Crystine Alvarez-Alleyne

Google review

Did a Google search of gluten free restaurants near me while in Manhattan and this restaurant popped up, 8 minutes away from where I was. A non vegan, gluten free option? I was on it like white on rice. Walked across, hopped in and I was not disappointed. The staff was warm and friendly and the aroma from the food was very appealing. While I read the menu options my stomach was practically screaming at me to hurry and order, but everything looked so good, I couldn't decide. I ordered the plancha chicken, black beans and corn, seasoned basmati rice, maple carrots and avocado... No regrets! It was delicious, it was filling. When I'm back in the US, I'll definitely make my way back for more.

shoshana lunzer

Google review

Ordered lunch from Falafalafa and it was perfect! Such a treat to have a well priced and delicious falafel in a gluten free wrap! 10/10 would recommend and excited to go back

Lauren

Google review

This may our new favorite restaurant in the NYC!! In a city that is increasingly vegan-friendly but that won’t stop assaulting us with deep-fried mushrooms and buffalo cauliflower, Spring Cafe Aspen sets themselves apart by serving up vegetable-forward dishes that are healthy, delicious, and generously portioned. First, the health-conscious aspect. We came across them on a (very short) list of seed oil-free restaurants. Their website says they are free of “inflammatory oils.” Very little of their food is fried or highly processed. They use whole/sprouted grains in their wraps/bread, as well as having gluten-free options. It’s next to impossible to find restaurants in NYC or anywhere that accommodate a whole foods/plant-based diet, and even harder to find staff knowledgeable about the ingredients of their food. At Spring Cafe Aspen, the staff actually knows the ingredients of each dish and are very accommodating of questions and preferences, such as my wish to avoid coconut oil. If they don’t know the answer to a question, they have access to the ingredient lists for everything. Next, the flavor of the food. Despite being low in oil and free of overly processed ingredients, their food is delicious! Our favorite item so far has been the cauliflower risotto (warm, comforting, creamy and rich; packed with vegetables and flavor). Our other favorite is the lentil meatballs and spaghetti (incredible meatballs, excellent sauce full of basil, and pasta you would have no idea is made with brown rice). We also enjoyed the superhero tofu burrito and the blueberry pancakes. The menu is full of great tidbits such as the epic cashew mac and cheese and the tempeh that is raw and locally sourced (Barry’s). The portions - while other vegan/vegetarian restaurants in New York are serving up portions that get smaller every year, Spring Cafe Aspen actually provides generous portions that will nourish you without going overboard. (You won’t go home hungry after eating the cauliflower risotto!) It’s also worth mentioning that the vibe of Spring Cafe Aspen is a little different from the typical hippie or hipster flair of many other vegan/vegetarian restaurants in the city. The vibe hovers somewhere between hot yoga studio and business school seminar. Also slightly confusing is the setup - they have all the makings of a sit-down restaurant right down to cloth napkins, but they do not truly have table service. You wait in line to order and then bring a number to your table. Makes it harder to enjoy a cup of coffee or spontaneous turmeric latte after lunch, but definitely not a dealbreaker. Lastly, we initially wondered why they didn’t take the plunge and turn fully vegan, but when we saw the gusto with which workout couples were demolishing egg white omelettes, we understood. Overall not a real issue for us since they make the food with such care that we aren’t really worried about any stray goat cheese getting into our food by mistake. And the attention to detail in their homemade condiments like vegan sour cream and even homemade nut milk rivals that of any vegan restaurant. In conclusion, this is an epic brunch spot whipping up healthy food that manages to be both comforting and innovative; they have already become one of our regular spots.

Harris Bleaker

Google review

I would not recommend this place for allergies, especially for people with celiacs. Unfortunately, places like this are the most dangerous for people with food allergies. The menu is marked and seems inclusive, but the staff I interacted with was not aware and did not care or take note when I asked about gluten free options and said that I have a gluten allergy. The person working didn’t know what I was talking about when I asked if the fries are fried in a shared fryer and was annoyed when I asked if she could check. She left and didn’t come back with a clear answer so, I played it as safe as possible and my food still came out carelessly on bread. I brought it to the counter and they brought it right back out without the bread. No communication. At that point I started noticed the lipstick on marks on my water cup and the jars of shared condiments where anyone can dip whatever utensils they want into it (including contaminated knives spreading on bread and back). I was grossed out. I have celiacs. These details matter. I know how to navigate menus and how to respectfully advocate for the bare minimum. It’s not clean and it’s not safe.

Damien Malatino

Google review

Spot on - we went there for a holiday lunch and tried both a Latke egg special and the chicken shawarma. The flavors were well balanced and the staff was very knowledgeable with my girlfriend’s food allergies. They have good gluten free options for appetizers, entrees and desserts. The fresh mint tea was very refreshing and paired well with the flavorful dishes.