Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Lower East Side (10002)
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Dirt Candy
Michelin-starred vegetable tasting menu where dishes like asparagus lasagna show how far plant-based cooking can go.
Notable Picks
#1
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:
Asparagus lasagna from the seasonal tasting menu, Carrot pizza bite from the tasting progression, Potato sundae dessert
What makes it special: Michelin-starred vegetable tasting menu where dishes like asparagus lasagna show how far plant-based cooking can go.
#2
May Kaidee
8.4
An all‑vegan Thai restaurant offering plant‑based renditions of classic dishes like curries and stir‑fried noodles — flavorful, fresh and often gluten‑free. Its cozy, inviting atmosphere and friendly service make it a go‑to for those craving Thai comfort food minus the meat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), Panang curry with brown rice, Tom Yum soup
What makes it special: Authentic Thai vegan dishes inspired by the owner’s Bangkok street‑cart roots.
8.3
Orchard Grocer is an all-vegan deli and grocery that turns out creative sandwiches, bagels, and soft serve from a narrow Lower East Side space. Plant-based takes on lox, fried chicken, and deli salads draw both vegans and omnivores looking for quick, satisfying sandwiches without animal products.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Edith, The Georgina, The Monty
What makes it special: A fully vegan deli and market specializing in inventive plant-based sandwiches.