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14 Amazing Spots in NYC for Vegan Brunch or Breakfast

Updated March 18, 2024

The scent of sweet of maple syrup and freshly brewed coffee are enough to get just about anyone out of bed for breakfast or brunch! Whether you have a full day of exploration planned or are just enjoying a day of Netflix and Chill, a triple stack of blueberry pancakes covered in rich maple syrup is sure to hit the spot, right!?

Even though it’s the most important meal of the day, finding vegan breakfast and brunch spots isn’t always easy — that is unless you’re in the vegan haven, New York City!

Whether you’re looking for a boozy brunch or a savory scramble with all the fixin’s, don’t miss these NYC vegan brunch and breakfast spots (with gluten-free options) the next time you’re in town.

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Where To Find Vegan Breakfast Options in NYC

#1 Jajaja

Multiple locations in Lower East Side, West Village, Hudson Yards, & Williamsburg
Interested in a boozy vegan brunch in NYC? Look no further than Jajaja! This Mexican-inspired vegan eatery has a full lineup of delicious signature cocktails like Sangria Spritz or Matcha y Coconut!

If you’d rather start your day on a lighter, booze-free note, don’t miss their traditional almond horchata—the creamy cinnamon concoction will put a pep in your step. Their all-day brunch menu is small but mighty, featuring hearty Breaky Burritos (filled with sausage, guac, coconut queso, and beans), Pappa con Huevos, or get a little stack of Choco Dulce pancakes topped with maple butter, orange peel, and toasted almonds!

a colorful tile table with three vegan brunch dishes next to a pink cocktail and a bottle of water at jajaja nyc
Credit: Jajaja

#2 Bar Verde

65 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Vegan and gluten-free friends, when the brunch clock hits noon on Saturday or Sunday, you need to be waiting for your seat at Bar Verde. This gorgeous spot not only melds the delicious flavors of Mexico and Latin America together but it’s a gluten-free facility! While a lot of places are gluten-free friendly, you can rest assured that this spot if completely safe — if you’re celiac, that’s a relief.

Now, when it comes time to order, you’re in for a challenge — everything looks amazing! If you’re looking for a little smokey spice in your life, check out their chorizo enfrijoladas with smoked avocado, nopales, and cashew cream. For something a little traditional but with a Latin American spin, try the sweet plantain pancakes! These fluffy cakes are way better than banana pancakes and topped with sweet maple syrup and house-made ricotta — these are unforgettable.

#3 The Butcher’s Daughter

Locations in West Village & Williamsburg
The beachy California vibes at this vegetarian café create a Zen-like atmosphere to put you in the perfect headspace to start the day. Kick back and relax with a Seven Minutes in Heaven smoothie (coconut, dates, almond butter, almond milk, + a special energy and vitality boost) and then carb up with a stack of gluten-free and vegan Butcher’s Pancakes topped with candied walnuts and bananas.

If you’re feeling like you need an antioxidant boost, check out their lineup of cold-pressed juices — the 13 Goddesses of Green always hits the nutrient boost spot (kale, cucumber, green apple, fennel, pineapple, thyme, and spirulina)! There is so much to love here, it’s good that there are two convenient locations!

#4 Urban Vegan Kitchen

41 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
This funky little vegan café proudly proclaims, “I once was blind, now I’m vegan,” along with loads of other fun sayings that create their playful vibe that carries into their food. Their menu is filled with so many quirky things, I mean who doesn’t want a Rich Boy (popcorn fried seitan, Old Bay seasoning, marinated kale, avocado, house-made remoulade, and more)!?

Their brunch lineup is just as fun and delicious — golden Belgian waffles covered in maple syrup, fully loaded breakfast sandwiches with crispy tofu, shitake bacon, and hollandaise aioli, or a savory tofu scramble. They’re also known for their irresistible cocktails—you can’t leave without a sweet Marquito—this Puerto Rican coconut eggnog is delicious year-round!

two vegan breakfast tacos with tofu scramble and a creamy sauce on a white plate at urban vegan kitchen in NYC
Credit: Urban Vegan Kitchen

#5 PS Kitchen

246 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Sophistication is key at this chic little spot just outside of the hustle and bustle of Time’s Square. Sadly, brunch is only served on the weekends, but it is well worth the wait!

This is the perfect spot to meet up with friends and catch up over a plate of Tuscan Toast (sourdough toast topped with house-made tofu ricotta, sun-dried tomato pesto, a sweet balsamic reduction, and much more) or go sweet with their delicious French toast topped with strawberries and blueberry compote. Their brunch menu is small, but what it lacks in size it makes up in flavor! 

PS Kitchen vegan french toast with berry compote
Credit: PS Kitchen

#6 Delice & Sarrasin

178 W Houston St, New York, NY 10014
Ooh, la, la! The authentic French cuisine at this charming family-owned café will transport you to the streets of Paris. Even if you can’t make it there for brunch (you really should try very hard, trust me), make sure you pop in just to enjoy a cappuccino with their house-made orange crème Brulee!

For brunch, you will be in awe of their amazing lineup of delicious crepes from the Leonardo De Vinci (French Ratatouille with house-made cashew cheese) or the sweet kiss of La Suzette (Crepe flambé with orange, lemon, sugar, cashew butter, and Grand Mariner). And, if you’re not interested in an authentic French crepe (how could you not be?), check out their cleverly concocted scrambled eggs with a crumbled crab cake, sautéed spinach, and avocado—these guys are amazing in the kitchen!

Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, they will have just the thing to hit the spot! One last note, all of the crepes, can be made gluten-free too!

Delice & Sarrasin NYC Vegan crepe with dark chocolate and bananas
Credit: Delice & Sarrasin

#7 PLANTA Queen | NoMad

15 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Every Saturday and Sunday, this chic spot serves up a small but mighty brunch menu alongside bottomless mimosas and sake sangria — is there a better combo?! The vegan brunch menu features some of their signature Asian flair with dishes like XO Mazeman (noodles with snow pea shoots, egg, and XO sauce), or go for traditional American brunchy faves like a giant cinnamon bun covered with sweet chai icing or golden banana waffles topped with toasted peanuts!

There are no wrong decisions when you dine at PLANTA! One excellent side note, the restaurant chain is expanding in NYC! Keep your eyes peeled for locations in Soho and Williamsburg.

vegan cinnamon roll covered in white icing in a dark blue bowl with a hand holding a fork at planta in nyc
Credit: PLANTA Queen

#8 Modern Love 

317 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
When you’re in Brooklyn on the weekend, you can’t skip visiting Modern Love. This vegan café has cornered the market on classic comfort food that you’ll dream about long after you’ve left!

Their brunch menu features house-made buttermylk waffles, crispy oyster shrooms and grits, and their famous Mac & Shews bowls! Along with an irresistible lineup of food, they also have a full bar serving up specialty cocktails (don’t miss the rosé mimosas), spiked mylk shakes, and coffee.

a giant white plate fille with golden vegan waffles, tofu scramble, crispy potatoes and sausage at modern love in brooklyn
Credit: Modern Love

#9 Ladybird

111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
If you’re looking for somewhere special to enjoy a weekend vegan brunch feast, look no further than Ladybird. Once you settle into their plush booths and see their mouthwatering lineup of beautiful food, you might not want to leave!

Their brunch menu features classic favorites amped up like Matcha waffles covered in blueberry compote, decadent French toast made with Challah and custard, or bacon, egg, and cheese on steamed bao buns. You’ll also want to pair your delicious meal with one of their fantastic cocktails; may I suggest a Ladybird Reunion (Lillet rosé with rose, lemon, basil simple syrup, passionfruit, and Tiki bitters)?

a stack of golden vegan french toast covered in a dusting of white powdered sugar at ladybird in nyc
Credit: Ladybird

#10 Blossom 

507 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
This innovative vegan restaurant is known for its refined and stylish fare, which includes a special weekend brunch! Every Saturday and Sunday, diners flock here to enjoy savory tofu Florentine, huevos rancheros, or sweet stacks of fluffy pancakes.

In addition to being fully vegan, this restaurant is also ready to please gluten-free and nut-free guests! While waiting for that stack of irresistible pancakes, don’t forget to order a Bellini!

two vegan fig and balsamic toasts on a black slate plate at blossoms in nyc
Credit: Blossom

#11 Caravan of Dreams

405 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
One last weekend brunch spot to round out this list! This organic, vegan restaurant is also Kosher and offers a prix fixe brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday, that includes a main dish, salad, juice, and coffee or tea.

Their entrée options include hearty breakfast burritos stuffed with purple potatoes and smoked tofu to golden berry pancakes topped with a grilled banana! If you don’t want to do the prix fixe option, all of their brunch entrées are also available a la carte. This spot is also very gluten-free friendly! 

a person holding two white plates one with a stack of berry pancakes and the other a vegan burrito at caravan of dreams in nyc
Credit: Caravan of Dreams

#12 Vegan Grill

Multiple locations throughout NYC
This fast-casual vegan spot knows how to make a stellar breakfast menu! When you’re craving something fried or drenched in maple syrup, come here! Their menu includes everyone’s breakfast favorites — stacks of golden pancakes, thick slices of sourdough French toast, hearty breakfast burrito, and much more! No matter what you choose, make sure you add on a side of hashbrowns and vegan sunny side up eggs — that’s not a typo!

#13 Ras Plant-Based

739 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
When you’re looking for a flavor party on a Saturday or Sunday morning, there is no better place to go in Brooklyn than Ras! This vegan Ethiopian restaurant is helping people get their day started with some “very traditional” Ethiopian dishes and some that are “kinda not.”

For a first visit, you can’t skip over their traditional lineup. All of the dishes are unlike any other brunch dish you’ll find in NYC — jackfruit kitfo, enkulal firfir, and more! Once you’ve sampled at least one traditional dish then you’ve got to check out the “kinda not” section. It’s full of all the traditional things you could want to get your day going — thick-cut French toast, Ethiopian-style loaded burritos, and more!

vegan brunch spread with a plate of thick cut french toast, french fries, boozy drinks, and salad at ras plant based in brooklyn
Credit: Ras Plant-Based

#14 Ro’s Diner

197 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
The Brooklyn vegan community mourned when the kind of vegan comfort food, Champs closed at the beginning of 2023, but what we didn’t know was it would soon re-open as Ro’s!

Inside this little diner, guests pack in for a hearty dose of vegan comfort food. Your taste buds will faint at the sight of their thick-cut French toast covered in whipped cream, giant waffle sandos, and buckets (seriously, buckets) of fluffy pancakes. This is the place to start out your day big — forget diets and calorie counts, just enjoy! 

vegan waffle breakfast sandwich with fried chicken and two golden hashbrowns at ro's diner in NYC

NYC Hotels with Vegan-Friendly Breakfast Options

If you don’t have time to make it to one of those fantastic vegan cafes, don’t fret! These NYC vegan-friendly hotels have options on their breakfast menus to help you get fueled and out the door.

Arlo Soho

231 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
Start your day with a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, acai bowl, or overnight oats at this trendy Soho hotel. If you’re looking for snacks, they’ve got those too, just check out their onsite bodega. One other bonus, this spot is also eco-friendly!

Book Your Stay

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
A stay here not only offers lovely views of the East River and Manhattan skyline but it’s also vegan-friendly and sustainable. It’s one of the few LEED certified hotels in NYC! In the morning you can start your day with overnight oats, avocado toast, along with other healthy vegan eats.

Book Your Stay

1 Hotel Central Park

1414 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Just as vegan-friendly and sustainable as the Brooklyn the location, just in Central Park! Enjoy waking up with a giant bowl of peanut butter chocolate oats, fruity coconut yogurt parfait, or chia pudding at this eco-conscious spot.

Book Your Stay

Need More Travel Planning Help in NYC?

Hopefully, this lineup of vegan brunch and breakfast spots in NYC helps get your day started, but you’re going to need more than breakfast spots! To plan your full vegan NYC adventure check out these guides and articles.

The Ultimate Vegan Travel Guide to NYC
The Vegan Bakeries and Dessert Spots in NYC
The Best Spots for Vegan and Gluten-Free Food in New York City
The Best Things To Do in NYC
Vegan-Friendly Hotels in NYC

About Author

Rebecca is the founder of the vegan travel company Veggies Abroad. In 2021, she bid her 15-year career goodbye and ventured into the world of ethical business with the launch of a vegan travel blog (the one you’re reading!). As the blog flourished, Rebecca expanded her vision to encompass personalized travel planning services and launched Veggies Abroad's inaugural vegan tour to Thailand, marking the beginning of many more eco-conscious, plant-powered adventures to come. Follow her adventures on Instagram or Facebook @veggiesabroad