The Ultimate NYC Vegan Guide: Where to Eat, Shop, & Explore

New York City is a magical place — full of unlimited energy and inspiration; it is one of the best cities in the world (in my opinion). There is so much to do, see and eat, and because of that, I have enlisted the help of the talented Isabelle Steichen, the Co-Founder, and CEO of Lupii, the tastiest plant-based bars you will ever eat, to help create this New York City vegan travel guide.

I don’t care how many times you have been to New York City — there is always something new to explore. The city that never sleeps is constantly changing and creating new experiences. This NYC vegan guide will help you find fantastic vegan restaurants, bakeries, shops, things to do, and much more.

You’re in for an epic vegan adventure!

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Is New York City Vegan-Friendly?

Is the sky blue? NYC is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world! You’ll find loads of vegan and vegetarian options and most restaurants are vegan-friendly. One report estimates there are over 1,000 restaurants in NYC with vegan options — that’s huge!

One caveat, certain parts of the city are friendlier than others, getting from one end of the city to another can take some serious work. So be sure to plot out restaurants that you really want to visit and activities ahead of time so you don’t spend all of your time traveling.

The Best Vegan Restaurants in NYC

The lineup of vegan restaurants in NYC is seriously a mile long and so diverse! I’ll cover globally-inspired spots, fine-dining, fast food, and more! So if you don’t see something, keep scrolling!

When planning your dining adventure, it’s important to know that these restaurants are peppered all over the city — it’s best to save the ones you really want to visit on Google Maps. That way, you can see what’s near you while you’re out and about.

Delice & Sarrasin

20 Christopher St, NY, NY 10014
If you thought light and crispy crepes and boeuf bourguignon were off the table for vegans, you need to come here! This family-owned restaurant is delighting guests with its veganized French creations — fruits de mer, coq au vin, and even foie gras! They are also one of the best spots for vegan brunch in NYC! If you’re gluten-free or soy-free, no worries; they have options for you, too!

Buddha-Bodai

77 Mulberry St, NY, NY 10013
If you like Dim Sum, you can’t miss this vegan paradise in Chinatown. All the dishes at this Chinese restaurant are super flavorful but don’t skip the steamed shumai, curry dumplings, and sticky rice in a bamboo leaf.

Peacefood Café

Two locations — Uptown and Downtown
For over a decade, this casual vegan café has been dishing out a creative mix of vegan comfort food, along with a few raw dishes. Whether you’re interested in diving into a filling Peace Food bowl or want a cookie on the run, you can do that here.

Ras

739 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
This plant-based Ethiopian restaurant in Brooklyn has a colorful selection of dishes to delight eyes and taste buds! Their menu features a selection of hearty bowls for lunch, larger entrees, and small bites for dinner. The best way to experience authentic flavors is to order and share a few options.

Beyond Sushi

Multiple locations throughout NYC
You will be in awe of these gorgeous fish-free creations! This Japanese spot has veganized all the fishy things no one would expect to be vegan — crab, tuna, zalmon, and more! Don’t leave without trying a few different specialty rolls — the spicy jackfruit crab is outstanding. This is one of the best spots for vegan sushi in NYC!

Le Botaniste

Multiple locations throughout NYC
If you’re looking for an excellent spot for nutrient-packed dishes, look no further than Le Botaniste. The sustainable menu features bowls overflowing with fresh veggies, house-made soups, sushi, and even healthy desserts. It is also the only carbon-neutral restaurant in NYC.

Modern Love

317 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
The vegan comfort eats at this Brooklyn diner are incredible! The seasonal menu features mouthwatering burgers, mushroom fried chick’n, loaded mac-n-cheese, and much more. Try and save a little room for one of their house-made desserts or a peanut butter shake!

Screamer’s Pizzeria

620 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222A visit to NYC isn’t complete without at least one slice of tantalizing pizza! This pizzeria is cooking up the finest slices of NYC-style vegan pizza topped with an array of creative ingredients.

Jajaja

Multiple locations throughout NYC
The Mexican cuisine at this vegan spot will make you want to do a little dance! It will be hard to decide between their house-made empanadas, loaded nachos, or gorditas, so you should probably bring a friend and get one of each. Their menu is very gluten-free friendly!

Spicy Moon

A location in East and West Village
If you’re looking for something full of flavor and maybe a little spice, don’t miss this vegan Szechuan! Their menu features various dumplings, buns, noodles, veggie dishes, and more!

NY Dosas

50 Washington Square S, NY, NY 10012
If you see a line wrapping around Washington Square Park, it’s probably for the tantalizing South Indian eats at this food cart! All of the house-made dosas, noodles, samosas, and more are not only vegan but also gluten-free!

Cadence

111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
You’ll not want to miss the Southern specialties at this amazing Michelin Star vegan spot! Treat yourself to maple buttermilk cornbread, buffalo oyster mushrooms, Southern fried lasagna, and more. Aside from being vegan, the kitchen is also 100% soy-free!

Willow Vegan Bistro

199 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
This cozy vegan restaurant in Chelsea reinvents classic American eats with a plant-based twist. Their menu features a diverse lineup, many of these dishes you won’t find anywhere else! Fishy fans shouldn’t miss their creamy clam chowder or crab cakes; for something meaty, don’t miss their BBQ seitan ribs. In addition to being vegan, the restaurant is also Kosher-certified.

Coletta

365 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
The same team that created Willow also created this charming vegan Italian restaurant (that is also Kosher and gluten-free friendly). With one look at their menu, you’ll be struck with indecision! From endless bowls of creamy pasta to pizzas topped with fig jam and veggie prosciutto, you’ll definitely want one of everything!

Vegan Breakfast & Brunch Spots in NYC

Looking for vegan pancakes on a Tuesday? No worries, these fantastic NYC restaurants and bakeries have your back!

Terms of Endearment

135 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
If you’ve been missing the joy of light and flaky, buttery pastries, you need to make a bee-line to this café in Brooklyn! Their daily breakfast and lunch lineup feature jaw-dropping croissant sandwiches, Just Egg omelets, crispy potatoes, and house-made baked goods.

The Butchers Daughter

Multiple locations throughout NYC
With one location in Williamsburg and one in lower Manhattan, this place is fantastic for brunch, lunch, or dinner! Their plant-forward menu features loaded banana bread and pancakes for breakfast, and hearty bowls, salads, and pasta for later in the day.

Innocent Yesterday

252 B E 77th St, New York, NY 10075
All week until 5 PM you can stroll into this charming royal blue café and dive into a plate of buttermilk biscuits covered in house-made gravy, along with many other breakfast treats!

Little Chocolate Apothecary

141 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Vegan and gluten-free crepes are hard to come by, so when in NYC, you should start your day here! You can go sweet or savory and stuff your crepe with tantalizing cherry jam and clotted cream or try smoked pulled jackfruit with caramelized onions.

Brooklyn Whiskers

1037 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221
There’s no better combination than kitties and breakfast, in my opinion! This charming Brooklyn café will help you get the day started with Tex-Mex inspired bowls, fluffy pancakes, baked goods, and much more.

Vegan Fine Dining (Or Upscale) Restaurants in NYC

Many of these fancy-schmancy spots require reservations (sometimes months in advance) and a few of them are Michelin- Starred, so be sure to call before you go!

Eleven Park Madison

11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
It’s quite possible you’ve already heard about this upscale spot — they made quite a stink when head chef, Daniel Humm made the entire menu plant-based just a few years ago. The chef’s tasting menu consists of 10 courses that highlight seasonal and local ingredients. Reservations are required.

Ladybird

111 E 7th St. NY, NY 10009
This vegan spot is owned by the same group that runs Avant Garden. So, if you’re looking for another chic spot with incredible vegan tapas and natural wine, plan a stop here! They also offer brunch on the weekend.

Dirt Candy

86 Allen St. NY, NY 10002
This stylish vegan restaurant delights guests with an epic 5-course tasting menu with an optional wine pairing. The dishes draw quite a crowd, so make sure you make reservations in advance. This would be an excellent place for a special night out!

Avant Garden

130 E 7th St. NY, NY 10009
For a memorable dining experience, check out the vegan tapas-style menu at this modern restaurant. The menu features a selection of dishes meant to be shared and enjoyed with a glass of natural wine. 

abcV

38 E 19th St, NY, NY 10003
The dishes here are worthy of a Michelin Star. Located right in the heart of Manhattan, they focus on plant-based, sustainable, and artisanal foods, all sourced from small farms. The dishes are so refined and excellent.

PLANTA Queen

15 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
This chic spot is perfect for a night out with friends or with that special someone! Their Asian-inspired menu is absolutely mouthwatering — bao sliders, spicy tuna (made with watermelon) sushi rolls, noodles, and more. You’ll definitely want to share a few dishes!

Anixi

290 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Enjoy the powerhouse flavors of Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon at this beautiful vegan and kosher restaurant. The mouthwatering menu features classic dishes reinvented with seasonal ingredients in the most creative ways. Make sure you start with an order of their creamy whipped almond and cashew ricotta.

Vegan Fast Food Restaurants in NYC

Whether you’re looking for a giant loaded burger or crispy chick’n with a side of seasoned fries, you’ll find it at one of these vegan fast-food joints! These vegan fast food spots are terrific whether you’re on the run or just want something insanely delicious and greasy!

Hartbreakers

313 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Veggie Grill

12 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

Vegans on The Fly

24 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036

Vegan Grill Diner

Locations in Manhattan and The Bronx

Beatnic Vegan Restaurant

Locations in SoHo, Flatiron, & Rockefeller Center

PLNT Burger

139 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Plant Junkie 52

152 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Neat Burger

230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169

Vegan Bakeries & Ice Cream in NYC

Whether you’re looking for cream cheese covered cinnamon rolls or artisanal chocolates, you’ll find it at one of these fabulous vegan dessert spots.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery

248 Broome St, NY, NY 10002
This adorable vegan and gluten-free bakery (also soy-free options) has everything from towering cakes covered in sweet buttercream to sinful cinnamon rolls.

Orchard Grocer

78 Orchard St. NY, NY 10002
At first, you wouldn’t think a vegan deli and sweets go together, but this spot has some of the creamiest oat milk vegan soft serve in town!

Whipped Urban Dessert Lab

95 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
If you love ice cream, don’t miss this shop’s outrageous oat milk creations! They offer creamy soft serve, hard scoop ice cream, truffles, and cakes.

Confectionery!

440 E 9th St, NY, NY 10009
This lovely vegan bakery has a little bit of everything — handmade chocolates, cookies, pies, cupcakes, and gorgeous macarons (also gluten-free)!

Rawsome Treats

158 Orchard St, NY, NY 10002
There is no better place for beautiful raw desserts than this spot! On top of being vegan, everything is also gluten-free and includes cakes, tarts, cheesecake, and more.

Happy Zoe Vegan Bakery

102 B Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
This cozy café in Brooklyn has a diverse lineup of sweets, including gluten-free donuts!

Brooklyn Whiskers Bakery

1037 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Another excellent Brooklyn spot (if you haven’t noticed, there is a lot to eat in Brooklyn)! You’ll find stunning pastries, cakes, cream pies, and a full breakfast menu. They also have fantastic gluten-free options.

Clementine Café & Bakery

395 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Donuts, pretzel dogs, babka — you’ll find a little bit of everything at this vegan bakery and café. They also offer breakfast and lunch options.

Vegan Markets & Shops in NYC

In addition to amazing vegan restaurants, NYC also offers plenty of options for vegan-friendly shopping.

Moo Shoes

78 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
There aren’t many cities where you can find a vegan shoe shop, so while in NYC, don’t miss this adorable independent boutique! Aside from shoes, they also have men’s and women’s tees, jackets, and accessories.

Orchard Grocer

78 Orchard St. NY, NY 10002
Right next door to Moo Shoes is this cute vegan market and deli! If you’re looking for specialty vegan cheeses or snacks, pop in here.

Riverdel, the Original Vegan Cheese Monger

88 Essex St, NY, NY 10002
A visit to NYC isn’t complete without a stop at this fully vegan cheese shop! Since 2015 they have been crafting their own specialties and stocking the shelves of many well-known and upcoming brands. Make sure to create a cheese-tasting flight with multiple creamy creations, jams, and crackers. 

Market 57

25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011
This vegan-friendly market is a unique place to visit whether you’re hungry or not! What was formally a maritime pier along the Hudson River is now a bustling space filled with food, art, and culture. One the vegan side, the market is home to Ras Plant-Based and Lolo’s on the Water (vegan-friendly) as well as the produce company Local Roots.

Save the Duck

496 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Stay warm and be cruelty-free with one of these puffer jackets! Save the Duck is on a mission to protect the planet and its animals with its lineup of outdoor wear for the whole family (four legged friends too)! You’ll find everything from heavy duty parkas to light rain jackets — perfect for weather in NYC!

Stella McCartney

112 Greene St, New York, NY 10012
There is no better designer to check out for luxury vegan handbags and fashions while in NYC! The Soho shop has vegan and cruelty-free shoes, bags, clothing, and more.

Public Records

233 Butler Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
This isn’t a market or shop, but if you’re looking for a unique nightclub and event space hooked up with a vegan café, this is the spot for you. The venue features a diverse lineup of events year-round.

Vegan-Friendly Hotels in NYC

Unfortunately, New York City doesn’t have a fully vegan hotel yet, but here are two that are friendly, plus I have a whole lineup of other vegan-friendly hotels in NYC too! If you’re prefer to stay outside of Manhattan, don’t miss my guide on where to stay in Brooklyn!

The Arlo Soho

231 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
It is considered a micro-hotel, which makes me think it’s a shoebox, but it isn’t. It’s about the size of a traditional European hotel room, with a hip, updated vibe — a pleasant stay for half the price of many other NYC hotels and their onsite restaurant has vegan options.

Book Your Stay

The Archer

45 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
This hotel is ready to welcome you with your favorite plant-based milk in the mini bar, vegan & cruelty-free toiletries by Malin + Goetz, and a vegan treat with the turn-down service*. Their Spyglass Rooftop Bar is also an excellent place for a cocktail and views of the city.
*You need to let the hotel know in advance that you want vegan options.

Book Your Stay

What To Do in NYC

Here are just a few things to consider doing, for even more options, check out my lineup of 10 unique things to do in New York City! If you’re time is short and you want to know what to prioritize, check out this 2-day NYC itinerary, created by a local!

Take a walk on the High Line

A visit to The High Line is one of the best free things to do in NYC. The High Line is a mile and a half path that snakes through the Meatpacking District and Chelsea. It was built on a historic, elevated rail line and includes beautiful gardens, art, street performances, and food. It’s a lovely spot to meet friends. One important note, bikes and dogs are not allowed.

Discover Prospect Park and feel like a Brooklyn local

Prospect Park is 585 acres of nature right in the heart of the city. There are countless activities to enjoy, from yoga to kayaking and everything in between. You’re bound to find something to enjoy or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Check out the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

This 52-acre park is a living museum — home to over 14,000 plants! It is wonderful when everything comes back to life in the spring.

Take a walk in Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) at the waterfront and set up a picnic (weather permitting)

The creative neighborhood features art galleries, bookshops, boutiques, cafes, and more. This is also a great spot to capture beautiful views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

In the winter, go skating in Bryant Park (it’s great in the summer, too)

Year-round, Bryant Park is a lovely place to enjoy, but in the winter, it really comes alive with a winter wonderland of holiday shops, skating, and festive cheer.

Getting Around New York City

Coming From The Airport

If you’re coming from LaGuardia, the quickest way is via taxi, airport shuttle, or Uber/Lyft. Public transportation via the bus (you can book ahead of time through OurBus) is available, but it isn’t fast; some shared that it took up to two hours. You can take the M60 SBS to Manhattan or Q48 or Q47 bus outside terminal A to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. Subway Station; from here, you can take the E, M, F, R, and 7 trains to your final destination.

If you’re coming from JFK airport, you have a few options. First, of course, taxi, shuttle, or Uber/Lyft. The flat taxi rate is $70 (there is a $5 surcharge during peak house); Uber or Lyft could be higher (especially if its during peak hours — I was quoted $160!).

The second option is AirTrain. Unfortunately, the subway (MTA) doesn’t directly link to the city, but Airtrain will get you to the Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations; from there, you can continue your journey into the city. The cost is $8.25 for an Airtrain ticket, plus the $1 to purchase a MetroCard. The Airtrain could be quicker than a car, depending on traffic and how far you have to go.

While in New York City

NYC is one of the few US cities with an extensive public transportation system. The MTA NYC Transit operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it easy to navigate the five boroughs.

First, you will want to grab a MetroCard (the card is $1) at any ticket machines in any of the subway stations. You can load this depending on how much you will use public transportation — a single ride on the bus or subway is $2.75, 7-day passes are also available for $33. If you need to use the subway, then transfer to the bus, that is not a problem. You can transfer within two hours of using your MetroCard.

If you’re staying in NYC for a week, you might want to consider using contactless payment instead of grabbing a metro card. The MTA uses a system called OMNY for contactless payment at the turnstile and if you ride more than 12 times in one week, the rest of your fares are free (you must use the same form of payment for each ride).

Another option to get around is to grab a Citibike. You can take a single ride for $4.49 (30 minutes) or grab a day pass for $19, docking stations are all over NYC.

Other Vegan-Friendly Cities on The East Coast

New York City is in a great location to check out other vegan-friendly cities like Washington DC and Philly and I’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect vegan adventure!

8 Can’t Miss Spots for Vegan Food in Washington DC
The Best Vegan Bakeries & Ice Cream in DC
Eco-Friendly Hotels in Philadelphia
8 Things to Do & See in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Vegan Travel Guide
Complete Vegan Travel Guide to Washington DC
The Ultimate Vegan Travel Guide to The Finger Lakes
Amazing Finger Lakes Hiking Trails
Vegan Festivals and Events Worth Traveling To This Year
The Best Vegan Documentaries to Watch Right Now
TrustedHousesitters Review: The Pros and Cons from a Pet Sitter

About The Guest Author

Isabelle Steichen grew up in Luxembourg and moved from Europe to the US in 2013. She transitioned to a plant-based diet at the same time, driven by ethical, environmental, and health reasons. Since moving to NYC, Isabelle worked closely with founding teams for various early-stage VC backed startups in the food and tech space. As a long-time, passionate vegan, certified in plant-based nutrition from e-Cornell, as well as the founder of the Plantiful Podcast, she is now combining her startup background with her desire to spread plant-based eating with her new business, Lupii. Lupii is here to help people live plantiful lives through the power of the small, but mighty lupini bean, which is not only good for humans, but also for mama nature. Follow Lupii on Instagram @getlupii