Going plant-based has never been easier! With more restaurants embracing plant-based dishes or making the full shift ala Eleven Madison, there’s been more vegan-friendly innovation in the past few years to make the transition much smoother.
See Also: Introducing The Only Zero-Waste, Fast-Casual Concept In NYC
If Veganuary is on the menu for your New Year’s resolutions, here are some restaurants to make it easier on you and the planet.
28 E 12th St, Manhattan/Website
Philadelphia-based, fast-casual restaurant HipCityVeg makes it easy and convenient to go plant-based by making vegan versions of your favorite American comfort foods like Burgers, Shakes, and Fries. With already 11 locations in Philadelphia, DC, and New York, Latina restaurateur Nicole Marquis has plans to more than double in size by February 2022 as the next ’Shake Shack of Plant-Based Food.’ Already expanded to a storefront location in Union Square followed by ‘Go Kitchens’ in Queens and Brooklyn (this January) for delivery-only, Marquis has a goal to bring plant-based options to as many neighborhoods as possible. “People are realizing they can get the foods they crave and enjoy them in a way that has a much, much lower impact on the planet while aligning with their compassionate values,” said Marquis.
131 Mulberry St, Manhattan/Website
Founded by JaJaJa Group, which owns multiple eateries, including plant-based JaJaJa Plantas Mexicana, the charming Italian Delicatessen and marketplace offer a wide variety of Italian specialties, prepared grab-and-go options, and made-to-order delicatessen foods, such as pasta salads, sandwiches, and housemade dairy-free cheeses from new Chef Mario Buccellati (previously Dirt Candy). Bringing the essence of an old school Italian delicatessen and a family operated shop in Little Italy, Galioto’s takes the guesswork out of dining out during the cold, chilly months to serve crave-able meat alternatives with Italian Heroes like Fig-etta Bout it with Figs, glazed beets, and dairy-free ricotta with caramelized onion, and Caprese sandwiches, all plant-based, as well as dried pasta and sauce to cook at home.
Multiple Locations/Website
South of the border meets veggies at this plant-based Mexican restaurant with four locations (and counting) in the Lower East Side, West Village, Hudson Yards, and a newly opened location in Williamsburg. Offering a contemporary all plant-based Mexican menu, in a vibrant, fun pastel-colored space with a full tequila and mezcal bar, JaJaJa Plantas Mexicana appeals to all diners. Some of their fan favorites include Nachos with ‘chorizo’ fermented black beans, turmeric queso fundido, and sour cream, and a Coconut Quesadilla with spinach and basil pesto, Beet and Pumpkin Empanadas, as well as Churritos for dessert. “When we opened JaJaJa there was a lack of plant-based restaurants with approachable menu items, now there are dozens of innovative restaurants with a variety of cuisines, so diners can have their pick," said co-founder Nima Garos.
Photography by: Courtesy Eleventh House PR
