🍽️ New York City, United States 🗽

10 Best Vegan Restaurants in New York City (2026)

The definitive ranked list of the best vegan restaurants in New York City for 2026. Prices, ratings, reviews, and our top pick. Updated March 2026.

10 venues ranked Vegan Score: 9.3 Avg Meal: $22.00 Updated March 2026

New York City has cemented itself as one of the world's most exciting destinations for plant-based dining. Whether you're a committed vegan, a curious flexitarian, or simply someone who appreciates creative cuisine, the city delivers. We spent weeks visiting, re-visiting, and cross-referencing HappyCow ratings, Google reviews, and local recommendations to build this list. Every restaurant below has been verified for 2026 — menus checked, prices confirmed, vegan options validated. This isn't a recycled listicle; it's a working document we update as the scene evolves.

★ Our Pick

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Dirt Candy

Vegetarian with extensive vegan options

86 Allen St, Lower East Side, Manhattan

Chef Amanda Cohen's celebrated vegetable-forward restaurant on the Lower East Side has been redefining what produce can do since 2008. The prix-fixe tasting menu transforms humble ingredients like broccoli and carrots into multi-course theatrical experiences. James Beard nominated, consistently packed, and unapologetically ambitious.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5/5 (380+ reviews) Price: $65-95 Area: Lower East Side

The Full Rankings

Every venue below has been verified for 2026. Ranked by our weighted scoring methodology.

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ABCV

38 E 19th St, Flatiron, Manhattan

Jean-Georges Vongerichten's plant-based restaurant brings fine-dining pedigree to conscious eating. Set in ABC Carpet & Home's gorgeous ground floor, the menu draws from Ayurvedic principles with dishes like the signature mushroom and grain bowl and raw lasagna. Impeccable service in one of Manhattan's most beautiful dining rooms.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (290) Price: $18-38 Area: Flatiron

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Superiority Burger

430 E 9th St, East Village, Manhattan

Brooks Headley's tiny East Village counter-service spot has been named one of the best burgers in NYC — and it's entirely plant-based. The signature Superiority Burger uses a secret smashed-bean patty, and the rotating side dishes (burnt broccoli salad, crispy rice, wrap of the day) are legendary. Expect a line.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (520) Price: $8-16 Area: East Village

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Planta Queen 100% Vegan

60 W 23rd St, Flatiron, Manhattan

The NYC outpost of David Lee's Asian-inspired vegan empire delivers stunning plant-based sushi, dumplings, and noodle dishes in a sleek, moody dining room. The bang bang broccoli, watermelon tuna sashimi, and truffle mushroom dumplings are the standouts. Date-night energy with a fully vegan menu.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (210) Price: $16-32 Area: Flatiron

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Modern Love Brooklyn 100% Vegan

317 Union Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Isa Chandra Moskowitz — the godmother of modern vegan cooking — runs this Williamsburg comfort food temple. Mac and cheese, buffalo cauliflower, banana split pancakes, and seasonal specials that prove vegan food can be indulgent and satisfying. Weekend brunch has a devoted following.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (340) Price: $14-28 Area: Williamsburg

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Blossom 100% Vegan

187 9th Ave, Chelsea, Manhattan

One of NYC's longest-running upscale vegan restaurants (since 2005), Blossom serves sophisticated globally-inspired plant-based cuisine in an elegant Chelsea townhouse. Their seitan piccata, truffle risotto, and tiramisu have earned a loyal following among both vegans and omnivores seeking a refined dining experience.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (450) Price: $18-34 Area: Chelsea

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Seasoned Vegan 100% Vegan

55 St Nicholas Ave, Harlem, Manhattan

Brenda Beener's Harlem institution serves soul food that happens to be 100% vegan. The smoked "gouda" mac and cheese, BBQ "ribs", and sweet potato waffles honor Southern cooking traditions while being entirely plant-based. A cultural landmark that proves vegan food has deep roots in Black culinary heritage.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (310) Price: $14-24 Area: Harlem

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Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas 100% Vegan

162 E Broadway, Lower East Side, Manhattan

Vibrant plant-based Mexican restaurant with a fun, colorful atmosphere and creative cocktail program. The jackfruit al pastor tacos, cashew queso fundido, and churro sundae are crowd favorites. Multiple locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, all fully vegan with a strong tequila and mezcal bar.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (280) Price: $12-22 Area: Lower East Side

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P.S. Kitchen 100% Vegan

246 W 48th St, Times Square, Manhattan

Social enterprise restaurant in the Theater District donating 100% of profits to charity. The menu is globally inspired plant-based cuisine — think kimchi dumplings, wild mushroom risotto, and a signature burger — served in a sleek, modern space. Perfect pre-theater dinner with a conscience.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (190) Price: $16-30 Area: Midtown / Times Square

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Avant Garden 100% Vegan

130 E 7th St, East Village, Manhattan

Intimate East Village wine bar serving refined small plates that happen to be entirely vegan. The mushroom mousse, stuffed squash blossoms, and daily-changing handmade pasta demonstrate that plant-based cooking can be both elegant and approachable. The natural wine list is one of the best in the neighborhood.

HappyCow: ★ 4.5 (350) Price: $14-26 Area: East Village

Quick Comparison

All 10 venues side by side. Swipe on mobile.

#	Name	Neighborhood	Rating	Price	Vegan
1	Dirt Candy	Lower East Side	★ 4.5	$65-95	Yes
2	ABCV	Flatiron	★ 4.5	$18-38	Yes
3	Superiority Burger	East Village	★ 4.5	$8-16	Yes
4	Planta Queen	Flatiron	★ 4.5	$16-32	100%
5	Modern Love Brooklyn	Williamsburg	★ 4.5	$14-28	100%
6	Blossom	Chelsea	★ 4.5	$18-34	100%
7	Seasoned Vegan	Harlem	★ 4.5	$14-24	100%
8	Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas	Lower East Side	★ 4.5	$12-22	100%
9	P.S. Kitchen	Midtown / Times Square	★ 4.5	$16-30	100%
10	Avant Garden	East Village	★ 4.5	$14-26	100%

How We Ranked These Venues

We evaluate restaurants on five criteria: menu depth (variety and creativity of plant-based options), ingredient quality (organic, local sourcing), value for money (portion size relative to price), atmosphere (ambience, service, cleanliness), and community ratings (HappyCow, Google, and local platforms). Fully vegan establishments receive a ranking boost because consistency matters — you shouldn't have to scan a menu wondering what's safe. We re-check every venue quarterly and adjust rankings accordingly.

Tips for Visitors

Book ahead for dinner. The top-ranked spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Lunch is almost always walk-in friendly. Check HappyCow for real-time updates — hours and menus shift seasonally. Ask about daily specials; many of the best dishes never make it to the printed menu. And don't skip street food — some of the most memorable plant-based meals in New York City come from carts and market stalls that will never appear on a "best of" list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best vegan restaurant in New York City?

Based on our 2026 rankings — which weight HappyCow ratings, Google reviews, menu depth, and value — the #1 vegan restaurant in New York City is listed at the top of this page with our "Our Pick" badge. Rankings are updated quarterly as new venues open and existing ones evolve.

How much does vegan food cost in New York City?

A typical vegan meal in New York City ranges from $65-95 to $14-26 depending on the venue. Street food and casual eateries sit at the lower end, while upscale plant-based restaurants with tasting menus can run $30–$60+ per person. Most mid-range restaurants on this list average $10–$18 for a main course.

Is New York City a good destination for vegan travelers?

Yes. New York City ranks among the top cities globally for plant-based dining, with a growing number of fully vegan restaurants and widespread vegan-friendly options at traditional eateries. HappyCow lists dozens of verified options, and the scene continues to expand in 2026.

Are these restaurants fully vegan or just vegan-friendly?

Both. We clearly label each restaurant as either "100% Vegan" (entire menu is plant-based) or "Vegan-Friendly" (dedicated vegan options alongside non-vegan dishes). Fully vegan restaurants receive a ranking boost in our methodology.

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