There’s always a time and place for food indulgence, but sometimes your body longs for nutrients. Whether you’re trying to meet a health goal, make a lifestyle change, or just looking for tasty alternatives to your usual rotation, there’s a restaurant out there to convert the most stubborn of salad skeptics. NYC’s restaurant scene can feel overwhelming, but some options reign supreme. We have our classic favorites and some newcomers, but either way, you’re in for a nutritious surprise.
Restaurant: abcV
NYC Neighborhood: Flatiron District and the South Street Seaport
Don’t let the V in abcV scare you off; you’re right if you have suspicions of V standing for vegetables. But veggies don’t mean flavorless, and they certainly don’t mean uninventive. If you’re still doubtful, the restaurant is helmed by famous three-star Michelin Chef John George Vongerichten. The restaurant’s initiative is to offer high-quality plant-focused meals for holistic wellness. So you can eat satiating foods that also help the planet — it’s a win-win.
This isn’t Vongerichten’s first go-around, with 60 restaurants in his repertoire, the established restauranter knows how to take a risk and try something fresh. For instance, why have an unethically sourced meat bolognese when you can spice things up with a mushroom walnut one instead? The house-cultured hemp seed burger with a yuzukoshō special sauce and smoky fingerlings with a lemon aioli also offers the satisfaction of meat flavors minus the guilt of overstepping your calorie intake. Holiday tastings and vegan and gluten-free options are also available. You can even switch up your view and try their second location in the Seaport’s Tin Building.
Restaurant: Butcher’s Daughter
NYC Neighborhood: West Village, Nolita, and Williamsburg
The Butcher’s Daughter is a vegetarian go-to spot with three separate locations in NYC. After a third opening in a city filled to the brim with restaurants, it’s safe to say it’s a success. The chain started as a juice bar and graduated to a cafe and restaurant when founder Heather Tierney developed the concept of a butcher’s daughter straying from her father’s business to pursue vegetarian wellness.
You can try seasonal dishes, including homemade bread, pastries, and organic juices. Breakfast looks like poppy seed waffles with orange vegan butter and raspberries, while dinner offers options like a cauliflower cacio e pepe. Happy Hour offers $10 cocktails from a curated menu, and Wild Wine Wednesdays have certain wines half off. Events make the plant abundant restaurant hotspots for socializing. The Nolita location celebrates the seasons on the last Tuesday of every month with a farm-to-table dinner, and on Sundays, the Williamsburg restaurant has a vinyl DJ with brunch.
Restaurant: Oases
NYC Neighborhood: Chelsea
OASES is like a spa for the palate. The chic, whitewashed space with marble and wood accents will make you feel like you’ve entered a relaxation retreat. The new restaurant prides itself on a multisensory experience, with digital detox zones like the vegetable garden. While your traditional spa might focus its health benefits on cold plunges and saunas, this cafe prioritizes wellness through healing food and drink. The OASES Café and restaurant has seasonal menus that cross American and Himalayan cuisine. You can go for a Healing Bowl or a Nourishing Wrap; a cute name never hurt anyone. The food has natural sugars, steers clear of GMOs, and all cocktails have a mocktail alternative. You can make a day out of your visit with a wellness shopping spree at their neighboring bazaar.
Restaurant: CHLOE
NYC Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Celebrity Chef Chloe Coscarelli got wrapped up with the wrong business partner, and her beloved vegan chain, along with her restaurant dreams, were whisked away. After seven years of parting ways, Coscarelli has reclaimed her brand and the original restaurant location of By Chloe on Bleecker Street. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, dessert, and gluten-free options. You can try anything from the Summer Corn Mac to Spicy Cashew Kelp Noodles, but save room for dessert because there’s quite a variety. You can try matcha soft serve in a coconut, or Cupcake Wars winner, the strawberry chocolate cupcake, or a cinnamon espresso or raspberry shortbread cookie might be more your speed. Whatever you choose, you know it will be good because CHLOE is returning stronger than before.
Restaurant: Thyme & Tonic
NYC Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Thyme & Tonic is a gastropub that focuses on plant-first dishes. Though their menu is mostly vegan, poultry options include grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, organic eggs, and fresh fish. The food is also global, so variety is plentiful on the menu. For example, you can try a crispy Japanese potato starter, enjoy a smoked eggplant schnitzel, or jerk lamb chops (vegan substitute available), eating your way around the world. Thyme & Tonic is an easy selection when you’re trying to make mindful meal choices but are with a group that includes meat-eaters. You can pair your meal with garden-to-glass cocktails like Go Bananas and Lavender Blue; they rotate seasonally because Thyme & Tonic is all about options.
Restaurant: Little Beet Table
NYC Neighborhood: Rose Hill
You guessed it, another veggie-forward spot; what gave it away? You may have had The Little Beet during a work lunch break; the fast-casual franchise is all over the city. However, they also have a restaurant called Little Beet Table that serves sit-down meals. The restaurant is seasonal and locally sourced with high quality ingredients to nourish you. Many of their meals are vegetable spin on classic dishes like a brussels sprout pizzetta, a mushroom reuben, or their baked beet falafel. You can even throw a big soiree to celebrate your wellness accomplishments or an intimate dinner. They’ll set the whole thing up.
Tenured Favorites
Planta
Milos
Le Botaniste
Il Mulino
FAQs
Q: What are the open hours of OASES Restaurant and Bar?
A: The restaurant and bar are open daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Q: Does CHLOE require a reservation?
A: No, CHLOE is a walk-in establishment, and seating is first come, first serve.
Q: How can I learn more about The Butcher’s Daughter’s seasonal produce?
A: Their website offers an in season tab with tips and facts about their seasonal offerings.
