“New York is a city of choices. When it comes to choosing to eat vegan, the decision shouldn’t be intimidating.”

Gone are the vegan cafes of the past, known for dusty planters and wilted salads. Here to stay is the excitement of cruelty-free dining, whether it be for a lunch or as a life choice. Think fresh Tinga Tostada, upscale Pappardelle, and vegan versions of classic comforts like Seitan Philly Cheese Steak. From Nolita to Williamsburg, the real choice you should be making is if you want an electric dance floor or an iconic, Instagram-able menu served alongside your vegan fare. The best part? Your skeptical, non-vegan friends will be too busy enjoying their food to roll their eyes at you.

Bunna (Bushwick)

Recommended by haley nahman, Susan Alexandra, Heba Kadry, erin allweiss, nicole hokayem & Holly Mitchell

Bunna Cafe is the prime destination for Ethiopian cuisine in North Brooklyn and beyond. Bunna Cafe serves vegan Ethiopian food: hearty, wholesome, nutritious, and packed with flavor. Full of vitamins, healthy fats, veggie proteins, and fiber, their food adds creative twists to vegan recipes that have been refined and cultivated over many centuries. They also serve traditional Ethiopian alcohol -- including T'ej, a sweet, rich, fermented golden honey wine.

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Souen (East Village)

Recommended by Susan Alexandra, Zoe beyer, steph krasnoff

Souen is a beloved restaurant specializing in organic, macrobiotic & dairy-free dishes "made for healthy eating” run since 1971. No refined, chemicals, preservatives, meat or dairy products are used in their kitchen. They also employ traditional methods of preparation whenever possible to enhance the healthful quality and natural flavor of their food.

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Modern Love (Williamsburg)

Recommended by Lexi Cunningham, Tamara Santibanez, & Cara Flaherty

Modern Love is an entirely vegan restaurant in Williamsburg serving vegan takes of comfort food classic by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Popular dishes include BBQ cauliflower wings, mac and cheese and the Caribbean jerk tofu.

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JaJaJa (Lower East Side)

Recommended by Susan Alexandra, Cara Flaherty, alex vaughn & Dasha Faires

JAJAJA Plantas Mexicana is Contemporary Mexican spot with a colorful, all-vegan menu, plus tequila & mezcal cocktails.

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Champs Diner (East Williamsburg)

Recommended by Heba Kadry, yousra elbagir, amy quichiz

Vegan baked goods & comfort-food items served in a retro diner setting.

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Blossom (Chelsea)

Recommended by Rawan Rihani & Sara Haile

Tucked in a two-story historic townhouse in the Chelsea neighborhood, Blossom Restaurant sets the standard for cuisine and atmosphere in upscale vegan dining. Blossom Restaurant is certified Kosher by the International Kosher Council under the supervision of Rabbi Zev Schwarcz.

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