Strictly Vegan
Beyond Sushi
A healthy and trendy twist on sushi, this spot is 100% vegan and it uses fresh and local ingredients in all of their vibrantly colored rolls.
Pro tip: The Spicy Mang and Nutty Buddy are to die for. Period.
The Cinnamon Snail
This vegan and organic food truck is no longer around on the reg, but if you follow it on Twitter, you might be lucky enough to grab a bite. The savory sandwiches will make you foodgasm and the sweet treats are nothin’ but heavenly.
Pro tip: If you just can’t wait till Thanksgiving for some meaty seitan, stuffing and cranberry sauce, go for the Gochujang Burger and top it off with any donut. You won’t be disappointed.
LuAnn’s Wild Ginger
This Asian vegan hole-in-the-wall has a super nice staff and is great if you’re looking for a healthy and hella filling meal. It’s also just a great place to grab dessert if you’re in the NoLiTa area.
Pro tip: Ordering an entree to share is plenty for two cause you won’t wanna miss the vegan chocolate cake that’s layered with peanut butter mousse. Yas.
Peacefood Cafe
A little more upscale than a simple cafe, this restaurant has two locations. While one’s on the Upper West Side and the other’s in Union Square, they both have a similarly fresh, clean feel and offer a variety of food from roasted Japanese pumpkin to vegan key lime pie.
Pro tip: I highly recommend the savory chickpea fries. They have the same feel as steak fries do, but are extra crispy on the outside.
Blossom on Carmine
Co-founders Ronen Seri and Pamela Blackwell brought four vegan eateries to the NYC restaurant scene, each with their own menus and dining vibes. If you find yourself in the West Village, be sure to check out Blossom on Carmine
Pro tip: If you love mushrooms and pasta, the mushroom ravioli dish with truffle “butter” is bomb diggity.
V Spot
V Spot, a Latin, vegan and kosher eatery, just opened on St. Mark’s Place in the East Village. Serving up awesome empanadas, nachos and guac as appetizers, V Spot is the place to taste everything on the menu. Who would’ve thought Mexican food could be vegan?
Pro tip: If you’re looking to down more kale, try the quinoa curried kale. PS, it’s also gluten free.
Terri NYC
If you’re looking for accessible, fast but healthy food, you’ll wanna check out Terri NYC. They have fan favorites like a “meatball” sub and a “buffalo chicken” sandwich, as well as sugar free smoothies and juices. Oh, and they’re also kosher.
Pro tip: Terri offers a 6 day juice cleanse if you’re looking to hop on that bandwagon.
Pure Food and Wine
Pure Food and Wine is an upscale restaurant offering vegetarian, vegan and raw eats. It’s definitely on the pricier side, so if you’re a broke college kid try to get your parents to take you here one night after your internship.
Pro tip: Make reservations so you can sit and enjoy your meal in their instaworthy outdoor garden.
Blossom Du Jour
If you’re always looking for super quick and easy food on-the-go, Blossom Du Jour is a healthy option. You can build a bowl with things like vegan protein, side veggies and a dressing. But if you’re not feeling the bowl you can grab a sandwich or a gluten free wrap instead.
Pro tip: Breakfast is served all day if you just can’t make it there in the morning.
Strictly Vegetarian
The Butcher’s Daughter
This rustic yet modern cafe and juice bar is the perfect place to hit up for brunch. With an extensive boozy drink menu and soups, salads and toasts, you really can’t go wrong here.
Pro tip: The spicy kale Caesar salad will make you rethink your hatred towards kale. Try it.
Two Hands
As soon as you walk into this cafe you’ll see why so many “hipster” girls love it. It’s trendy, cute and minimalistic. Two Hands is well-known for its avocado toast, juices and coffee, thanks to Insta.
Pro tip: The açai bowl is just too photogenic to pass up. It’s light, refreshing and fruity, and you’re bound to get likes on it. Oh, and it tastes real good.
El Rey Coffee Bar & Luncheonette
If you’ve ever heard of Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, El Rey is owned by the same guy. And if you’re a fan of light, inventive dishes like falafel with minted cauliflower, pickled cabbage and garlic sauce on Za’atar bread, you’ll want to check this place out.
Pro tip: This little eatery is always super crowded, so try to make it here on off hours, meaning not Sunday for brunch.
Dirt Candy
Dirt Candy is a spot worth hitting up if you don’t like veggies up, even though it’s a little on the pricier side. if you don’t like your veggies. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to try Korean fried broccoli that’s described on the menu as so good, “basically it’s crack in broccoli form.”
Pro tip: The vegetable monkey bread may sound like it could never be good, but trust me, you’ll like it.
Two Tablespoons
Featured at Madison Sq. Eats and Broadway Bites, this summer spring roll stand is in the process of getting a new location. Their organic and gluten free rolls are stuffed with fresh vegetarian ingredients including veggies, grains and nutty sauces.
Pro tip: Order three rolls for $10 and wash it down with one of their hand-crafted organic sodas.
Vegetarian Dim Sum House
When it comes to Dim Sum, most of us have no clue what we’re eating. But when you head down to the Vegetarian Dim Sum House, at least you’ll know you’re avoiding those mystery meat dumplings.
Pro tip: #1 Make sure you’re super hungry. #2 Go with a bunch of friends, you’ll save a ton of money that way.
Taïm
Taïm means tasty in Hebrew and this falafel, and smoothie bar falls nothing short of that. The falafel is gluten free (beware if you’re Celiac, lots of cross-contamination) and the food’s super fresh since everything is made to order.
Pro tip: Just so ya know, Taïm also has a food truck that drives around the city.
Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
Ellary’s Greens
I literally cannot say enough good things about Ellary’s Greens. There are tons of vegetarian and vegan options for all you health nuts out there. But don’t hesitate to bring your meat-loving friends here – they have a section on the menu dedicated to protein.
Pro tip: The raw vegan chocolate mousse is more than amazing. It’s made with avocados and topped with coconut cream and fruit. Deeeeelish.
Hu Kitchen
A fast-casual restaurant with an earthy vibe, Hu provides a lot for those on the Paleo diet. Everything is gluten free, and items are also dairy and grain free, unless noted. They also have a mashbar where smoothies and juices are made to order.
Pro tip: Build your own bowl or tray with a base of quinoa or veggies, add in some mushrooms or chicken, and get the Crack Bar for dessert. You won’t regret it.
Dig Inn
This is another fast-causal spot perfect for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking. Here you can get a small tray with rice or bulgar wheat, protein and two sides. This may seem similar to the lunches you got back in elementary school, ‘cept it’s waaaay healthier and tastier.
Pro tip: Even though the small box seems like it’s not much food, it’s plenty and it only costs $8. Hint: the Sriracha green beens and sweet potatoes are super yummy.
Sweetgreen
Who ever thought a place that only offers salads would be successful? Well, three Georgetown alums made it a reality. At this joint you can build your own salad with fresh, local, sustainable, and organic ingredients, or you can order one of the well-thought out salad combos.
Pro tip: The salad “Beets Don’t Kale My Vibe” is no joke. I highly recommend that ish.
Darrow’s Farm Fresh
This newer spot located in Union Square is the only place in NY that has cold pressed juice on tap. Downstairs they have their takeout area where you can grab something healthy on-the-go. And if you’re looking for a fancier meal, head upstairs for a more traditional restaurant experience.
Pro tip: If you’re going upstairs for lunch or dinner, definitely sit by the live green plant wall for some earthy vibes.
Spring Natural Kitchen
Located on the Upper West Side, the sister restaurant to Spring Street Natural serves up unprocessed, wholesome and homemade dishes. From vegan spring veggie risotto to all types of burgers, there’s bound to be something for everyone.
Pro tip: The buckwheat pancakes are amaze-balls. Nutritious and delicious. #winwin
The Little Beet & The Little Beet Table
The menu at both locations are 100% gluten free and, as they say, “100% guiltin’ free” too. The Little Beet is the takeout counterpart to the Little Beet Table, which is a full-service restaurant.
While meat and animal products are offered, there are loads of vegetarian and vegan options. The main focus is local, seasonal, wholesome and sustainable ingredients, so you won’t feel like sh*t after you’ve eaten.
Pro tip: Order a bunch of side dishes cause it’s really hard to choose just one. Make sure you remind them not to sprinkle cheese on your food if you’re vegan.
Cocoron Soba
Get a taste of Japan at this soba, or buckwheat noodle, shop. The traditional fish broth is available for meat eaters and vegetarians can order the veggie-based broth. And when it’s too hot for soup they offer cold broth options, too.
Pro tip: A little birdie told me the Vege Yuba Dip soba is definitely the way to go.
Carmine’s
Italian and gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian aren’t words you usually hear together. But guess what? Carmine’s has changed that since they have a totally separate menu for peeps with dietary restrictions. They even have options for those who are allergic to garlic.
Pro tip: Talk about a real Italian dinner – the portions are freakin’ gigantic. You’ll be just fine with a lunch size portion of their vegan marinara gluten free pasta.
Bluestone Lane Cafe
This Aussie style coffee shop has several locations around the big city, from Midtown to FiDi. Not only do they have legit artisan coffee but they also have avocado toast and cute salads you’ll definitely want to ‘gram.
Pro tip: Porridge all the way, mates. Nothin’ more, nothin’ less.