Best Vegetarian Restaurants in East Village (10009)
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Bungalow
High-polish modern Indian built around chef-driven regional storytelling.
Notable Picks
#1
Bungalow
8.6
A modern Indian flagship that leans ambitious without losing the flavor baseline—thoughtful spice, polished technique, and a menu built for sharing across regions of India. Come hungry, pace it like a tasting, and prioritize the signature kebab-and-seafood moments that show the kitchen’s range.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yogurt kebab, Fish with Malvan marinade, Anarkali chicken
What makes it special: High-polish modern Indian built around chef-driven regional storytelling.
#2
Red Onion
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
A neighborhood-leaning Indian spot that does the greatest hits with conviction—big portions, warm spicing, and a menu that rewards mixing a crisp starter with one rich meat dish and one vegetable counterbalance. It’s an easy “repeat order” place when you want reliable comfort over trend-chasing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Giant vegetarian samosa, Rara bhuna lamb, Aloo saag
What makes it special: Big-flavor Indian staples with generous portions and strong repeatability.
8.3
A cult-favorite counter that plays like American diner comfort through a sharp, vegetable-forward lens. It’s best as a quick, intentional stop: one signature burger, one side, and something cold or sweet if you want the full experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Superiority Burger, Burnt broccoli salad, Soft-serve-style dessert
What makes it special: Cult American comfort reimagined through a veggie-forward menu.
#4
Ruffian
8.2
A small wine bar where the food is designed to pace with the bottles—salty snacks, bright salads, and veg-leaning plates that keep you ordering “one more thing.” Come with a plan: two savory plates, one punchy vegetable dish, then let the wine lead.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred Eggplant Tahini, Lentil Salad, Smoked Olives
What makes it special: Wine-first hang with veg-friendly small plates that reward sharing.
#5
Avant Garden
8.0
A vegan-leaning New American room that succeeds when you treat it like a sharing menu instead of chasing a single big centerpiece. The cooking is built around clever textures and comforting flavors, with a date-friendly vibe that stays lively rather than hushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan cacio e pepe, Kale Caesar, Plant-based "crab" cake-style starter
What makes it special: Vegan New American plates that prioritize texture and comfort.
Worthy Picks
#6
Haile Bistro
7.8
An Ethiopian dining room that’s a strong vegetarian group meal because the combination platters naturally deliver variety and contrast. Go for a veggie sampler with one extra lentil or greens dish so the table gets both brightness and depth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetarian Combination Platter, Misir Wot, Gomen
What makes it special: Vegetarian-friendly Ethiopian combos that are built for sharing.
7.8
A cash-only, counter-service Punjabi deli where the vegetarian trays and sweets are the point—fast, filling, and built for takeout utility. It shines when you mix one saucy main with one green or lentil dish so the plate feels balanced, not one-note.
Must-Try Dishes:
Samosa Chaat, Chana, Saag
What makes it special: Cash-only Punjabi counter with rotating vegetarian mains and sweets.
#8
Desi Galli
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A fast-casual Indian spot that’s most useful for vegetarian street-food-style orders when you need flavor quickly. The best play is one roll or bowl plus one chaat-style side—enough variety to feel like a meal without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tikka kathi roll, Chana masala roll, Desi poutine
What makes it special: Indian street-food energy anchored by kathi rolls and fast turnaround.