If you’re a vegan or vegetarian foodie in NYC, you know that the best way to enjoy your favorite dishes is by going out for them. New York is the largest city in the entire world and with that title, it sure does deliver when it comes to its cuisine culture. Over the years, there has been a shift in the culinary world to accommodate people who aspire to eat cleaner.
Restaurants specializing in plant-based food have seen a significant rise, and some of these restaurants have managed to gain recognition as top Michelin Star vegan restaurants in NYC. Whether you prefer eating Asian, Italian, or French cuisine, you’ll certainly find what you love at these vegan and vegetarian Michelin Star restaurants in NYC.
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1. Contra
Type of Cuisine: Plant-Forward
Contra in the Lower East Side of New York is undoubtedly one of the finest restaurants in the city, delivering adventurous food and interesting tasting menus that make it deserving of its Michelin Star. The restaurant embodies proof that vegan food can also be incredibly delicious.
- Address: 138 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
- Operating Hours: 6 – 10PM, Tuesday to Saturday
2. Dirt Candy
Type of Cuisine: Vegetarian
With a unique name such as Dirt Candy, it isn’t surprising that this vegetarian restaurant offers such delicious meals. Chef Amanda Cohen manages to show customers how amazing vegetables can be when prepared correctly. A speciality meal that is a broccoli hot dog, infused with warm broccoli kraut and a Carolina mustard sauce is a flavourful meal that’s fun and innovative. Their love for vegetables is not just for dinner, they also serve vegetable inspired desserts such as the triple-layer cauliflower cake with white icings.
- Address: 86 Allen St., 10002 New York
- Operating Hours: 5:30 – 10PM, Tuesday to Saturday
3. Glasserie
Type of Cuisine: Middle Eastern
As the name suggests, Glasserie restaurant is situated in an old glass factory in the northern part of Greenpoint. Their Middle Eastern food includes a table-shared mezze feast that’s served with other small dishes. Their Executive Chef Yusuf Lovett favours working with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
- Address: 95 Commercial St, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Ny 11222
- Operating Hours: 12:00-3PM & 5:30-9PM Monday to Thursday, 12:3PM & 5:30-10PM Friday, 11AM-4PM & 5:30-10PM Saturday, 11AM-4PM & 5:30-9PM Sunday
4. HanGawi
Type of Cuisine: Korean
HanGawi is a vegetarian only restaurant that truly represents an authentic traditional Korean experience, with its own modern twist. Everything about the restaurant is unique, with its no shoe policy, low traditional tables and serene ambience and meditative music. HanGawi’s philosophy is to make healthy food delicious for all, in order to keep the body balanced. Expect to enjoy plenty of freshly grown green vegetables, radishes, carrots, and potatoes.
- Address: 12 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016
- Operating Hours: 5-9:30PM Monday to Thursday
5. 232 Bleecker
Type of Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Chef Suzanne Cupps is the Head Chef of 232 Bleecker, which is situated at the West Village. The restaurant is intimate enough to allow the chef to interact with customers on a personal level. They have an enormous wood-burning hearth which allows visitors to enjoy their bright salads, flavourful pasta and dishes that are vegetable-forward. Some of the meals to try is their Koginut squash that’s paired with a black barely salad and a creamy pepita mole.
- Address: 232 Bleecker St., New York, 10014
- Operating Hours: 12-3PM, 5-10PM Tuesday to Sunday
6. abcV
Type of Cuisine: Vegetarian
abcV is found inside the flagship showroom of the ABC Carpet & Home. The restaurant prides itself in offering elevated vegetarian cuisine in a space that’s beautifully minimalistic. The clean space, with bursts of bright colours has an open kitchen, which allows for a happy and inviting scenery. Their menu is detailed with options ranging from green chickpea hummus, served with emmer wheat pita, to refreshing crudités. abcV’s Pastry Chef Karen DeMasco’s vegan chocolate cake is a must.
- Address: 38 E. 19th St., New York, 10003
- Operating Hours: 12 – 3PM, 5 – 11PM, Monday – Friday, 11AM – 3PM, 5 -11PM Saturday and Sunday
7. Avant Garden
Type of Cuisine: Vegan
Avant Garden is located in the East Village, and they are a true testament of breaking the stereotype that vegan and vegetation food have to imitate meat. Their goal is to serve each dish as uniquely as possible to bring out its own ingredient’s personality. This upscale restaurant knows what its selling point is, and they do it quite impressively.
- Address: 130 E 7th St, New York, NY, 10009
- Operating Hours: 5-11PM Tuesday to Sunday
8. Blossom
Type of Cuisine: Vegan & vegetarian
Blossom offers a long menu that’s filled with inventive organic vegan food which are carefully crafted with attention to detail. The restaurant itself is stunning, filled with earthy tones that bring out a relaxed and comfortable setting. Meals to try at Blossom are their Seitan Piccanta, Tofu BLT and BBQ jackfruit.
- Address: 507 Columbus Ave, New York, NY, 10024
- Operating Hours: 12 – 9PM Daily
9. Nix
Type of Cuisine: Vegan and vegetarian
Nix is a restaurant founded by a Michelin Star chef John Fraser and James Truman. Their aim was to create a restaurant that aims to celebrate enjoying vegan and vegetarian cuisine, instead of perceiving this type of cuisine as a sacrifice. Their dishes feature meals that are seasonal, shareable, and extremely flavourful.
- Address: 72 University PI, New York, NY 10003
- Operating Hours: 5:30- 10PM Monday to Thursday, 5-10PM Friday & Saturday, 5-10PM Sunday
10. Double Zero
Type of Cuisine: Vegan
Matthew Kenny is a plant-based food guru and his vision for the restaurant was to create a space where vegans and vegetarians can simply enjoy. The chef describes Double Zero as crafting the future of food. The restaurant is strictly vegan, with no dairy or meat served. On the menu, expect to find low-gluten pizza, sweet potato cavatelli and a vegan cheese plate. If you are one to enjoy plant-based cuisine, Double Zero offers that and a lot more.
- Address: 65 Second Ave., New York, 10003
- Operating Hours: 12-11PM Sunday to Thursday, 12PM-12AM Friday & Saturday
One thing’s for sure, there’s no shortage of amazing Michelin star vegan restaurant NYC options!
Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.