The Resy Guide to Dining While (or With) a Vegan in New York

Golden Diner is what would happen if our platonic ideal of a diner left its small hometown, moved to the big city, and discovered really cool bands. Yeah, there are (truly incredible) pancakes and a club sandwich (improved upon with the addition of katsu), but there are also vegetarian mushroom reuben quesadillas, a vegan hero with charred yuba, and some tasty vegan nachos. It’s cheffy without being stuffy — something we all should strive toward. Top it off with a pitcher of beer (at a very reasonable $30) or a soju cocktail.

Our favorite vegan dishes: Nachos, grilled cheese, Caesar, and the vegetalian hero.

Who can resist a West Village basement restaurant that feels open, airy, and elegant? Not us. Go here for special occasions (or a special Wednesday night), to convert your non-vegan friends. The food is seasonal and sustainable in all the best ways, with a serious cocktail (go for the Roman Holiday) and wine list.

Our favorite vegan dishes: Mushroom ceviche, roasted carrots, artichoke pasta, pressed maitake, and the kale salad.

If you’ve been living under a rock and somehow haven’t heard about Semma yet, let us enlighten you. It’s a critically acclaimed, creative, delicious southern Indian restaurant that just happens to be from the same team that brought you Dhamaka and Adda. We dream of the gunpowder dosas and mulaikattiya thaniyam (sprouted mung beans). Of course, with so much fame comes setbacks, like the fact that it’s a famously tough reservation to snag. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered with Notify, and this handy guide.
 
Our favorite vegan dishes: Mirchi ka salan (stuffed long peppers), mangalore huukosa (cauliflower with garlic, chili, chutney), uzhavar santhai poriyal (red and golden beets, butternut squash, mustard greens), and coconut rice.

Vegan Thai cuisine options abound, and Somtum Der stands out for ones that are superbly done. Their pad thai (ask for no eggs if you prefer a vegan version) is among our favorites in the city, and omnivores dare not sleep on the fried chicken thigh for which they’re known. We’re partial to the Red Hook location for its cozy backyard, but the East Village spot is equally excellent.

Our favorite vegan dishes: Tum mangsavirat (papaya salad), larb hed kao kuo (mushroom larb), and sticky rice.

Olea makes us feel like we’re sitting somewhere coastal (which we guess, technically, we are) and wearing cream-colored linen pants. Go for the hummus, fried brussels sprouts, and the paella Greco for the omnivores in the group.

Our favorite vegan dishes: Paella vegano, whole-grain farro pasta (ask for cashew vegan Parmesan), vegan keftedes, Greek village salad (ask for vegan feta), and hummus.

GupShup is gorgeous and fun — perfect for those who also fit that description. It’s classic Indian cuisine with some fun, uplifting touches. Indulge in the biryani, masala fries, garlic naan, and the extensive Indian whiskey list.

Our favorite vegan dishes: Crispy okra and guacamole, Himalayan morels, curried chickpeas, and magic masala fries.

Kokomo is a scene in our favorite sense of the word. It’s full of beautiful people, dancing music, and Instagram-worthy décor. Did we mention the slow-braised oxtail? The vegan mushroom and truffle flatbread? The sweet plantains? Kokomo isn’t just a pretty face. Don’t skip the largely tropical-inspired cocktail list, either.

Our favorite vegan dishes: Jackfruit tacos, roasted stuffed sweet plantains, and lentil meatballs in coconut curry.

Is there anything better than a bowl of pho? The smell alone is enough to put us in an incredible mood. Di An Di perfects that iconic dish, serving up steamy bowls of heaven’s noodle soup, banh mi, and plenty of appetizers and small plates that invite you to linger inside that feeling of eating pho all day long.

Our favorite vegan dishes: Fried eggplant, spring rolls, and the grilled tofu banh mi or skewers.

Impress your date with this Israeli spot that’s simultaneously cozy and cool. The menu changes nearly every day (which can be a nightmare for those with dietary restrictions, we know), but the “earth creatures” section pretty much always has excellent options, and the staff is friendly and accommodating as can be.

Our favorite vegan dishes: Surprise! We can’t say. Check beforehand with the kitchen to make sure you’re covered.

Baba Cool’s Williamsburg location is a restaurant for all seasons and occasions. The all-day restaurant and café with an enviable outdoor patio (it’s got couches, petanque, and a disco ball, and is heated and covered in the winter!) also has a menu that truly satisfies everyone. Crispy brussels sprouts, or brisket aligot, anyone?

Our favorite vegan dishes: Lentil paté, choux bowl (warm vegetables served over quinoa with a coconut curry dressing), and the Drunken Gabi (rice noodles with vegetables).

Vegan pizza is hard to find. Good vegan pizza is damn near impossible. Public Display of Affection (pizza + vegetables, as their slogan says) fits the bill just right for us. It’s a great option for a group with mixed diets; start with the arancini, potatoes, and shishitos. Plenty of cocktails later, go in for the pizza.

Our favorite vegan dishes: PDA salad, shishito peppers, red pizza, and white pizza.

We love Tacombi for its convenience. Whatever neighborhood you’re trying to meet up in, the chances that there’s a Tacombi nearby are generally pretty high. Plus, the food happens to be good, and the vibe always happens to be fun. Go ahead, get chips for the table and a pitcher of spicy margaritas.
 
Our favorite vegan dishes: Guacamole, rice and beans, and the Vegana burrito.

Famously, New York’s premier destination for an hours-long fine-dining experience went vegan in 2021 to much fanfare. And we’re here to say that chef Daniel Humm and team have proven they were more than up to the pivot, with some of the most interesting plant-based dishes in the city coming out of this kitchen. As the lone totally vegan restaurant on this guide, we can confidently say this is a noteworthy dining destination, as well as a splurge (meals here start at $285 per person for six courses in the main dining room), but there’s always the $195 bar tasting menu if you’re looking for a more casual experience.

Our favorite vegan dishes: As with Shmoné (see above), we can’t really say, because the plant-based menu changes pretty frequently with the seasons. However, we highly endorse savoring the bread service with their luscious dairy-free butter.