If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, prepare for something completely different and amazing. Everything is served on injera, this spongy sourdough flatbread that you use to scoop up the various stews and dishes.
The flavors are complex and aromatic, with spices that’ll wake up your taste buds in the best way. Their combination platters let you try multiple dishes at once, which is definitely the move.
The atmosphere here is special, you eat with your hands, share plates with your dining companions, and the whole experience feels intimate and connected. It’s perfect for groups, and honestly, eating here alone would feel kind of lonely.
The space is decorated with beautiful Ethiopian art and textiles, adding to the authentic vibe.
Everything is 100% vegan, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the menu or asking questions. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the staff is incredibly welcoming and happy to explain dishes if you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine.
8. Blossom
Blossom has been a cornerstone of NYC’s vegan dining scene for years, with multiple locations serving up upscale plant-based cuisine that never feels like you’re missing out on anything. Their Chelsea location at 187 9th Ave is particularly lovely, with an intimate atmosphere perfect for date nights.
The menu here is extensive and sophisticated, featuring everything from creative appetizers to hearty entrees and decadent desserts. Their ravioli is phenomenal, their seitan dishes are expertly prepared, and everything is plated beautifully.
This is the kind of place you bring someone who claims they could never enjoy vegan food, just to prove them wrong.
What sets Blossom apart is their attention to detail and commitment to making everything from scratch. You can taste the care in every dish, from the house-made cashew cheese to their perfectly seasoned vegetables.
The wine list is impressive, and their cocktails are creative and well-balanced.
Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but the quality justifies the cost. The service is attentive without being overbearing, and the whole experience feels special.
Their brunch is particularly popular, featuring dishes that make waking up early on weekends actually worthwhile. Make reservations, especially for dinner, because this place stays busy for good reason.
9. Dirt Candy
Chef Amanda Cohen’s Dirt Candy at 86 Allen St on the Lower East Side is basically a masterclass in what vegetables can do when you get really creative with them. This place was doing vegetable-forward fine dining before it was cool, and they’re still setting the standard.
Their menu reads like nothing you’ve ever seen, Tomato Twinkie, Carrot Hot Pocket, and somehow these playful names translate into dishes that are both whimsical and seriously delicious. Everything here challenges your expectations about what restaurant food should be.
The vegetables aren’t just sides or afterthoughts; they’re the whole show, and they absolutely deliver.
The space is small and intimate, with an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen. It’s the kind of restaurant where you want to order everything on the menu and share with your table.
The tasting menu option is worth considering if you really want to experience the full range of what they can do.
Reservations are essential because there aren’t many tables, and this place has a devoted following. The price point reflects the quality and creativity you’re getting.
This isn’t everyday dining, it’s an experience, and one that’ll probably change how you think about vegetables forever.
10. Caravan Of Dreams
Caravan of Dreams at 405 E 6th St in the East Village has this old-school NYC vibe that feels increasingly rare. This spot has been serving vegan and raw food since 1988, and they’ve maintained that authentic East Village character that makes the neighborhood special.
The menu is diverse, ranging from raw dishes to cooked comfort food, with everything made from organic ingredients whenever possible. Their live music nights add this extra layer of coolness to the whole experience, you can enjoy great food while listening to jazz or acoustic performances.
It’s the kind of place that feels like a genuine community hub rather than just another restaurant.
What’s interesting about Caravan of Dreams is how they balance being health-conscious with actually tasting good. Raw food can sometimes feel like punishment, but here everything is flavorful and satisfying.
Their desserts are particularly impressive, proving that you don’t need refined sugar or dairy to make something sweet and delicious.
The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with a slight bohemian flair that fits the neighborhood perfectly. Prices are reasonable, and the staff genuinely seems to care about what they’re serving.
It’s not trying to be trendy or fancy, just honest, good food in a space that feels like home.
11. The Butcher’s Daughter
Don’t let the name fool you. The Butcher’s Daughter is all about vegetables, and they’re really good at what they do.
With locations in Nolita and the West Village, this spot has become a go-to for healthy, delicious plant-based eating that doesn’t feel restrictive or boring.
Their juice and smoothie game is incredibly strong, with combinations that actually taste good rather than like punishment. The food menu is equally impressive, featuring creative salads, hearty grain bowls, and brunch dishes that’ll make you want to wake up early on weekends.
Everything is fresh, colorful, and Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, it tastes amazing.
The Nolita location at 19 Kenmare St has this bright, airy California vibe that feels refreshing in the middle of Manhattan. It’s the kind of place where you feel virtuous just by walking in, but you’re not sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Their avocado toast is next-level, and the veggie burgers are substantial enough to actually fill you up.
Brunch here is particularly popular, so expect waits on weekends unless you arrive early. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a solo meal while people-watching through the big windows.
12. Beyond Sushi
Beyond Sushi completely reimagines what sushi can be, and honestly, it’s kind of brilliant. With multiple locations including one at 62 W 56th St, this spot proves that you don’t need fish to make incredible sushi, you just need creativity and really good ingredients.
Their rolls are genuinely innovative, featuring combinations like miso-glazed eggplant and spicy mango that somehow work perfectly together. Everything is colorful, fresh, and packed with flavor.
The black rice they use adds this nutty taste and striking visual appeal that makes regular sushi rice seem boring. Their wraps and dumplings are equally impressive, expanding beyond traditional sushi into other Asian-inspired dishes.
The atmosphere is modern and minimalist, with a focus on the food rather than fancy decor. It’s fast-casual, so you can grab something quick for lunch or sit down for a more leisurely meal.
The prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and creativity of what you’re getting.
What’s cool about Beyond Sushi is how they’ve made plant-based sushi feel exciting rather than like a compromise. Their sauces and flavor combinations are bold and unexpected, proving that vegetables can absolutely be the star of the show.
It’s healthy, delicious, and different enough to feel special every time you go.