Social StudentNew York City has always been on the cutting edge of culinary trends. The city’s massive population, diverse demographics, and global influence also contribute to the incredible variety of cuisines available in New York. To put it simply: if it exists, you can find it in New York.
One of the foremost culinary offerings in New York is vegan and vegetarian food. While this type of food is most prominent in ultra-trendy neighborhoods in Brooklyn or the East Village, you can still find superb vegetarian restaurants near bustling tourist areas like Times Square.
If you’re shopping and sightseeing in Midtown Manhattan, head to a Times Square luggage storage before you seek out a plant-based pick-me-up. You’re not short of options, but you’ll need to know where to look. Here are the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants near Times Square:
ABCV
NoMad’s food scene is one of the best of any New York neighborhood, and there are several solid (and we mean SOLID) veggie options nearby. One of the premier vegetarian restaurants in the city is a plant-based location of the popular ABC restaurant group. ABCV offers plant-based pastas and modern cuisine in a stylish dining room.
The bar serves trendy cocktails, craft beer, and a deep wine list to pair with a roasted turmeric cauliflower that will make you forget you ever tried chicken. Reservations are highly recommended, as this place can get packed on nights and weekends.
Address: 38 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003
Beyond Sushi
Picky eaters tend to avoid sushi because of the stigma of raw fish. Vegans and vegetarians tend to avoid sushi because of the raw fish. Beyond Sushi serves a menu of reimagined Japanese food entirely made out of plant-based ingredients, and the results are delicious.
Not only can you find classics like a California Philadelphia Roll, but you’ll enjoy truly impressive original creations that showcase these ingredients! This vibe is fun and social, so this is perfect for a small group of friends starting a night out.
Address: 134 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
Cookshop
Reimagining classic American dishes with entirely plant-based ingredients is hardly a new concept, but this cozy Chelsea restaurant has been excelling at this for years. Cookshop also serves fish, which makes it the perfect place to eat with the whole family, or for date night! The menu rotates, but the reviews are always stellar.
Address: 156 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Eleven Madison Park
While vegan and vegetarian spots have historically skewed towards quirky eateries or ultra-vibey hipster hangouts, there has been a movement towards upscale restaurants specializing in offering plant-based foods. One of the most prominent examples of this is Eleven Madison Park, which has an entirely vegan menu and a stylish dining room that’s indistinguishable from other fancy Manhattan restaurants.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion with a trip to Times Square, hop over to this Flatiron District spot for an entirely vegan (and luxurious) dinner.
Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
HanGawi
Regardless of whether you eat meat or not, this casual eatery is one of the best K-Town restaurants and is certainly worth checking out. Korean cuisine, with its prominent use of tofu and other plant-based ingredients, is a staple for adventurous vegetarians and vegans.
Manhattan’s Koreatown and Queens have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to quality restaurants, and one of the best spots is only minutes away from Times Square. HanGawi serves exclusively vegetarian food, with an entire menu of exquisite Korean flavors being available to plant-based foodies.
Address: 12 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Franchia Vegan Cafe
With both indoor and outdoor seating, it makes sense that Franchia Vegan Cafe is so popular with local twenty-somethings and (veggie-based) traveling foodies. The menu is primarily inspired by Korean cuisine, but you’ll find flavors of Southeast Asia and fusion elements as well.
There are both vegetarian and vegan options available, and the staff is extremely helpful in navigating the menu. The delightful bonchon (a traditional Korean appetizer consisting of pickled veggies like Kimchi) is the most popular item on the menu and perfect for sharing.
Address: 12 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016