The Tastiest Vegetarian (and some not) Spots in NYC

This article was inspired by Cynthia Kling an editor of YogaCityNYC, who introduced me to writing and encouraged me to share some of my favorite vegetarian spots in NYC with other hungry New Yorkers:

Last fall, at a weekend retreat at Omega, I was sitting in the communal dining room with a group of women eating an incredible tempeh salad. One of them complained that it is impossible to find a restaurant in NYC that could match its vegetarian cuisine.

Huh? I moved to the city only four years ago from Russia, and, an explorer by
nature, have found tons of places. In New York, there is something for everyone—spicy
 or sweet, raw or cooked, inventive or traditional, eat in, take out, or delivered. I told the girls that I’d make a list of my favorite well-prices ones. I hope you enjoy each bite of what these places have to offer.

Lifethyme – 410 Avenue of the Americas, b/t 8 & 9th street. $5-15

This place is addictive. It’s a paradise for vegetarians, vegans, raw foodies and overall health junkies. Besides its cold and hot buffet tables, Lifethyme chefs prepare daily a large selection of raw and vegetarian pies, quiches, wraps with tofu, seitan, quinoa, beans, vegetables, and homemade organic sauces. The chefs’ recent addition of raw and roasted vegetable paninis and pizzas is worth a trip (but don’t leave without one of the raw puddings for dessert). You can enjoy your meal on Lifethyme’s second floor, which offers cozy chairs and ample light for reading a book while eating. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Integral Yoga Natural Foods – 229 West 13th Street b/t 7 and 8th Avenue, $5-10

This store follows the principles of Vedic vegetarianism—the philosophy of non-violence in diet—and doesn’t carry products containing meat, fish, or eggs. They also strive to provide the cleanest food possible with no artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners, or hydrogenated oils. If they have it, try their raw lasagna and a slice of raw cheesecake (if you want a salad, get to the salad bar before 2 p.m., because there won’t be much left after that). As a plus, Integral Yoga Natural Foods often hosts raw and vegetarian cooking classes from master chefs such as Lilian Butler, founder of Raw Soul Restaurant. For more info, check out their website: http://www.iyiny.org/

Bonobo’s – 18 East 23rd Street, b/t Broadway and Park Avenue. $7-15

This is one of the most wholesome, least-processed raw food restaurants. At Bonobo’s you can create your own meal out of the multiple salad bar ingredients and prepared salads, stews, and nut meats. Coconut thai chai, veggie medley, and zucchini in curry sauce are a must try, especially if you have it with a raw nut burger or flax seed bread. If your instincts call for something sweet after your meal, you will have plenty of healthy options at Bonobo’s. They have amazing chocolate-walnut and sesame truffles, assorted nut-crusted fruit pies, and frozen fruits, puddings and ice creams.

Dosa Cart – West 4th Street at Sullivan Street. $3-7

If you like authentic, spicy, vegetarian Indian food, look no further. Dosa Cart carries fresh and cheap dosas served with perfectly spiced sambar (for those of you unfamiliar with South Indian cuisine, dosa is a thin crepe made of lentil and rice flour, and a sambar is a tomato and lentil soup). Masala Dosa is everyone’s favorite: dip it in sambar and put coconut chutney on top. Yum! The owner and the cook Thiru Kumar is a local legend among NYU students, downtown vegans, and Indian expatriates. There is usually a line for a tasty dosa during lunchtime but Thiru moves fast, with a big smile on his face.

Tiffin Wallah – 127 East 28th Street b/t Park and Lexington Avenue, $7-15

My time in India made me fall in love with Indian food, especially the vegetarian specialties. This restaurant is a South Indian gem in the heart of famous “Curry Hill.” You can’t beat the $6.95 buffet lunch: the buffet deal works both for dining in or take out, for which they provide you with three containers. Tiffin Wallah’s food always includes a fresh salad, some sort of beans, vegetables, soup, lentil stew or dal, and either a tofu or a paneer dish, two different kinds of bread, and dessert. If you can’t make it during the week for lunch, come on the weekend for a special brunch. The regular menu prices are a little pricier than the lunch special but still affordable by NYC standards. Try a fantastic coffee chai for dessert or indulge in some delicious rice pudding with pistachios.

Pump – Multiple locations. Go to http://www.thepumpenergyfood.com/ for details. $5-10

Still haven’t found a place that serves affordable, low sodium, nutritious and flavorful food? Pump might be your solution. This NYC chain has a big following of professional athletes, actors, and the occasional “feeling in the healthy food mood” New Yorker. Their large selection of vegetarian friendly plates, pizzas, and sandwiches won’t let you get bored during lunchtime. Whole grain pancakes with strawberries and bananas or a healthy protein packed oatmeal will satisfy your breakfast hunger. Carnivores can indulge in egg white bakes, omelets and wraps with fresh veggies, choice of protein, and soy or fat-free cheese. Pump also offers homemade pies with added protein and no artificial sweeteners, cookies, frozen yogurt, and lots of tasty shakes.

Eva’s – 11 West 8th Street between 5th Avenue & Mac Dougal Street, $7-12
Are you hungry for some healthy Mediterranean food? Do you like hummus and falafel but not the fat that usually comes with it? How about paying $1.30 for a falafel? Eva’s is a place to go to! The menu is long and you can switch and add whatever you like to any dish. Make a salad topped with any of the following: fresh hummus, flavorful falafel, warm brown rice, savory olives, tart grape leaves, creamy feta cheese, or a moist veggie burger. Or you could make a sandwich, a wrap, or a plate with any of the ingredients. Eva’s specializes in high-protein, healthy meals and offers a lot of vegetarian options. Don’t get scared of the bodybuilders in the gym attire inhabiting Eva’s; they are quiet and mostly harmless.

Quantum Leap – 226 Thompson Street b/t 3rd Street and Bleecker Street; 203 1st Avenue b/t 12th & 1st Street.t $10-15

Quantum Leap has a large array of veggie burgers. They have a plain veggie burger made out of vegetables and soy, its vegan version, a lentil-walnut counterpart (my favorite Middle Eastern patty), and a whole list of specialty burgers served with plenty of toppings. They also make a few very tasty and nutritious Mexican dishes—sometimes I can’t resist ordering a spicy Chik’n Fajita, even for breakfast. Quantum Leap hosts a very popular brunch on Saturday and Sunday. There is no doubt that even your carnivore friends will love it. If you don’t feel like waiting in the line for your blueberry flax pancakes with tofu scramble and soy bacon, order online and get it promptly delivered to your cozy couch.

There are a few more that I will cover soon. Here is a sneak peek:

The Organic Grill – yummy mushroom burger

Viva Herbal Pizzeria – vegan, non dairy, gluten-free options

Yogi’s Kitchen – not sure about this one, since it changed the owner 3 times in the last 6 months but will definitely check it out for it’s promised Ayurvedic cuisine

And many more coming soon…

Stay healthy with these great restaurants!