Happiness is finding out there’s a vegan or vegetarian option on the menu! Looking for a new vegetarian or vegan restaurant on the Upper East Side with plenty of options? Look no further because we’re providing you with our favorite spots for vegetarian and vegan food on the Upper East Side. Be sure to tag us and let us know your favorite meal that you try at any of these locations.
Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants on the Upper East Side
Vegan/Vegetarian Sit-Down Restaurants:
Quantum Leap (1103 1st Ave, between 60th and 61st Street)
Quantum Leap serves vegan and plant based food along with some vegetarian options on their very extensive and unique menu. Whether you’re looking for some delicious veggie spring rolls, or their tasty crispy soy chicken nuggets, there is something for everyone on this menu. Quantum Leap also features homemade vegan desserts!
While at Quantum Leap, be sure to try their Vegan Buffalo Wild Wings, Beyond Tacos, and Zucchini Noodles with Vegan Meatballs. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, check out their homemade Carrot Apple Walnut Cake and Creamy Vegan Oreo Milkshake. If you visit for brunch, don’t miss out on their Vegan Banana Pecan Pancakes.
Note: Quantum Leap also offers a limited selection of meat options.
Vegan Chinese Cuisine (formerly Ginger Root) (1164 1st Ave, at 64th Street)
Ginger Root offers a Vegan lunch and dinner menu with an exemplary amount of flavors used in their food. We’ve even been told that people from LIC travel to the UES just for this restaurant due to their tasty food options, fast service and big portions.
While at Ginger Root, be sure to try the Green Tea Noodles, Sweet and Sour Sesame Protein, Eggplant String Bean, Vegan Nuggets and General Tso’s Soy Protein.
Vegan/Vegetarian Cafes, Fast Food, and Take-Out Spots:
Tamam Falafel (1108 Lexington Ave, between 77th and 78th Street)
Tamam Falafel is a Vegan Israeli Mediterranean plant-based eatery serving fresh and innovative meals made from organic ingredients. Specializing in their delicious vegan Falafel, Tamam also features other dishes such as Cauliflower Shawarma, Israeli salad and more. In addition, Tamam’s creamy house-made hummus is exceptional.
While at Tamam, be sure to try their Falafel, Sabich (Crispy Eggplant) or Shawarma Cauliflower as a bowl or pita.
Vegan Grill (1726 2nd Ave, between 89th and 90th Street)
Vegan Grill is a vegan spot operating in Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx. Using very high quality ingredients, Vegan Grill offers breakfast, main dishes, pasta and desserts on their menu. In addition, Vegan Grill also offers a unique “From the East” portion of their menu, which includes kebab, mixed grill platter, and more.
While at Vegan Grill, be sure to try their Breakfast Burrito, Crunch Wrap, Creamy Alfredo Pasta and Fresh Baked Cookies.
Le Botaniste (833 Lexington Ave, between 63rd and 64th Street)
Le Botaniste, which translates to The Botanist (a Botanist is an expert of the specific study of plants), “is the only organic, plant-based and carbon-neutral restaurant in the city”. Featuring four locations in the city, Le Botaniste serves 100% organic plant-based food with a wonderful story attached to their restaurants. The menu is innovative, unique and has delicious options suitable for your palate.
While at Le Botaniste, be sure to try their Pasta Bolo, Tibetan Mama Bowl, Young Coconut Ceviche and Quinoa Peanut Butter Cookie.
goodsugar (1186 Third Ave, at 69th Street)
Goodsugar’s philosophy is “fruit and vegetables are our primary source of calories. plants provide us with needed carbohydrates, clean protein, lean fat, vitamins, minerals, and compounds like antioxidants.”
They offer a variety of clean, organic and healthy food including smoothies/bowls, cold pressed juices, hot soups, salads, food/snacks, and coffees/tea.
Be sure to try their ginger immunity Cold Brew, Green Curry Soup, Cauliflower Poppers, Vegan Caesar Salad and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Vegan-Friendly Spots on the Upper East Side:
Zazzy’s (1477 2nd Ave, at 77th Street)
With 3 locations in the city, Zazzy’s features artisan-crafted pizza, pasta and small bites with plenty of vegan options on their menu.
We love their vegan Cheese Pizza, Mozzarella Sticks, and plant-based Meatless Meatballs!
Drunken Munkey (338 E. 92nd Street)
Drunken Munkey serves delicious Indian food and creative cocktails in their beautiful dining room and outdoor space. Their menu has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
While at Drunken Munkey, be sure to try their Vegan Mango Salad and Vegan Crispy Okra. For Vegetarian Options, be sure to check out their Vegetable Korma and Saag Paneer.
Persepolis (1407 2nd ave, between 73rd and 74th Street)
Persepolis is an authentic Persian Cuisine with a modern and elegant setting. With over 20 years in business, Persepolis offers a dynamic menu featuring both Mediterranean and Vegetarian dishes. In addition, Persepolis features an extensive martini and cocktail menu, which goes with any meal of your choosing.
While at Persepolis, be sure to try their Dolmeh, Vegetarian Stews: Vegetarian Gaimeh Badamjan, Vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi, and Market Vegetable. In addition, be sure to try their Red Sea Martini.
Calexico (1491 2nd Ave, at 78th Street)
Named after a small town bordering California and Mexico, Calexico offers a flavorful and fresh Cal-Mex menu in NYC. From their appetizers, drinks menu, burritos, tacos and bowls, there is no wrong choice of what to order.
While at Calexico, be sure to try their Ground Beet Vegan Taco, Black Bean Vegan Taco and Vegetarian Cali-Style Burrito.
Conmigo (1685 1st Ave, between 87th and 88th Street)
Conmigo is a Mexican restaurant featuring delicious margaritas, tacos and small plates. All of the tortillas are hand made per order and their menu also features fun vegan options. The atmosphere is warm and filled with brick-walls, welcoming for any occasion.
While at Conmigo, be sure to try the Street Corn, Yucca Fries, Impossible Taco, Kale Salad and Brussel Sprouts.
Hummus Kitchen (1613 2nd Ave, between 83rd and 84th Street)
Hummus Kitchen is a Mediterranean restaurant known for their delicious hummus which is prepared fresh everyday and served warm. Using fresh vegetables, whole grains and beans, Hummus Kitchen features a diverse and delicious menu.
While at Hummus Kitchen, in addition to the hummus selections, be sure to try their Garden Vegetable Soup, Fava, Falafel, Stuffed Grape Leaves and Maya Salad.
Thep Thai (1439 2nd Ave, at 75th Street)
Thep is an authentic Thai restaurant featuring Vegan and Vegetarian options on their menu. A romantic and social atmosphere, this restaurant features both indoor dining and outdoor sheds (all of which is beautifully decorated and perfect for Instagram photos). Thep’s menu is extremely extensive and flexible, so much so that they give you the option to make non-vegan dishes on the menu vegan!
While at Thep, be sure to try their Fried Taro Ball, Crispy Spring Rolls, Chive Pancakes, Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao and Panang Curry.
Lexington Publick (1504 Lexington Ave, at 97th Street)
Lexington Publick is a modern pub offering daily happy hour from 3:00-7:00 PM as well as fun events including Tuesday night trivia and Saturday night drag BINGO.
Be sure to try their Veggie Wings, Beyond Meat Sliders, Veggie Dog, and Vegan Chili made with Beyond Meat.
Little Beet (1291 1st Ave, at 70th Street)
Little Beet is committed to plant-inspired, veggie-forward food using all natural ingredients. These vegetarian restaurants can be found on the UES, Jersey City, Westchester County and more. Little Beet allows you to determine your veggie destiny by creating a bowl of your choice, or by choosing a chef-made bowl filled with pure deliciousness.
While at Little Beet, be sure to try their Beet Falafel Bowl, Brussel Hustle Salad and Paleo Bowl.
Hutch & Waldo (247 E. 81st Street)
Inspired from their roots in Sydney Australia, Hutch & Waldo was founded in 2016 and strives on community, culture, and flavors. Opening on the Upper East Side in 2017, Hutch & Waldo offers breakfast, lunch, wellness smoothies, iced teas and coffee. In addition to their main menu, Hutch & Waldo also offers a gluten free and dairy free menu.
While visiting Hutch & Waldo, be sure to try the Brekkie Sando, Big Aussie, Crispy Quinoa + Kale, Chai Raw Granola and High Performance Smoothie.
Just Salad (1471 3rd Ave, at 81st Street)
Just Salad’s sole mission focuses on health, sustainability and connection. Using intentional ingredients to make the salad of your choice filled with any toppings, or choosing a warm bowl, wrap, their menu features it all. In addition, Just Salad offers vegan dishes and delicious plant-based smoothies to go with any meal, or to stand alone.
While visiting Just Salad, be sure to try the PB Protein Smoothie, Crunchy Avocado Toast with Vegan Feta, Chipotle Cowboy Salad with Beyond Chicken and Feisty Fiesta Bowl.
Xi’an Famous Foods (328 E. 78th Street)
Xi’an Famous Foods offers authentic dishes following family recipes of the history city of Xi’An, China. A favorite of Anthony Bordain, Xi’an Famous Foods began as a “hole-in-the-wall” in 2005 and has since evolved into a very popular restaurant with multiple locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
While visiting Xi’an Famous Foods, be sure to try their Liang Pi (Cold-Skin Noodles), Stir-Fried Liang Pi, Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad and Chang’An Spicy Tofu Custard.
What is your favorite spot for vegan food on the Upper East Side? Leave a comment below!
