Manhattan is widely recognised as a top location for foodies, especially for vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Restaurants, here, offer everything from healthy eating meals to Michelin-star fine dining, burgers to kimichi bowls and everything in between. When visiting Manhattan, it’s important not to waste time and only head to the best restaurants in town; be sure to head to Dirt Candy to discover how they work with vegetables to create some of the city’s finest vegetarian food, or the creamiest vegan mac and cheese at Red Bamboo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read below to find out about the vegetarian restaurants in Manhattan, New York City.
1. Buddha Bodai
The Original Buddha Bodai is a China Town institution which has been serving delicious kosher vegetarian food since its opening in 2014, with food curated by Chef Dong who has been in the business for 45 years. Buddha Bodai has been dedicated to producing food which reflects China’s rich culinary history, the menu is full of both traditional and modern dishes. Previous guests have raved about the vegan BBQ pork bao buns and vegetarian dim sum, there are plenty of mock meat options for those who might miss the flavour pallet of meat and a plethora of vegetable and tofu options to choose from on the menu.
Buddha Bodai
Address: 5 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Website: Buddha Bodai
Opening hours: 11am - 9.30pm (daily)
2. Dirt Candy
Dirt Candy is has a simple approach to food, they serve vegetables, and only vegetables - but vegetables which have been cooked and served to create the most stunning array of dishes. The menu includes such masterpieces such as “The Vegetable Patch” which is a five-course tasting menu, or “The Vegetable Garden” which offers guests a ten-course extravaganza. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sundays, and it includes salads, smoked cabbage hot pot and Tortellini, but you’d best book before you go.
Dirt Candy
Address: 86 Allen Street, NYC, NY 10002
Website: Dirt Candy
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 3pm; Mon - Fri: 5.30pm - 11pm
3. abcV
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This New York sustainable living restaurant has become somewhat of an establishment for those who are health conscious and those who want high-quality food. AbcV has been serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner for the ever-growing crowd since February 2017. The menu contains a wide range of vegetarian dishes, from small bites such as fresh sauerkraut to warming and hearty mains such as mushroom walnut bolognese.
abcV
Address: 38 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Website: abcV
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 8am - 10.30am, 12pm - 3pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm; Thu - Fri: 8am - 10:30am, 12pm - 3pm, 5:30pm - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 11pm
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4. Caravan of Dreams
Long-running restaurant, Caravan of Dreams, boasts combining great food, health, music and arts in this unique eatery. Guests are regularly treated to live music nights, classes and lectures, served alongside everything from raw food to burgers - but above anything else, be sure to try the raw nachos which the majority of guests have raved about.
Caravan of Dreams
Address: 405 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
Website: Caravan of Dreams
Opening hours: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 11.30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
5. Red Bamboo
Red Bamboo offers patrons the chance to enjoy vegan comfort food served at the highest quality. Red Bamboo offers a selection of soy meats being served on the menu, from soy-chicken sandwiches to soy-citrus beef and creamy mac and cheese, which can be served either vegan or not - depending on your preferences. Red Bamboo has been serving Greenwich Village since its opening in 2002 and doesn’t seem to show any sign of slowing down, be sure to make an effort to visit this well-established restaurant for your slice of comfort food heaven.
Red Bamboo
Address: 140 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10012, USA
Website: Red Bamboo
Opening hours: Mon - Thurs: 12.30pm - 11pm; Fri: 12.30pm - 11.30pm; Sat: 12pm - 11.30pm; Sun: 12pm - 11pm
6. Nix
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nix is run by Michelin-star chefs John Fraser and James Truman who are dedicated to bringing a celebration of vegan food to the forefront of fine dining. The menu has been well thought out with light dishes and bold mains, with a full vegan menu with dishes such as Ribbons of jicama with fresno chili & blood oranges and Spicy tofu with chanterelle mushrooms, kale & schezuan pepper, as well as an extensive wine list. Be sure to book a reservation to eat here, this infamous restaurant has only grown in popularity since gaining its Michelin Star.
Nix
Address: 72 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA
Website: Nix
Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 11pm; Fri - Sun: 10.30am - 2.30pm, 5pm - 11pm
7. Blossom NYC
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Blossom uses only the freshest ingredients, which where possible are all locally sourced and organic, the food has been certified as kosher and is under the supervision of Rabbi Zev Schwarcz. There is a wide variety of options on the menu at both of the Blossom locations, in Chelsea and Upper West Side - however, be sure to try the Chefs Tasting Plate which combines the finest of dishes to ensure that no-one in your party has to miss out on trying any of the menus.
Blossom NYC
Address: Chelsea 187 Ninth Ave New York, NY 10011
Website: Blossom NYC
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 2:45pm, 5pm - 9:30pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 3:30pm, 5pm - 10pm
8. Kajitsu
Kajitsu offers a multi-course meal, with guests being offered a choice of “Hana” which is an eight-course delicacy, or the “Omakase” which is a ten-course treat in gastronomic excellence, the way the dishes are served mimics the food served in Buddhist temples throughout Japan. Although there are only two choices on the menus, it’s good to know that the menus change monthly, but always host a wide range of seasonal vegetables and the Japanese vegan protein source, nama fu.
Kajitsu
Address: 125 E 39th Street, New York, NY 10016
Website: Kajitsu
Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 5:30pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)
9. Candle 79
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Candle 79 is an all plant-based institution, which is dedicated to bringing food from farm to table, the organic food served here is free from pesticides, chemicals and hormones, meaning that you get the very best of the best on your plate. The menus are completely seasonal, meaning that you get a wide range of choices throughout the year, but you can expect to find burgers, raw desserts and flavourful salads on the menu throughout the year.
Candle 79
Address: 154 E 79th St New York, NY 10075
Website: Candle 79
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 3:30pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 3:30pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 5pm - 10pm
10. Hangawi
The Korean restaurant of Hangawi offers vegetarian cuisine which is balanced with the understanding of Yin and Yang, the chefs here believe that vegetarian diet should have both yin and yang elements in order to achieve good health and the menu reflects this belief. The seasonal highlight menu includes delights such as Todok Salad and Spicy todok in stone bowl rice, whilst the main menu includes kimchi bowls.
Hangawi
Address: 12 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016, USA
Website: Hangawi
Opening hours: Mon: 5:30pm - 10:15pm; Tues - Thurs: 12pm - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10:15pm; Fri: 12:00pm - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Sat: 1pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 5pm - 9:30pm
Find vegetarian paradise in New York
New York has a wide range of vegetarian and vegan food to enjoy, with everything from health-conscious hearty vegetable bowls to big burgers which boast a wide range of flavours and textures. You best come hungry, the city has so much to offer even the pickiest of eaters.
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