A curated, opinionated ranking by the VeganBites editorial team
Last updated: March 2026
PLANTA Williamsburg is the crown jewel of NYC vegan fine dining. The sushi platters rival any omakase in the city, and the cauliflower T-bone is a work of art. Go for the tasting menu — you will not regret it.
Avant Garden takes seasonal vegetables and transforms them into dishes that would make Michelin inspectors weep. The small plates format encourages sharing and exploring, and the natural wine list is impeccable.
Candle 79 has been a cornerstone of upscale vegan dining since before it was trendy. The seitan piccata and the live lasagna are legendary. A place that proves vegan fine dining has real staying power.
Modern Love brings Isa Chandra Moskowitz's cookbook empire to life. The mac and shew is comfort food perfection, and the seasonal specials always surprise. This is where vegans go for a proper date night.
The vegan outpost of the beloved ramen chain delivers rich, complex broths that rival the original. The kabocha buns are addictive. Finally, a spot where your non-vegan friends will stop complaining about the restaurant choice.
Next Stop Vegan proves that Dominican cuisine translates beautifully to plant-based. The mangu platter and the pernil are revelations. One of the most unique vegan restaurants in the entire city.
Nix may be vegetarian, but the vast majority of the menu is vegan or easily modified. The crispy Brussels sprouts with avocado cream are a must-order. Fine dining that puts vegetables center stage.
Franchia is a serene escape from Manhattan chaos. The soy beef with sesame leaves and the crispy mushroom dumplings are menu highlights. Come for the food, stay for the meditative atmosphere and extensive tea selection.
Peacefood has been feeding the Upper West Side for years, and the quality never dips. The chickpea fries, the Japanese pumpkin pie, and the daily soups are all must-tries. Casual, reliable, delicious.
Clementine Bakery is Brooklyn's vegan pastry paradise. The donuts sell out by noon for good reason. Grab a coffee and a cinnamon roll and post up in Fort Greene. Weekend brunch here is a rite of passage.
New York's vegan scene is evolving faster than ever. Honorable mentions go to Kajitsu for its extraordinary shojin cuisine, Junoon for upscale Indian vegetarian, and the countless plant-based delis, food trucks, and pop-ups that keep the city's vegan community thriving. We'll update this list as new contenders emerge — and trust us, they always do in this city.