Dirt Candy on the LES remains a favorite for its inventive, vegetable-forward menu. While the offerings change seasonally, they are consistently full of whimsy. For their spring menu, the potato noodles and mushroom pasta delivered deep, savory flavors, while the artichoke caramel provided a sharp, unexpected finish. Service is sharp. Our server acknowledged us from previous visits, adding a personal touch with a complimentary glass of bubbly. It's professional without the stuffy Michelin pretense; the team keeps things grounded. The space is tight but efficiently used with a mix of high-tops and tables. It is street-level and wheelchair accessible. Note that it can get loud--it's best for a high-energy date or a group of foodies. At $110 per person (plus optional $55 wine or $45 non-alcoholic pairings), it's worth it just for the creativity alone. read more

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been here two times and both visits have been 10/10 experiences it's a super cool experience to sit at the chefs counter to watch the process but for more intimate vibes recommend a table reservation each course is based off of a vegetable and they change the menu seasonally very friendly staff and accommodating of allergies read more

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Snagged a last minute reservation to celebrate an early valentines day. came in and was immediately impressed by the space it was perfectly lit and spaced out. the staff here is incredibly accommodating i was almost 30 minutes late due to subway issues but they still seated us and gave us an incredible experience. in terms of the food it was a very flavorful and unique twist to vegetables. as someone that eats everything i was pleasantly surprised by how they really made things have so much flavor and the creativity. favorites were the chips and the brussel sprouts. some things were a bit weird like the first course biscut with caviar not sure i was fond of this or the dessert it had blue cheese that just wasnt hitting. theres also a no tipping policy which im so not used to but is nice to see employees getting paid like they should. read more

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Five stars, no hesitation. Dirt Candy is the rare place that makes you feel like you're being taken care of from the second you walk in, and then backs it up with food that's genuinely exciting. We did the tasting menu and every course had a clear point of view, huge flavor, and that "how did they do that?" level of creativity. Highlights for me started right away with the Celery course. It was bright, surprising, and somehow comforting at the same time. The Brussels sprout stalk with barbecue vibes, sesame, and peanuts was smoky and addictive. I could have eaten an entire tray of it. The Squash spaetzle in the red curry squash broth was a standout. Rich, warming, and perfectly balanced, with just enough spice and tang to keep you chasing the next bite. Then the Kale course, their playful riff on fish and chips, was such a flex. Crispy, savory, and ridiculously satisfying, with the labneh and olives pulling everything together. And then dessert. The Mushroom dessert with massaman spice cake, cashews, and citrus sorbet should not work on paper, but it absolutely does. It was complex, bright, and totally memorable. Plus, the little "treats from the kitchen" at the end felt like a warm mic drop. The service deserves its own five stars. Friendly without hovering, knowledgeable without being performative, and paced perfectly. Our server explained each course in a way that made it even more fun to eat, and the whole team had that calm, polished rhythm that makes the night feel effortless. If you want a meal that's creative, deeply flavorful, and executed at a really high level, Dirt Candy is it. We left happy, full, and already talking about when we're coming back. read more

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I will continue to review Dirt Candy every time I'm there because it's the best way to keep track of how often I'm there. I live in the suburbs and there aren't too many NYC restaurants that I return to, Dirt Candy is absolutely a restaurant I return to! Actually I would like to increase the frequency. I'm looking to try every season. That babbling aside, my friend and I just returned to Dirt Candy. Each and every time, it's a perfect experience! Ambiance is awesome. More importantly, each and every staff member adds to the experience. Every one that we came into contact with is completely locked in, they know the food and they're proud of it! I could detail every course but I'm sure that I've done that before. Suffice it to say that every dish we ate was perfection, there isn't a single off note in anything they serve. That sounds like hyperbole but it's not. Absolutely love this place! read more

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First time to try vegetarian food with one Michelin Star. It is quite a good experience. Some of the dishes are quite heavy in taste. Personally I like the celery bread the most. I m a meat lover and it is very tough to justify to love most dishes without meat. lol. I like the creative way to dine with bare hands. It is playful. read more

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My adult daughter who likes this place invited us for dinner, but - tasting menu of vegetarian dishes?? Me? I wasn't convinced. I was wrong. From the moment we arrived last night, we were welcomed. The wait staff (no tipping - the restaurant days they pay a living wage plus benefits, so please don't tip) were uniformly friendly and helpful. The vibe is comfortable. It's an upscale decor, with an open kitchen and it's very comfortable and unpretentious. Tables are near each other, but no issues with volume or privacy of conversation. The food is great. The tasting menu changes seasonally, so last night was Spring - green vegis, including peas, broccoli, fennel, artichoke and others. Each of the courses was presented beautifully, with a brief explanation of each. Each was unique. My partner usually does not like artichokes, but loved the artichoke dish. Although I'm sure they present courses that some people like more than others, last night, the three of us did not find a weak spot. The bar offers unusual and tasty drinks. I had a slushie with a beet and lemonade base. It was addictive. (It was also $18, which is normally out of my price range, but it was unusual and worth a try. My dinner partners enjoyed their alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well. Service was outstanding. "Fancy" in that after every course the staff removed the plate and all silverware, replacing silverware appropriate for the following menu item. The first time they did it, I thought "pretentious" but then realized that it was practical. Each course had its own utensil (small spoon for one, knife and fork for another, large spoon for another, etc. So, yes, I was wrong. The tasting menu is $110 plus tax. There's a $55 wine pairing option which none of us did. I'm glad we passed on the wine pairing. The drink each of us got was unusual (vegi based) and very tasty. read more

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This was such a cool and creative tasting menu, and I love how the chef uses vegetables in such a playful manner. I was here for the summer tasting menu and I believe the theme was carnival. My favorite dish of the night was definitely corn because the mousse really highlighted the delicate flavors and it was just so whimsical. I love to have fun with my food and I also really enjoyed the tomato Twinkie. There were definitely some dishes I didn't love (bell pepper granita for dessert) but I still really appreciate how the menu was pushing the boundaries of what people thought vegetables could be used for. The staff were really kind and I want to come back to try their other seasonal tasting menus as well and look forward to seeing what creations the entire team comes up with. read more

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Dirt Candy was an absolute star in a visit to NYC full of great meals. I made a reservation for two for dinner and had some issues with a glitch in the online reservation system before the visit, but in one quick phone call, the restaurant itself fixed it quickly. We arrived a couple minutes before our reservation time and were seated immediately. The inside of the restaurant is lovely -- stylish but not overstyled and very inviting. It was neither quiet nor loud; it was bustling but still easy to hold a conversation. The service staff was all fantastic -- friendly, not snooty -- and the sommelier was an absolute highlight. This was one of the best drink pairings I've ever had -- the focus was on women-owned, natural wines, and each was paired perfectly with the accompanying course. As you probably know, the menu is vegetarian (and can be made vegan on request); I'm mostly vegetarian, but my mom is pretty strictly vegetarian, so getting to bring her to a fine dining restaurant where we both felt like the vegetarian-friendly courses were the stars rather than an afterthought was amazing. And they were all amazing. The fennel dish was a quick favorite -- it stuck out for being not just unique but absolutely delicious. We also particularly loved a kitchen treat that featured carrot, including a carrot pita I'd happily eat daily. But I think the biggest surprise was the "Caesar salad-inspired" dessert. I'm not sure how the chefs managed to turn romaine lettuce into such a perfect meringue, but they did. I left feeling pleasantly sated but not stuffed; I do understand how some folks could leave feeling like they want a bit more to eat, but my mom is a lighter eater, so it was actually great for us to have a meal where she got to experience every course and not feel like she was struggling through the end. (And it's NYC, so a cheap slice of pizza to round you out for the night if needed is never far.) To sum things up, this is a gem for non-meat eaters but would also be great for omnivores who appreciate fine dining with a level attention to high-quality ingredients and excellent flavor combinations. It is one of the best values I feel I've gotten for a Michelin-starred meal in the USA. And definitely try the wine pairing! read more

Dirt Candy - The lettuce dessert - Vegetarian Near Me - New York, New York

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I've been wanting to visit @dirtcandynyc for the longest time because I love plant based dining, and they have earned both a green star and a one star from @michelinguide ! There's a vegetarian option and a vegan option available. The food was excellent - beautiful, creative, and really brings out the flavor of vegetables as well as natural spices. I love that they are a no tipping restaurant and respect them to be able to keep this up in NYC! It was a good dining experience, except that we weren't really greeted in/out and it felt odd for a Michelin restaurant. read more

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We went for dinner and were pleased by the dinner menu. At $110 for the prix fixe, it was a little pricey, but I would currently consider it the most creative and delicious vegan menu that I've had in a while. Highlights for me were the Cabbage and the Beet, and Celery. read more

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this Michelin-starred vegetarian spot has beautiful presentation and great flavors, but a bit lacking in substance. My friend grabbed a slice of pizza after since the menu left him wanting more protein or carbs lol. A solid 3.85/5. Worth it for the experience, but maybe not the most filling meal. The good thing is tip is added in your final bill, no need for extra. read more

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I was looking forward to dining here as I was staying at the hotel next door. I walked in without a reservation -- just myself -- and was immediately asked if I was vegan. I said yes. The hostess checked with the chef and returned to say there were no vegan options. She then asked if I was vegetarian, which I confirmed, only for her to check again and tell me there were also no vegetarian dishes and "not enough food." As a foodie, I found this approach unprofessional, unwarranted, and downright disrespectful. While I stood outside afterward, I watched other walk-in guests without reservations (I ASKED THEM) being seated without issue. This is shameful behavior, and the staff should be embarrassed by how they treat paying customers, read more

Dirt Candy - Disrespectful Candy - Vegetarian Near Me - New York, New York

This is one of my favorite tasting menus in the city. The menu changes seasonally and the only choice you make is vegan or vegetarian menu. Each dish is centered around a different vegetable. It's advertised as five courses but it's really seven because there are some surprise amuse bouches. The plating is impeccable and the dishes are always surprising. You don't need to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy this experience. It's great for any foodie. read more

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Overall just pretty forgettable. The hotdog type dish was tasty but unfortunately that was the highlight for me. I thought the plating was fairly sloppy and haphazard. The tables are quite close together and noise was excessive imo among parties. The service was fine, wine pairing was also forgettable. Nothing tasted bad, just nothing tasted great. read more

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Beautiful restaurant. Dark and moody. Perfect for a late dinner or date night. Grab a reservation in advance as it's busy all night, even saw people seated at 10:30pm when we were leaving. Service was fantastic. Very attentive. Extremely knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients. They do a great job at pacing the courses so you don't feel rushed or wait long periods between each. The food was hit and miss for me. The tomato course with tomato donut, smoked feta, and jam was a real standout, as it had a nice balance of flavors. The eggplant "corn dog" in curry was also a fun take on an American classic, although the entire thing fell apart as soon as you started eating. Unfortunately, the lettuce and corn courses felt pretty uninspired - a lot of ingredients mixed to be a very expected taste. Two pet peeves for this spot. They will not seat you until your entire party arrives, so you're left sitting by the door instead moving to your open table and having a drink and settling in. There are two restrooms in the corner that 1) require you to stand in the service walkway and you will probably get scolded by a server for not being against the wall 2) results in standing in line for 10 minutes in some cases. read more

Dirt Candy - Seasonal menu - Vegetarian Near Me - New York, New York

I really, really like this restaurant. Two of us enjoyed the tasting menu with the wine pairings. Every dish was delicious, the staff was kind and the wine pairings of that seasonal menu were so good, the waitress sent us the list afterwards (below): Valerie Tissot Crémant du Jura NV Jura, FR Sybille Kuntz Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2015 Mosel, GER Claire Naudin Bourgogne Aligoté 'Mallon' 2018 Burgundy, FR A Tribute to Grace Grenache 2018 Santa Barbara County, CA Yalumba Antique Muscat NV Rutherglen, South Australia Be mindful of your reservation as this experience is usually in higher demand than other spots, and the staff really put their hearts into it, you can taste it! No tipping and all options can be made vegan if requested. The restaurant is upscale and has a great vibe. The menu changes seasonally and I can't wait to try their new fall menu! read more

Dirt Candy - Vegetarian Near Me - New York, New York

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Our party of three had a late reservation here on a Saturday evening/ We were greeted well and seated quickly at a back corner table. Our server was knowledgeable and briefed us on the menu and wine selection. We each had the tasting menu and paired wines. Every course was visually appealing and a delight to taste. I think the lettuce "lasagna" was mu favorite. All around an excellent experience read more

My husband and I have been to this restaurant three times and we will definitely be coming back. We actually don't live in New York City, but we always make a point to come to dirt candy while we're visiting. They never fail to deliver an exquisite menu and exceptional service. We came the first day of their summer prefix menu, and every course was more delicious than the last. Our favorite cocktail was the great wave. I can't recommend them enough!!! read more

Dirt Candy - Carrot tamale - Vegetarian Near Me - New York, New York

Dirt Candy was the #1 place on my list I wanted to try during my NY visit. Unfortunately, the day I planned to go for the Tasting Menu was a day they held a Spring Burger Bash. I didn't get to do the tasting menu, but I did end up getting to go to the Spring Burger Bash counter service after someone had canceled their reservation. My mom and I both got individual counter reservations with a note that we'd love to sit together. Dirt Candy made this happen for us, which was awesome (we weren't able to get any reservation for 2). My expectations for Dirt Candy (tasting menu or not) were so high as it had been compared to Eleven Madison Park minus the Michelin Star level service. I tried the La Barbabietola (yum), Cheeseburger (Vegan), and Chopped Salad (vegan). The drink was the best of the three. The cheeseburger was totally a sufficient burger (house made patty) and the salad had a great variety of toppings, but nothing said WOW. And that bummed me out. If I ever visit NY again, I don't feel the need to go try their tasting menu. Dirt Candy is a vegetarian restaurant and they accommodate vegan diets! The restaurant is small inside, with an open view of the entire kitchen. read more

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Thus is a perfect brunch spot when you are out with some meat eaters and some vegans. Everyone has options to choose from! Started with a delicious tomato biscuit and fried Korean broccoli, which was a tad spicy but delicious as a yummy side read more

I find it increasingly rare that a restaurant will change their menu seasonally at the price point of just $110 a person. In this economy, for the level of gastronomic science and expertise that went behind ideating the menu and execution of each course, I thought this was a steal. I regularly spend almost $100 just ordering food a la carte at restaurants across the city that aren't a fraction as imaginative. I should note that I often prefer vegetarian food, because I regularly get the meat ick from the smell and texture of flesh. A meal devoid of animal products but still full of umami and interesting textures is kinda my ideal meal. In short, Dirt Candy was so good! By the time you read this the menu will have been overhauled from the one I experienced. And anyway, I was on a date and didn't take any photos, so I can't even parse out the minutiae of each course for you. I remember pea shoots were in season, so I ordered a cocktail where they used it and even more impressively, ended the meal with pea shoot ice cream. The magicians in the kitchen made it work-- I thought it was delicious. I love that the female business owner employs a largely female staff, and from what I hear the working conditions are good, which is a rarity in this industry. I really hope no uncomfortable truths come out about the workplace here and that everything I've heard is correct. But I can confirm that at least from the consumer side, Dirt Candy has it going on. And that it'll be a different experience every time I visit. read more

One of the best meals I've had. The tasting menu didn't disappoint on my visit and all the dishes were unique and full of flavor. I also appreciated the additional courses they added in between. The menu does change by season. The restaurant ambience is very nice and great for romantic dates or time with friends. You can also try the chef's counter if you are dining alone. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. This is a no tipping establishment, so your price includes gratuity. read more

Dirt Candy - Spring 2024 - Vegetarian Near Me - New York, New York

A truly unforgettable dining experience! Dirt Candy is hands-down one of the most creative and exciting restaurants in New York. Every dish is a work of art -- inventive, colorful, and bursting with flavor. The tasting menu keeps you guessing in the best way, transforming vegetables into something extraordinary and completely unexpected. The service is impeccable -- warm, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced -- and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between relaxed and special. You can feel the passion and playfulness behind every bite. If you think vegetarian food can't be decadent or fun, Dirt Candy will change your mind. Easily one of the best meals I've ever had in the city! read more

Very reasonably priced tasting menu with super inventive dishes. I'd 100% go again to try their other menus, since they change ~ every 3 months. The servers never missed a beat, helping me in seconds every time my napkin fell or I ran out of water. Many of the dishes had fun stories behind them, and the flavors were so fun and innovative. read more

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Came here with big expectations and was not disappointed! If you were to walk past this place you wouldn't be able to tell that some of the most innovative vegetarian food is what is in store. They serve a 5 course seasonal tasting menu and between that and the small snacks in-between you're definitely going to eat something that will make you smile or go huh, never knew that vegetable could taste that way. The vegetables are the highlight of the show and all the unique dishes find a way to bring out the best of such simple ingredients like celery or onions. The staff is friendly and quick, the food is great and after your 2 hour meal you aren't stuffed but satiated just right! Hard to get a table and now I know why! read more

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Loved the food and the presentation! Impeccable service - the servers were very well informed and the ambience was perfect for a celebration. read more

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Even though I am not a vegetarian, I love a vegetarian restaurant. My husband is a great sport and is happy to escort me and usually really enjoys himself. Dirt Candy had been on my list for a long time and we finally pulled the trigger on a Saturday night in early December while in NYC with some friends. Service was a touch erratic but overall good, but I was the only one that really liked the food. I thought the mushroom cappuccino was absolutely divine and enjoyed the creativity of the dishes. My dining companions liked, but didn't love the food. They said it was fun to try something different but they weren't blown away and wouldn't necessarily recommend the experience to friends. I am happy to have checked this off my list but don't feel the need for a repeat visit next time we are in New York. read more

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I had heard great things about Dirt Candy as it's a vegetarian tasting and it was difficult to get a reservation; however, we had mixed feelings during the experience. The ambiance was dark lit and the staff were very friendly but the food itself left us feeling unsatisfied. I truly wanted to love this place but I feel the representation of vegetables could have been better and there was no wow moment that elevated any of the dishes. I understand their menu changes, so maybe we got an off menu. Carrot Ceviche - Light and refreshing, compliments from the Chef Chawamushi - I'm an onion girl and was impressed on how they used onions in so many different ways. I think this dish could have used a bit more crunch. Pain au chocolat - This one was so interesting. I love mushrooms and the pastry itself was delicious, flakey, & mushroomy. The "espresso" was good for one or two sips but then got too intense in mushroom flavor. This dish was very unique especially the mushroom espresso. Buffalo collard greens - We had mixed feelings about this one. The kale came with scissors so we can cut our own salad. I enjoyed the craft part of it; however, my dinner companion said "this isn't my kitchen, why am I cutting my own salad ?" Butternut squash noodles - Freshly made noodles with a perfectly chewy texture, but something was missing in flavor. It could have been less bland. Stuffed cabbage - Very hearty and heavy but extremely bland. Felt like we consumed a waste of calories with this dish. Turnip - Flourless chocolate cake. Not too sweet but the perfect balance of citrus and chocolate. Tater tots - a cute snack from the Chef at the end. Overall ambiance and service were great. We were so dissatisfied even the day after and felt that the prices were not a representation of the experience unfortunately. read more

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One of the nicest vegetarian restaurants in NYC! They have a set menu that changes with the seasons, but the chef will give you extras on top of that. You also have the option of adding a drink pairing, which I'd highly recommend. Everything we had was great! You end up being full but not stuffed - the right amount of food for a prix fix! read more

TL;DR The food was so good it made me question ever eating meat again. The wine pairing was so awful it made me question ever eating grapes again. Every food course was amazing. The themes within dishes, such as friend eggplant over a baba ghanouj style puree was amazing. The carrot enchilada was particularly exceptional. The wine pairing was absolutely terrible, and I didn't drink about 80% of it. Low quality wine. Not well paired. And most importantly such strong flavors that overpowered the subtitles of the amazing food. We had a pre dinner cocktail that was great (PS I love you, ginger carrot slush, and Hi Tea). I can't emphasize enough how absolutely terrible the wine was, hands down the worst pairing I've ever had at a Michelin place and honestly reminiscent of two buck check from Trader Joe's. I don't want anyone else to make the mistake I did about the wine pairing - especially when the cocktails are amazing. read more

Take this review with a grain of salt because I prefer meat and fish over vegetables any day. I have also been to many tasting menus that is not vegetarian or vegan so my expectations are a little biased. Creativity was A+ but it fell short on the execution side. It felt as if they were trying to combine a bunch of ingredients to make it seem fancy and fine-dining, but the unnecessary combo of ingredients made each individual dish overwhelming. I didn't feel full from all the courses and felt that i was still hungry after. Food: There were quite a few amuse bouches which I appreciated throughout the course (cucumber with dehydrated flakes was one). The Yuzu carrot mille fueille cake was super flakey and messy, and the cream was a bit sour. It was a savory dish, which is interesting because usually this concept would be on the sweet side. The portobello mushroom mousse was nothing to ride home about and the texture threw me off a bit. The pea ravioli with feta cheese was the best dish and executed well. It tasted like a cheese ravioli with peas. The crispy broccolini was super salty, and the broccoli became soggy due to the broth. It was like a bunch of random flavors were thrown in. The worst dish in my opinion was the burrata ice cream. The ice cream was not sweet at all and was salty. The cheese did not add anything, and it was by far one of the worst desserts I have had. I believe this place caters better towards the vegetarians/vegans because there are not many (reasonably priced) tasting menus for that demographic. however, as someone who is not a vegetarian, I would not choose this place over a different restaurant's tasting menu. read more

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Dirt Candy is truly a haven for those who appreciate creativity, flavor, and vegetables taking center stage. As someone who values balance and whole foods in my diet, I was thrilled to experience a meal that elevates vegetables in ways that feel both indulgent and nourishing. Walking into this cozy, chic space for dinner - it was dark, mysterious and you can't help but feel an air of excitement--the kind that comes from knowing you're about to embark on a culinary adventure. The tasting menu format means every dish is a surprise, each plate did burst with color, texture, and unexpected flavor combinations. They start you off with a 'caviar' gift from chef that was creamy made with the likes of avocado and mixed vegetables. It was great to kickstart the palette. Three standouts for me were the Portobello mousse mushroom croissant, candy cane beet dumpling, and potato ice cream. The croissant was perfectly flakey and had the best earthy flavor from the mushroom. The beet dumpling had a flavor that was hard to explain but was the perfect light palette cleanser in the middle of the tasting menu. And lastly, the potato ice cream was one dessert I have never tasted before, I would come back just for croissant the ice cream. The other dishes were also amazing but the three stood out to me most on presentation, flavor and creativity. It's clear the chefs here see vegetables as a canvas for innovation, not just a supporting role. I also loved how the courses were paced--unhurried yet perfectly timed, allowing you to savor every bite. I did leave feeling full and didn't feel like I needed to grab more food after. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, kind and happy to be there - making sure to explain each dish in detail, which I appreciated as someone who loves to learn about what I'm eating. 10/10 service. For anyone visiting NYC, Dirt Candy is a must-try (if you can snag a reservation!). While it's not my absolute go-to vegan spot in the city, it's definitely high on my list for its creativity and unforgettable dining experience. read more

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The food outshines! Wow! Every dish we had was better than the last , just amazingly creative and delicious beyond words. The service also was wonderful and the wine list extensive and reasonable. See my picture to see how wonderful everything was prepared. Enjoy one of the best if not the bast meal in NYC read more

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This was a really enjoyable experience at a pretty good price of $105 for a full on tasting menu with so many courses. It's amazing how creative these vegetarian dishes could get. Ceviche - great start with fresh and tangy flavors. Chawamushi - very creative in using onions in unexpected ways. My favorite part was the scallion whipped cream. Pain au chocolat - absolutely mind-bending. The pastry was delicious with perfectly flaky texture and a rich and savory filling. The "espresso" (mushroom soup) on the side was a nice way to complement the dryness. Buffalo collard greens - maybe the only miss of the night. I kept inhaling the dry rub, causing me to start coughing. The brittle leaves disintegrated pretty quickly as well. Butternut squash noodles - Delicious! A fresh and bright lemongrass broth and a surprisingly chewy texture on the noodles. Stuffed cabbage - very hearty and nice flavor from the labneh and harissa. The cabbage structure in the middle itself was a touch bland. Torte - a nice and light end to the meal. Not too sweet or decadent. Tater tots - a cute snack at the end. read more

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I'm finally writing up my review and I'm still a bit conflicted on my experience here. First things first, the ambience is lovely and such a nice place for a romantic dinner, and the creativty of the menu was honestly really impressive. All the food that was served looked like it took such hard work and dedication and. They even give you surprise dishes in between the course which I thought was such a fun concept! However, to sum up my experience, I felt that the vegetables' abilities were pushed further than they could be and the flavors to me did not exactly make sense. 1st Course - Celeriac I don't usually enjoy celery but I actually quite liked this dish! I'd never seen celery in that form and I thought it was fun to eat. The crème fraîche was a nice touch as well. The only downside was that it was a bit oily and the punch of flavor from the first bite didn't follow through. The crunchiness of the vegetable kind of saved it for me I think. Surprise Dish Number 1 - Brussel Sprouts I never had brussel sprouts before and I kind of liked the crunchiness from them. Same issue as the celeriac dish was that it felt like it needed the oiliness in order to make it more flavorful. 2nd Course - Beet This dish looked absolutely lovely and I was excited to dig in especially after reading about how they have to make this dish to order due to the difficulty of the dish and techniques but it really was not my favorite. To me the flavors just didn't really make sense and I was confused and couldn't really finish it. There was however, a layer of what seemed like a cracker that I thought tasted good and I wish there had been more of that. Surprise Dish Number 2 - Vegetarian Onion Rings with Cheese in a Skillet and a Shot I wish that this was actually one of the courses. It was fun and delicious! I also loved how it came with a shot. 3rd Course - Arugula This course unfortunately was one I was disappointed most by and could not really eat. The bitterness was just so strong and overpowering that I couldn't really enjoy the textures and the pasta. 4th Course - Sweet Potato I was pretty full by this point and I sort of wished that it was served as one of the first 2 courses! I think this was their best course out of the menu and I really enjoyed it. 5th Course - Chicory Finally, we ended with dessert and although I was confused on some of the flavors here again, I actually enjoyed it a bit. The pecorino ice cream took me surprise in a good way and I wished there was more of it. The different textures in this dessert was fun. Only downside here was the bitterness of the chicory and that I had sort of stayed away from. All in all, this menu was just confusing to me and I'm unsure if I would return here or not and didn't I really think it was worth the price. However, I thought the service was great, the menu concept was creative, and the drinks were quite nice as well. read more

Returned again to try this year's winter menu. Another amazing experience with terrific food and excellent service. read more

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My best friend treated me to a birthday dinner here and boy was it a TREAT! Dirt Candy does an incredible job of elevating vegetables and making them taste (and look) damn great. We came here while the summer menu was still going on so my review is based on that. In total, we had 5 menu courses + 3 additional items from the kitchen! The waiters do a fantastic job of explaining each dish and the different components. Here's what we got: Forgot the names of the cocktails we got but mine was a bell pepper tequila based one and my friend got a yuzu gin based one. Both were incredibly refreshing and also highlighted vegetables! We went with what the bartender's favorites of the night and they did NOT disappoint! Course 1 (complimentary) Seaweed Caviar - so yummy! it was a small bite packed with flavor! Course 2 (tasting menu) Tomato Cupcake + Fried Green Tomato + Gazpacho - this was insane! The tomato cupcake had some smoky cheese and tasted amazing. The fried green tomato reminded me of indian pakoras and the gazpacho was a super refreshing addition to the plate! Course 3 (complimentary) Bell pepper Sashimi - not sure if that was the name but this was also surprisingly packed with flavor! Had some acidity paired fantastically with some olive oil. The serranos added a nice and welcome kick! Course 4 (tasting menu) - Zucchini Rangoon Spring Rolls + Squash Blossom salad - this was probably one of my favorite courses! The zucchini spring roll was made entirely of zucchini (including the wrapped and the filling) which was awesome and so flavorful! The salad added the perfect amount of acidity and freshness! My favorite was the addition of thai basil in the salad, it was fantastic! Course 5 (complimentary) Kimchi Chopped Cheese - this was another favorite! It came in the cutest little takeout bag and mini ketchup. The sandwich itself was small but PACKED with flavor from the cheese and kimchi. So good and such creative presentation Course 6 (tasting menu) Eggplant Pasta - this was super creative! it was pasta made from eggplants filled with eggplants! I am not crazy about eggplants but i really enjoyed this dish! My favorite part was the south african cheese (almost reminded me of a creamy paneer flavorful!) that paired well with the spiced butter sauce Course 7 (tasting menu) Corn Tamale - I absolutely love tamales so I was super excited for this course and it delivered! They present the tamale in the shape of corn which was super cute. It was stuffed with corn and swimming in a yellow mole with different hot sauces and crema incorporated in dollops around the plate. So good! Course 8 (tasting menu) Tomatillo and Watermelon Tart - never in a million years would I have thought that I would be obsessed with a tomato cake but here we are! This was the most unique dessert I've ever had and you truly could taste every component! From the moist tomatillo cake, to the watermelon jam, to the black sesame crust, this was simply incredible! The icing on the cake was the dulce de leche ice cream on the side. Best birthday cake ever! Overall, this place it 100% worth the hype and price! You end your meal feeling full and satisfied! Definitely recommend this place to my fellow vegetarians/vegans but also to anyone who wants to try some kick ass vegetables :) read more

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A very enjoyable culinary experience. The service was incredible. It is a non-tipping institution, and we were constantly being attended. The food is creative and worth the trip but not something you would come back to frequently. Not food that you crave once you leave. Drinks were tasty. Bring a sweater if you are usually cold because the air conditioning was blasting. read more

One of my top places in nyc! Reservations: Yes definitely make some. We came a Tuesday night (after snowfall) and it was packed at 7:30pm. We had a table but the counter seemed pretty cool too, they could see the chefs in action. Food: As a vegetarian, this is one of the holy grails of fine dining. Each dish was carefully thought out, and we even appreciated the (free) extra courses. Each dish was different (and I will say if you like spicy heat food you won't get that here, but each dish is tasty with different flavor profiles). And don't let the size fool you, we were stuffed by the 4th plate! Loved that the last dish was dessert as well, was a great way to end the meal. Service: amazing. Not only does the staff check in on you frequently but they also explain each dish as its coming out Overall, definitely recommend checking out, especially if you are vegan/vegetarian! read more

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