Start Off Fresh: My Top 5 Vegan Restaurants

It's a relatively new year, but definitely still the same you. We all have our resolutions and I know eating healthier is on many of our “to-do” lists, so why not try out some vegan restaurants around the city? I've scoped out my top 5 favorite vegan restaurants with the best price and food to start our year off right.

Champs Diner

197 Meserole St., Bushwick

Price: Moderate

If you're looking for the best vegan diner food, this is it. The menu ranges from pancakes to burgers and everything in between. Set in a classic diner atmosphere but with a punk twist, Champs is the best place to enjoy a milkshake or chow down on vegan mozzarella sticks.

Vegetarian Dim Sum House

5177 Pell Street, Chinatown

Price: Affordable

Love dumplings? This giant menu will satisfy any Chinese craving from wonton soup to “pork” buns. Located in the heart of Chinatown, Vegetarian Dim Sum House is no different from any other popular place in the neighborhood. The full vegan and vegetarian menu is extensive, but I recommend the sesame “chicken” and “shrimp” dumplings.

Red Bamboo

140 West 4 St, West Village

Price: Affordable

If it's hard to choose a place that everyone wants to go to, Red Bamboo is the perfect restaurant that has a little bit of everything. From Asian to comfort food, I have yet to have a bad meal. Set in a classic bistro atmosphere, you can order anything from fried “chicken” to a fried eggplant sandwich. I recommend trying the pulled “pork” sandwich and always pay attention to what flavors of cake they have on special. You will not be disappointed.

Seasoned Vegan

55 St. Nicholas Ave, Harlem

Price: Moderate

If you're looking for authentic soul food, look no further. Seasoned Vegan is known in the vegan community for the best soul food in Manhattan. Anything from “crawfish” in garlic butter sauce to raw lasagna, this place is definitely the spot for trying new things. They also offer brunch and a late night menu.

Orchard Grocer

78 Orchard St, Lower East Side

Price: Affordable

Conventionally a market that sells vegan breakfast and deli sandwiches, Orchard Grocer also sells sweet treats and small vegan snacks. If you're craving a “bacon egg and cheese” or a classic Italian sub, this is your stop. They also have daily specials that they post on their Instagram that never seems to disappoint.