Here at Mindful Wanderlust we love all the sights and sounds of the city, from the hustle and bustle of Times Square to the always exciting journey on the Staten Island Ferry.
Moreover, the Big Apple is also foodie paradise; you can often find lots of quality restaurants within walking distance of each other.
And what a great time to visit, as vegan restaurants are now dominating NYC’s food scene, with chefs offering great vegan options against stunning views.
After dining at dozens of vegan spots across the five boroughs, I’ve narrowed down my top picks for restaurants combining views and vegan menus.
Whether you’re looking for romantic skyline vistas, lush garden landscapes, or waterfront scenery, these vegan restaurants deliver delicious food alongside breathtaking backdrops.
#1 – Candle Cafe (Upper East Side)
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Perched on the Upper East Side, cozy Candle Cafe boasts two floors of windows overlooking the vibrant city streets below. As one of NYC’s pioneering upscale vegan restaurants, they deliver artfully plated vegan comfort food alongside an ever-changing seasonal menu.
Must-try dishes: Pea Tendril Salad, Three Nut Chili, Seitan Piccata
Check photos here
#2- Blossom (Chelsea)
Since its 2005 opening, Chelsea’s elegant Blossom has earned acclaim for elevating vegan cuisine. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light. Patrons can watch the bustling Chelsea foot traffic while sampling Blossom’s critically acclaimed vegan fare.
Must-try dishes: Portobello Carpaccio, Rigatoni alla vodka, Dark Chocolate Mousse.
#3 – Modern Love Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Across the river in hip Williamsburg, this cozy vegan spot’s key draw is the sprawling backyard garden oasis. Communal picnic tables scattered under trees create an idyllic urban escape. Their globally inspired vegan plates perfectly match the chilled al fresco vibes.
Must-try dishes: Dumplings, Pompelmo Cocktail, Cornbread with Maple Butter.
#4 – Terri (Murray Hill)
For stunning skyline views from a chic rooftop deck, Terri is a top choice. Their plant-based menu by celebrity chef Chloe Coscarelli pairs nicely with the East River panoramas. Share plates like artichoke dip and tomato bruschetta while watching the Roosevelt Island tram glide by.
Must-try dishes: Truffle Fries, Cauliflower Grits, Terri’s Chop Salad.
#5 – Wild Ink (Hell’s Kitchen)
Right on the Hudson River, Wild Ink’s patio offers some of the best waterfront vegan dining in NYC. Savor globally inspired small plates like steamed dumplings and summer rolls while taking in sunset views over the water. Their plant-based menu packs big, vibrant flavors.
Must-try dishes: Korean Ribs, Miso Dumplings, Seaside Ceviche.
#6 – Avant Garden (Lower East Side)
This cozy lounge-style spot on the Lower East Side opens up to a small but charming back patio dotted with greenery. Tucked away from the bustling city streets, it’s a serene urban oasis. Their vegan sharing plates and cocktails match the laid-back backyard vibes.
Must-try dishes: Truffle Croquettes, BLAT Wrap, Cheezecake with Berry Compote.
#7 Babu Ji (Coney Island)
For oceanfront dining, check out this hotspot on the Coney Island boardwalk. Their sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows and beachfront patio offer panoramic seaviews – a rarity in NYC. Enjoy creative vegan takes on Indian street food classics while watching the waves roll in.
Must-try dishes: Masala Papad Basket, Bhindi Masala, Malai Kulfi.
#8- Gingers Plant Shop (Greenpoint)
In the hip Brooklyn nabe of Greenpoint, this sunny cafe and plant shop combo exudes laid-back vibes. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the airy space with natural light. Sip fresh-pressed juices or coffee while admiring street views and their jungle-like array of houseplants.
Must-try dishes: Chilaquiles, Falafel Bowl, Banana Bread French Toast.
#9- Bite (Astoria)
For striking views of the Manhattan skyline, cozy Astoria cafe Bite can’t be topped. Their petite patio right on the East River waterfront delivers front row panoramas of landmarks like the Queensboro Bridge and Midtown skyscrapers. Enjoy vegan light fare like smoothie bowls and avocado toast with the perfect city backdrop.
Must-try dishes: Acai Banana Berry Bowl, Sweet Potato Avocado Tartine, Matcha Cashew Milk Latte.
#10- The Cinnamon Snail (Nomadic Food Truck)
This insanely popular vegan food truck roams around NYC, serving meatless takes on comfort classics from their tricked-out truck. Track their location to score vegan grub with a side of stunning city views. Favorites like Korean BBQ burgers and Sunflower Chorizo Hash taste even better enjoy from a scenic perch.
Must-try dishes: Bourbon Maple Seitan Sandwich, Radical Reuben, Maple Mustard Tempeh Sandwich.
#11- Ladybird (West Village)
For quintessential Greenwich Village charm, Ladybird’s sprawling backyard garden transports you from the bustling city streets. Enjoy elevated vegan plates like cauliflower tacos and beet ravioli within this whimsical tucked-away space seemingly tailor-made for relaxing weekend brunching.
Must-try dishes: Smoked Tomato Bloody Mary, Avocado Hollandaise Benedict, Chocolate Whiskey Pudding.
#12- Hurricane Hope (Williamsburg)
Tucked away on a Williamsburg side street, this cozy candlelit eatery opens up to a vine-covered garden patio. Surrounded by green and twinkling lights, their farm-driven vegan tasting menus feel harmoniously connected to the seasons. Watch the leafy oasis surroundings sway in the breeze between exquisitely composed courses.
Must-try dishes: chanterelle crudo, sunchoke risotto, cashew cheesecake
Beyond exquisite vegan cuisine, these restaurants deliver the full experience through their ambiance enhancing locations with stunning scenery. From romantic skyline views to lush secret gardens, this list has a breathtaking backdrop for every mood and occasion.
Wherever your NYC vegan dining adventures take you, be sure to appreciate the views as much as the innovative plant-based fare! Let the urban energy or natural solitude immerse you in each location as you discover the latest and greatest in the city’s ever-evolving vegan food scene.
