It should come as no surprise that New York City is a mecca for vegan food! And, we’re not talking just burgers and pizza, think artisan cheeses, savory crepes, and crispy mushroom calamari. I bet those got your attention! There aren’t too many cities in this world where you can find a vegan food combo like that! There are so many great options and I suggest that you don’t miss these 10 amazing spots for vegan and gluten-free food in New York City.
Also, don’t miss my lineup of vegan and eco-friendly hotels in NYC!
The Best Restaurants for Gluten-Free & Vegan Food in New York City
There are also some great vegan breakfast and brunch options in NYC—is there a better way to start the day than with pancakes? Oh by the way, take us along on your NYC adventure! Share your photos on Insta using #veggiesabroad! We can’t wait to see all the tasty things you find to eat.
#1 Beyond Sushi
Multiple locations in NYC: 37th Street, Upper East Side, 56th Street, and Nolita
Sayonara fish-filled sushi and hello to the most creative and beautiful plant-based rolls that you have ever seen. Even if you’re not a sushi lover, you must check this place out – you won’t be disappointed!
The menu is filled with a selection of sushi rolls filled with their special “tuna,” spicy jackfruit “crab,” a selection of veggies, spices, and more! Their menu is so interesting, it is difficult to choose. I suggest you check out at least one of their special rolls and start with the nori taco sampler. Their spicy jackfruit “crab,” and Yuzu-infused “tuna” are out of this world! Many of the items are gluten-free, but just make sure to let your server know so they can make any changes if necessary.
#2 Rawsome Treats
158 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
This delightful little NYC vegan bakery wants to ensure you enjoy treats that are not only delicious but also nutritious. Each of their cakes is raw, vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious! Their menu includes carrot cake, strawberry shortcake, blueberry cream pie, and much more.
My favorite was their Trisome Cheesecake which is a layer of rich vanilla and berry cream with a chocolate chip crust and topped with a drizzle of sweet dark chocolate. You can stop in for a slice or order ahead for a full-size cake.
#3 Jajaja
Multiple locations in NYC: Lower East Side, West Village, Hudson Yards, & Williamsburg
Vegan nachos? Yes, please! This colorful vegan spot features some of the best Mexican food in New York City! And, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon chilling out on their sunny patio. Jajaja pairs their wonderful food with refreshing Mezcal cocktails and a huge selection of Tequilas.
Aside from the most delicious nachos, their menu also features Mexican specialties like Gorditas stuffed with beans and shiitake bacon or an extensive selection of street tacos. Boring black bean tacos are replaced with Crispy Chayote “Fish” (hemp and flax seed battered squash with a chipotle almond butter sauce and topped with roasted red onion) or their Buffalo Flower (tempura cauliflower dipped in spicy buffalo sauce and topped with house-made queso).
#4 The Butcher’s Daughter
Multiple locations in NYC: Nolita, West Village, & Williamsburg
This bright, laid-back vegetarian café beckons you to stop in for brunch, lunch, or dinner (or all three – no judgment!) Their rotating menu is driven by what’s in season and features amazing vegan and gluten-free pancakes topped with a sweet berry sauce, broccoli steaks, and mushroom and squash carbonara.
We didn’t make it for dinner, but brunch was so good we wished we had one more day to return. Make sure you check out their Butcher’s Bowl with tofu scramble. This flavorful scramble is topped with savory adzuki bacon and crispy onions. Hands down the best scramble I have ever had!
#5 Avant Garden
130 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Looking for a spot for a sophisticated date night or to impress non-vegan friends? Come here! The ambiance of the rustic wood and exposed brick décor coupled with artistic plates of veggie creations is seriously Instagram-worthy!
The creative team of chefs prepare all the tapas-style dishes right in front of you and even hand-deliver to share exactly what they have created. The small dishes are meant to be shared and almost everything can be made gluten-free. Don’t miss their artisan toasts on soft and chewy gluten-free bread. It was SO good that I had them double-check that it was indeed gluten-free! Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
#6 Modern Love
317 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
This hip Brooklyn spot is the place to come for house-made vegan and gluten-free comfort food. No matter what you’re craving, they’ve got it! Mac-n-cheese? Epic burgers? Nachos smothered in cashew queso? Yep, yep, and yep!
Their menu is well-marked for gluten-free dishes and their staff is more than happy to ensure you’re taken care of. It is really hard to decide what to order – you might need to come twice! Just make sure you start with an order of their crispy oyster mushroom calamari – OMG – it is amazing. The crispy mushrooms dipped in their sweet and spicy house-made sauce will have you fighting over the last bite.
#7 Little Choc Apothecary
141 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
New York City’s first (and I think only) vegan and gluten-free creperie! This cozy little spot in Brooklyn is cooking up delicious savory and sweet crepes along with house-made baked goods, acai bowls, smoothies, and juices. They have many delicious ingredients to build your own crepe, like vegan clotted cream, fresh jam, Newtella (think Nutella but better), and you can even make it a la mode with a scoop of vegan ice cream from Van Leeuwen!
If building your own crepe seems too daunting, check out their specialty crepes like the Garden of Eatin’ (filled with apple, avocado, kale, mint-basil pesto, and tofu ricotta) or Room for Mushroom (filled with herb-roasted mushrooms, spinach, walnuts, and tahini basil sauce).
#8 Riverdel – The Original Vegan Cheese Monger
88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Missing cheese? Then you MUST head to Riverdel, this place is vegan cheese heaven. There needs to be a Riverdel in every state! I hate driving and would seriously drive hours to stock up on wheels of their deliciously addictive cheeses.
Located in the bustling Essex Market, this little deli counter is overflowing with SO many vegan cheese options – you will be overwhelmed with what to choose! Check out their cheese sampler to select a few different options to try with regular or gluten-free crackers. Need a little more?
Check out their assortment boxes which come with a selection of cheeses, jam, crackers, nuts, and more! They also sell a variety of sandwiches dripping with gooey, delicious cheese as well as packaged cheeses, jams, “meats,” – everything to create your own charcuterie board. Many of the cheeses are gluten-free but some are made with beer – to ensure it’s safe just ask to see their ingredients list.
#9 Orchard Grocer
78 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Only a few blocks away from Riverdel, this small vegan food market and deli is inspired by New York City delicatessens. This is the perfect place to pick up a few vegan snacks and groceries and order a delicious sandwich or salad for lunch or brunch!
Their made-to-order menu features creative bagel sandwiches piled high with carrot lox and cashew-cream cheese, as well as a vegan BLT stuffed with house-made tempeh bacon, mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
Many of their sandwiches or salads can be made gluten-free. Make sure you save room for a cup or cone of their creamy vegan soft serve or a milkshake! The flavors of their cashew-based ice cream rotate regularly, but no matter the flavor you won’t be disappointed.
#10 Delice & Sarrasin
20 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
Transport yourself to France at this small family-owned café. Ever been curious about authentic French cuisine but never found a suitable vegan option? Look no further. The mother and son team behind this charming little spot specializes in crepes, cheeses, desserts, and more!
Enjoy vegan snails (oyster mushrooms) drenched in garlic butter or a hearty Coq Au Vin (braised “chicken” leg with carrots, mushrooms, shallots, and onions). They also offer a selection of vegan wines to pair with your meal. After dinner enjoy a cappuccino with a few of their deliciously chewy French Macarons. The menu is well marked for gluten-free options. They are also open for brunch!
Trip tip! Consider adding on a trip to another vegan-friendly destination, Philadelphia! It’s just a little over an hour by train from NYC and full of amazing food (also much cheaper than NYC!). Check out this lineup of vegan eats in Philly!
