When I first wrote the Esoteric Guide to New York back in 2003, it never occrured to me to included Vegan and spiritually-based restaurants and cafes. However, you can’t separate diet from spirituality. . The predomoniate diet in the Kali Yuga is the “Keto” or “Paleo” diets, which focus on the consumption of animals and animal procutcts. However, the best diet for spiritual growth is high vibration, plant-based diet. Going plant-based is also good for the environment - and the animals will love you for it. NYC has some of the best Vegan and Vegetarian resaturants in the world. These are some of my favorite spiritual and cruelty free restaurants in the city:

Vegan Restaurants in Manhattan

Eleven Madison Park

This award-winning fine dining restaurant reopened as a fully plant-based establishment in 2021. In 2022, it became the first vegan restaurant in the Michelin Guide to receive a three-star rating. Offering three distinct menus, including a bar tasting menu and a main dining room tasting menu, Eleven Madison Park provides a luxurious and leisurely dining experience.

Beyond Sushi

Known for its inventive plant-based sushi rolls, Beyond Sushi offers a menu featuring black rice, mango, hickory-smoked jackfruit, dumplings, and rice paper rolls. With multiple locations in Midtown and the Upper East Side, this casual sit-down restaurant is ideal for solo lunches or weeknight dates, complemented by a selection of cocktails.

Jajaja Mexicana

Serving modern Latin and Mexican vegan cuisine, Jajaja Mexicana's menu includes tacos, gorditas, plantain chips, nachos, chile relleno, churros, and flan. Established in 2017 in Manhattan's Chinatown, it has become a vibrant spot for flavorful plant-based dishes.

Spicy Moon

This East Village vegan Szechuan restaurant offers dishes like dan dan noodles with Impossible meat, mapo tofu, and a trio of eggplant options. Spicy Moon brings the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine to the vegan dining scene.

Avant Garden

Located in the East Village, Avant Garden provides an upscale contemporary vegan dining experience. The menu, crafted by chef Tony Mongeluzzi, features artfully presented dishes that highlight the flavors and textures of plant-based ingredients.

Cadence

Executive Chef Shenarri Freeman brings Southern-inspired vegan cuisine to the East Village at Cadence. Signature dishes include Southern fried lasagna, hearts of palm cakes with chickpeas, and silken smoked grits, all served in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

HanGawi

Transporting diners to an authentic Korean sanctuary, HanGawi offers a menu featuring staple Korean dishes like dumplings and tofu. Guests are invited to remove their shoes and settle into the cozy ambiance, enhancing the traditional dining experience.

abcV

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten elevates plant-based cuisine at abcV, located just above Union Square. The restaurant prides itself on utilizing the finest seasonal ingredients from family farms, as well as non-GMO artisanal and organic goods, to create innovative and flavorful dishes.

Le Botaniste

A plant-based café and wine bar, Le Botaniste offers a menu of globally inspired dishes, including mezze, fusion bowls, soups, and salads. With multiple locations in Manhattan, it provides a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.

PLANTA Queen

Part of a group operating in several cities, PLANTA Queen offers an upscale atmosphere with a full bar. The East-meets-West menu features sushi, nut cheeses, pasta, pizza, salads, and burgers, all crafted from plant-based ingredients.

Vegan Restaurants in Brooklyn, NY

Ras Plant Based

Located in Crown Heights, Ras Plant Based offers a vibrant Ethiopian dining experience with a fully plant-based menu. Signature dishes include the Mushroom Tibs and Butternut Squash Sambusa, all served in a colorful and welcoming atmosphere.

Toad Style

Situated in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Toad Style is known for its inventive vegan fast food, featuring BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches and Fried Cauliflower. Their commitment to soy-free, gluten-free, and palm oil-free ingredients sets them apart.

Greedi Vegan

With locations in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, Greedi Vegan serves comforting plant-based dishes like the Oyster Mushroom Po' Boy and Vegan Mac and Cheese, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Screamer's Pizzeria

As New York City's first all-vegan pizzeria, Screamer's offers a variety of creative pies, including the Artichoke Pie with pesto and house-made seitan sausage, available in Greenpoint and Crown Heights.

Bunna Cafe

Located in Bushwick, Bunna Cafe brings the flavors of Ethiopia to Brooklyn with its entirely vegan menu, featuring traditional dishes like the Mercato Platter and Dulet, served in a communal dining setting.

Champs Diner

This retro-style diner in Williamsburg offers an extensive vegan menu, from fluffy pancakes to Philly cheesesteaks, recreating classic American comfort food with a plant-based twist.

Little Choc Apothecary

Situated in Williamsburg, this cozy café specializes in organic vegan crepes, both sweet and savory, alongside fresh pastries and smoothies, all in a homey atmosphere.

The VSPOT

Located in Park Slope, The VSPOT is Brooklyn's oldest plant-based eatery specializing in Latin comfort food, offering generous portions of unique and colorful dishes.

Next Stop Vegan

Next Stop Vegan serves authentic, plant-based Dominican cuisine in Brooklyn. Known for its flavorful, soulful dishes like Sancocho and Tostones Sliders, this spot offers a unique and hearty take on Latin American flavors, all with a vegan twist.

Vegan Restaurants in Queens, NY

Smile of the Beyond

Located in Jamaica, Queens, Smile of the Beyond is a cozy, family-friendly café offering a unique blend of American diner classics and spiritual charm. Operated by students of spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, this vegetarian restaurant is known for its peaceful atmosphere and homestyle dishes like tofu scrambles, veggie burgers, and hearty breakfast platters. Their signature banana pancakes are a local favorite, drawing in loyal patrons looking for wholesome, heartwarming meals served with kindness and care.

Jujube Tree

Located in Astoria, Jujube Tree offers a pan-Asian vegan menu featuring dishes like General Tso’s soy protein and a variety of rice bowls. Their creative use of mock meats and fresh ingredients makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Seva

Situated in Astoria, Seva is renowned for its North Indian cuisine, with vegan options clearly marked on the menu. The restaurant's aromatic dishes and signature coriander chutney provide a delightful dining experience.

De Mole

With locations in Woodside and Sunnyside, De Mole serves Mexican cuisine with vegan-friendly options like seitan burritos with tofu cream cheese. Their use of vegan cheese allows for customizable quesadillas and other dishes.

Tufino Pizzeria Napoletana

Located in Astoria, Tufino Pizzeria offers vegan-friendly brick-oven-baked marinara pies with a variety of vegetable toppings. Their peppery arugula and artichoke hearts add a unique twist to traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Dosa Delight

Based in Jackson Heights, Dosa Delight specializes in South Indian vegetarian cuisine, offering vegan-friendly dosas, momos, vegetable uttapam, and aloo gobi. Their flavorful dishes are a staple for those seeking authentic Indian flavors.

Mama’s Empanadas

With a location in Jackson Heights, Mama’s Empanadas offers a variety of veggie empanadas, making it a go-to spot for those craving fried and delicious plant-based options.

Bareburger

Originating in Astoria, this organic burger chain offers multiple vegan burger patties and clearly marked vegan options, catering to plant-based diners seeking hearty meals.

Angel Indian Restaurant

Located in Jackson Heights, Angel Indian Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including flavorful curries and freshly baked breads, all served in a cozy atmosphere.

Hindu Temple Society of North America Canteen

Situated in Flushing, this canteen serves authentic South Indian vegetarian fare, including dosas and other traditional dishes, providing a spiritual and culinary experience.

El Toum

Located in Jackson Heights, El Toum is a vegan-friendly haven offering an extensive menu of Middle Eastern appetizers and vegetarian options, with dishes like falafel platters and vegan spinach pies.

Amitabha Vegan Restaurant

Amitabha Vegan Restaurant in Flushing offers a mix of traditional Chinese vegan cuisine and creative modern dishes. Known for their homemade dumplings, flavorful soups, and hearty rice bowls, Amitabha combines health-conscious eating with bold flavors in a peaceful, welcoming space.

Veggie Castle

Located in South Richmond Hill, Veggie Castle is a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired vegan eatery known for its bold flavors and hearty portions. Offering a colorful array of plant-based comfort foods like jerk seitan, vegan oxtail, and BBQ "chicken," this spot is a must-visit for anyone craving rich, flavorful Caribbean cuisine. Their rotating daily specials keep every visit fresh and exciting. Smoothies, juices, and indulgent desserts round out the menu, ensuring a satisfying meal for every taste.

Vegan Restaurants in the Bronx, NY

Next Stop Vegan

Located in the Bronx, Next Stop Vegan offers a delightful fusion of traditional Dominican flavors with a plant-based twist. Their menu features dishes like vegan sancocho and chick'n cheddar sandwiches, all served in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

The Vegan Factory

Situated on Archer Street, The Vegan Factory is known for its diverse menu, including popular items like vegan mac, sancocho, and chick'n cheddar sandwiches. The restaurant provides a cozy and clean environment, making it a favorite among locals.

Juices For Life

Beyond just a juice bar, Juices For Life offers a variety of vegan-friendly options, focusing on health-conscious beverages and snacks. It's a community hub promoting wellness in the Bronx.

Mae Mae Café & Plant Shop

A unique combination of a vegan café and plant store, Mae Mae Café offers a serene environment with a menu featuring fresh, plant-based dishes. It's a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a meal surrounded by greenery.

H.I.M. Ital Health Food Market

This Caribbean health food spot in the east Bronx offers a variety of vegan options, focusing on Ital cuisine. It's a hidden gem for those seeking authentic Caribbean vegan dishes.

Vegan Restaurants in Manhattan

Vegan Restaurants in Brooklyn, NY

Vegan Restaurants in Queens, NY

Vegan Restaurants in the Bronx, NY

Vegan Restaurants in Staten Island, NY