Amazing Plant-Based Restaurants in New York City for families
We live just a couple hours from New York City so we travel there a few times a year. We love introducing our kids to NYC’s unique energy and culture, museums and shopping. Above all NYC has some amazing vegan restaurants!
JaJaJa Mexicana – Multiple locations
If you are looking for some tasty Mexican food with an energetic vibe, head to one of the JaJaJa Mexicana locations. We have been to both the West Village and Lower East Side locations. Like many restaurants in NYC, there is not tons of seating, so make a reservation before you go.
We devoured the Grande Nachos and Huitlacoche tacos (mushroom tacos). The margaritas hit the spot after the drive to the city. They are open for lunch through dinner every day and serve a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. The pancakes and Mezmosa cocktail were delicious. Jajaja also has a kids menu with build your own tacos and a brunch plate. That worked the best for my kids who like their food “separated”.
The Butcher’s Daughter – Nolita
The Butcher’s Daughter is vegetarian with lots of vegan options. The are open starting at 8am everyday which is rare for New York City, and super important for hungry kids. It was difficult to decide what to order! The Cardomom Rose Latte was a perfect way to start the morning. We loved the Spicy Kale Caesar and the Vegan Diavola pizza. The kids liked the pancakes and fresh pastries. We ate at one of the outside tables. There is limited seating, so make reservations if you will be going during a busy time of day.
chloe. – Greenwich Village
Chloe is a bustling restaurant on Bleecker street. You order at the counter and then find a comfortable seat. Chloe, the head chef, can be found in the kitchen and delivering food to the tables. The Spicy Cashew Crunch Salad and Maple Brussel Sprouts were delicious. You cannot leave without picking up a vegan dessert – the Chocolate chip cookie has just a bit of sea salt on top which was so tasty!
Plant Made – Double Zero and Bar Verde – East Village
Some of the most interesting pizza I have tried since becoming vegan was from Double Zero in NYC. This is not your average fake-cheese pizza. Plant Made combines plant-based Mexican Food from Bar Verde with excellent pizza from Double Zero. There is indoor and outdoor seating. We like to start with the Sunflower Caesar Salad to share and then order an array of pizzas. We love the Spicy Arrabiata and the Truffle and Mushrooms pizzas.
Spicy Moon – Multiple Locations
Spicy Moon is a vegan Asian restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating. Make a reservation to avoid waiting to get seated. The best way to order is to plan on sharing with the entire table. Your order is placed by checking the box of what you want on the menus. We ordered Garlicky greens, Fried Dumplings, Dan Dan Noodles and Vegetable Lo Mein.
Willow Vegan Bistro – Chelsea
Willow Vegan Bistro has plenty of indoor seating for the entire family and everything on the menu is plant-based. I tried the Eggs Florentine off the brunch menu, which was a unique poached egg substitute. It was delicious! I also had the Dragon’s Den Mocktail, which was extremely refreshing.
Desserts
In addition to trying the delicious desserts at these restaurants, there are excellent options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dun-well Doughnuts – Williamsburg
The entire store is vegan and they have won awards for best donuts in NYC. Grab a cup of coffee and make sure to buy extra doughnuts to-go. They have some seating inside so you can enjoy right in the store.
Figo Gelato – Little Italy
They have a handful of delicious flavors that are vegan, including the sorbets and a vegan chocolate. This was so refreshing after walking around the city. They have a couple of outdoor tables or find a bench at a nearby park.
These restaurants only scratch the surface of the plant-based options in New York City. It is one of our favorite places to explore and travel with our kids.
