Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
the UES' best

Vegetarian lunch spots

A midday meal that is entirely vegetarian is the only thing that feels right for a quick break.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Tamam by Soom Soom image 1
Tamam by Soom Soom image 2
Tamam by Soom Soom image 3
View all
Falafel restaurant

Small space with cozy outdoor seating and heat lamps sets a lively mood. Lunch features authentic Middle Eastern vegan dishes like falafel and cauliflower bowls. Vibrant Latino music blends with the vibe, making it great for people-watching and casual dining.

Lunch offers authentic Middle Eastern vegan dishes with a focus on pita and bowls. Timing matters since arriving on time ensures the best experience.

Everything is vegan and packed with flavor. Fresh options like falafel, cauliflower bowls, and salads stand out as delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the falafel pita to be excellent and perfectly crisp."

"The falafel here is fresh, warm, and incredibly tasty."

"I loved the falafel platter; it's the best lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 8 PM.

2

The prices are high, with a simple bowl of hummus and falafel costing $20.

3

Everything on the menu is vegan.

02
ZOI MEDITERRANEAN UES image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with live jazz music and a four-course lunch menu featuring Red Lentil Soup and Grilled Mediterranean Chicken. Vegetarian and vegan diners enjoy strong Turkish flavors and many options. Cozy outdoor seating and signature cocktails complete the classy vibe.

Lunch offers a special four-course menu with dishes like Red Lentil Soup, Zucchini Pancakes, and Grilled Mediterranean Chicken. The avocado and feta spread stands out, and the lunch specials provide great value.

Offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options with strong Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. Plenty of choices satisfy both vegetarians and vegans.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean dinner spots here have fresh, well-balanced flavors."

"Emre took great care of us at the Lunch Spot."

"I found so many delicious vegetarian options here."

Good to know

1

Live music is available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great deals.

3

Brunch is served until 4 PM on weekends.

03
Masseria East image 1
Italian restaurant

Elegant space with white tablecloths and modern decor creates a chic, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and a small bar offers an excellent wine list and espresso martinis. The vibe blends authentic Italian warmth with refined hospitality.

Lunch offers a sophisticated Italian culinary experience with dishes like crispy fried shoe string zucchini and cacio e pepe. Service is kind and welcoming, making the meal enjoyable from start to finish.

People are saying

"The Italian food service here is outstanding and attentive."

"It's an elegant and inviting space with a warm atmosphere."

"The pasta dishes at this lunch spot were superb and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

3

Expect a warm welcome and accommodating service for families with kids.

04
Village Square Pizza - Upper East Side image 1

Small spot with square slices and vegan options offers quick, fresh pizza perfect for lunch or takeout. Cozy seating on stools and counters adds charm while loud music keeps energy high. Friendly vibe makes it a great stop before or after a museum visit.

Good spot for lunch with options for takeout. Convenient for a quick meal before returning to the museum.

Variety of vegan options includes two pizzas, one resembling Bruschetta without vegan cheese. The Eggplant vegetarian slice and white pizza stand out among several tasty vegetarian slices.

People are saying

"This pizza is amazing, truly the best I've ever had."

"The vegan eggplant slice was a tasty surprise."

"This lunch spot has the best pizza I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Customers can eat on site at the counter or buy takeaway.

2

The restaurant charged a $2.99 delivery fee plus a $1 service fee.

3

The hot honey is an extra cost.

05
Thai At Lex image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space holds about 16 people with intimate seating and cozy atmosphere. Outdoor area offers well-decorated, aesthetic dining with a Southeast Asian vibe from fruit and vegetable decor. Noise levels vary, sometimes becoming loud depending on crowd.

Affordable lunch options include starters, salads, noodles, fried rice, and curry priced around 15 USD. Service stays quick and friendly even during busy lunch hours, making it a solid choice for a quick bite.

Plenty of vegetarian options appear on the menu, including vegetarian soup and steamed dumplings. The food adapts well to vegetarian needs, though vegetarian Kow Yum is not available.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be excellent and super tasty."

"The Vegetarian space is small and cozy."

"The drunken noodles at this Lunch Spot were amazing."

Good to know

1

Limited seating is available, so call ahead or order take out.

2

The lunch special is $14 and includes soup, appetizer, and any entree dish.

3

Prices are very reasonable for Manhattan and the Upper East Side.

06
Tri Dim Shanghai [UES] Restaurant and Bar 鼎豐 image 1

Upscale Chinese restaurant with warm, bustling atmosphere and classic decor reminiscent of Hong Kong. The space feels comfortable and casual, attracting diners seeking authentic dim sum and flavorful dishes. Service is attentive, enhancing a refined yet relaxed dining experience.

No reservation needed for a table during lunch, even on a rainy Sunday. Offers worthwhile lunch deals and suits both quick lunches and dates.

Vegetarian options include pea shoots, vegetarian general tso’s, and shredded turnip cakes. The menu adapts dishes like Shanghai rice noodles to be vegetarian, maintaining excellent food quality.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are the best I've had."

"I experienced authentic Chinese cuisine here."

"The dinner spots here offer outstanding service and a warm reception."

Good to know

1

This restaurant charges a 3% fee if you pay by credit card.

2

No reservation is needed to grab a table for 2 for lunch on a rainy Sunday.

3

The restaurant had no wait on a Saturday afternoon.

07
maman image 1
Coffee shop

Cafe blends 19th century decor with a green garden patio feel, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Laptop-free policy encourages relaxation and conversation. Outdoor seating and a full espresso bar complement the cozy, quality vibe.

Lunch offers delicious dishes served in a lovely outdoor setting. The spot works well for a casual midday meal or brunch.

Plenty of vegetarian options fill the menu, including vegan croissants and a vegan ginger cookie. The weekend staff supports the vegetarian offerings well.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be great, especially the almond croissant."

"I found the lunch dishes here to be very tasty."

"I loved the large variety of vegetarian options here."

Good to know

1

On weekends, you need to order a full breakfast to get a seat.

2

The café has a strict no laptop policy.

3

They do not accept 50 and 100 bills to pay.

08
Pick A Bagel image 1
Bagel shop

Small space fills with a busy, authentic New York vibe and acceptable sound levels. Excellent bagels and quick service draw a steady crowd despite high prices. Benches offer limited seating in a compact setting.

Bagel sandwiches serve as a quick lunch option that works well for busy days. They offer a satisfying meal for both adults and kids who need a fast, filling bite.

Tofu Vegetable Cream Cheese stands out as a vegetarian option even for non-vegans. Vegan cream cheese is available, and vegetarian soup offers a tasty choice alongside other soups.

People are saying

"The bagels here are excellent and generously filled."

"Their sandwiches are packed with the best ingredients and always fresh."

"I love the blueberry muffin at this Lunch Spot; it's huge!"

Good to know

1

A plain bagel with cream cheese costs $10.50.

2

Expect to pay around $28 for a bagel with lox and cream cheese.

3

Pick A Bagel offers vegan cream cheese.

Discover more

Upper East Side, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...