Genius artists and chefs seem to all have the exacting type of personalities that make them a master of their craft but also anal and short tempered when it comes to their work. I know this about Matthew Kenney firsthand, and while our conversations were a little scary I still have respect for his vision for a future with delicious vegan food. His menus are always very inventive so I still always make it a point to visit his new restaurants because not many chefs are executing vegan food like he is. I went for lunch on a temperate weekday afternoon and loved the serene interior with an open balcony overlooking 5th avenue. There weren't many other people inside so I had a really quiet meal, which felt appropriate given their location above Alo Yoga in Flatiron. It felt like a little respite away from downtown's city streets. The food itself tasted very clean and light. The yuba lettuce wraps were sat atop a bright and lemony sauce that I really liked. The tempeh katsu was one of the tastier versions of tempeh I've ever tried, but it's hard to dislike something battered and fried in panko breadcrumbs. The spicy carrot roll was the heftiest thing I tried, and that was also quite light. I don't tend to gravitate towards meals this light where the portions are a bit too precious for me, but the flavors in the dishes were bright and unique in a way I enjoyed. I'd come back for a little escape from the city and when I want to feel extra healthy. read more

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I'm a bit disappointed to learn that this was a Matthew Kenney restaurant, I have loved my vegan experience at XYST. We came for a bridal brunch and tried all the dishes on the menu (except the desserts). The best thing was the avocado tikka and the avocado toast, but come on, I came here to be wowed. If you're trying to convince a friend to adopt a more vegetarian diet, this is not the place to bring them. The menu is not creative, we can see they tried and failed. For example, they have tried to repurpose radish shavings as kimchi in their macro bowl- which would have been fine if it tasted like kimchi but felt heavy with salt and vinegar notes. The spicy carrot roll was chopped up carrots mixed in a fake imitation of an aioli. The saving grace of the meal was that we had the best server. He was accommodating, funny, and always swinging by with new sharing plates for our group. But even his awesomeness would not redeem the lacking creativity and "good" food my soul desires. read more

Sutra - "Kimchi" - let me give you vegetable scraps - Vegan Near Me - New York, New York

Newest restaurant from Matthew Kenney and it's not in the East Village. Very nice to see the expansion of vegan restaurants especially in the city where there's an appetite for plant based eating and the quality/experience is exceptional (usually!) We started with the cheese plate (3 varieties) with fermented vegetables, strawberries, jam, and seeded crackers . The cheeses were excellent and really whet our appetite. Sadly, out level of appreciation began to decline with each dish that followed. Pineapple adobo tacos with avocado, cabbage, cilantro crema was quite dry and bland. Not sure how that's possible especially considering pineapple has a distinct flavor and there was a dab of the cilantro crema as a sauce. The hearts of palm ceviche was accompanied with toast. It was light , refreshing, and not bad. Toast was similar in texture to the seeded crackers from the cheese plate but a toast version and definitely tastier. The cacio e pepe is a cold (not hot) dish with kelp noodles, dry olives, and pea shoots. When asked about the temperature the waitress mentioned it's "raw" which understandably is not prepared in high heat but wish we knew in advance. Anyway it was good to try but wouldn't order it again. The carrot and zucchini pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes marinara, pistachio pesto, and ricotta was much better. The golden milk banana cream pie with spiced cashew crust and whipped coconut cream was good. I was surprised overall the flavors were quite subtle considering the experience with the other vegan restaurants. This one takes a step backwards. The cheeses were the best bites. Hopefully the kitchen acknowledges feedback and tweaks its menu to keep customers returning. Pretty bright spacious setting and courteous staff read more

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Another glorious plant-based eatery from Matthew Kenney! I am a huge fan and there hasn't been a single time I've been disappointed. Sutra is the type of place that I will hit up whenever I want to feel transported from gritty Manhattan to a magical light and plant-filled oasis that you'd be more likely to find in Southern California. The glorious environs offers outdoor seating on the wide terrace, but if you wish to avoid being out in the elements, indoor seating affords you the feeling like you're outside (look at the photos!). So you can have your shade and breathe in the fresh air, too. The food is equally as lush as the surroundings! Food that makes you so happy to be alive! We had what I imagined to be an asana of courses: -Smashed yuzu avocado (bright and tasty... OK I wanted to lick the plate but did not!) -Spicy carrot roll (a lot of heft to this roll! Utterly delicious. Do not skip over this thinking that it's just a carrot roll; it's carrot mashed up with spices and jalapeño cream cheese). -Yuba lettuce wraps (I'm a yuba lover and this did not disappoint. It's also more of a light offering). Tempeh katsu roll (toothsome, hearty, great final pose after the plates that preceded it). Plates actually may arrive almost at the same time, but I think following up the lighter offerings with the tempeh is good practice. We didn't order drinks, but I can see myself arriving here on the later side for a late afternoon snack, enjoying the elements with a cocktail. read more

Listen walking by noticed a store I am always browsing online and walked in purchased my favorite items socks and a lip balm the amazing rep shares there is a restaurant upstairs first of let me start by saying the store is amazing walking out the elevator 4th floor I come across the most cutest warmest restaurant plant based which rocks for me and I sit out in the porch patio mind you it's 4th floor so perfect all white comfy and I lunch the picture attached below beyond delicious every splash was so satisfying it's like the vegetable was freshly picked I loved it and the matcha was so tasty properly stirred no patches of powder phenomenal read more

Sutra - STEAMED AND ROASTED Yellow and green zucchini - Vegan Near Me - New York, New York

I love Sutra! It's not easy to stumble upon since it's hidden on the top level of the Alo store, and they have fairly limited hours, but it's worth planning a trip here for a healthy and delicious meal. They stand out from the plentiful other vegan restaurant options in the city, because their food follows "whole foods/plant-based" principles (i.e. unprocessed ingredients with minimal added oils and sugars). Much of the menu is also raw. A lot of the dishes are pretty small, so it may not seem like you're getting much for your money, but the quality is very good. Plus, there are a few dishes in there that are hearty enough for to be a whole (albeit light) meal. I enjoyed the raw falafel bowl that had just come out on the seasonal menu in November '22. I had the spicy carrot roll on my previous visit that was definitely a less substantial option. I tried their one dessert option, the raw chocolate layer cake, and really enjoyed it. They also have a great healthy beverage selection of juices, tea, and coffee. I had the hot chocolate that wasn't overly rich or sweet (which I actually appreciated). I also love that they provide complimentary sparkling water. The space is also just such a nice oasis. It's been fairly empty both times I visited, so I felt comfortable lingering for awhile, enjoying my food and drinks (and of course taking plenty of the pictures in the very instagram-worthy surroundings). read more

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Love the rooftop ambiance! Great spot for a healthy and lite lunch bite in New York City! read more

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This is SUCH a hidden gem in Chelsea/Gramercy! I was looking for a coffee as I was shopping at Alo Yoga, and they told me to go to the 4th floor (Sutra is on the top floor of Alo Yoga). The restaurant is BEAUTIFUL and the roof is actually really warm but not suffocating. The food is delicious and so healthy. It's literally perfect for a post Equinox class or any work out dinner. They stock tonic teas here which are delicious. They offer free cold, room temperature, or sparkling water. I appreciated the room temperature water as well. Pricing was really affordable. I'll 100% be back to chill with my laptop or chill with friends. Super highly recommended - it's so hard to find a place in Chelsea/Gramercy that isn't super packed and this place is perfect!!!! read more

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Let me start off by stating how much I love my meat and dairy. I couldn't live without my chicken parm, lol. But my sibling is vegan, and we needed to find a lunch option that they could enjoy close to our parking spot. This is one of those times I am so glad I yelped. Sutra is such a gem and I have to pay it forward by singing their praises. I had a honey nut squash soup with a cashew creme fraise and the most amazing sourdough bread. It was so so good. The bowl of soup was so big I couldn't finish all of it. My sibling had a macro bowl, and I stole a free pieces of roasted sweet potato for myself. Then the chef gave us a sample of the banana creme pie! If I weren't already stuffed I would have ordered a full size dessert! Chef's kisses all around. My sibling is already planning on stopping by again the next time we are in the city. They said Sutra ruined all other vegan restaurants for them it was so good. I wholeheartedly agree. If I could eat here every day I'd probably go vegan myself. read more

A kem hidden in the city. Oasis really. What an amazing relief from the crowd. The food is great. I'm not even vegetarian and I like it!! read more

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We went with a group of 8 for midday lunch. It's a very lovely space, we ate outside on the rooftop. It was a chilly day but we asked the people and there should be heaters come winter. The food is excellent, very light delicious fare. Would recommend getting one of the mains per person, as the portion is right that way. We didn't love the carrot sushi and stayed away from the kelp noodles because of the rest of the reviews. My favorites was the heirloom grains, macro bowl. And beet poke (that macadamia nuts in there were yum!). Arugula salad was light and delicious, the avocado toast is nice and filling (but plain). Sourdough is great!! All and all, a perfect place for a light lunch read more

Hidden gem with Mind blowing food! I would highly recommend this place. The presentation is beautiful and perfect. read more

Sutra - Very tasty - Vegan Near Me - New York, New York

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Located on the fourth floor of Alo's building, Sutra is the city's plant-based hidden gem. My friend and I have gone there twice for lunch in the last month. We are both gluten free, and Sutra's gf options never make us feel like we're missing out! Obsessed is an understatement. We had the delight of chatting with both Alvaro and Chef George. Alvaro took such great care of us and our requests! Chef George's attention to detail cannot go unnoticed, as his artistic plant-based craft is impeccable. We shared the Cashew Raclette (sadly I forgot to photograph), Fennel and Pear Salad, and the Spicy Carrot Roll. Everything was beyond, but the best of the best?! The Banana + Coconut Cream Pie. We're ordering two next time. Thank you again, Alvaro and Chef George! read more

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I was looking forward to this because I love the chef's other restaurants in the city but this experience was quite horrible. The food was nothing compared to sestina and the like. It was cold and felt like it wasn't freshly made. I wouldn't go back and highly encourage you to never check out this over priced and horrendous place. read more

Food here is so delicious, filling, and healthy! I can't wait to go back! I'm not sure what was going on before they reopened and Chef George joined. But as someone who frequents NYC's vegan establishments, this is definitely at the top of my list (after just one brunch). Great service and amazing food. WE love Chef George.... he's a super talented chef; previously at Sestina. Matthew Kenny is lucky to have him. :) read more

This place was awesome!! The seating is really nice and beautifully done despite COVID. The food was excellent, I had the cheese plate, nori rolls, and cacio e pepe plates. I was blown away by the flavors, textures and artful presentation. The raw chocolate cheesecake is otherworldly too. I highly recommend this restaurant and will be coming here again :) read more

The food was extremely bland and overpriced. It was cold and not fresh and made my girlfriend sick. Please skip this place if you know what's best for you. read more

canceled reservation last-minute because they "were booked for a private event". not sure how they could be booked so last minute for a private event, but keep in mind that if you make a reservation here you might not be able to keep it. my friends and I were very excited to visit Sutra given how delicious the food looks, but canceling a reservation last minute on a very busy weekend in a very busy area (making it very difficult to get reservations in vegan restaurants for the time we require) is unprofessional. read more

So happy to see this place open! Another vegan restaurant from Matthew Kenney but this time with a greater emphasis on wholesomeness and raw foods. The quality is top notch as usual and the service was excellent. read more