10 Must-Try Vegan Brunch Spots in NYC

It’s 11 AM on a Sunday, and you’re staring at a menu of pancakes swimming in dairy butter, eggs Benedict dripping with hollandaise, and a side of bacon that smells tempting but leaves you feeling sluggish by noon. If you’re a health-conscious foodie or a vegan-curious explorer, this familiar dilemma can turn brunch—the sacred weekend ritual—into a minefield of compromise. But here’s the game-changer: New York City now boasts well over 100 entirely plant-based restaurants, and their brunch offerings go far beyond a sad bowl of fruit. From Brooklyn diners slinging coconut-cream pancakes to Manhattan tasting counters crafting mushroom custard, the city has redefined what a meatless, egg-free, dairy-free Sunday can taste like. At NYC Food Spots, we’ve done the hard work for you. I personally visited, tasted, and ranked the top contenders to bring you a definitive guide that balances flavor, atmosphere, and value. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just looking to cut back on saturated fat, these ten destinations prove that plant-based brunch can be indulgent, adventurous, and absolutely unforgettable.

The Rise of Vegan Brunch in NYC

New York City didn’t just adopt vegan brunch—it perfected it. A decade ago, finding a fully plant-based brunch meant heading to a single raw-food cafe tucked away in the East Village. Today, the scene has exploded. Neighborhoods from Bushwick to Harlem host dedicated vegan diners, globally inspired cafes, and even high-end tasting rooms that attract both vegans and omnivores. According to a 2022 report from the Plant Based Foods Association, NYC now has one of the highest concentrations of vegan restaurants per capita in the United States, and brunch has become the most popular meal period for many of them.

Why the surge? The modern brunch-goer isn’t just avoiding animal products; they’re seeking variety, health benefits, and Instagram-worthy presentation. Spots like Champs Diner in Brooklyn and The Butcher’s Daughter in Manhattan have pioneered this shift. Champs Diner transforms classic American greasy-spoon fare into plant-based masterpieces, while The Butcher’s Daughter elevates the farm-to-table aesthetic with fresh juices and grain bowls. Both prove that you don’t need eggs or butter to create a satisfying weekend feast. Even global cuisines have joined the movement: Ethiopian, Jamaican, and Italian restaurants now offer completely vegan brunch menus that stay true to their culinary roots.

Key drivers of this trend include:

• Increased awareness of health benefits—reducing cholesterol and inflammation by swapping animal fats for plant-based alternatives.
• Rising demand for sustainable dining options that lower carbon footprint.
• A thriving community of vegan food influencers and bloggers who spotlight new spots weekly.
• Chefs innovating with ingredients like cashew cheese, jackfruit, and aquafaba (chickpea brine) to recreate classic textures and flavors.

Whether you crave a comforting stack of pancakes or an elegant tasting menu, NYC’s vegan brunch scene delivers. Let’s dive into the 10 must-try spots that will change the way you think about Sunday mornings.

Classic American Vegan Brunch Favorites

Champs Diner (Brooklyn)

If you miss the nostalgia of a classic American diner, Champs Diner on South 4th Street in Williamsburg is your sanctuary. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by retro black-and-white tile floors, neon signs, and vinyl booths that feel straight out of a 1950s soda fountain. But the real star is the food. Their signature dish—fluffy vegan pancakes—arrives three to a stack, golden brown and drizzled with warm maple syrup. Topped with a cloud of coconut whipped cream and fresh berries, this $12 plate rivals any dairy-laden version. The batter uses oat milk and flax eggs, giving it a tender crumb that holds up against the syrup without getting soggy.

Don’t stop there. The “Bae-2-Go” breakfast sandwich features a tofu scramble seasoned with black salt (for that eggy sulfur note), melted vegan cheddar, and a crispy “chick’n” patty on a toasted Kaiser roll. Pair it with a side of their rosemary home fries—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside—for just $4 more. Be prepared for a wait on weekends; Champs Diner doesn’t take reservations, but the line moves quickly, and the staff keeps the coffee flowing.

Modern Love (Williamsburg)

For a brunch that feels indulgent without a hint of deprivation, head to Modern Love on Union Avenue. This upscale-casual spot, owned by cookbook author Isa Chandra Moskowitz, specializes in comfort food with a plant-based twist. Their vegan mac and cheese brunch plate ($15) is a revelation. The pasta is smothered in a velvety cashew cheddar sauce made from soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika. It’s baked until bubbly, with a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds texture. The entrée comes with a side of sautéed kale and cherry tomatoes, balancing richness with brightness.

For something lighter, try the “Chick’n and Waffles”—a crispy seitan cutlet perched atop a golden waffle, drizzled with maple-mustard glaze. Modern Love’s cocktail menu also shines, with options like the “Dirty Shirley” made with house-made grenadine and vegan white rum. Weekend brunch runs from 11 AM to 3 PM, and reservations are recommended.

Jajaja (Lower East Side)

When you crave bold Mexican flavors without the dairy-laden cheese and sour cream, Jajaja on Essex Street delivers. This vibrant, plant-based taqueria offers a brunch-specific menu on Saturdays and Sundays. The vegan huevos rancheros ($14) features a generous scoop of tofu scramble (seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and black salt) atop a crispy tortilla, layered with black bean chorizo, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of cashew crema. The dish is served with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice, making it a hearty, protein-packed start to your day.

Jajaja’s interior is equally appealing—pink walls, hanging plants, and neon signs create a playful, photogenic atmosphere. Order their “Not-cho Average Nachos” as a starter, piled high with jackfruit carnitas, guacamole, and pickled jalapeños. Pro tip: Their horchata is made with almond milk and cinnamon, offering a refreshing, dairy-free alternative to iced coffee.

International Vegan Brunch Destinations

Nourish Spot (Harlem)

Harlem’s Nourish Spot on Frederick Douglass Boulevard is a hidden gem for Caribbean-inspired vegan brunch. This cozy, brightly colored cafe focuses on whole-food, plant-based versions of Jamaican classics. Their ackee and plantain dish is a must-try—but since traditional ackee is often cooked with salted fish, chef Kymberly Yearwood swaps in tofu seasoned with cumin and thyme to mimic the ackee’s texture and flavor. The tofu crumbles are sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet peppers for a gentle kick, then paired with sweet, caramelized plantains. The $16 plate includes a side of callaloo (sauteed greens) and a flaky, gluten-free johnnycake.

Don’t skip the “Soul Bowl”—a mix of quinoa, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and a creamy tahini dressing, topped with avocado. Nourish Spot also offers cold-pressed juices and smoothies, like the “Green Goddess” with kale, pineapple, and ginger. The vibe here is community-focused; you’ll often find locals chatting at communal tables while indie reggae plays softly.

Bunna Cafe (Bushwick)

For an immersive Ethiopian brunch experience, Bunna Cafe on Flushing Avenue in Bushwick is unparalleled. This 100% vegan restaurant serves a traditional Ethiopian brunch platter for $18 per person, served on a large communal platter lined with spongy injera (teff-flour flatbread). The platter includes four lentil stews—red lentils simmered with berbere spice, brown lentils slow-cooked with ginger, and yellow split peas with turmeric—plus sautéed collard greens, spiced tomatoes, and a beet-and-potato salad.

What sets Bunna Cafe apart is the ritual. You eat with your hands, tearing pieces of injera to scoop up the stews. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a highlight: incense is lit, coffee beans are roasted on the spot, and the dark, cardamom-infused brew is served in small clay cups. Brunch is offered from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekends, and the communal seating makes it ideal for groups. Expect a wait; it’s worth it.

Peacefood Cafe (Upper West Side)

Craving dim sum but sticking to plant-based? Peacefood Cafe on Broadway near 85th Street offers a weekend dim sum brunch that rivals any Chinatown spot. The menu features a rotating selection of steamed and baked dumplings, including shiitake mushroom and chive dumplings, bok choy and tofu spring rolls, and sweet potato and ginger buns. Prices are per piece ($3–$5), so you can mix and match. The pho-style rice noodle soup is another standout, with a broth that simmers for six hours using kombu (seaweed), shiitake, and star anise—deeply savory without any meat base.

The cafe’s clean, minimalist design and massive windows make it a bright, calm spot for brunch. Pair your dim sum with a “Matcha Latte” made with oat milk and ceremonial-grade matcha. Peacefood Cafe also has a raw dessert counter; the blueberry cashew cheesecake is a guilt-free indulgence.

Affordable Vegan Brunch Under $15

You don’t need to splurge to enjoy a stellar vegan brunch in NYC. These spots deliver big flavor without breaking the bank. Here are three wallet-friendly options that prove plant-based eating can be both delicious and budget-conscious:

• By Chloe (multiple locations including Greenwich Village): Score their “Chloe’s Favorite” burger—a quinoa-beet patty, dairy-free cheddar, and a superfood side salad (kale, quinoa, and lemon-tahini dressing)—for just $10. The burger is juicy, smoky from chipotle aioli, and satisfying. Add a side of sweet potato fries for $3 more.
• Vspot (Park Slope): This Puerto Rican-inspired vegan spot serves a massive Cuban sandwich with marinated jackfruit, pickles, mustard, and vegan Swiss on pressed whole-wheat bread, plus a generous pile of crispy fries, for $11. The jackfruit mimics shredded pork perfectly, and the tangy pickles cut through the richness.
• Terri (Midtown East): For a grab-and-go brunch, Terri’s “Breakfast Wrap” is unbeatable at $8. It’s stuffed with tofu scramble, roasted potatoes, vegan cheddar, and chipotle ranch wrapped in a whole-wheat tortilla. It’s portable, filling, and packed with protein—perfect for fueling a day of sightseeing.

Pro tip: Download the “Happy Cow” app to find more cheap vegan eats near you. Many of these spots also offer loyalty programs or combo deals that bring the cost per meal below $12.

Upscale Vegan Brunch for Special Occasions

Dirt Candy (Lower East Side)

If brunch is an event—a birthday, anniversary, or just a splurge—Dirt Candy on Allen Street delivers a fine-dining experience that redefines vegetables. Chef Amanda Cohen’s tasting menu brunch ($45 per person, prix fixe) is a vegetable-forward journey that will challenge everything you think you know about plant-based food. The menu changes seasonally, but expect dishes like smoked carrots with carrot-top pesto and smoked almond crumble, or mushroom custard with miso caramel and crispy shiitake “bacon.” Each plate is a work of art, with layers of texture and umami that make you forget meat exists.

The space is intimate—only 20 seats—so reservations are essential (book at least three weeks in advance). The brunch includes a complimentary amuse-bouche and a choice of dessert, like the “Carrot Cake” with cashew cream cheese icing. While $45 feels steep, it’s a bargain for the quality and creativity on display.

Avant Garden (East Village)

For vegan Italian brunch in a romantic, candlelit setting, Avant Garden on East 7th Street is unmatched. The menu changes weekly, but staples include house-made pasta like pappardelle with wild mushroom ragù and truffle oil ($22), or truffle polenta with roasted porcini and crispy sage ($18). The brunch crowd tends toward fashionistas and foodies, so dress to impress. Their “Blood Orange Mimosa” (made with fresh-squeezed juice and vegan sparkling wine) is a crisp, refreshing way to start the meal.

The real showstopper is their cashew ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers, which arrive lightly tempura-battered and drizzled with a lemon-caper aioli. For a main, the “Eggplant Involtini” (rolled eggplant stuffed with spinach and pine nut ricotta) is a classic done right. Courses range from $20 to $30, and reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.

The Cinnamon Snail (Multiple Pop-Ups)

For a luxury brunch on the go, seek out The Cinnamon Snail, a vegan food truck and pop-up with regular spots in Midtown and Williamsburg. Don’t let the street-food origin fool you—this is a sophisticated, globally inspired menu. Their lobster mushroom “lobster” roll ($18) uses king oyster mushrooms marinated in dulse seaweed and Old Bay seasoning, shredded to mimic lobster meat, and piled onto a toasted brioche-style bun with lemon-herb aioli. It comes with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, making it a messy, delicious treat.

Ready to try one of these spots? Start with Champs Diner this weekend and tag us @NYCFoodSpots with your plant-based brunch photos – we’d love to see what you order!