Best vegan restaurants in New York, 2026.

Founder Alain Coumont, disappointed with the lack of healthy food options globally, opened the first Le Botaniste in Ghent, Belgium, capitalizing on the city’s “Thursday veggie day” tradition. The resounding success in Belgium put Le Botaniste on the fast-track to becoming a global brand. Building off momentum, it only took Coumont and his team four months to open one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC.

The first location popped up in the Upper East Side and now Midtown, the Upper West Side and SoHo all proudly boast locations. What’s more, Le Botanist is not only one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC, but it’s also certified carbon-neutral. Folks can rest assured knowing the money spent on their meals is going to such a responsible business!

Located in the vibrant heart of Times Square, P.S. Kitchen has become a go-to spot for chic vegan dining in NYC. The subtle pink ambiance creates a perfect fusion of an exclusive lounge and a brunch destination, making every visit feel special. The menu is filled with wraps, salads, burritos, and burgers, but the wings are an absolute game-changer. What makes it even more special is knowing that P.S. Kitchen is not just about serving great food; they’re on a mission, generously donating all profits to charity.

abcV, a Michelin Guide restaurant with a plant-forward approach, offers abundant vegan choices. Founded by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, it exudes a lively ambiance and upscale decor, making it a top pick for a date night in NYC. While it comes with a price tag, the vegetable-centric menu, featuring dishes like walnut bolognese and green chickpea hummus, solidifies abcV as one of the city’s best vegan spots.

HanGawi skillfully transports you from New York City to an authentic Korean sanctuary. Upon entering, you’ll need to ditch your shoes (no holey socks, please) and settle into the cozy restaurant ambiance. The menu, featuring staple Korean dishes like dumplings and tofu, aligns seamlessly with the decor. While cocktails, wine, and beer are available, a hot tea perfectly complements the cozy vibe.

Despite advertising as vegetarian, HanGawi stands out as one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC, with the majority of its menu being vegan-friendly. If you need suggestions in the ordering department, consider ordering the mushroom sizzler plate non-negotiable. As the name suggests, the dish comes out of the kitchen sizzling, turning heads as it steamily works its way to your table.

Opened in 2019, it hasn’t taken Terms of Endearment long to become a popular spot for plant-based goodies. Operating as both a cafe and pastry shop, Terms of Endearment is a no-brainer when your sweet tooth comes calling. Only a stone’s throw from Domino Park in Williamsburg, you can always take your pastries to-go and enjoy the iconic views of Manhattan from a bench.

From the breakfast sandwiches (the bacon is good enough to pass as real) to the almond croissants, sweet and savory options are both well accounted for on the small menu. Having said all that, the cinnamon rolls are a MUST-order. Not only are they enormous but the cream is so good I’d buy it by the cup!

Straddling the boarders of Bushwick and Williamsburg, Bunna Cafe brings Ethiopian flavors to NYC’s diverse vegan scene. Known for its delightful coffee inspired by Ethiopia’s global coffee hub status, the plant-based brunch and dinner menu is a treat.

Attend the Ethiopian coffee ceremony (which takes place every weekend at 5 PM) for a unique experience. For every guest in attendance, Bunna Cafe will roast, season, and brew an authentic cup of coffee. This is part of a community-building tradition that takes place in Ethiopia that New Yorkers can now partake in.

Avant Garden, featured in the Michelin Guide, excels in offering upscale dining for the growing vegan crowd. Despite its small size and menu, this NYC gem proves that great things come in small packages. While being one of the best vegan restaurants in the city, it remains accessible, and reservations are easily secured online with a bit of planning. Founded by renowned chef Ravi DeRossi, Avant Garden is a must-try for fine vegan dining, featuring unique toasts topped with fruits and vegetables.

New York City is a destination for foodies in search of great delis and counter serve cafes. I mean hell, one of the most iconic restaurants in NYC is Katz Deli, which is frequently listed as the best Jewish deli in the country. But where do vegans go when they want the quintessential, New York deli experience? They head to Orchard Grocer for some delicious sandwiches and ingredients!

Orchard Grocer, a top NYC vegan spot, skillfully emulates a deli without compromising values. Offering meat and cheese alternatives, it ensures you don’t sacrifice flavor for morals. For home cooks, they sell vegan ingredients, including a variety of sweets to satisfy all your cravings

Beyond Sushi, a booming vegan restaurant made entirely of plant-based ingredients, has swiftly expanded to three Manhattan locations in less than a decade. Offering fish substitutes, their variety of rolls includes a crowd-favorite spicy tuna roll for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

There’s also dumplings and soups along with a bar selling sake, wine and beer. Personally, I’ve found the 37th St. location to be the best. The reason? It’s so close to Bryant Park you can enjoy one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC under the open sky.

Bar Verde has found a way to bring popular Mexican dishes to a fully vegan audience. And as someone who does not follow a plant-based diet, I find myself swinging by whenever I’m in the area because the food is just that good. The menu boasts classics like tacos, flautas (taquitos), enchiladas, burritos and fajita bowls all 100% plant based.

If you’re an early rise, Bar Verde is one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC for brunch. Not only is the food amazing but they have a one hour, bottomless mimosa deal for only $30!

Is there a more quintessential New York meal than pizza? But when half the ingredients that make a killer pie don’t fit into the vegan lifestyle, what does one do? Double Zero is here to put any worries away. The pies are impressively 100% plant-based and made in a wood-burning oven.

They’re both healthy and tasty! Even better, every pie can be made gluten, soy and nut-free so food intolerances are a non-factor. Double Zero also makes non-pizza plates, including pasta dishes that could’ve fooled me into thinking they were made with real cheese. It’s no wonder the Michelin Guide donned Double Zero a Bib-Gourmand rating, given to restaurants that offer a good value.

Jungle Cafe welcomes you with vibrant colors, creating an inviting atmosphere where the staff genuinely seem to enjoy their work (weird, I know). Don’t miss out on the delicious Jungle burrito, packed with black beans, Mexican rice, pico, guacamole, seitan, vegan cheese, and mixed veggies

What sets Jungle Cafe apart is its unique buffet-style option, making it one of the most distinctive vegan spots in NYC. They rotate cuisines daily, including Indian, Mexican, and Dominican Republic, so check their Instagram for the latest schedules.

Planta, a restaurant chain established in 2016, is making waves nationwide with its focus on guilt-free dining and creating healthy meals. In NYC, two standout vegan spots from the chain are Planta in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Planta Queen in NoMad (North of Madison Square Park). A third location, Planta Cocina, is set to open soon in SoHo.

The different names have a purpose: Planta Queen specializes in Asian-inspired dishes, Planta Cocina focuses on Latin cuisine, and Planta encompasses a broader menu. When choosing between these NYC vegan restaurants, keep in mind that Planta Cocina and Planta Queen offer different menus, so check them online before making your decision!

For the ultimate vegan brunch experience in NYC, Ladybird is a must-visit, perfectly posh with a touch of pink. This tapas bar not only serves delectable plant-based dishes but also boasts drinks worth the trip alone.

Adorned with velvet seats, gold accents, and abundant flowers, Ladybird stands out as one of NYC’s cutest vegan spots. The immaculate vibe often leads to the “one more drink” game with friends. Food options rotate constantly since the cuisine relies heavily on in-season produce, but the maitake buns are a must-try.

Locals Tip: Make sure to swing by the bathroom before leaving. If there was an award for prettiest bathrooms in NYC, Ladybird would no doubt be a contender!

The Butcher’s Daughter caught my attention when I was on the hunt for the best happy hour deals in the West Village, and little did I know, it’s also a gem among NYC’s vegan restaurants.

This plant-forward eatery offers a plethora of vegan and vegetarian options, with the Butcher’s Burger (made from a vegetable & black bean patty) and cauliflower Cacio e Pepe being absolute treats. These dishes are what elevate The Butcher’s Daughter to one of the best vegan spots in NYC.

Notably, their happy hour deal is a steal, featuring cocktails for $10, beer for $6, and various food options ranging from $10-$14. For those seeking top-notch vegan cuisine on a budget, The Butcher’s Daughter is the creme de la creme.