New York is having a love affair with meatless options, and the trend is likely to continue. We have no doubt that 2021 will be a year of more plant-based restaurant openings. In fact, one of the city’s most renowned and upscale restaurants, Eleven Madison Park, re-opened this June with a shocking announcement. They will serve an all plant-based menu. Owner and Chef Daniel Humm said on Instagram: “When we began to think about reopening EMP, we realized that not only has the world changed, but so have we.” 

Consuming less meat is better for our health and the health of the planet and it seems the hospitality industry is getting the message. As we get back out there this summer, we will continue to discover fun places with vegan-friendly menus. Thinking of giving it a try yourself? Discover our list of must-try restaurants we love and continue to frequent. 

Jajaja

Jajaja will make you forget meat ever existed. With four Jajaja locations, Raise Hospitality Group knows how to reel you in with tranquil vacation decor by Clear Studios, fun times, and satisfying Mexican dishes. We visited their original location on the Lower East Side. If you love Mexican food and cocktails, Jajaja’s menu will not disappoint. Mexican corn is always a must as well as the Crispy Chayote Fish.

(photo at the top of this post) The plentiful nachos at Jajaja were a great start to our satisfying plant-based lunch. 

Best Vegan and Plant-Based Restaurants NYC

Right, squeezing more lime into the Cilantro y Mezcal Cocktail. Service, atmosphere and interiors matter to us as much as the food. Jajaja on the Lower East Side has done a great job of making this location feel like a cool downtown restaurant and a holiday getaway at the same time. 

Best Vegan and Plant-Based Restaurants NYC

The Dinosaur Kale Bowl. Right, the booth at Jajaja surrounds you in natural materials and plants.

Jajaja, 162 E Broadway (corner Essex St )

Best Vegan and Plant-Based Restaurants NYC  

Lady Bird / Soda Club / Cadence

Soda Club and Cadence are among the newest Overthrow Hospitality openings. Soda Club serves a selection of over 200 natural and organic wines, curated by Wine Director, Drew Brady, while Cadence focuses on soul food by chef Shenarri Freeman. 

Overthrow Hospitality continues to grow their portfolio with a list of modern vegan restaurants, mainly all located in the East Village. Among them Lady Bird, Avant Garden, Cadence and the newly opened Soda Club. Ravi DeRossi’s secret to success might be his aesthetic vision. Vegan and non-vegan New Yorkers alike flock to eat and drink in an environment that serves healthy eats with tasteful decor that elevates the experience.

If you and your other dinner guests feel extra hungry order the eggplant marinara and then split the chocolate fondue.

Best Vegan and Plant-Based Restaurants NYC

Our go-to bites at Lady Bird are the Buffalo Maitake Buns and PO Boy Buns. Order both because each has a special flavor and dare to pick a favorite.  

Lady Bird, 111 E 7th Street (betw First Avenue/Avenue A) 

Soda Club, 155 Avenue B (corner 10th Street )

Best Vegan and Plant-Based Restaurants NYC CARAVAN OF DREAMS

Caravan of Dreams

Caravan of Dreams has been serving truly vegan, kosher, and organic food since the 90s. This restaurant continues to have a loyal following for a reason, they pride themselves on serving truly healthy meals and drinks in a no frills environment. The funky decor and consistent live music entertainment makes this place a gem, and it is our go-to place for raw superfood smoothies or custom juices. Since the pandemic, Caravan of Dreams has created a fun outdoor seating area, perfect for dining out with your family, vegans from out of town, or a date. When eating at Caravan of Dreams make sure to order the Nachos, Spanish Paella, Creamy Sesame Miso Ramen, and a custom juice or smoothie. 

Caravan of Dreams, 405 E 6th St (betw First Avenue/Avenue A)

Pop’s Eat-Rite

Pop’s Eat-Rite belongs to Endless Hospitality Group, which owns some of the most popular bars in New York City, like Wayland and Goodnight Sonny. The group recognized the change in the restaurant industry and opened Pop’s Eat-Right when the city needed it the most—during the pandemic. The concept made space for plant-based fast food. 

Pop’s Eat-Rite serves the classic smashburger, made of Impossible Meat, vegan donuts and ice cream, and sides like french fries, plus veggies. We enjoy the Classic plus a Cup of Kale (comes with vegan ranch dressing and sunflower seeds). Photo via @popseatrite

Pop’s Eat-Rite, 123 St Marks Place (betw First Avenue/Avenue A)

Le Botaniste

Le Botaniste was created by the owner of Le Pain Quotidien. A sign above their Soho locations reads “Let Food Be The Medicine,” and it is clear that a lot of thought has been put into the nutritional value of each dish. Le Botaniste has four New York locations and three in Belgium. The concept of putting more plants instead of meat on our plates is catching on. 

Le Botaniste interiors resemble an upscale apothecary or a french cafe. Grab a friend for a healthy lunch after shopping in Soho or working out. 

Le Botaniste aims to keep the body energized while caring about planet health. Wondering what to order? Tibetan Mama and Vegetable Tajine always speak to us. 

Images courtesy of Lebotaniste.us

Le Botaniste, 127 Grand St (betw Broadway/Crosby Street)

Divya’s Kitchen

Divya’s Kitchen remained strong during the pandemic, with easy take-out, delivery, products for sale, like Cultured Ghee and Mung Soup, and stylish outdoor dining to match the interior. Today the restaurant is as busy as ever. If you find yourself in need of vegetarian cuisine that is largely gluten-free and follows the principles of ayurvedic medicine, look no further than Divya’s Kitchen. 

Chef Divya Alter takes a global approach to ayurvedic cuisine and even helps run a cultural center, Bhakti Center, right next door to the restaurant. 

Divya’s Kitchen, 25 First Avenue (betw 1st/2nd Street)