New York City – home of pastrami, hot dogs on sticks and salt-beef bagels. So, it may feel a little daunting to think about your meat-free options in The Big Apple, but as a fellow vegetarian who loves NYC, I’ve tried and tested some amazing restaurants with tasty, show-stopping vegetarian-friendly options. Who said herbivores have to miss out on delicious food?
The Counter
A burger restaurant that’s good for veggies? you bet. The Counter is a fast food chain in Times Square and it has great veggie options. You can build your own burger and they even have a vegan patty and cheese on the menu, plus loads of veggie-friendly toppings, sauces and sides. If you’re struggling to decide, go with the custom-build veggie burger or impossible plant-based burger with fried onion strings. ZERO REGRETS.
Average spend per person: $20-25.
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Scarpetta
Fancy isn’t just reserved for meat lovers. Scarpetta is an italian restaurant in the heart of Madison Avenue and the decor has a modern-day Gatsby vibe. The menu has plenty of vegetarian options, including the famous tomato and basil spaghetti (it’s to die for), as well as truffle pasta, creamy polenta and roasted zucchini. It’s fine-dining so while your stomach will be happy, your wallet may be a little less impressed.
Average spend per person: $50.
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Eat by Chloe
The birth-place of the vegan chain Doesn’t disappoint, With meat-less burgers to rival Shake Shack and Mcdonalds. My favourites are the guac burger, mac n cheese and the quinoa taco salad. You can visit here for breakfast, lunch or dinner and their sweets menu make it a great resting stop to grab a pastry or cookie in between sightseeing.
Average spend per person: $15.
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Pershing Square
if you’re Looking for that classic American breakfast minus the meat, Look no further than Pershing Square. right opposite Grand Central station, it’s in a great location to stop for brekkie before a day of exploring around the city on the metro. Enjoy huge omelettes, blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes, waffles and home fries – which for me are the best in the city. If you’re more about a healthy breakfast, there’s muesli, salmon bagels and fruit platters but let’s be honest, we all know that home fries trumps muesli.
Average spend per person: $23.
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Naples 45
You can’t go to New York without eating pizza and this is the restaurant to get that Italian fix. You can share a ½ metre pizza – or have one to yourself! And herbivores aren’t short of topping options, plus vegetarian pastas and salads. The casual setting will make you feel right at home and you can watch your pizza cook in their open wood-burning stove kitchens. But the best thing is that you can take home anything you don’t finish. Pizza for breakfast? I think so.
Average spend per person: $30-35.
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