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Cool vegetarian food in the LES

Made for those who keep their diet strictly vegetarian and refuse to be seen in any space that lacks a sharp, forward-thinking aesthetic.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Essex Market image 1
Essex Market image 2
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Produce market

Spanning over three floors with a vibrant upstairs and a quieter lower level, the market offers a beautiful space filled with diverse food stalls and seating areas. The atmosphere blends authentic NYC energy with a lively bar scene and quality sound, creating a dynamic place to eat and explore.

Vegan cheese selection stands out with award-winning flavors that rival dairy cheeses. Multi-ethnic cuisines offer vegetarian and vegan options, including Puerto Rican dishes and vegan pizza.

Spacious layout and a cool vibe make this spot easy to explore. Many cool vendors and a very cool building add to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"This market has so many delicious food options to explore."

"I found the vibe here to be really cool and artsy."

"The vegetarian cheese options here are amazing and so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Restaurants close at 7 PM on Saturday night.

2

The market gets crowded during the lunchtime rush.

3

Management frequently closes the seating area for events, disrupting diners.

02
Kings Co Imperial LES image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cozy interior with dim lighting and vintage style decor creates a warm, authentic vibe. Bar seating adds a social element while the space feels tight. The atmosphere blends friendly energy with a cool, urban edge.

Creative vegan and vegetarian options include potstickers, scallion pancake, sichuan oyster mushroom, and sichuan tater tots. The vegetarian eel stands out, and many chicken dishes can be made vegan with tofu on request.

Vintage style setting creates a cool vibe throughout. The decor and atmosphere feel distinctly retro and inviting.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and unbeatable."

"They're really accommodating with creative vegetarian options."

"The vintage style setting here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a dumpling cooking class with tasting at the end.

03
Gotham Burger Social Club image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hamburger restaurant with cool counter seating that lets diners watch burgers being cooked. Atmosphere is friendly and lively with good music and occasional free shots. Offers excellent craft beer and highly praised smash burgers.

Smash burgers come with a black bean vegan alternative that stays flavorful and filling. Both classic and vegan cheeseburgers offer solid vegetarian options with a cool vibe.

Staff at the counter are super cool and patient, answering questions with a great smile. Cool counter seating lets you watch the burger process, adding to the laid-back vibe that feels welcoming and relaxed.

People are saying

"I found the smash burger here to be the best I've had."

"This smash burger is tied for the best I've ever had."

"I found the vegetarian burger delicious and it really scratched my itch."

Good to know

1

Customers order at the counter and are texted when their order is ready.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait time during peak hours.

3

Street parking is the only available option.

04
Ivan Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant offers cozy vintage atmosphere with close tables and a loud, chaotic vibe inside. Outdoor seating includes a heated, dog-friendly patio that provides a more private and comfortable experience. The space feels lively and crowded, making conversation difficult indoors but more relaxed outside.

Vegan ramen features koji tofu and a broth with strong umami flavor. Vegetarian options include swapping pork for tofu and accommodating preferences like holding bonito on dishes.

Menu features short video clips showing each dish, adding a unique touch. Staff provide stellar service and stay cool and approachable throughout.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I ever had."

"The vegan ramen here is outstanding and flavorful."

"This spot feels cool and has a really energetic vibe."

Good to know

1

Make sure to reserve ahead of time to secure your table.

2

You must respond within five minutes if you receive an SMS about your table.

3

You need all members of your party to be present to get seated.

05
El Churro image 1
Coffee shop

Space combines Scandinavian minimalism with futurism in a hyper modernist design featuring white walls and high ceilings. Loud techno/EDM music fills the cramped interior, creating a cold, sterile atmosphere. Fresh churros are made visibly in a window, adding a lively touch to the otherwise tight seating area.

Churros here are vegan and gluten-free, crispy and freshly made. They come with a vegan hot chocolate dip and other tasty options, making it a solid spot for gluten-free vegans.

A trendy spot opened five years ago offers unique churro flavors like Ube and Apple Pie with cool dips. Coffee comes in a closed can, and the music adds to the laid-back vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the dulce de leche dip; it was amazing."

"The churros are delicious, vegan, and gluten-free."

"The churros here are fantastic, perfectly cooked and not oily."

Good to know

1

The churros cost $8 for 3 pieces.

2

The dipping sauce costs an additional $3.50.

3

There are no toilets inside the establishment.

06
Izakaya Juraku image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Japanese beer house style blends with anime-themed decor and One Piece projections on walls, creating a vibrant, quirky atmosphere. The space feels like a mix of trendy Tokyo bar and classic Kyoto izakaya, lively yet comfortable for conversation. Unique fusion cocktails and artisanal Japanese beers complement the authentic vibe.

A wide range of vegetarian and vegan options fills the menu, including a vegetarian ramen and a vegan-friendly sakekasu sorbet. Pescatarian choices also appear alongside these dishes.

A chill yuzu slush stands out, available both non-alcoholic and with alcohol. The vibe mixes a trendy Tokyo bar feel with a classic Kyoto Izakaya atmosphere.

People are saying

"The ramen here is outstanding, especially the brown butter."

"Their yuzu slush is a cool, flavorful drink."

"I loved their veggie ramen, it was flavorful and comforting."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties or peak times.

3

The restaurant charges around $50 per person for food and drinks.

07
Sweet Chick image 1
Chicken restaurant

Fried chicken and waffles stand out as culinary masterpieces with classic Southern charm. Loud, hip hop music fills the space, creating a high-energy vibe that makes conversation challenging. Seating mixes indoor and outdoor options with unique decor and a casual, lively atmosphere.

Offers vegetarian chicken and waffles with options to prepare everything using vegan chicken. The apple cinnamon chicken and waffle stands out as a filling choice for vegetarians.

People are saying

"I found the chicken and waffles here to be truly delicious."

"The fried chicken here is amazing, crispy, and not greasy at all."

"You have to try the vegetarian chicken and waffles; it's a crazy experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant offers a free chicken and waffles event on October 20th starting after 4 PM.

3

Payment via phone is available for quick departure after dining.

08
Dhamaka image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant inside a market with lively atmosphere and fun Bollywood music that keeps energy high. Decor blends modern Indian style with a casual, cafeteria-like setting. Cocktails are cleverly smoked and add to the engaging vibe.

Variety of vegan and vegetarian options fills the menu. Every dish offers rich flavors that stand out.

A very cool decor sets the tone with a trendy and fun vibe that stays lively without being too loud.

People are saying

"The goat biryani is huge and a must-try."

"The vegetarian paneer dishes here are melt-in-your-mouth amazing."

"The butter pepper garlic crab is divine and buttery."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required in advance via Resy to secure a spot.

2

The restaurant has a policy that main courses cannot be ordered twice.

3

Expect queues for the bathroom as there is only one available.

09
Sunday to Sunday image 1
American restaurant

Small space with spacious indoor area and cramped tables creates an intimate setting. Music plays a central role, often curated by guests, adding to the chill, neighborhood vibe. Locals gather in a welcoming, lively atmosphere that balances warmth with a bit of noise.

Plenty of vegan options appear on the menu, including veggie bacon and vegan pastries. The vegan brunch features dishes like avocado toast and overnight oats that taste like cake.

A very cool vibe fills the space with a throwback diner feel. The facility itself stands out as very cool throughout.

People are saying

"I found their coffee to be really good and yummy."

"I loved the vegan brunch, it tasted like cake."

"I found the vibe and atmosphere here to be really cool."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers half-price wine bottles midweek.

2

The outside patio has a $20 bottle of wine on happy hour every day.

3

Happy hour runs daily with great deals.

10
Kisa image 1
Korean restaurant

Restaurant recreates 1980s Korean retro vibe with nostalgic decor like old-school calendars and retro TVs. Atmosphere feels peaceful yet lively, evoking a sense of stepping into an older Korean family-run spot. Unique amenities include a complimentary drink machine offering coffee and hot chocolate after meals.

Vegetarian options include a fulfilling bibimbap and great vegetarian sides. Vegan preferences are accommodated, but lunch lacks vegetarian-friendly choices.

Atmosphere feels elevated yet welcoming with a cozy ambiance. Walls display cool memorabilia giving it a unique vibe.

People are saying

"The Korean food's banchan were so delicious and thoughtfully prepared."

"The food here is amazing, especially the flavorful sides."

"The vegetarian options here are amazing and the staff is super nice."

Good to know

1

Kisa offers a lunch menu Friday to Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm.

2

Expect wait times of 1.5-2 hours for walk-ins during peak hours.

3

Arrive at least 30 minutes early for the 5 PM opening to secure a table.

11
Beauty & Essex image 1
Restaurant

Entrance through a pawn shop leads to a hidden speakeasy with gorgeous chandeliers and a grand staircase. The interior divides into smaller rooms, each with its own dimly lit ambiance and stylish decor. Music stays at a comfortable volume, creating a sleek, social vibe suited for evening gatherings.

A full vegan menu complements a robust selection of vegetarian dishes like miso eggplant and vegetarian tacos. Staff actively accommodate dietary needs and guide guests through the vegetarian options.

A speakeasy entrance through a pawn shop leads into a gorgeous venue with a dim, intimate restaurant area. The setup creates a super cool vibe right from the start.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The service at dinner spots was outstanding and attentive."

"The vegetarian options, like miso eggplant, were amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a table.

2

Parking costs $90, which is quite high.

3

The entrance to the restaurant is through a pawn shop.

12
Pause Cafe image 1

Moroccan-inspired decor fills indoor and outdoor spaces with cozy cushions and plenty of outlets. Loud music sets a vibey atmosphere where people mostly study or work. Covered outdoor seating and high-speed WiFi support long visits.

Offers a wide range of delicious vegan options including a standout vegan carrot cake. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free choices make it easy to find healthy meals.

A small coffee shop with a very cool design and an inviting, cool atmosphere. Outdoor seating adds to the cool vibe and makes it a good spot for working.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast here was spectacular and worth the price."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and chilled out."

"I found tons of delicious vegetarian options here."

Good to know

1

The cafe has a no laptops allowed policy.

2

You order at the counter and then sit down.

3

The restaurant opens at 7am and closes at 8pm.

13
Cuts & Slices image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small dining space blends skateboard and hip hop culture with classic 90s hip-hop, R&B, and reggae music creating a hipster vibe. Staff shout orders amid organized chaos while a diverse crowd chats and relaxes in line. Unique idiosyncratic signage adds character to the cozy atmosphere.

Several vegan options exist, including a vegan pizza that meets expectations. Prices stay reasonable for plant-based choices in the city.

Staff bring a cool vibe with their friendly attitude. Topping options show creative ideas that stand out.

People are saying

"You have to try the Oxtail pizza, especially the sweet chili and curry flavors."

"I loved the variety of vegan options available."

"I've never had a slice so flavorful and good."

Good to know

1

Slices cost about $14 each, making it pricey for a full meal.

2

They offer vegan options, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

3

The restaurant is always busy, so expect long wait times.

14
Katz's Delicatessen image 1

Rustic deli with tight seating and a nostalgic 70s decor creates a crowded, lively atmosphere. Meat carvers serve as a focal point, offering tastings that engage diners. Walls display celebrity portraits, adding to the historic vibe.

Options focus mainly on meat, with very few choices for vegans. Cheese sandwiches and grilled cheese serve as the main vegetarian offerings.

Busy atmosphere feels cool inside with a vibe that recalls old New York. Photos of celebrities and watching sandwiches made at the counter add to the world-class taste experience.

People are saying

"The pastrami sandwich here is piled high and melt-in-your-mouth tender."

"The pastrami sandwich here is unbelievably delicious."

"It's a salami deli, so vegetarian options are very few."

Good to know

1

The wait for the Katz Pastrami Sandwich can be an hour long.

2

You can only pay with cash at the front of the restaurant.

3

Do not lose your tickets even if you haven't used them to order anything.

15
Ludlow Coffee Supply image 1

Small space with 80โ€™s retro flair and vintage clothing creates a unique setting. Loud Top 40 and Hip-Hop music fills the air, making it lively but not ideal for quiet work. Plenty of power outlets and free Wi-Fi support remote work, attracting many with laptops and business chats.

Vegan and gluten-free cookies and pastries stand out here. The menu includes several vegan dessert options that look appealing.

Packed with laptops, the spot has a cool atmosphere that suits working well. Great coffee and cool baristas add to the vibe, with outdoor seating enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"I enjoyed their really good coffee and espresso."

"They had delicious vegan dessert and pastry options."

"The atmosphere here is really cool, with lots of seating."

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ serves excellent Kenyan drip coffee for $2.75 and various espresso drinks.

2

Finding a seat can be challenging in the mornings due to crowding.

3

There is limited seating for work, so arrive early to snag a table.

16
Russ & Daughters image 1

Narrow, small shop with no indoor seating and often crowded atmosphere. The vibe is old school, evoking a sense of history and tradition with a calm, unhurried pace despite the crowd. Outdoor benches offer brief respite while enjoying classic bagel and lox combinations.

Offers vegan cream cheese and vegan cheese options alongside gluten-free bagels. Provides enough choices for vegetarian bagel and cream cheese combinations.

Fresh salmon gets shaved right in front of you from a giant filet, creating a super cool and fresh-cut vibe. The atmosphere adds to the overall cool experience.

People are saying

"I thought the salmon bagel was the best I ever had."

"It's cool how they shave the lox right from a giant salmon filet."

"I found the bagel spectacular and worth the price."

Good to know

1

You must take a number when you first enter to be served.

2

There is no dine-in option; it's takeout only.

3

Expect long wait times, often over an hour, especially after 10am.

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