NYC’s Rising Plant-Based Scene: Vegan Restaurants Worth the Hype
For years, vegan dining in NYC meant bland salads and uninspired veggie burgers. Not anymore. Today, the city is at the forefront of a plant-based revolution, with innovative chefs creating vegan food that is as delicious, complex, and satisfying as any animal-based dish. From upscale fine dining to casual comfort food, here are the vegan restaurants that are worth the hype.
For Upscale, Creative Dining: Dirt Candy
Location: Lower East Side
Helmed by Chef Amanda Cohen, Dirt Candy is a true pioneer of vegetable-forward fine dining. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers only tasting menus that celebrate the versatility and beauty of vegetables. The dishes are incredibly creative, surprising, and visually stunning. It’s a special occasion restaurant that will impress even the most skeptical carnivore.
For Vegan Soul Food: Cadence
Location: East Village
Another Michelin-starred gem, Cadence offers a soulful, plant-based interpretation of Southern cuisine. Chef Shenarri Freeman veganizes classic dishes with incredible skill and flavor. The Southern Fried Lasagna and the Smoked Grits with fried oyster mushrooms are mind-blowingly good. The intimate, welcoming space makes it perfect for a memorable date night.
For Elevated Vegan Pizza: Screamer’s Pizzeria
Location: Greenpoint & Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Proving that vegan pizza can be just as good as the real thing, Screamer’s is a must-visit. They offer a wide variety of classic and creative pies, using high-quality vegan cheeses (from brands like NUMU) that actually melt and stretch. Their “Screamer” slice, with garlic oil, cremini mushrooms, and almond parmesan, is a fan favorite.
For Global Street Food: Superiority Burger
Location: East Village
Don’t let the name fool you; this is so much more than a burger joint. While their signature veggie burger is fantastic, the real magic lies in the ever-changing menu of inventive, vegetarian, and often vegan side dishes. Chef Brooks Headley draws inspiration from around the globe to create flavorful, surprising, and affordable food. It’s a casual spot with seriously good cooking.
For Conscious Fine Dining: ABCV
Location: Flatiron
Part of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC empire, ABCV is a beautiful, airy restaurant dedicated to high-end plant-based dining. The menu is vibrant, fresh, and globally inspired, with a focus on organic, non-GMO, and sustainable ingredients. It’s a perfect spot for a healthy yet elegant brunch or lunch. It shares a philosophy with its sister restaurant, ABC Kitchen, but with a fully plant-based focus.
