ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Vatan Indian Vegetarian
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Vatan is a dramatic, courtyard-themed Indian vegetarian restaurant in Kips Bay serving a fixed-price, all-you-can-eat Gujarati-inspired feast. Diners settle into carved booths for an evening of endlessly refilled chaat, curries, breads, and dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
All-you-can-eat vegetarian thali, Papdi chaat platter, Gujarat-style kadhi and curries
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Immersive courtyard setting with an all-you-can-eat vegetarian thali.
Who should go: Groups wanting a long, feast-style vegetarian dinner.
When to visit: Leisurely dinners; allow extra time for the full experience.
What to order: Pre-fixe vegetarian thali, papdi chaat, sweet dessert course.
Insider tip: Choose spice level carefully—the set menu keeps refilling all night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in the area, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual; jeans are fine, but many guests dress up for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but it’s energetic during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or 10–20 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — many courses are naturally vegan, and staff will guide you through which dishes qualify.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some curries and rice dishes work, but most breads and fried items contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for second or third dates than a first — the unlimited, family-style format and longer meal can feel intense if you’re just getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible on quieter weeknights, but weekends and birthdays almost always require a reservation unless you’re willing to wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy bold flavors and sitting for a full multi-course meal; not ideal for toddlers due to the length and spice levels.
Best For
Better for: Long, immersive vegetarian feasts, group celebrations, and experiencing a traditional Gujarati-style thali in a theatrical setting.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quick meal, à la carte ordering, or a low-cost vegetarian option — this is a time-commitment, fixed-price dining experience.