In the past few years, you may have noticed an increase in restaurants that either have “plant based” or “vegan” in their name, boast having vegan options, or at the very least, have a little “V” listed next to some of their menu items.
Dining out as a vegan can be challenging at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Now more than ever, there are tons of great restaurants that cater to vegan diets! Here are some places that are worth checking out (in no particular order):
Bareburger
Locations: Long Island, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, etc.
Image source: @Bareburger on Instagram
Bareburger is a place where both vegans and meat-eaters can enjoy a satisfying meal. The menu is 50% vegan and offers many great options. You can choose from plant-based shakes, burgers, nuggets, and more!
Bonus: Use Foodie Card to save 10% and earn rewards on your entire meal! Click here to find participating locations.
Organic Krush
Location: Long Island
Image source: @OrganicKrush on Instagram
“Vegan” is often associated with healthy eating, which is certainly the case at Organic Krush! This “Lifestyle Eatery” offers healthy options for all, but has curated a special vegan menu to help eliminate any guesswork. Start your day off right with one of their breakfast options, or create a delicious and nutritious bowl for lunch/dinner.
Bonus: Use Foodie Card to save 10% and earn rewards on your entire meal! Click here to find participating locations.
Seasoned Vegan
Location: Harlem, Manhattan
Image source: @SeasonedVegan on Instagram
One common misconception about vegan food is that it has no flavor. Seasoned Vegan is a soul food restaurant in Harlem that completely busts that myth, and will have any vegan naysayer coming back for more. Enjoy a wide array of “veganized” soul food classics like mac and cheese, crawfish, and more!
3 Brothers of Rockville Centre
Location: Rockville Centre, Long Island
Image source: @3BrothersofRVC on Instagram
Vegan pizza? Mamma Mia! 3 Brothers of Rockville Centre serves classic slices, and delicious specialty pies like vegan bacon cheddar ranch and cheeseburger. You will be amazed by the variety that exists on their menu! There are tons of options for vegan appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
Authentic Thai Cuisine
Location: Merrick, Long Island
Image source: @AuthenticThaiCuisine on Instagram
Thai restaurants are typically vegan friendly, but Authentic Thai Cuisine takes it to the next level. They have an outlined vegan menu to help avoid any confusion. They also offer some menu items that aren’t available at many other Thai restaurants like vegetable curry puffs and vegan Thai iced tea. Yum!
The Whole Bowl
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Image source: EatTheWholeBowl on Instagram
At The Whole Bowl, they keep things simple. The only meal they serve is a bowl, which comes with brown rice, black and red beans, avocado, cilantro, black olives, Tillamook cheddar, sour cream, salsa, and their wildly popular Tali sauce. To opt out of the cheddar and sour cream to make it 100% vegan, just ask! With all of these great ingredients, it’s no wonder why they say “it’s like eating a hug.”
Bonus: Use Foodie Card to save 10% and earn rewards on your entire meal! Click here to learn more.
Tofubox
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Image source: @Tofubox.Brooklyn on Instagram
Tofubox is a 100% vegetarian restaurant that serves Asian cuisine. The majority of the menu is vegan, and with so many options, you’ll probably have trouble choosing what to get the first time you visit! If you need help narrowing it down, go for one of the box set meals!
Willow Vegan Bistro
Location: Chelsea, Manhattan
Image source: @WillowNewYork on Instagram
Willow Vegan Bistro is a newer restaurant that has arrived to Manhattan and has already gained a lot of popularity. They offer many veganized comfort food dishes like eggplant lasagna, ‘steak’ and frites, and ice cream. You’ll definitely want to try one of their juices too. It’s a great place to visit for a date or to great food pics for your Insta!
Modern Love
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Image source: @ModernLoveBrooklyn on Instagram
If you’re craving a more upscale vegan dining experience, pay a visit to Modern Love. A lot of the menu items are popular foods like wings, nachos, and fried chicken, but made with a vegan twist. Each dish has generous portions that are beautifully plated. This restaurant is a great spot for a date or special occasion.
Veggie Castle II
Location: South Richmond Hill, Queens
Image source: @VeggieCastle on Instagram
Veggie Castle is the kind of place that has lots of “regulars” due to its affordable prices and vast menu options, I mean who doesn’t like getting some bang for their buck? They offer a variety of sandwiches, tons of sides to choose from, and up to 40 juice combinations!
The Purple Elephant
Location: West Northport, Long Island
Image source: @ThePurpleElephantRestaurant on Instagram
Anyone, especially vegans, can have a deliciously clean and colorful meal at The Purple Elephant. They have veganized comfort foods like wings, tuna melts, and quesadillas, all while making them with simple, whole ingredients. Guilt-free vegan goodies await you!
Bonus: Use Foodie Card to save 10% and earn rewards on your entire meal! Click here to learn more.
Bati Ethiopian Kitchen
Location: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Image source: @BatiKitchen on Instagram
Bati Ethiopian Kitchen is a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with a vegan menu that gets a lot of love! There are eight tasty options to try, which are made with the best whole ingredients. They offer a special vegan combination platter if you have trouble deciding on what to get as well – it’s definitely tough to choose!
Bonus: Use Foodie Card to save 10% and earn rewards on your entire meal! Click here to learn more.
Anand Indian Cuisine
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Image source: Anand Indian Cuisine on Facebook
When it comes to eating at a restaurant that isn’t soley vegan, one concern is possible cross-contamination. At Anand Indian Cuisine, you can enjoy your meal with great confidence that it is indeed 100% vegan. The chefs are keen on preparing each vegan dish with the utmost care. Go and enjoy a selection of vegan Indian dishes that are made with lots of flavor and flair.
Bonus: Use Foodie Card to save 10% and earn rewards on your entire meal! Click here to learn more.
no5nyc
Location: Long Island City, Queens
Image source: @no5nyc on Instagram
no5nyc has an extensive vegan menu which makes it hard to resist ordering every.single.thing! This restaurant likes to keep it fresh so everything is farm to table. Think elevated comfort foods!
Champ’s Diner
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Image source: @ChampsDiner on Instagram
This 100% meat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free diner is a vegan foodie’s dream! Whether you’re craving something sweet (like French toast, pancakes, or shakes) or are in the mood for something savory (like a vegan Philly cheesesteak, burgers, or sandwiches) Champ’s is the place to be!
Want more recommendations for great vegan restaurants in NYC and Long Island?
Follow @veryvivaciousvegan on Instagram to check out my dining adventures!