“Eating meat is inherently wrong. And then the other thing is, two things cannot coincide: ‘I love all animals so much,’ and ‘I eat meat.’ You just… you can’t do both. Sorry, you can eat meat, go for it. You can love animals, but you can’t do both.”

Fully plant-based Asian fusion — Beijing "duck," wontons, spicy mapo tofu, and a long menu of mock-meat classics done with care.

Hearty vegan sandwiches and house-made seitan. Beloved by vegans and curious omnivores alike.

Bushwick's beloved vegan Ethiopian spot — sambusas, kitfo, the works — with live coffee ceremony service and a warm room.

100% vegan bakery and cafe — cakes, croissants, scones, soups, sandwiches, and great coffee. Reliable everyday spot.

NYC's first all-vegan doughnut shop, handcrafted since 2011 — dozens of rotating flavors, plus vegan soft-serve and French-press coffee.

Part plant-based butcher counter, part all-day cafe. House-made seitans, sausages, deli sandwiches, and prepared meals to take home.

Plant-based Caribbean — jerk "chicken," curries, oxtail-style stews built around mushrooms and seitan. Bold, spice-forward.

100% authentic organic Ital cuisine — the Rastafarian tradition of plant-based, unprocessed eating, done with serious flavor.

A 100% plant-based, buffet-style lunch hitting every corner of Latin America — Dominican and Caribbean comfort food from founders Blenlly Mena and Javier Seba.

Organic Ethiopian, farm-to-table. The combo platter on injera is one of the best plant-based meals in the city — no substitution required.

Shared plates, a serious cocktail bar, kosher certification. The newer wave of plant-based dining that looks and feels like any great wine bar.

The vegan slice shop. Square Sicilian, round NY-style, rotating specials, and house-made cashew mozz. The standard for plant-based pizza in NYC.

Pinky Cole's cult Atlanta burger import — over-the-top, fully plant-based smash burgers with names that aren't safe for work. Loud, fun, and very good.

A longtime Canadian favorite's first U.S. outpost — an entirely plant-based menu of Japanese rolls and Thai bites on the Flatbush Ave border of Park Slope.

Mediterranean small plates and platters — kebab skewers, "lamb" cigars, arak-cured "salmon." Fully vegan and kosher-certified.

Refined vegetable-driven small plates and natural wine. Plays like a Brooklyn wine bar; eats like a chef-y tasting menu.

Pioneering plant-based sushi shop — colorful rice rolls, "chick'n" yakitori, and sweet chili cauliflower wings. Two Midtown locations.

One of NYC's longest-running fully vegan restaurants. Locally sourced, kosher, with several gluten-free options. Reliable for celebrations.

Kosher vegan dim sum and Chinese classics since 2004 — mock duck, sesame "chicken," noodle soups, and a long dim-sum menu.

Plant-based soul food — soy fish and grits with country gravy, crispy oyster-mushroom oyster po'boys, mac and "cheese."

Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and one of the city's deepest agave-spirits programs — all plant-based, all bold.

Upscale plant-based French-Basque cooking — saffron paella, mushroom foie gras, careful wine list. A genuine fine-dining option.

The city's only certified organic, plant-based, carbon-neutral restaurant. Grain bowls, stews, and natural wines in a green-tile dining room.

Vegan sushi, handrolls, dumplings, and dramatic seasonal bowls in a polished room. Best for a date or a group night out.

Fully vegan burgers, wings, and pastas in the theater district — and a mission to match: the restaurant donates 100% of its profits to charity.

Punchy plant-based Sichuan — dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, dumplings. The dish-for-dish replacement of meat-heavy classics is what makes it.

Cult-favorite vegetable burgers, vibrant grain bowls, and gelato from chef Brooks Headley. Earned a Michelin Guide nod.

Globally-inspired vegan comfort food — the relocated Blossom on Carmine. Brunch, buttermilk "chicken," and a lively room with music most nights.

A 100% plant-based burger joint — burgers, fries, shakes, classic stuff done well. The kind of casual spot that converts skeptics.

A 100% plant-based brunch deli — vegan bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches, buttermilk pancakes, and açaí bowls. Takeout only, and a real neighborhood hub.

Sister concept to Manhattan's Blossom family — vegan comfort dishes, brunch, and bowls, in a more relaxed Queens setting.

A Jamaica, Queens institution — plant-based Caribbean classics served in a converted White Castle (yes, really). Affordable, generous portions.

Independent neighborhood vegan spot — comfort food, hearty plates, and a strong community following.

Plant-based soul food in the South Bronx. Limited hours (Wed–Sat) but worth planning around. Standout collards and "fish."

Organic plant-based cafe with bowls, salads, smoothies, and fresh juices. Good for a healthful weekday lunch.

Long-running Caribbean-style vegan kitchen — curry "chicken," BBQ "ribs," rice and peas, ginger beer. Affordable, filling, friendly.