Let’s be honest, for many restaurants on Long Island, the vegan dish is an afterthought, something to offer that one person in a large party who otherwise might not show up.
Done well, vegan food can be quite delicious, even without an over-reliance on Beyond-this or Impossible-that. So we set out to find some Long Island restaurants who took the time, care and attention to get it right. It wasn’t easy!
Scroll down for the results.
Vegan Chorizo | Dirty Taco
What: Refried beans, cilantro onion mix and chimichurri
Locations: Wantagh, Rockville Centre, Woodbury, Port Washington, Patchogue, Smithtown
Note: This was also the vegan dish winner in the 2024 GLI Foodie Awards.
Click here for the full Dirty Taco menu.
Shasta Scramble | Toast Coffee + Kitchen
What: Vegan eggs, roasted zucchini, spinach, mushroom, sun-dried tomato, & sautéed onion, served with home fries
Location: Long Beach, Bay Shore, Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station
Click here for the full Toast menu.
Winter bowl | Tula Kitchen
What: Roasted cauliflower, brussels sprouts, sweet potato, purple rice, radish, avocado, miso-tahini dressing, choice of tempeh or tofu
Location: Bay Shore
Click here for the full Tula Kitchen menu.
Vegan Chili | Alexandros
What: Beyond meat with housemade chili
Location: Mt. Sinai
Pro tip: Stop by for vegan nights on Wednesdays and try other dishes, such as the caramelized brussels sprouts tacos.
Click here for the full Alexandros menu.
Kung Pao Cauliflower Wings | GSB Brewery
What: The name says it all
Locations: Lindenhurst and Ronkonkoma
Click here for the full GSB menu.
Tofu Asada Bowl | Jardin Cafe
What: Tofu, brown rice, black beans, pico de gallo, romaine, corn & guacamole
Location: Patchogue
Click here for the full Jardi Cafe menu.
‘Burnt Ends’ Enchiladas | The Purple Elephant
What: Organic soy “burnt ends” (pictured above) baked in white corn tortillas with Salvadorian roasted tomato sauce, vegan cheese, avocado and gallo pinto. Photo credit: The Purple Elephant on Facebook
Location: Northport
Click here for The Purple Elephant’s full menu.
Pulled ‘Pork’ Jackfruit Plate | Big Belly Que
What: Jackfruit spiced and smoked with hickory and apple and cooked with a caramelized BBQ sauce.
Location: Smithtown
Click here for Big Belly Que’s full menu.
Vegan Pancakes | Local’s Cafe
What: Served with non-dairy whipped cream and berries.
Location: Port Jefferson
Click here for Local’s Cafe full menu.
BBQ Bowl | The Greenery
What: Jackfruit, charred corn, sliced jalapenos, grape tomatoes, kale + red cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, avocado lime dressing
Location: Sayville
Click here for the full Greenery menu.
Quinoa Burger | Rumba
What: House-made quinoa, lentil, black bean burger, apricot glaze, guacamole, lettuce, tomato and island slaw
Location: Hampton Bays
Click here for the full Rumba menu.
