The Best Vegetarian-Friendly Brunches in NYC Right Now
by Shruti Shah
Finding a solid brunch spot as a vegan or party of vegetarians can be a pain. While restaurants have become more inclusive of menu items for veggie lovers over the years, oftentimes the options are just too basic or far too limited. How many lackluster pancakes, avocado toasts, or eggs Benny can have before it just becomes redundant? We’ve rounded up our top veggie-centric spots to satisfy your craving for more.
CHELSEA
Cookshop
Make your way to Cookshop, a brunch staple in Chelsea under the Highline. While reservations are hard to come by, the establishment is reliable and offers delicious brunch options like a falafel sandwich, beignets, seasonal fruit, cold-pressed juices, a range of egg dishes and pastries. The restaurant has a busy and buzzing atmosphere — but we promise the service is not compromised. Cookshop also offers dairy-free options for your coffee orders. There are diverse dining options not only for vegetarians, but gluten-free, health-conscious and #treatyoself types. Catch the highlights here.
Cookshop, 156 10th Ave., New York, NY, (212) 924-4440
Citizens of Chelsea
Citizens of Chelsea is an excellent brunch spot for those looking for a casual, delicious, and healthy bite. The coffee program is excellent, the aesthetic is adorable, and the restaurants are family-friendly and great for groups. Leave it to the Aussies to create a spot that’s loved by most everyone. Our favorites include the Instagramable Barbie Bowl and super rich fluffy chocolate pancakes. Plus, the coffee program at Citizens is exemplary — quality coffee roasts with latte art and dairy-free options! Read the review here.
Citizens of Chelsea, 401 W. 25th St., New York, NY (212) 372-7663
By CHLOE. (multiple locations)
Sometimes you just don’t have two whole hours to spare for brunch but you still want a balanced meal. By CHLOE. may be a fast-casual vegan spot, but this restaurant is serving plant-based twists on our favorite fast-food guilty pleasures. Sip on coconut water to recover from a hangover or enjoy a gorgeous açaí bowl, morning oats, or something savory like a guac burger or pesto meatballs. The options are truly endless. Check out the full review here.
By CHLOE, 60 W. 22nd St., New York, NY (212) 372-7663
Hell’s Kitchen
Bea
If bottomless is your game plan, Bea is the place to be for a mixed group of veggie and meat lovers alike. $52 will get you unlimited small plates and free-flowing cocktails like a Venetian spritz, mimosa, or specialty drinks. You can also order a la carte with small plates like whipped ricotta with rosemary honey, spinach and egg pie, brioche French toast, breakfast potatoes and more. If boozing isn’t in the cards, bottomless food is available for just $28. Read about our experience here.
Bea, 403 W 43rd St, New York, NY, (212) 602-1910
P.S. Kitchen
Enjoy delicious vegan food you can also feel good about at P.S. Kitchen, an artisanal restaurant that goes beyond just serving fresh food options by donating 100 percent of its profits to charity. Not to fear, the brunch options are solid with a breakfast plate consisting of smoked maple portobello, scrambled tofu, potatoes, sautéed spinach, tomato jam and toast. Try a vegan take on a Southern dish. Housemade biscuits are paired with a mushroom gravy with seitan and soy chorizo. Read the full review here.
P.S. Kitchen, 246 W. 48th St., New York, NY (212) 651-7247
Lower East Side
Dirt Candy
Head to Dirt Candy for an inventive take on vegetables and unlikely pairings found in classic brunch items. Lady boss and chef owner Amanda Cohen takes vegetables to another level, even meat lovers are sure to love this vegan hot spot. Detox and retox with veggie-inspired mimosas prepared with juices that are freshly squeezed in-house every morning. Mimosas are available in carrot, cucumber, and beet flavors. Red pepper fritters, chocolate and onion scone, and zucchini pancakes with squash blossom butter are just some of the unique items available. Read the full review here.
Dirt Candy, 86 Allen St., New York, NY (212) 228-7732
Baar Baar
Spice up your brunch game with contemporary Indian cuisine at Baar Baar. Enjoy brunch items with Indian flavors like paneer and ricotta burji and a Bombay masala omelette frittata. Or go classic with dahi puri, cauliflower 65, or a variety of stuffed kulchas. The trendy spot is fit for a celebration or an elevated brunch experience. Read our recent review here.
Baar Baar.13 E. 1st St., New York, NY (212) 228-1200
JaJaJa
JaJaJa is where south of the border flavor meets Lower East Side flair in plant-based Mexican cuisine. The venue features a playfully curated tequila and mezcal program, Mexican beers on tap, Mexican-style lagers and pilsners from local microbreweries, fresh pressed juices, and plant-based street food with options for both comfort and health. Catch the highlights here.
JaJaJa, 62 E. Broadway., New York, NY (646) 883-5453
Nolita/Bowery
Vic’s
Vic’s will truly make you feel at home in this huge city. Whether just stopping by or setting a weekly reservation, brunch at this NoHo gem will satisfy both your stomach and your soul. The selection of pastries for the table, egg dishes, and market offerings are perfect for a party of vegetarians alike. Not to mention the expansive list of cocktails for daytime imbibing. Read the Bitches review here.
Vic’s, 31 Great Jones St. New York, NY (212) 253-5700
Epistrophy
It’s hard to find a more charming spot than Epistrophy. With its teal green exterior, retro bar, and diverse seating including cozy velvet couches and large communal wooden tables (not to mention Carrara marble tops worthy of your Instagram), Epistrophy has a stunning (and Instagramable) but cozy aesthetic, And the food is even more fantastic than the space itself. The butternut squash toast, chocolate chip banana bread, and burrata are not to be missed. Read about our fabulous experience here.
Epistrophy, 200 Mott St., New York, NY. (212) 966-0904
Shoo Shoo
This charming Nolita restaurant is a lovely restaurant to see and be seen at. On weekends it’s filled to the brim with impossibly stylish 20- and 30-somethings. Dine at a bistro-style table for two or cozy up in a plush booth sharing delicious vegetarian plates. Shoo Shoo offers Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on Israeli staples. Read about our experience here.
Shoo Shoo, 371 Broome St, New York, NY, (646) 590-6800
SoHo
West~bourne
They say the early bird catches the worm. In this case, the early bird gets seated at West~bourne. The bustling L.A-inspired cafe offers a number of dairy-free milk alternatives and an all day plant-based menu. You’ll feel good about giving back to the community as well with their charitable mission program. Enjoy healthy and hippie-style bowls from “center your chia” to “over the rainbowl.” The “mushrueben” sweet potato smash and gluten-free pastries are must-orders. Read the full review here.
West~bourne, 137 Sullivan St., New York, NY (347) 534-3050
Jack’s Wife Freda (multiple locations)
Jack’s Wife Freda is a staple in the NYC brunch scene, serving up Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a quaint, café space seven days a week. Grab a seat on the patio and spend your morning people-watching while enjoying light-but-filling brunch dishes you won’t feel guilty about indulging in afterward. Our favorite menu items include the Mediterranean breakfast, the poached eggs with roasted tomatoes and halloumi cheese, and the green shakshuka. Read our review of Jack’s Wife Freda here.
Jack’s Wife Freda, 224 Lafayette St., New York, NY (212) 510-8550
Union Square
abcV
It comes as no surprise that Jean-Georges makes a mean vegan brunch. Bitch tip: book in advance as reservations at abcV can be difficult to come by. The restaurant strives to be plant-based, non-GMO, sustainable, artisanal, and organic whenever possible. Many of the ingredients used are sourced locally and globally from small and family farms. Enjoy fresh steamed tofu, dosa with avocado and sprouts, wild blueberry bowl, or an assortment of vegan pastries. Read our recent review here.
abcV, 38 E.18th Street, New York, NY (212) 475-5829
Gupshup
If you’re not the type to play it safe, spice things up at Gupshup in Gramercy. The opulent Indian restaurant is having a moment, plus it’s a feast for the eyes. Enjoy a range of brunch cocktails and unique Indian dishes ranging from classic to contemporary. We highly recommend ordering the desi tacos, cauliflower naan, and Malpua pancakes. Don’t forget to try the masala chai, it’s the best we’ve had in the city. Catch the full review here.
Gupshup, 115 E 18th St, New York, NY, (212) 518-7313
Kyma
Kyma’s brunch menu has a selection of Mediterranean-centric dishes that reflect the light and airy theme. Take in a coastal Greece inspired ambiance and dishes like eggs saganaki, Greek yogurt with berries and fruit, and Tsoureki French toast! On top of that, brunch cocktails are $5 a pop. The best part is that brunch is still a secret, so it’s not yet packed to the brim. Read our brunch review, here.
Kyma, 15 West 18th Street, New York, NY (212) 268-5555
West Village
The Butcher’s Daughter (multiple locations)
The Butcher’s Daughter has become a go-to for us. The bright restaurant has a white and green, California aesthetic with lots of greenery. There’s an enticing selection of beverages: wellness teas, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy mimosas made with cold-pressed juices. In addition to the expansive beverage offerings, there’s a nice mix of eggs, veggie tacos, salads, yogurt, muesli, and sweet treats (like waffles and French toast) on the brunch menu. Read about our recent experience here.
The Butcher’s Daughter, 581 Hudson St., New York, NY (917) 388-2132
Shuka
With its cheerful bright blue exterior in the heart of Greenwich Village, Shuka is fitting for everyone in your party. With Indonesian and Italian influences, Shuka is one of the hottest restaurants in New York right now and for good reason. Treat yourself to an overindulgence of pastries and mezzes. Don’t forget to read the review here.
Shuka, 38 Macdougal St, New York, NY, (212) 475-7500
Sotto13
If you’re planning a celebration, Sotto13 is the spot. The Italian-inspired restaurant is a great place for birthdays, as they have group options to personalize menus for brunch and dinner. The space is chic, the service is good, and the brunch deal is strong. Brunch items are available to order à la carte, and the deal is a good one: one wood-fired pizza, two entrées, a side, and a carafe of brunch cocktails shared by the table for $35 per person. Read the Bitches’ review here.
Sotto13, 140 W 13th St., New York, NY (212) 647-1001