A Vegan's Guide to New York
Rated #3 in HappyCow's Top 10 Vegan Cities in the World, New York City is a global leader in the vegan movement. From donut shops to juice bars, slice joints to fine dining establishments, and everything in between, the Big Apple is inarguably a vegan food destination. For a quick trip, find the best of the city in HappyCow's 10 Best Vegan Restaurants in New York City Guide, but to truly explore the vegan eats and hidden gems of this metropolis, continue reading for a HappyCow member-approved list of recommendations and activities.
Top 3 Vegan Restaurants
1. Beyond Sushi
As the name implies, Beyond Sushi goes far beyond basic avocado and cucumber rolls. Those who have experienced it constantly give praise to the unique roll combinations, noodle soups, dumplings, and more. First opened in 2012, this successful vegan sushi restaurant now has six locations throughout New York City.
2. P.S. Kitchen
Enjoy an elegantly plated plant-based meal while also contributing to a good cause. The restaurant donates 100% of its profits to local and national charities that focus on community building and sustainability. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, diners can patronize this socially responsible restaurant at any time of day and expect an exceptional menu. For dinner, try the the Maitake Steamed Bao or Orzo Alfredo. Brunching? Hello, bottomless mimosas. The restaurant also features an extensive menu of creative cocktails and a tempting dessert selection.
3. Jajaja
New York might not be known for its Mexican food, but Jajaja may change this. Find authentic empanadas, pupusas, tacos, bowls, and specialty plates at one of its two locations—one in Brooklyn and the original in Chinatown. Both locations also serve brunch. The menu features classics like Chilaquiles to not-so-classic but equally delicious Kale Pancakes and Challah French Toast.
Top 3 Vegan-friendly Restaurants
1. abcV
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, or dessert along with an inventive cocktail at this chic vegetarian Manhattan bistro. The mostly vegan pan-Asian menu showcases elevated dishes such as Fire Roasted White Yams with coconut yogurt and tamarind; Soba Noodles made with aromatic dashi, oyster mushrooms, seaweed, and broccoli, and much more. No matter what you order, each umami-packed bite will be exceptional.
2. Dirt Candy
Chef Amanda Cohen knows her way around produce. She expertly crafts a 'vegetable party' for guests every night, transforming dinner into a memorable experience. Choose from one of two tasting menus—there is no a la carte selection—each with an optional wine pairing. While not all items are vegan, the kitchen is accommodating and vegan options are available for every dish. Reservations are required.
3. Superiority Burger
Don't expect an Impossible or Beyond Burger here. This tiny vegetarian spot is all about perfecting the veggie burger, and while it doesn’t 'bleed', this thick, vegetable-based patty has attracted fans far outside the vegan community. Order a side of Burnt Broccoli Salad to complete your meal... and perhaps some vegan sorbet as well.
Most Popular Dish to Try in New York City
Pizza Slice at Screamer's Pizzeria
A visit to a slice joint is a must when visiting New York, and for vegans (or anyone in search of good pizza), Screamer’s Pizzeria is the go-to. Established in 2016, this all-vegan pizzeria has gained a following from pizza-lovers across the country with its traditional New York-style pizzas. Grab a slice of White Pizza or order a Supreme whole pie to go.
Best Place in NYC to Bring a Date for a High-End Dinner
XYST
There’s no shortage of date night restaurants in New York City, but vegan chef and restaurateur Matthew Kenney knows how to set the mood. Soft lighting, a lively yet intimate setting, stylish design, and impeccable food—the stage is set for a perfectly romantic evening in this Mediterranean-inspired kitchen.
Best Vegan Bakeries
1. Erin McKenna's Bakery
A pioneer in vegan and allergen-friendly baking, Erin McKenna’s original 2005 storefront is still going strong. Gluten-free or not, everyone will enjoy her crumb cakes, donuts, sweet loaves, and more.
2. Dun-well Doughnuts
There's no denying this all-vegan donuttery’s name. From the lemon-glazed to the Boston cream, these pastries are done well. With two locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, customers can satisfy their sweet craving with a wide variety of cake, raised, and filled vegan doughnuts wherever they land in the city.
Things to Do in New York City
1. Museum of Modern Art/Rockefeller Center
Spend a day at MoMA perusing the galleries, or work up an appetite shopping around Rockefeller Center. Avoid the high-priced restaurants in this area and walk a few blocks to by CHLOE., which offers affordably priced salads, burgers, sweets, and more in a vibrant yet casual setting. The Mac N’ Cheese with shiitake bacon is a must!
2. Bushwick Street Art
Explore the city on foot and admire the outdoor galleries of Bushwick, Brooklyn. Check out the murals around Morgan Avenue, Siegel Street, and East Moore Street to snap an Instagram photo of the local street art then head to Bunna Cafe for excellent vegan Ethiopian food.
3. Smorgasburg
Sample some of the city’s finest vegan pop-ups at this regular pop-up food market. The outdoor events are open in Williamsburg and Brooklyn from April through October, though the organizers also host a few indoor events in Brooklyn throughout the winter. Follow @smorgasburg for updates on vendors and weekly pop-ups.
4. Live Music and Games at Fat Cat
Get away from the touristy bars and have some fun. Fat Cat is a cool bar that offers live jazz, pool, board games, ping pong, and more. Before you start that four hour game of Monopoly, stop by Double Zero for dinner. The trendy Matthew Kenney restaurant serves spectacular vegan pizza pies along with vegetable-forward small plates and artfully presented desserts. Sweets by CHLOE., a bakery offshoot of by CHLOE., is also nearby, offering everything from cookies, cakes, ice cream, and the brand's signature Chlostess Cupcakes.
*Note: Several vegan restaurants, vegan-friendly restaurants, and bakeries received equal ratings by HappyCow users. Those listed above are only three of these highest-ranked establishments on HappyCow New York City.
To view a Top 10 List of Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in New York City, click here, and for all of New York City's vegan-friendly options, click here.