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Vegetarian lunch spots in the LES

Made for those who demand a thoughtful, meat-free menu that makes a midday meal feel like a genuine event.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
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Thai restaurant

Small space with colorful lanterns and painted walls creates a cozy, home-like vibe. Open windows and doors offer excellent people watching. Specialty cocktails like hibiscus mojito and lychee whiskey sour stand out alongside flavorful Thai dishes.

Lunch specials offer reasonable prices with a great combo around $15. The Pad Thai lunch special stands out as excellent and the menu consistently delivers quick, delicious options.

An extensive selection of vegetarian curries and vegan dishes like Kao soi and spring rolls offers flavorful, not spicy, options. The Roti Paratha with vegan curry stands out as delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is bold, flavorful, and always hits the spot."

"The green curry and pad thai are phenomenal lunch spot options."

"I found the vegetarian options to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a lunch special.

2

Ordering shrimp for the pineapple fried rice costs an extra $4.

3

You should bring cash to avoid a 3% credit card fee.

02
Manousheh Grand image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Spacious Lebanese restaurant with bright, casual decor and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere blends authentic Arabic music with a family-friendly vibe, though music volume can be loud. Offers a small grocery section featuring Lebanese products alongside fresh, made-to-order dishes.

Ordering ahead works well for a quick take-out lunch. Food suits a lunch break with options ready to grab and go.

Many vegetarian options appear clearly marked on the menu. The place is very vegan and vegetarian friendly with solid choices and several gluten-free options.

People are saying

"The authentic manousheh here is warm, soft, and perfectly baked."

"The vegetarian options here are solid and plentiful."

"This lunch spot has delicious, perfectly seasoned meat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-5 PM with incredible deals.

2

The Kafta sandwich lunch special costs $11.

3

The mezze platter costs $25 and is a popular choice.

03
Ivan Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Cozy vintage spot serves extraordinary ramen with a heated dog-friendly patio for comfort. Vegan ramen shines with koji tofu and rich umami broth. Lunch hours bring a relaxed atmosphere and easy counter seating even on busy days.

Lunch offers extraordinary ramen with a relaxed atmosphere during midday hours. Seating at the counter is available without overcrowding, even on weekends.

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.

People are saying

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

"The vegan ramen here is outstanding and flavorful."

"This ramen is the best lunch spot I've ever had."

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.

04
Thailicious ( Thai Food) image 1

Small space with modern Thai decor offers a cozy vibe and authentic lunch specials including Thai ice tea. Friendly staff serve delicious vegetarian dishes like mock-duck with spicy or mild options. Buzz-in entry and curated playlist add to the warm, inviting atmosphere.

Lunch specials include an appetizer, Thai ice tea, and an entree, offering a great deal. The food is authentic and delicious, served in a relaxed setting with kind and friendly staff.

Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options exist, including a mock-duck dish. Dishes cater to different tastes with some offering a spicy kick while others are milder.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, hot, and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and perfectly prepared."

"The vegetarian curry here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Make sure to book a reservation.

2

You should pay cash to save money.

3

Happy hour is between 4 to 6 PM.

05
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.

Offers solid breakfast and lunch options with consistent quality. Serves as a reliable spot for meals throughout the week.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their breakfast and lunch options."

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.

06
Izakaya Juraku image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Japanese beer house style meets anime-themed decor and One Piece projections, creating a lively yet cozy vibe. Lunch starts at noon with a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for midday breaks. Menu boasts vegetarian ramen and vegan sorbet, catering well to plant-based diets.

Lunch service starts at 12:00, making it easy to plan midday meals. The spot offers a family-friendly atmosphere with solid options for a midday break.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"The ramen and takoyaki at this Lunch Spot are exceptionally good."

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
Mughlai Grill image 1
Indian restaurant

Narrow dining room filled with intense spice aromas and intricate South Asian décor creates an authentic Indian atmosphere. Soft lighting and subtle music set a cozy, traditional vibe where friendly energy prevails. Small space often fills early, making it a popular spot for casual, flavorful meals.

Lunch specials offer great portions and include items like Chicken Tikka Masala with Mulligatawny Soup, naan, and papri for about $14. Vegetarian and vegan lunch boxes come in generous servings that can cover multiple meals.

Lots of vegetarian options fill the menu, including a vegetarian lunch box that serves well for multiple meals. The place also offers a great vegan menu with flavorful dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The vegetarian options, like the daal and garlic naan, were incredible."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The parking received a rating of 1/5, so plan accordingly.

2

The place is small and gets crowded early, especially on weekends.

3

Mughlai includes a complimentary order of papadum with every takeout and delivery order.

08
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.

Quiet atmosphere suits a late Sunday lunch. Food tastes delicious and the overall experience feels great.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the smash burgers; they're delicious."

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.

09
Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab image 1

Kebab shop offers authentic Berlin-style döner with generous portions and fresh toppings included in wraps, tacos, or bowls. Atmosphere is casual with seating upstairs and downstairs for resting or quick meals. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the quality and preparation time.

Offers quick lunch options that are very filling. Suitable for daily lunch with consistent quality.

Wrap kebabs include roasted tofu and offer a vegan white sauce alternative. Vegan and vegetarian options exist but sometimes orders are mixed up, like receiving chicken instead of the vegan choice.

People are saying

"I found the döner kebab to be authentic and delicious."

"I found the doner kebab amazing and authentic."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is really tasty and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

All toppings are included in any choice between taco, wrap, or bowl.

2

The price is $16 per wrap and $6 for a taco.

3

Seating is available both downstairs and upstairs.

10
Okiboru House of Tsukemen image 1

Ramen restaurant with counter-stool seating arranged for quick eating and open kitchen where noodles are made in view. Atmosphere feels authentically Japanese with a warm, welcoming vibe despite cramped, packed space. Ordering happens via QR codes at each seat, emphasizing efficiency over lingering.

Lunch draws a crowd, so arriving early on weekdays helps avoid the line. Groups can get seated together at the bar when tables are full, showing some flexibility in seating.

Vegan tsukemen features a rich broth but can be too salty. Vegetarian options are limited, with the vegan ramen and garlic nori fries standing out.

People are saying

"The Tsukemen noodles are perfectly chewy and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's tsukemen broth is rich and flavorful."

"I found the vegetarian ramen to be super good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not accept cash for payment.

2

You will need internet access to use the QR code ordering system.

3

Expect a wait; I arrived at 11:45 and was seated an hour later.

11
Rex image 1
Cafe

Cozy café with soft lighting and comfortable seating creates a relaxed vibe ideal for work or unwinding. Walls display cool old photographs, adding character to the space. Pet friendly atmosphere complements a welcoming, casual energy.

Friendly workers help pick out a great lunch sandwich. The spot offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options.

Menu includes a large vegetarian section with vegan pastry options and hot food from the kitchen. Some items like avocado toast with feta cheese need clearer labeling for vegans.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be truly amazing and delicious."

"You have to try the banana bread at this Lunch Spot; it's one of the best."

"The staff here is so kind and friendly."

Good to know

1

Rex offers an incredible happy hour deal with a mimosa after work for $7.

2

Rex stayed open until 12:30, perfect for late night studying.

3

Rex offers all-day happy hour.

12
Gazab image 1
Indian restaurant

Small space with tight seating and Bohemian style creates an intimate atmosphere. Great Indian music plays in the background, adding lively energy. The environment feels warm and cozy despite limited ventilation.

Lunch offers a pleasant experience with friends on weekdays. The setting supports a casual midday meal but may limit enjoying the full atmosphere.

Refined versions of Indian staples offer a wide range of vegan options and spicy vegetarian dishes. The vegetarian Biryani and Pahadi Paneer Tikka stand out for flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is well-spiced and delicious."

"I found all the vegetarian dishes here to be tasty and great."

"This Lunch Spot has some of the best Indian food I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at the restaurant.

2

Be ready to wait for at least 2 hours even with a booking.

3

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

13
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 a menu suited for lunch and brunch with options that work well for a casual lunch meeting. Serves as an easy spot for midday meals.

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."

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

"The fried chicken sandwich here is the best I've ever had."

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.

14
Dhamaka image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant inside a market buzzes with Bollywood music and a lively vibe. Weekend lunch offers a $45 menu with great value and consistent quality. Menu shines with rich vegetarian flavors and clever smoked cocktails that boost the fun atmosphere.

Weekend lunch features a $45 menu that offers a solid value. Meals suit both lunch and dinner times with consistent quality.

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

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot's paneer tikka and crab dishes are rich and flavorful."

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.

15
Essex Market image 1
Produce market

Spanning three floors, the market blends authentic NYC energy with a lively bar scene. Basement offers diverse lunch options like pasta and sandwiches. Vegetarian choices shine with award-winning vegan cheese and multi-ethnic dishes including vegan pizza.

Basement restaurants offer a variety of options for lunch with pasta and sandwiches standing out. Diverse choices include Korean food, Puerto Rican coffee, smoothies, and dessert bars.

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.

People are saying

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

"This is a great lunch spot with fantastic food options."

"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.

16
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.

Lunch here features a unique concept inspired by Korean drivers' diners called “gisa sikdang.” The lunch menu runs only from Friday to Sunday between 11am and 2:30pm.

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

People are saying

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

"The side dishes at this Lunch Spot were really amazing and fresh."

"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.

17
Mr. Taka Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with intimate seating and an authentic Japanese atmosphere creates a cozy vibe ideal for quiet dinners. Covered outdoor patio offers additional seating but lacks air conditioning. Music can be loud during lunch, and the place fills quickly due to limited capacity.

Simple, casual lunches focus on ramen with a straightforward menu. The spot suits quick meals and relaxed dining with family or friends.

Offers several vegan ramen options including spicy and curry varieties. Vegan bowls feature grilled zucchini and tomato. Vegetarian ramen dishes are flavorful and diverse.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be perfect and authentic."

"I found the vegetarian ramen options to be very good."

"This lunch spot's spicy ramen is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait a bit to be seated.

2

Reservations are not accepted.

3

The total charge for the meal is around $36 for a bowl of ramen.

18
Wolfnights® image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Gourmet wraps made fresh to order highlight the menu with incredible dough freshness and unique flavor combinations. Seating is limited and charming, featuring a swing chair that adds a playful touch. The atmosphere stays chill and roomy enough for comfortable movement.

Quick meals come with consistent flavor, making it a reliable spot for lunch. Food holds up well for leftovers, keeping the taste intact the next day.

Options include vegan wraps and tater tots, with choices for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers. Some vegan wraps may not match their description, as one contained pork despite being labeled vegan.

People are saying

"The handmade dough for these wraps is made fresh to order."

"This Lunch Spot's wraps are so big and delicious."

"The Vegetarian wraps here are thick, flavorful, and worth every penny."

Good to know

1

If paying cash, they only take exact change.

2

Customers cannot tip when they pay with a card due to the POS system.

3

The restaurant offers a wide range of wraps made fresh from different doughs, including gluten-free and keto options.

19
Ginger and Lemongrass image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with paper lanterns and decorative vines creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, with a large front window that opens to the street. Energy is quiet and inviting, suited for dates or casual outings.

Lunch offers a $15 special with choices among three starters and four entrées. Portions like noodle soup and half a sandwich come pretty big, making it a solid spot for business lunch and conversation.

Vegan pho stands out with its rich and flavorful broth, topped with a poached egg, chili oil, and two limes. Mushroom and other vegan options add variety for vegetarians.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is so flavorful and comforting."

"I found their vegan pho surprisingly rich and flavorful."

"I thought the lunch specials were the best in the neighborhood."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is from 5:30 PM on Tuesdays with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

The kitchen closes before 10 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak days and holidays to secure a table.

20
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.

Fresh and tasty lunch sandwiches make this a solid spot for a midday meal. The cafe also serves halal options and pairs well with a casual visit after market browsing.

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.

People are saying

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

"This is a great lunch spot for sandwiches and platters."

"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.

21
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.

Quick and satisfying lunch options focus on bagels and other tasty foods. Expect about a 20-minute wait during weekday lunch hours.

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

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's smoked salmon and schmears are a must-try."

"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.

22
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.

Arriving just before the lunch rush means no queue. This spot fills up quickly for downtown lunch.

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

People are saying

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

"The pastrami sandwich at this lunch spot is fabulous."

"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.

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Lower East Side, New York

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