Top Vegan Restaurants in New York

Vegans, vegetarians, and those who are health-conscious, now more than ever, have a wide range of restaurants to choose from. It is commonly thought that a vegan or vegetarian diet consists strictly of tofu, beans, sprouts, and foods that are bland. On the contrary, vegan delicacies, organic foods and gourmet raw foods are just as satiable as those foods that we think of in a "normal" diet. The basic staples of a vegan diet include fresh produce, butters that are created from nuts rather than fats or dairy, and coconut. New York City has been known for it's animal-friendly dining and now offers some of the top vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the country.

Dimple
"Dimple" is located in Midtown New York (west of Fifth Avenue, including the Chelsea area) and serves Kosher Indian food. The menu consists of a list of choices that are meatless with a variety of vegan options as well. The ambiance is that of a fast food restaurant or café rather than a fancy dine-in. The food has been rated as being "home style" Indian cuisine.

Located at: 11th West 30^th Street (Fifth & Broadway).

Phone: (212) 239-0666

Hours: Daily from 11:30am - 8:30pm

Price Range: An average entrée starts at $5 and peaks at about $10.

Payment: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

Delivery: Delivery is available at this restaurant.

Raw Soul
"Raw Soul's" mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle through foods that are raw organic and live gourmet. This restaurant asserts that all of their food is prepared with God Consciousness in honor of and with respect for what nature has provided us. All meals are made from scratch and do not contain any meat, dairy, or refined sugars. The atmosphere in this restaurant is said to be that of a loving nature. Raw Soul also provides meal services during the week through a catering service. More information can be found on their website at www.rawsoul.com.

Located at: 348 West 145^th Street (between St. Nicholas and Edgecombe Ave.)

Phone: (212) 491-5859

Hours: Tue - Fri 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Sat 11:00am - 9:00pm

Closed Sun and Mon.

Price Range: An average entrée starts at $5 and peaks at about $10.

Payment: Accepts Visa and Mastercard ($15 minimum credit card charge).

Delivery: Delivery is available at this restaurant.

Candle 79
"Candle 79" is 100% pure vegan. It is a bi-level restaurant that has been set by Feng Shui. The atmosphere is highlighted on both floors by quixotic lights and luxurious seating. The lower level includes a bar for sampling an extraordinary selection of organic wines and beers. The alcohol menu also consists of Sojou and Sake. This is an upper-class eatery with sophisticated clientele that are looking for healthy, organic, all-vegan meals. The menu changes with the seasons but does remain diverse.

Located at: 154 East 79^th Street (near Lexington Avenue, Upper East Side).

Phone: (212) 537-7179

Hours: Mon - Sat 12:00pm 3:30pm; dinner 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Sun 12:00pm - 9:00pm (brunch is served until 4:00pm).

Price Range: An average entrée starts at $15 and peaks at about $25.

Payment: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Delivery: Delivery is not available at this restaurant.

Ayurveda Cafe
The "Ayurveda Café" serves food that is "Sattvic" or pure. Ayurveda is firm in its teaching that each meal should incorporate six different tastes that are necessary for maintaining good health and for healing. The "Ayurveda Café" prepares its food in alignment with this philosophy. Each of their meals includes these six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, and pungent. This restaurant is smoke-free and does not serve alcohol. It is said to have an atmosphere that provides a balancing or calming effect.

Located at: 706 Amsterdam Avenue (94^th Street, Upper West Side).

Phone: (212) 932-2400

Hours: Daily from 11:30am - 10:30pm

Price Range: An average entrée starts at $15 and peaks at about $20.

Payment: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express

Delivery: Delivery is available at this restaurant.