October 1st was World Vegetarian Day, and upcoming on November 1st is World Vegan Day. More focus has been placed on going meatless at least once a week to better impact the planet, your overall health and waistline. Research also shows that shows that skipping meat can also save the average person at least $750 per year.
New York City was ranked by Personal Finance website WalletHub as one of the best cities for vegan and vegetarian eating in 2019’s Best Cities for Vegans & Vegetarians.
The NYC ratings: (1=Best; 50=Avg.)
- 3rd– % of Restaurants Serving Vegetarian Options
- 4th– % of Restaurants Serving Vegan Options
- 2nd– Farmers Markets & CSA Programs per Capita
- 1st– Juice & Smoothie Bars per Capita
- 1st– Salad Shops per Capita
- 39th– Vegetable Nurseries per Capita
If you are looking for some great places to try out vegetarian or vegan food, here are a few of our favorites:
NIGHT MUSIC
Enjoy vegan Indian food by restaurateur Ravi DeRossi in this trendy East Village neighborhood. An exotic vegetable bar, the menu was created with DeRossi’s mother and Executive Chef Spencer Caine (Mercantile, Fruition, Scam Likely), who trained with DeRossi’s mother at her home in Colorado.
The menu incorporates fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors that highlight the fruits, vegetables, spices, and techniques of India, with both modern and classic elements. Highlights include Naan, savory chutneys and spreads, Samosas, Dosa and unique dishes such as Pani Puri (small puffs of pastry prepared for celebrations into which guests pour a spicy water). http://nightmusicny.com
WILD INK
Though not a vegetarian restaurant, Asian- inspired Wild Ink is very vegetarian friendly, with over a dozen vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. The Vegetable Summer Roll, Crispy Chickpea Fritters, Crispy Mapo Tofu Dumplings and Vegetable Crudité with whipped avocado are a great starter option, and the Japanese Risotto combines mushroom, yuzu and miso butter for a playful, rich entree. The vegan dim sum menu is perfect to try an eclectic variety of dumplings, and the new vegan dessert addition of Calamansi (native to the Philippines and similar to a lime) Lemon Tart with Coconut Sorbet is a beautiful standout. www.wildinknyc.com
HONEYBEE’S, NYC
NYC’s first vegan BBQ spot, brought to you by Ravi DeRossi (Owner), Amira Gharib (Executive Chef) and Sother Teague (Beverage Director).
The sultry saloon features a menu that is plant-based with a dedication to the flavors, textures and aromas of down-home cooking. Using traditional techniques along with modern preparations, the team has created a plant based menu truly representative of American Barbecue, including favorites of pulled pork, wings and burgers.
The beverage program focuses on Bourbon and Rye as classic spirits that embody the American story, with an emphasis on classic and well-structured cocktails that fully represent the spirits’ delicacy and versatility. https://www.honeybeesnyc.com/
ARTHOUSE WINE BAR
This classic speakeasy-inspired Upper West Side hideaway has introduced a partnership with Oath Pizzas and wine pairings, for a comfy, cozy spin on vegetarian food. Make yourself at home at the large zinc bar, in the library by the fireplace or Sidewalk Cafe.
The Arthouse Wine Bar has a wine program showcasing everything from international varietals to local New York wineries and a sommelier selected half bottle program, which allows guests to access rare, premium wines. https://www.arthousehotelnyc.com/
