When it comes to being vegetarian or vegan, finding a great variety of tasty dishes can be hard. We know that struggle from personal experience. Especially when you’re visiting a new place for the first time.
If that sounds like you, and you’re currently in Long Island or planning a visit then we’re here to help!
We know this place like the back of our hand, so are here to share with you the best vegan, vegetarian-friendly and vegetarian restaurants in Long Island. Just see it as our good deed of the day.
So, if you’re on the lookout for vegan or vegetarian-friendly spots to try out in Long Island, these restaurants and cafes will be perfect.
Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Long Island: Unmissable Food!
1. Zen Garden
Located in Great Neck Plaza, we think Zen Garden is the best vegan and vegetarian Chinese-Asian restaurant in the state. Why? Because of its large selection of creative vegetarian and vegan food which allows you to satisfy your Chinese food cravings.
The interior is super laid back and peaceful – just what you’d expect from a place called Zen! It’s a great place to kick back on their comfortable sofas and booths and relax after a long day.
Before ordering your food, why not try their Zodiac Tea; a quirky drink where you tell them your birth date and you’ll be served a blooming tea designed around your zodiac sign. That’s a super unique (and fun!) thing we’ve never come across before.
It might be confusing at first seeing the menu with items like chicken, shrimp, fish, beef or duck, but rest assured that all of the are only mock meats, so vegans, as well as vegetarians can enjoy their dishes without worrying about animal byproducts.
What would we recommend? Well, all of their delicious vegetarian duck, chicken, fish and shrimp options looked good. But we were blown away by their Golden Shrimp, Sichuan Noodles, Sesame Beef, and Vegan Sushi; all bursting with flavor.
If you like tofu, Zen Garden serves a fantastic array of tofu options. However, some of the dishes might be a bit salty, so you can request for less salt in yours. If you have room for dessert (who doesn’t?) Zen’s Coconut Cake with Blueberry Compote is the dessert queen.
With all of that on offer, it’s easy to see why Zen Garden made our list of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Long Island.
This restaurant is open on Monday and Thursday from 11:30am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday from 11:30am to 9pm. Unfortunately they’re closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Address: 1 Great Neck Rd, Great Neck Plaza, NY 11021
2. Three Brothers Vegan Café
Famous for their wood fired pizzas, this wonderful plant-based Italian restaurant is located in Copiague. Whether you are vegan or not, this amazing spot has a large selection of delectable food – perfect to satisfy all taste buds, even those who are not used to vegan dishes.
You’ll love the vibrant atmosphere of this café – it’s great for grabbing lunch with friends or even a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. But what we really love is the large selection of vegan cheese made from cashews and macadamia nuts, all freshly prepared in house. Expect to be impressed by the quality. If you are allergic to nuts, this restaurant also offers nut free cheese.
Their Vegetable Lasagna is packed to the brim and is bound to keep you full. But if you want some real comfort food, we recommend trying their Fried Mac & Cheese Balls, Eggplant Rollantini, BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Pizza or Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe.
If it is your first time visiting, why not choose a variety of the starters and pizzas and then share among friends tapas style? That’s what we usually do anyway. And if you like something sweet to end your meal, try the Vegan Carrot Cake. It’s one of the best we’ve tasted.
You can’t go wrong with Three Brothers Vegan Café, but it’s their in-house vegan cheese which really sets them apart from the other vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Long Island.
This restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 10pm, but closed on Monday.
Address: 1038 Montauk Highway, Copiague, NY 11726
3. Tiger Lily Café
If you love a quirky lunch spot, this vegetarian-friendly funky café is the perfect place to drop by whenever you fancy a healthy but tasty bite.
This place oozes character thanks to the different creative décor and the funky wall art that showcases local artists. You’ll get cozy vibes from this place too, and will likely notice straight away that there are loads of awesome options for vegetarians in their extensive menu.
The Chelsea Burger in particular is a winner with locals! We also recommend their Sesame Tofu Cutlet Wrap and The Lily Veggie Burger.
And on top of that, if you love smoothies, fresh juices and shakes, this place is the perfect pick. We think you’ll love their Green Genie which is a fresh juice cocktail.
Tiger Lily Café also has a bar-style seating option outside where you can sit, relax, and enjoy your cocoa, coffee, or tea in the sun. We loved the Toasted Coconut Crunch frappe and if you are looking for a kid’s frappe, the Funky Monkey with Bananas is an absolute winner.
And for very healthy alternatives, the juice bar here has special protein shakes, wheatgrass shots, and other fresh juices. The Peaches and Cream, which is a soy protein energy shake, is a delicious choice.
Can it get even better? Of course it can! Tiger Lily showcases art and music from some of Long Island’s best young artists. They feature lots of different genres but you can never go wrong by popping in during ‘Acoustic Sundays’.
Grab a seat on their outdoor deck, enjoy the music and some delicious food! Tiger Lily may have meat options, but it’s one of our favorite restaurants for vegetarians in Long Island due to the fantastic array of meat-free dishes.
This Long Island vegetarian-friendly restaurant is open everyday from 11am to 5pm.
Address: 156 E Main St suite b, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
4. True Food Kitchen
Looking for a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that serves healthy American comfort food? True Food Kitchen in Garden City could be perfect then as it has a menu filled with many vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and healthy choices.
You will love the modern and cozy atmosphere here, which is perfect for catching up with friends. Whilst the sleek wooden floors and open-air kitchen are great features of this restaurant, you might not find yourself staying inside for long as the outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying your brunch cocktails under the sun.
If you are a fan of vegan burgers, we highly recommend trying their Vegan Double Cheeseburger- a real hit with locals. We also think you’ll enjoy their vegan Charred Cauliflower, vegetarian Good Earth Kale Cobb, and vegan Spinach & Mushroom Pizza. The vegetarian Flourless Chocolate Cake for dessert is just the cherry on top.
The menu has several seasonal offerings too, so you know the food is fresh, while the generous portion sizes are bound to keep you full. Plus True Food Kitchen is a great place if you are looking for American dishes that are full of nutrients, anti-inflammatory ingredients and are of exceptional quality.
This restaurant is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11:30am to 9pm and open from 11:30am to 9.30 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Address: 630 Old Country Rd Suite 1040B, Garden City, NY 11530
5. The Purple Elephant
This Latin-American restaurant in Northport is not an entirely vegetarian restaurant in Long Island, but it does have a nice selection of outstanding vegetarian and vegan meals to satisfy all taste buds.
Located near to the beach, this eatery is the perfect lunch spot after a trip dipping your feet in the sea and sand. The Purple Elephant is adorned in Costa Rican beach décor; which gives off cool and calming vibes. And if you’re like us and enjoy some breeze and a bit of sunshine, you can enjoy their tasty vegan and vegetarian food on the lovely patio.
They’re not only limited to Latin-inspired dishes, but we definitely recommend trying their signature vegan dishes which are sustainably sourced and bursting with flavor. Those include the vegan Peruvian Soy “Beef” Empanadas, Thai Elephant Wings, Mac Attack, Reuben & Kimchee and their Rainforest Burger & Yucca Fries – you won’t be disappointed. They also have gluten free options which is a big bonus.
In fact we think you’ll love the laid-back atmosphere here so much, it’ll make you want to pick up the cocktail menu. There’s lots to choose from, but you don’t want to miss out on their famous mojito. It’s a classic for a reason!
Want to plan a meeting or a function? You can make lunch or dinner reservations quite easily. You can also get a good deal with their weekly specials like their takeout Tuesdays where you get 20% off your order.
Since this place is ideal for vegans and vegetarians, as well as non-vegetarians, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a selection of dishes with friends on the patio during warm days, or to cozy up by their fireplace for a romantic dinner. It’s easily one of our favorite restaurants for vegetarians in Long Island.
The Purple Elephant is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 9pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30am to 10pm.
Address: 81B Fort Salonga Road W, Northport, NY 11768
6. The Witches Brew
The Witches Brew is an American-based vegetarian and vegan-friendly café located in West Hempstead side. As the name suggests, this super quirky restaurant is set up in a century-old house and has spooky décor.
The mismatched furniture is inspired from Alice in Wonderland and it creates a truly unique and photogenic atmosphere. This place is actually famous locally for the fantastic and different varieties of coffee they offer, but it’s also known for having some of the best vegan desserts in town.
The main meals are very good too, and you can’t go wrong with their vegan Mac and Cheese, Nachos, and Burritos. But if you are craving something sweet, then we highly recommend their vegan Cherry & Chocolate Cheesecake or even their milkshakes – be prepared for huge portion sizes! These delicacies with a cup of coffee or tea are all you need to for a perfect date night!
Be mindful that this place only accepts cash payments. We also found that the wait can be a little long at weekends as it’s so popular. It’s worth pointing out that this restaurant can only accommodate groups of 6 people or less too.
This vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Long Island is closed on Monday and Tuesday, and open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to midnight.
Address: 311 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552
7. The Lindenhurst Diner
This family-owned business serves traditional American food as well as some international cuisines like Italian, Greek and Mexican. But luckily it’s a very vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant too, which is why it makes our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Long Island.
With generous portions and great service, this inviting diner has over five pages of vegan options to choose from! That includes an all-day breakfast menu with dishes like vegan Quesadillas, Burritos, Tacos, Pancakes and Waffles.
Some of our absolute favorites are the vegan Breakfast Burrito or if you fancy something sweet, you will love the Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes. You can definitely ask the very helpful waiters to add some eggs and more sides to your breakfast if you’re looking for a vegetarian, rather than a vegan breakfast option.
You’ll mostly notice heartier meals on the lunch and dinner menu. For lunch, we recommend trying their Grilled Vegan Wrap, Impossible Tacos and Cauliflower Wings. For dessert, the vegetarian Nutella French Toast is mouth-watering and if you are wondering if there are nice vegan or vegetarian options for kids, worry not as the Chick’n & Fries and Mickey Mouse Pancake are always a winner with the little ones.
Some of our favorite dinner options include the Falafel Gyro, Chick’n Parmagiana and New Mexico Burger. Or why not try their reasonably priced special dinner menu which offers refills for beverages and bowls of soup.
They also have a full bar with some amazing drinks to choose from, and a yummy vegan dessert menu as well.
For us, this is easily one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Long Island. It may not be 100% veg, but the huge array of plant-based and vegetarian options on the menu certainly makes it feel like it is!
This restaurant is open from Sunday to Thursday from 7am to midnight, and Friday & Saturday from 7am to 2am.
Address: 195 E Montauk Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757
8. Joni’s Kitchen
Sometimes finding the perfect breakfast or lunch spot can be challenging – especially if you’re a vegetarian, vegan or in search of organic food choices. But Joni’s Kitchen may just be the answer. This fun café in Montauk is located close to the beach and is one of our favorite stops for a vegan or vegetarian breakfast, brunch or lunch in Long Island.
The place has a nice beachy vibe and décor and although it can get quite busy in the morning, this vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant in Long Island is worth the wait. They have many gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian options, some great organic food, and healthy shakes, wraps and bowls.
Make sure not to miss out on their famous Acai Bowl or their Homemade Flax Coconut Waffles served with maple syrup. Kids will love the Sweet Potato Fries from here and we can’t not mention the vegan Buddha Burger – it’s a must!
We usually order online about 15 minutes before pickup to avoid any possible queue – then we grab and head to the beach to enjoy!
Joni’s Kitchen is open on Monday and Thursday from 9am to 2pm, Friday to Sunday from 9am to 2:30pm but closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Address: 28 South Etna Ave. Montauk, NY 11954
9. Hummus Mediterranean
This Mediterranean restaurant in Holbrook is a great spot for casual dining, and luckily for us there’s a nice variety of fresh and filling vegetarian and vegan options.
We love the quick service, great hygiene, friendly staff and above all, the generous portion sizes they serve that are all at very affordable prices. You can bring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends here as well as the menu covers both meat and plant-based food.
The Falafel and Rice Bowl is one of the best-selling dishes for vegetarians. But you can get creative with your meals here too: choose between salad, pita, or rice, grab their scrumptious falafel – a favorite with loyal customers – and add three sides, including a dressing and hummus.
And on the topic of hummus, If you are a fan then how about trying something very left field – their excellent Chocolate Hummus! It tastes better than it sounds….
This restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8:30pm, and on Sunday from 10:30am to 8pm.
Address: 1066 Main Street, Holbrook, NY 11741
10. Plant Wise
Nothing can beat the aroma of fresh and creative 100% plant-based food wafting from the kitchen – way to work up your appetite! That’s why we think Plant Wise is the perfect place in Dix Hills for your vegan fix!
This Long Island vegan restaurant has charming décor and a few tables for dining, and offers a laid back atmosphere and space for conversation. Thanks to the open layout you can see all the meals being prepared fresh from scratch in the kitchen, and if you are a fan of smoothies, they do some of the best in Long Island. We know you won’t be disappointed by their ‘Special Smoothie of the Month’.
As for the food, there’s an array of creative vegan options you can choose from such as their Nori Rolls, Mac and Cheese, and Power Bowls. The popular Mash up Wrap and scrumptious parfaits from the menu never get old, and we recommend trying out the Zucchini Noodles and Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges – they’re phenomenal.
Plant Wise also have a special half-and-half bowl and salad combos, vegan wraps, and more dishes that are great to grab and go.
On top of that, you can get the most bang for your buck with their weekly deals like their Monday 2 for 1 offer. Or how about enjoying their specialty nachos on Nacho Tuesday.
This fantastic eatery will not disappoint. Great food, quick service and generous portion sizes that will keep you full and happy.
This vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Long Island is open on Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am – 5:30 pm but is closed on Sunday.
Address: 15 East Deer Park Rd, Dix Hills, NY 11746
