Ranging from casual joints to special occasions and destinations

— all of these spots offer affordable, plant-based options!

It is now easier than evar to find plant-based dishes in NYC and the vegan and vegetarian options below go way beyond just veggie burgers. (New York City has plenty of those) and now also extends to special destinations as well, with exciting new spots and some of the best restaurants in the city. Here's a list of some of the best meat-free guaranteed meals you can have in this our fairest of cities!

Cadence

One of New York's best restaurants in 2021. Cadence's Executive Chef Shenarri Freeman's Southern-fried lasagna, (layered with pasta, pine nut ricotta, spinach, and red wine) Beyond Meat Bolognese, is one of the best items on the menu. The palm cakes with chickpeas and silken smoked grits are also a huge hit as well. All this is served at the chef's counter in a shimmering, narrow space. Outside seating is also available along with beer, cider, and wine.

Make a Reservation

Govinda's Vegetarian Lunch

Hidden below a windowless basement, unless you know where it is, you will most likely miss it. Govinda's is only open for lunch from Monday through to Friday. All dishes are served on red trays, cafeteria-style. You can order three dishes ($9) or four ($10), adding soup and salad for two dollars more. No matter what you choose, you will be guaranteed to receive big portions that will leave you with takeovers for the next day.

Govinda has different versions of rajma. Theirs with white beans, roasted cumin, fennel, fresh ginger, and anise. The legumes pair well with the traditional moong daal soup, a lightly spiced Ayurvedic dish, made of yellow lentils good for digestion. The soup gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling, even when consumed on a hot humid day.

@govindaskitchennyc | Instagram

Bunna Cafe

In this vegetarian Ethiopian charmer, expect to get a spread of traditional bites, red lentils, and berbere sauce, mashed split peas simmered with tomato, chickpea, and stuffing with kale. You can also expect their dishes to cool the heat this summer!

Order Delivery!

Spicy Moon

This East Village gem serves items like Dan Dan noodles with impossible meats, mapo tofu, and a trio of eggplant options too. Everything here is vegetarian, plant-based, and full of flavor.

Instagram | @spicymoonnyc

Ladybird

This establishment first opened its doors in 2016. They serve vegan drunk food items like tempura-fried broccoli, green pea fritters, and grilled cheese with tomato soup. Ladybird is an excellent option if you are tipsy and want to grab a healthy bite to eat.

Order Delivery

Greedi Vegan

Their menu here is influenced by soul food. We love a Greedi Bowl with a choice of grain or mac and cheese. Made Vegan. Topped with quinoa breaded 'fried chicken', a choice of kale, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Get your fix here! Everything is made from scratch. Soy-free and gluten-free options too.

Order Online!

Hangawi

This Korean spot is pure comfort within a very intimate setting. Their food is carefully crafted, including their leek pancakes, maitake mushroom fritters, and also offer a variety of dumplings, bibimbap, and seasonal specials too. Even New York magazine has declared it the best vegetarian food in New York. It is up there with today's most accomplished vegivore cooking. Take off your shoes (it's actually mandatory) grab a comfortable cushion seat on the floor for an hour or two and just forget all about the meat.

Champs Diner

Bushwick's favorite diner is ALL VEGAN. (They themselves call it Vegan Junk Food so there ya go!) With dishes like the hippie hash, a po boy salad, and a roster of milkshakes made with dairy alternatives. Here, you will never have to think about giving up your favorite foods, ever! They offer outdoor dining and delivery as well, and are open every day.