“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

All-vegan French-style patisserie that doubles as a late-night wine bar — flawless pastries by day, natural wine and small plates by night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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