Enjoy Eating Healthy and Right at These Top Manhattan Eateries

Vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious New Yorkers have a wealth of excellent restaurant choices today. Fortunately, these options go well beyond bland tofu and sprouts. You’ll find gourmet raw food, delectable vegan offerings, and even organic wine and cocktails. In fact, even meat-eaters will appreciate dining at these 5 fantastic vegetarian restaurants in NYC and discovering just how delicious healthy eating can be.

1. Candle Cafe, Candle Cafe West, and Candle 79

For delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine, it’s tough to surpass the trio of sister restaurants: Candle Cafe West (on the Upper West Side; 2427 Broadway, between W. 89th & W. 90th sts.), Candle Cafe (on the Upper East Side; 1307 3rd Ave., between E. 74 & E. 75th sts.), and Candle 79 (Upper East Side; 154 E. 79th St. at Lexington Ave.). All three locations provide delectable food and exceptional service, focusing on farm-to-table, organic, vegan dishes. These restaurants emphasize sustainability, with food sourced from local farms and compassionate animal practices. It’s an all-around delicious experience!

2. Hangawi

Located in the heart of Koreatown, close to the Empire State Building, Hangawi (12 E. 32nd St., between 5th & Madison aves.) offers a tranquil dining experience with vegan dishes, soothing music, and decor inspired by the Far East. Note that you’ll have to remove your shoes to dine here! Signature dishes include crispy mushrooms in sweet and sour sauce, best enjoyed with a selection of teas.

3. Blossom

These sister locations in Chelsea (187 9th Ave., between W. 21st & W. 22nd sts.) and the Upper West Side (507 Columbus Ave., between W. 84th & W. 85th sts.) are celebrated for their standout vegan offerings. At either Blossom outpost, expect fresh organic ingredients sourced from local farms, with a menu that is entirely animal-free.

4. Taïm

Visit two Taïm locations in the West Village (222 Waverly Pl., between Perry & W. 11th sts.) or Nolita (45 Spring St. at Mulberry St.) for delectable falafel created by Chef Einat Admony and her husband, Stefan Nafziger. The Israeli-inspired menu showcases traditional street food from their hometown of Tel Aviv with a gourmet twist. Order gluten-free falafel that is freshly made and strictly vegetarian. Most menu options are vegan-friendly; however, check for non-vegan items like babaghanoush (which includes honey), feta cheese, egg, and honey-sweetened beverages. Taïm has expanded, and you can find their various locations here.

5. Peacefood Cafe

Promoting a vegan kitchen and bakery, two Peacefood Cafe locations invite guests to enjoy tasty food while embracing a cruelty-free lifestyle. Head to the Upper West Side (460 Amsterdam Ave. at W. 82nd St.) or near Union Square (41 E. 11th St. at University Pl.), and indulge in crowd-pleasers like vegan cheeseburgers, quinoa salads, and tempeh avocado sandwiches.