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    Dirt Candy

    4.2 (919 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndVegetarian, Vegan
    Open 5:30 pm - 10:30 PM

    Dirt Candy Photos

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    DIRT CANDY ATMOSPHERE

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    Trendy
    Moderate noise

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    Annika K.

    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.

    Emily L.

    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.

    Hector S.

    I was interested to try an all vegetarian Michelin star restaurant, however, I was unmoved by the restaurant. The restaurant is located in a somewhat jaded neighborhood compared to other Michelin restaurants in the city. Nonetheless, I was hopeful upon entering the restaurant and it started out okay. The service is decent and the drinks are okay. I had the nonalcoholic pairing with my meal but I thought the selection could have been better. I enjoyed the cucumber dish to start but the rest of the menu was lackluster in my menu. I enjoyed the mushroom dish but I could see that the plating was inconsistent. Although I liked the dish I thought it was unbalanced due to the plating because the first spoon didn't have any broth. Also the pea dish lacked flavor in my menu. The dessert was tasty to wrap up the night. I guess I'm just not a vegetarian menu fan but it was still creative ways to present vegetables.

    Tomato twinkie is perfection!
    Edward K.

    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!

    During the meal, they came by between courses twice with "something extra". This was one of the extra items.
    Jeff B.

    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.

    Sabrina H.

    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.

    The lettuce dessert
    Sam T.

    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!

    Albert L.

    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.

    Vicki C.

    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.

    Andrew S.

    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.

    Megha U.

    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.

    Disrespectful Candy
    D H.

    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,

    Broccoli
    Paula R.

    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.

    Seasonal menu

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    Dirt Candy Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Dirt Candy

    Do they have an a la carte menu or set menu only?

    I'm pretty sure it's only the set tasting menu for that season. They do sometimes add extra courses that are not included on the printed menu offering.

    Do they take walk-ins? Or is it reservation-only?

    During the peak hours I don't think you can get in without a reservation. If you walked in or called ahead (after peak dining hours), I feel that they would likely seat you. They are hugely popular, but I don't think they have any snobbery about… Read more

    How far in advance do reservations open?

    One month. Exclusively on Resy. Reservations for parties of 1-5 persons are available to book online up to 30 days in advance to each calendar date. Reservations are released at Midnight EST.

    Do they take reservations? How big is it, is it one of those trendy high ceiling industrial spaces, or cozy & intimate? Thanks!

    Yes they take reservations. And it's definitely on the cozier side although it is not a tiny place (more like medium).

    How different is the vegan vs. the standard version of the tasting menu?

    Are there outdoor tables?

    On my visit they'd already announced they were being taken down, so no more.

    Can the menu items be customized to be allium-free (no onion, no garlic)?

    This is an extremely high end restaurant that prepares every dish with great care and artistry which of coarse takes more time to prep. I would call them to ask they are very accommodating tho I doubt it would be the same experience.

    Now that NYC is back in the medium zone for COVID19 and NYC Health & CDC recommend indoor indoors, will Dirt Candy open up outdoor tables again? I made a reservation on June 7 at Chef's Counter but prefer outside table as I am high risk

    Just call the restaurant and ask?

    Would a non-vegan person LOVE this restaurant (ideally looking for memorable flavor and to be full by the end)? Thanks!

    I eat meat and still loved it. And was full by the end

    Are you no longer offering dinner delivery?

    I have never known them to offer delivery. It is truly an in restaurant dining experience.

    Is the outdoor heating here good? I've gone to places with "outdoor heating" and was still freezing my behind off. Somebody let me know please

    Yes outdoor seating. Yes still freezing my butt off!! Idk if it's bc heating is not that great or bc it was so cold.

    Do they allow children ? My son is 1 yr old?

    Yes we allow children! Children ages 5 and under can order a la carte, but children ages 6 or older must order a tasting menu.

    Does Dirt Candy still do brunch?

    This summer, the chef announced in an email that "Dirt Candy is ending its regular brunch. I had learned the hard way that, for a lot of little reasons, it's just not possible to turn out Dirt Candy caliber food for brunch. But while our regular… Read more

    Is there a dress code?

    There is certainly not a formal dress code. We went with jeans and casual shirts and did not feel under-dressed at all.

    Would you allow two people with small appetites split the Vegetable Patch dinner?

    They specifically say each person needs to order their own. Too bad, since it's so much food, you could split it. I think they let you order a la carte items if you sit at the bar.

    Are the desserts dairy-free?

    Yes!!

    We are taking our 6 year old along, will we pay for her full tasting menu as well?

    More than likely! This place is good, but just too expensive even when sharing.

    Does the Vegetable Patch include dessert, or is that an additional charge?

    It definitely includes dessert and no tipping necessary. I don't recall if the tax is included in the price.

    Question for the staff. Are the small brown bread balls intended to resemble something a bunny might leave behind in a garden? :)…

    That's their monkey bread! Each serving from what I can tell is naturally colored with a different vegetable. Ours was a pretty red from beets!

    Would it be hard to do a gluten and soy free dinner?

    They have a lot of gluten free options.

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    Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant

    Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant

    4.3
    (652 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    A vegan dim sum restaurant! Of course my sister was the one that found this, and my my was it a…read morefeast! It was a perfect addition to Mother's Day weekend festivities. Their square tables comfortably seated six of us, and the staff was consistently on top of things. For the first 10 minutes or so, they walked by several times and noticed that we were nose is deep in our menus trying to figure out what to get. When we were ready to order, everything was super efficient from then on. We had too much to name, but some highlights were all of the dumplings, the vegan chicken and pepper on tray, turn up cakes, sesame balls... There was just so many amazing items that we had. For Saturday afternoon, no surprise that the place was full, so well done for managing everything so well. I would definitely return to try all of the things that I didn't have. And all of it is vegan, how cool is that?!

    Amazing service and everything is delicious! Came at 6 on a weekend and we were seated before a…read morehuge rush of people. The General Tso dish was the standout. I am not vegan and I prefer it to the chicken version! Service was above and beyond. We had soup dumplings and they prepared and served each dumpling to us in spoons for us individually, putting the sauces on for us even. Definitely try this out for great vegan Chinese!

    Photos
    Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
    13. Gluten Free Mixed Vegetable Fried Rice
    13. Gluten Free Mixed Vegetable Fried Rice
    30. Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli

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    30. Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli
    The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant

    The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant

    4.0
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    This is the place to go for vegetarians and meat eaters. The restaurant is fully vegetarian (and…read morekosher). They manipulate the food (tofu or soy product) to resemble meat. My favorite is the BBQ roasted meat that resembles roasted pork. I find that it always is moist and packed with pork flavor. This time there was a seafood special that arrived in a sizzling pot. The sauce was a typical brown sauce with some seafood broth added for flavor. The scallop by the texture, look and taste did resemble the real thing. Mushroom e-fu noodles is another favorite dish that I always get. Noodles are sauced just right to carry the umami from the mushrooms and not be soggy. They usually have a subtle plumpness to them but last time they seemed to be a bit on the flatter side. They renovated since the last time I visited. Most of the circular tables have been removed replaced with rectangular ones. Bench seating is now along the perimeter. I think they can accommodate more people this way. Another plus is they now accept credit cards and participate in several dining cash back programs (Seated, Upside and Franki).

    I wanted to like this restaurant, but overall the dishes lacked flavor. We ordered the spicy…read moreeggplant and tofu with mixed vegetables. While the sauce with the eggplant was good, the tofu and mixed veggies came in a watery sauce that felt bland and under-seasoned. One thing to note--none of the entrées come with rice, so that has to be ordered separately. On the positive side, they do serve hot tea, which was especially comforting on a cold weeknight. The interiors are simple and clean, the service is quick, and the pricing is reasonable as well. Overall, not a bad experience, but the food itself didn't leave a lasting impression.

    Photos
    The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
    The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
    The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant

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    Ras Plant Based

    Ras Plant Based

    4.8
    (497 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    Ras Plant Based is absolutely spectacular! I just finished volunteering at the Brooklyn Half…read moreMarathon and was looking for a vegan restaurant to eat at while visiting this neighborhood and I feel like I hit gold! This 100% plant based restaurant serves Ethiopian food and has some of the best unique flavor profiles I have ever tried. Food Ordered - Mercato Platter --This plate came with a lentil stew, ground chick peas, collard greens, and a pepper/carrot veggie medley. Everything in the platter was amazing - super flavorful and hearty. - Spiced Mac and Cheese --If you told me this Mac and Cheese was dairy free I would think you are trying to pull a fast one. The sauce was super creamy and light and had that amazing cheesy flavor. - Chefs Special --The Chefs Special was the star of the show for me! This dish was Kitfo covered in collar greens and avocado with the most amazing smoky sauce. All of the ingredients went together amazing to create a perfect bite.

    If you've never tried Ethiopian food this is your sign to go!…read moreRas has an all vegan menu with the most incredible variety of plants that will be the most flavorful and healthy meal ever! The food is so appealing that it's always on our list whenever we are in town. The staff is friendly and we've always had a great experience. They had an outdoor seating area but city rules made them put it away and apply for a permit. They are waiting for approval and plan to put outdoor seating again.

    Photos
    Mushroom Tibs
    Mushroom Tibs
    The spread
    The spread
    Fries...we ok, nothing exceptional

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    Fries...we ok, nothing exceptional
    Avant Garden

    Avant Garden

    4.4
    (504 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$

    Had the most magical Valentine's Day dinner at Avant Garden in NYC. They offered a beautifully…read morecurated menu for the evening and every dish felt thoughtful, creative, and incredibly satisfying. We were honestly surprised by how filling everything was -- so many generous, flavorful courses. The pizza ended up being our favorite dish of the night -- absolutely delicious and such a standout. And the sweetest touch at the end: cookies to take home! Such a small detail but it made the whole experience feel even more special. If you're looking for a plant-based spot that still feels like a true night-out experience, Avant Garden really delivers.

    I had been looking forward to trying Avant Garden for a long time and chose it for a birthday…read moredinner, so this was especially disappointing. We had a 9:30 reservation on May 9. The reservation email said they would hold the table for 15 minutes, and we arrived at about 9:43 after getting stuck in traffic. We were still within that window, but as soon as we checked in, the host immediately told us the kitchen was closing in one minute and that the bar would close in about 20 minutes, so we needed to place our food order right away. It made the meal feel rushed from the moment we arrived. The restaurant was virtually empty, but we were seated directly next to the bathroom. There were clearly plenty of other seating options available, which made that choice even more frustrating. Unfortunately, there was a noticeable bathroom odor from our table, which was really unpleasant and not what I would expect from a restaurant at this price point. Servers were also constantly going back and forth between the dining room and what seemed to be either a storage or cleaning area near the bathroom, so in addition to the odor, there was steady foot traffic throughout the meal. There were also papers or sugar packets underneath the table next to us, which added to the feeling that the dining room was not being carefully maintained. We ordered the paella, fig toast, and Calabrian flatbread. The food itself was fine in terms of flavor, but the rest of the experience made it feel understated and much less enjoyable than it should have been. The paella and toast came out quickly, and then we waited about 45 minutes for the flatbread. During that time, no one checked in, explained the delay, or asked how anything was. We honestly thought the flatbread had been forgotten. Then, after that long wait, the flatbread and dessert were brought out almost at the same time. The server explained that the kitchen was telling them to bring everything out at once. We had also ordered a bottle of Lambrusco, but it was not available, so we were given a different wine instead. Overall, the pacing and service felt very disorganized. We were rushed to order immediately, then largely ignored for the rest of the meal. No one asked how the food was, no one checked on the delay, and the timing of the final dishes made the meal feel chaotic rather than enjoyable. Even though the food was fine, the experience around it really took away from the meal. I also think there is a practical issue with the reservation timing. If the kitchen closes 15 minutes after the last available reservation, it does not make sense to offer a 15-minute grace period. Either the final seating should be earlier, or the kitchen should remain open long enough to properly serve guests who arrive within the stated reservation window. For a restaurant with Avant Garden's reputation and price point, I expected a much more thoughtful and polished experience. I wanted this to be a special birthday dinner, but we left feeling disappointed. I don't feel eager to return, and based on this visit, I would have a hard time recommending it to vegan friends.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Avocado
    Avocado
    Almond Cake

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    Almond Cake
    Obao

    Obao

    4.0
    (4.5k reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$$

    So yum!!!! Top 3 thai spots for me…read more Food- Classic order of Pad Thai & Drunken Noodles. The pad thai noodles are a big thinner than i've had before but that didn't bother me, it has such great flavor too. I recommend ordering it spicy, it's the perfect heat if you're looking for that kick but don't add it if you can't handle spice. The drunken noodles are not spicy in my opinion but i can handle a bit of heat. Loved the flavor and the noodles had the right texture, could've done without the huge chunks of tomato but great otherwise. The summer rolls were good, hard to mess those up. We also got a free mango salad with the order and that was so fresh and delicious. We just popped in for pick up but the hostess was really nice and attentive as soon as we walked in. It looked to be a nice casual spot, could be good for dinner with friends or date night.

    Obao has delicious food. If you're in Hells Kitchen and happen to stumble by Obao, it is worth…read morecoming in. Obao is has both Thai and Viet food. It does well with doing the whole "fusion" schtick without losing the essence and flavor of the dishes. Pad Krapoa Moo Krob, the meat on the pork belly was so juicy - the pork skin was crunchy and chewy at the same time, flavors of Thai spice, basil, and bell peppers harmoniously working together to bring a balanced meal. The shrimp basil fried rice was delicious, a great alternative if you're not feeling the crab fried rice. The service at Obao is always prompt and helpful, whether it's questions about the menu or recommendations, anyone is willing to help. Inside Oboa is dimly lit, a moody vibe that is fun and invites playful conversations.

    Photos
    Obao
    Obao
    Obao

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    Dirt Candy - vegetarian - Updated July 2026

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