Best of New York: Vegetarian Restaurants

With pig roasts and New York BBQ festivals popping up nearly every weekend, it would seem like New York has become a carnivore’s city. But vegetarians need not despair: there are plenty of NYC restaurants that prefer fruit-and-veg to meat-and-potatoes.

Chennai Garden

The South Indian restaurants of Murray Hill are notable for their vegetarian menus, but Chennai Gardens stands out among its neighbors for its peaceful atmosphere and its unparalleled quality. You won’t find the chicken tikka or familiar curries of North Indian fare here, but you’ll soon become addicted to the regional specialties like dosa (a crispy filled crepe) and utthappam (a fluffy pancake). Plus, you’ll walk away full without dropping more than a $20; the lunch buffet is a steal at $7.

129 E 27th St, Manhattan; (212) 689-1999

Pure Food and Wine

One of the best things to come out of the “raw food” movement of the early 2000s, the dishes from Pure Food and Wine are not only entirely vegan, but also entirely raw. To preserve the healthy vitamins and enzymes in your food, nothing has been heated over 118 degrees. Although main courses are quite a splurge, you’ll be eating the freshest food you can get. If it sounds less than delicious, you’ll be surprised how old favorites like lasagna, tamales, and cobbler can taste just as good without an oven or stove.

54 Irving Place, Manhattan; 212-477-1010

Taïm

For a vegetarian (and more delicious) version of fast food, head to Taïm in the West Village. With only a few barstools lined up against the window and hungry patrons spilling out onto the front steps to enjoy their meals, the tiny space is best for grabbing quick takeout rather than a leisurely meal. But the Middle Eastern street food served here is delectable, cheap and veg-friendly; their falafel has repeatedly been lauded the best in NYC.

222 Waverly Place, Manhattan.; (212) 691-1287

Dirt Candy

One of the newest additions to the NYC vegetarian scene, Dirt Candy was the brainchild of Amanda Cohen, a chef who began at Pure Food and Wine. She brings her vegetarian chops but leaves behind the raw-food-only mission for a menu that is simple but refined. Plus, the desserts are a reminder that vegetarian cuisine doesn’t always have to scream healthy – Brussels sprouts are topped with brown butter, broccolini is served with a rich buerre blanc, and the sesame caramel cake is sinful in itself.

430 E. 9th St, Manhattan; 212-228-7732

Blossom

Well-known among the city’s vegetarians, Blossom is often the go-to restaurant for vegan and meatless diners. And for good reason: it consistently produces unusual, delectable, and surprisingly filling meals without any animal products. The food doesn’t stop at just vegetables; protein substitutes like protein, tempeh and seitan are all given star treatment here, to tempt even the most cynical carnivore.

187 Ninth Ave., Manhattan; 212-627-1144