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Dirt Candy
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Dirt Candy
8.9
Dirt Candy is Amanda Cohen’s Michelin-starred vegetable tasting-menu restaurant, where seasonal dishes like asparagus lasagna reimagine pasta through a high-end, all-veg lens in a sleek Allen Street dining room. Open since 2008 and now firmly a Lower East Side institution, it’s the most upscale, reservation-only way to experience lasagna-inspired flavors in ZIP 10002.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asparagus lasagna from the seasonal tasting menu, Carrot pizza bite from the tasting progression, Potato sundae dessert
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Michelin-starred vegetable tasting menu where dishes like asparagus lasagna show how far plant-based cooking can go.
Who should go: Serious diners seeking creative, vegetable-driven tasting menus.
When to visit: Prime dinner slots booked well ahead for special occasions.
What to order: Current tasting menu, with attention to any lasagna-style course.
Insider tip: Note the no-tipping policy and consider the excellent wine pairing to experience the full progression.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Allen Street is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm. No valet service. Plan for rideshare or nearby garages on Essex or Delancey.
Dress code: Elevated smart casual. Stylish outfits fit the room; jeans are acceptable if paired with a dressy top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate. The dining room maintains a calm, polished atmosphere where conversation is easy even during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only tasting menu; walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Expect fully booked weekends.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire tasting menu is fully vegetarian by design.
Vegan options: Yes — the kitchen can accommodate vegan requests with advance notice; several courses can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free adaptations are available when noted ahead of time, though some courses may be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate dining room, tasting-menu pacing, and inventive vegetable-focused courses make it ideal for a thoughtful, elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Dirt Candy books out well in advance and does not hold walk-in tables. Monitor Resy for cancellations or waitlist movement.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The multi-course tasting menu and slower pacing skew adult-oriented; older teens who enjoy fine dining may appreciate it, but it's not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: High-concept, vegetable-driven tasting menus, Michelin-level finesse, and special-occasion dinners where presentation and creativity matter as much as flavor.
Skip if: You want a casual or à la carte pasta experience, larger portions, or classic, cheese-heavy lasagna instead of avant-garde vegetable reinterpretations.
Dirt Candy
8.8
Dirt Candy is Amanda Cohen’s long-running vegetarian fine dining pioneer, serving a tasting menu that treats vegetables with the precision of a top-tier French kitchen. The room is intimate but lively, and the experience leans playful and experimental rather than stuffy, drawing diners from across the city for plant-focused plates and thoughtful wine pairings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brussels Sprout Tacos, Korean Fried Broccoli, Broccoli Dogs
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Vegetable-only tasting menus treated with true fine dining technique.
Who should go: Adventurous diners excited by creative, meatless tasting menus.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner seatings Tuesday through Saturday evenings.
What to order: Tasting menu progression, Brussels Sprout Tacos, Korean Fried Broccoli.
Insider tip: Book counter seats for the best view of the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Allen Street is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby garages on Delancey and Ludlow typically run $25–$35 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; elevated outfits fit the tasting-menu format, but nice jeans with a dressy top are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate—lively room with steady conversation, but you can comfortably talk across a two-top.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; tasting-menu reservations are required and book weeks out.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Dirt Candy is fully vegetarian with a tasting menu built around seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Yes—vegan adaptations are available for the full tasting menu with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free guests are accommodated with substitutions when noted at booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate pace, thoughtful plating, and playful tasting menu create a fun but refined atmosphere that works well for a first date, especially if both people enjoy adventurous dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—Dirt Candy operates on a reservation-only tasting-menu system. Same-day seats occasionally appear online, but walk-ins are almost never available.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—the multi-course format and longer meal length suit adults; older teens who enjoy tasting menus may do fine, but younger children may find it challenging.
Best For
Better for: Inventive, vegetable-driven fine dining with a sense of humor and technical polish, plus a more relaxed, welcoming energy than many tasting-menu restaurants.
Skip if: You want large portions, meat-centric dishes, or a fast meal; choose an à la carte spot instead if you prefer flexibility over a set tasting experience.
Dirt Candy
8.8
Dirt Candy is Amanda Cohen’s long-running, vegetable-only tasting menu on the Lower East Side, where seasonal courses turn single vegetables into intricate, high-impact plates. The Michelin-recognized room feels intimate but celebratory, making it a go-to spot for birthdays and anniversaries for diners who want a plant-focused special-occasion dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal vegetable tasting menu progression, Brussels Sprout Tacos, Korean Fried Broccoli
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized, vegetable-only tasting menu that turns produce into special-occasion dining.
Who should go: Vegetable-obsessed diners planning a big night out.
When to visit: Prime dinner seatings Tuesday–Saturday for full tasting experience.
What to order: Current seasonal tasting menu, Brussels Sprout Tacos, Korean Fried Broccoli.
Insider tip: Book counter seats if available for a closer look at the kitchen’s choreography.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Allen Street and surrounding LES blocks; plan for metered spots or nearby paid garages on Delancey and Essex.
Dress code: Smart casual; diners often lean polished due to the tasting-menu format, but elevated jeans and a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate; the room is intimate with lively energy, but you can comfortably hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated and waits can exceed 60 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not offered; dinner-only restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—it's a fully vegetarian restaurant with a tasting menu built entirely around vegetables.
Vegan options: Yes—vegan accommodations are typically available with advance notice, though some courses may require substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; many components can be adapted, but diners with strict gluten concerns should notify the restaurant ahead of time.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate, creative, and conversation-friendly. The tasting format creates a shared experience that works well for a memorable first date, especially with someone who appreciates inventive cooking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Dirt Candy books out in advance for prime nights and rarely has walk-in availability. If you try, aim for early weekday seatings and be flexible sitting at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The multi-course tasting format and quieter room are better suited to adults; older teens or food-curious kids might enjoy it, but young children may find the pacing challenging.
Best For
Better for: One of the city’s top options for plant-focused fine dining, offering a playful and technique-driven tasting menu that feels celebratory without being overly formal.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte ordering, want substantial meat or seafood dishes, or prefer a more casual, quick meal.
Dirt Candy
8.7
Dirt Candy is Amanda Cohen’s long-running vegetable-focused restaurant, serving playful tasting menus where produce gets star-chef treatment instead of side-dish status. The room is compact and energetic, with service calibrated for diners making a night out of meat-free fine dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Portobello mousse with truffle toast, Smoked cabbage hot pot, Carrot-centered tasting course
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A pioneering, Michelin-starred vegetable restaurant where every course treats produce like luxury.
Who should go: Vegetable lovers and omnivores curious about upscale meatless dining.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for slightly easier reservations and a calmer room.
What to order: Opt for the tasting; look out for portobello mousse and smoked cabbage.
Insider tip: Plan ahead for reservations and note that the all-vegetable format still eats like a full, indulgent meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Allen and surrounding LES blocks is limited, especially after 6pm; no valet. Plan for paid garages on Delancey or Essex within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; diners typically lean polished but not formal. Jeans are fine when paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly with some buzz from the compact room.
Weekend wait: The restaurant is tasting-menu only with timed seatings; walk-ins are essentially unavailable and waits are not accommodated.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Dirt Candy is entirely vegetable-forward with all dishes designed around produce.
Vegan options: Many components can be made vegan or are naturally vegan; notify the team in advance for the smoothest experience.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free accommodations are available with advance notice; the kitchen can adjust multiple courses.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its playful tasting menu and intimate room create a fun, low-stuffy atmosphere that still feels elevated. Great for someone who appreciates creative food or wants a unique dining experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely. Dirt Candy books up, especially on weekends, and operates on a tasting-menu schedule. Secure reservations well in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the tasting-menu format and tight dining room are better suited for adults or older teens who enjoy multi-course dinners.
Best For
Better for: Creative, vegetable-focused tasting menus where produce gets fine-dining technique without being overly formal or experimental for its own sake.
Skip if: You want à la carte ordering, large group seating, or a meat-focused meal; the entire experience is centered on vegetables and structured courses.
Dirt Candy
8.8
Open since 2008, Amanda Cohen’s Dirt Candy is a one-star Michelin, vegetable-only tasting menu where each course treats produce like a luxury ingredient. The chef’s counter and open kitchen make the meal feel like a demonstration of how far modern vegetable cooking can go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Portobello mousse with truffle toast, Korean fried broccoli, Seasonal multi-course vegetable tasting progression
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A pioneering, vegetable-only Michelin tasting menu where every course is built around produce.
Who should go: Vegetable lovers and omnivores curious about upscale meatless dining.
When to visit: Book well ahead for weekend dinners; weeknights are slightly calmer.
What to order: Full tasting menu, portobello mousse, Korean fried broccoli.
Insider tip: Bar seats give you a front-row view of the kitchen while still getting the full tasting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Allen Street; plan for nearby paid garages on Delancey or Essex (5–10 minute walk). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; diners often dress up a bit for the Michelin setting, but elevated jeans and a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is easy at tables, slightly livelier at the chef’s counter due to open-kitchen activity.
Weekend wait: No walk-in wait; reservations are required and book out weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not served; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—100% of the menu is vegetable-focused and vegetarian by design.
Vegan options: Partially; several dishes can be adapted but the full tasting is not fully vegan. Request accommodations when booking.
Gluten-free options: Many courses can be made gluten-free with notice; inform the team in advance so substitutions can be prepared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate, creative, and conversation-friendly. The chef’s counter adds an interactive element without feeling overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Dirt Candy books out weeks ahead, especially weekends. Very rare last-minute openings may appear online—set alerts and check day-of.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The multi-course format and quieter, refined atmosphere are better suited for adults or teens comfortable with longer tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: Innovative vegetable cookery, theatrical presentations, and a Michelin-level plant-focused tasting that’s more refined and experimental than most vegetarian spots.
Skip if: You want à la carte ordering, prefer heartier protein-heavy meals, or need fully vegan accommodations without modifications.
Dirt Candy
8.9
Dirt Candy is Amanda Cohen’s long-running vegetable-focused tasting menu on Allen Street, where seasonal produce is sourced and treated with fine-dining technique. Multi-course dinners spotlight a rotating roster of vegetables in highly composed dishes, making it a reference point for plant-forward farm-to-table cooking on the Lower East Side.
Must-Try Dishes:
Portobello Mousse with truffle toast, Korean Fried Broccoli, Smoked Cabbage Hot Pot
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized, vegetable-only tasting menu that treats seasonal produce like luxury.
Who should go: Diners seeking inventive, plant-focused fine dining experiences.
When to visit: Prime dinner seatings for the full tasting menu experience.
What to order: Portobello mousse, Korean fried broccoli, current-season tasting menu.
Insider tip: Book well in advance and plan for the full tasting format rather than à la carte.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Allen Street is limited; allow extra time. Metered spots open up after 7pm, and nearby garages on Delancey and Essex usually have space.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most diners wear polished but relaxed outfits; elevated streetwear or jeans with a dressy top fit in easily.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are generally comfortable, though peak dinner services bring a lively hum.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability for peak hours; reservations are essential, and standby wait can exceed 60–90 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not served; all experiences are dinner-focused.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—100% of the menu is vegetarian.
Vegan options: Most courses can be adapted vegan with notice; the kitchen handles accommodations thoughtfully.
Gluten-free options: Several components can be made gluten-free; notify the team in advance for substitution planning.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for someone who appreciates creative cooking and intimate dining rooms. The tasting format gives the experience a sense of occasion without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely during prime hours. A few late-evening walk-in slots may open on quiet weeknights, but booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to the tasting menu structure and longer dining time. Teens who enjoy adventurous flavors may appreciate it.
Best For
Better for: Highly conceptual vegetable cookery and intricate plating that highlight seasonal produce. Ideal for diners who want plant-based menus elevated to fine-dining territory.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte flexibility, large portions, or menus built around meat and seafood. Choose another spot if you’re looking for a quick or casual meal.
Dirt Candy
8.9
Dirt Candy is Amanda Cohen’s long-running, vegetable-only tasting menu where each course treats produce with fine-dining precision instead of side-dish status. Multi-course dinners showcase deeply worked flavors, playful presentations, and a dining room calibrated for guests making a full night of plant-focused tasting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Portobello mousse with truffle toast and pear compote, Korean fried broccoli with sweet-spicy glaze, Seasonal vegetable tasting-course centerpiece
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred, vegetable-only tasting menu that treats produce like luxury ingredients.
Who should go: Vegetable lovers and omnivores curious about upscale meatless dining.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for slightly easier reservations and calmer pacing.
What to order: Go for the full tasting; don’t miss portobello mousse or Korean fried broccoli.
Insider tip: Book well in advance and note that the experience is tasting-menu only with no à la carte option.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Allen Street; expect to circle during peak dinner hours. Nearest paid garage is typically 3–5 blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning elevated; polished denim is fine but most guests dress restaurant-nice.
Noise level: Moderate; lively room but conversation across a two-top is comfortable.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated for the tasting menu.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not offered; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetable-focused and naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Partially — several courses can be adapted, but the full tasting is not fully vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Many elements can be made gluten-free with advance notice; the kitchen handles accommodations regularly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the tasting menu format, intimate room, and polished service create a memorable, conversation-friendly first date if you’re both open to vegetable-only dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — the restaurant books out well in advance and does not typically hold space for walk-ins due to the tasting-menu format.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the multi-course tasting, pacing, and limited menu flexibility are better suited to adults or teens who enjoy structured dining experiences.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest options in NYC for inventive, vegetable-driven fine dining with playful technique and a polished tasting format.
Skip if: You prefer large portions, meat-focused plates, or a la carte ordering; consider alternatives with broader menus if you need more flexibility.
Dirt Candy
8.9
A chef‑driven vegetarian institution where vegetables are treated with high culinary artistry — the tasting menus turn produce into inventive, beautifully plated courses that even non‑vegetarians enjoy. It’s a destination for food lovers who appreciate creativity and technique rather than familiar comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pumpkin Pad Thai, Zucchini Takoyaki, Tomato Cake with Smoked Feta
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High‑end, vegetable‑focused tasting menus that redefine what vegetarian cuisine can be.
Who should go: Food enthusiasts and adventurous vegetarians.
When to visit: Dinner, any Tue–Sat night with a reservation.
What to order: Seasonal tasting menu (e.g., Pumpkin Pad Thai, Zucchini Takoyaki, Tomato Cake dessert).
Insider tip: Book early — seating fills up fast and bar seats get first-come first-served.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; a nearby garage on Clinton St offers hourly rates around $15-$20. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual recommended; upscale casual attire fits the atmosphere, though jeans are acceptable if paired with a nice top.
Noise level: Moderate - lively but not overpowering; you can hold a conversation comfortably.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner on weekdays generally requires a reservation, but weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 100% vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Several options available; confirm seasonal tasting items in advance as some may contain dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Most dishes can be adapted; the kitchen is accommodating but cross-contamination is possible with desserts.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the elegant, visually stunning dishes and intimate ambiance make it ideal for an impressive, conversation-friendly first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely, especially on weekends. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and sometimes allows solo diners or couples without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the tasting menu experience is long and delicate, best suited for older children who can sit through multiple courses quietly.
Best For
Better for: Dirt Candy excels at creative, high-end vegetarian cuisine that transforms vegetables into artful, inventive dishes, outperforming casual vegetarian spots.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for quick, familiar comfort food or a casual, budget-friendly meal.