Vegetarian Restaurants in Manhattan

[Mischief]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 4:48pm

I’m coming to NYC for a visit soon. I’m a vegetarian (not vegan).

I never have a problem finding something to eat at any type of restaurant I go to, but I was wondering if the Broadway World community could suggest some good vegetarian oriented restaurants in Manhattan.

Of course Indian and many other ethic places are always a good choice, but I can find plenty of that here in Chicago. I’m looking for an eclectic vegetarian eatery that is truly unique to NYC.

I’ve done some online searches – which haven’t really told me much.

I’d really appreciate any suggestion from the local community.

Thanks!

Updated On: 1/8/07 at 04:48 PM

[Pinguin]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 4:51pm

well, I guess this doesn't really count because it's ethnic oriented, but I've always been a fan of Zen Palate, an asian-themed vegetarian restaurant. There are a couple locations in Manhattan, the website is here: http://www.zenpalate.com/home.htm

[Mamamia Sammy2]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 4:55pm

www.corinescorner.com

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 5:08pm

my favorite ALL vegetarian restaurant is CHENNAI GARDEN!

129 E. 27th St

& theres Angelica's Kitchen, (its very popular, always packed, & they dont accept any credit cards...& sometimes it can be a little too hip & snobby...although they have the right to be snobby over that fruit kanten parfait, yum yum!)

http://www.angelicakitchen.com

i also really love Risoterria, but they are not *ALL* veg, they *DO* have an extensive vegetarian & gluten-free menu! all clearly marked!

http://www.risotteria.com

their food is pure pleasure!!!

[newsieboy23]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 6:36pm

Candle 79 on 79th st and amsterdam and Zen Palate IN UNION SQ, they all have different menus, this is the best.

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 6:42pm

Also, there's a really wonderful hole in the wall vegetarian Indian food place on 30th b/w 5th and 6th...I can't remember the name, but it was nummy. They make their own cheese.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 6:56pm

My favorites are in the East Village: Counter and Caravan of Dreams. Also, I do believe Teany is veggie, right?
As far as midtown goes, I always steer my way to 9th avenue between 43rd and 55th streets and take m ypic of the Thai, Indian and Chines restaurants there! Enjoy your trip!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 7:39pm

Zenith, 311 West 48th Street. You'll want to eat there right before going to see GREY GARDENS, which is right up the street.

[popular_elphie]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 7:44pm

I love Zen Palate, and I'm not a vegetarian.

[RENTingFAME]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 8:07pm

Even my dad ab my best friend, who are big meat eaters, loved Zen Palate. I wish I could eat there all the time... Zen Palate is amazing.

[suzycat]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 9:50pm

Ooh, I love this thread! Keep the recommendations coming!

[cabarethed]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 12:36am

Red Bamboo on W 4th. Absolutely delicious. I try to take my friend to veg friendly places when we go up, and this has been one of her favorites since Veg City Diner closed. Vegetarian Paradise II is right next to it as well.
www.redbamboo-nyc.com

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 12:45am

Zen Palate is a VEGAN restaurant. Just a warning. If a plate of leaves doesn't usually fill you up, then you might choose to dine elsewhere.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 2:53am

Yeah, because the only thing they serve at Zen Palate is leaves. Please.

I think the best vegetarian restaurant in the city is Candle 79, on 79th and Lexington. Candle Cafe on 75/3rd is also amazing. Zenith is wonderful, as is Zen Palate. But - if you go to Zen Palate - try checking out the one in union square. I like it much better than the one in hell's kitchen (they didn't get the name from nowhere.)

[Garland Grrrl]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 9:29am

I believe touchmeinthemorning is referring to DIMPLE - 30th between 5th & Broadway. Fantastic, authentic Indian vegetarian cooking at a price that is ridiculously low for Manhattan. Try one of the many varieites of Dosa. They have the best Shrikhand in the city. On the East side, I loved Udipi Palace - but it has been renamed Banana Leaf (lex @27th) and they now serve some meat dishes as well. I was in there on Saturday and they make the best chai in the city. My own Amma could do no better. If you want a big meal in a splendid environment, you must try Vatan -- but you need reservations. This place is not to be missed, especially if you like Indian Veggie cooking.

I myself do not care for Zen Palate. I find their food a bit greasy and unimaginitive and all the wheat products do not agree with me. Go to Menupags.com and get some ideas-- places are listed by genre and location. Bonne chance!

Menupages

Updated On: 1/9/07 at 09:29 AM

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 9:36am

I took Garland's recommendation of Dimple a while back, and loved it (and this was straight after coming back from a trip to India).

I also love Angelica Kitchen, but the crowd there can be really odd. Last time I was there, I was seated at the communal table, where about 7 strangers stared at my plate of food, and at me, as I ate.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 9:38am

I like Zenith a lot, although haven't been since they moved. My friend who's a veg loves Lemongrass. I have not been there, but she has good taste.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 9:59am

i *do* hate the attitude @ angelica's kitchen.
its a shame, because the food can be so good.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 10:07am

I'll second Munk's recommendation of Candle 79. It is unquestionably my favorite restaurant. It is vegan, but you'd never know it. The Seitan Piccata is amazing.

There was a similar thread a while ago, I'm going to go search for it, and will be back with the link...

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 10:09am

Go figure... *I* had started that other thread. Who knew...
link

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 10:20am

yech!

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 10:45am

Yes, Garland, I am talking about Dimple. Thanks!

They're also kosher, if you keep.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 12:25pm

iflit, it's funny that you mention that - the seitan piccata is my favorite dish as well. It's just perfect.

[Corine2]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 1:21pm

Hi,
My suggestion is the Cottage Chinese restaurant. They have the best veggies served asian style. You can style your own dish with your own sauce for under 8 dollars.
I love snowpeas, waterchestnuts, brocolli and stringbeans with ginger and garlic in a brown sauce. You can create any combination and you can bring your own wine (I love Pinot) to the restaurant. Or you can drink the free sweet box wine for free.
There are two locations: Irving Square near Union Square and The UWS between 76th and 77th and Amsterdam. For your own booze go to the Amsterdam location.
Updated On: 1/9/07 at 01:21 PM

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/9/07 at 1:35pm

CoCo, there is a difference between "Vegetarian Restaurants" and restaurants that serve some veggie dishes. When a menu features extensive "duck, poultry, seafood, lamb, beef and meat" sections on a menu, you can be sure the few vegetarian dishes are NOT the specialty of the house. If you are going to be a restaurant reviewer you really should know the difference between a place that specializes in vegetarian food and one that offers a couple of veggie choices for the few vegetarians that might stumble into their otherwise carnivorous restaurant.

Updated On: 1/9/07 at 01:35 PM