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Veggie in the City

The Sweet & Spicy Tropical Salad from Zen Palate--one of the best-known vegetarian eateries in NYC

There's an attitude prevalent among a certain type of steak-loving omnivore (you know who you are) who proudly eschews meatless food on the grounds that it involves granola and smells similar to those patchouli-infused Green Party members from the Pacific Northwest (and you know who you are). Contrary to popular belief, delicious veggie food doesn't have to involve unpronounceable meat substitutes or granola. New York City has some of the most delicious, meat-free restaurants around.

And in keeping with the broader NYC dining experience, they run the gamut of ethnicities, pricing, and level of pretentiousness. So whether you are dating a vegetarian, lowering your cholesterol, or expanding your culinary repertoire, check out a few of these Manhattan veggie favorites

The Organic Grill

123 First Avenue (between Seventh Street & St. Marks Place)
212-477-7177
Open daily 12:00 pm-10:00 pm

theorganicgrill.com

The Organic Grill in the East Village offers up delicious homemade gardenburgers

This laid-back East Village staple is by far the author's favorite veggie food in New York. Goyim and kosher-keeping Jews rub elbows as they chow down on generous portions of grub with Japanese, Mexican and Indian influences. Enjoy hearty brunches, dinner and select from an impressive array of organic beer and tea, while relaxing in the cozy atmosphere. Try the grilled Portobello Sandwich, Quesadillas, vegan deserts and the not-to-be missed side order of Garlic Sautéed Greens. And with entrées in the $9-$10 range, The Organic Grill is a bargain in the ever-more-spendy East Village.

Gobo

401 Sixth Avenue (between Waverly Place & Eighth Avenue)
212-255-3242
1426 Third Avenue (between 80th & 81st streets)
212-288-5099
Sunday to Wednesday: Noon to 11 pm
Thursday to Saturday: Noon to 11:30 pm

www.goborestaurant.com

The elegant dining room at Gobo

With outposts in both the Village and the Upper East Side, the fashionable Gobo specializes in creative cuisine that renders the absence of meat irrelevant. And don't let the sleek interior scare you—the staff is friendly and accommodating. Plan on getting at least salad, an appetizer and a "large" entrée to fill you up: Portions are not generous. And the place isn't cheap—plan on spending around $35 per person, not including desert or beverages. That said, the Asian-influenced offerings on the frequently changing menu are entirely worth the splurge. Gobo's winter menu features such delights as the Spinach Pistachio Roll, Curried Cauliflower Salad, Roti Canai, Avocado Tartar with Wasabi Lime Sauce and Mango, Coconut and Tapioca Pudding.

Tien Garden

170 Allen Street (between Rivington and Stanton streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-388-1364
Sunday to Friday: 12 noon to 10 pm
Closed Saturday

This patently unpretentious vegan Chinese restaurant springs like a beacon of normality in the twee Lower East Side. Just around the corner from Moby's equally vegan café, Tien Garden compensates for its lack of atmosphere with wholesome, fast, cheap, delicious Chinese food. The Hot and Sour Soup and the Bok Choy Lovers entrée have rescued many a sniffly hipster from wintertime colds.

Zen Palate

663 Ninth Avenue, at 46th Street
212-582-1669
34 Union Square East, near East 16th Street
212-614-9345
Hours: Delivery: Daily 11:30 am to 1 am
Dining room: Daily 5:30 pm to 1 am

2170 Broadway, between 76th & 77th Streets
212-501-7768
Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 am to 10:30 pm; Saturday 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday 12 noon to 10:30 pm

www.zenpalate.com

The "Taste of Malay" dish at Zen Palate features layers of soy crepe's wrapped in seaweed, lightly fried with a fiery Thai dipping sauce

Zen Palate is a staple for fast and delicious eat-in and take-out food in Greenwich Village, Midtown and the Upper West Side. Satisfying yam fries, noodle dishes and creative entrées abound in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Good for families and groups, with a diverse menu to satisfy every taste. The menu features Lasagna, Shepherd's Pie and Moo Shu Mexican Style, in addition to more traditional Asian dishes.

Candle Café

1307 3rd Avenue, at 75th Street
212-472-0970
Monday - Saturday 11:30 am - 10:30 pm; Sunday 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

and

The Candle Cafe is famous for its desserts

Candle 79

154 East 79th Street near Lexington Avenue
212-537-7179
Monday - Saturday Lunch 12:00pm - 3:30pm; Dinner 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Sunday Brunch 12:00pm - 4:00pm; Dinner 5:00pm - 10:00pm

www.candlecafe.com

The international cuisine and friendly atmosphere make both locations of this Upper East Side café a favorite with both vegetarians and omnivorous locals alike. The mid-range pricing, organic produce, juice bar and amazing deserts combine to make Candle the most consistently top-rated vegetarian restaurant in New York City.

'sNice

45 8th Ave
At W 4th St
212-645-0310
Weekdays 7:30 am - 10:00 pm; Weekends 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

The facade of 'Snice on 8th Ave. & West 4th St.

'sNice offers vegans and vegetarians alike a large selection from a more café-oriented mentality. Here there are interesting and creative sandwiches, salads, beverages, cookies, cupcakes, and other baked goods that are mostly vegan friendly, and surprisingly flavorful at that. 'sNice also offers up a homey atmosphere and WiFi, but is generally packed with lunch-breaking Mac users during peak lunch hours.

[contributions by Lindsay Ellis]

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