Pizza, Bagels, Donuts & Ice Cream: NYC Vegan Eats

You will discover NYC's vegan food scene has evolved far beyond basic salads and smoothies, especially when it comes to comfort food classics. Whether you're craving a slice topped with cashew mozzarella or hunting for the perfect dairy-free ice cream scoop, the city's plant-based options now rival their traditional counterparts. From Manhattan's bustling streets to Brooklyn's trendy corners, let's explore where you can satisfy those familiar cravings without compromising your vegan lifestyle.

Key Points

• Screamer's Pizzeria leads NYC's vegan pizza scene with creative toppings, while Two Boots and Vinnie's offer affordable plant-based slices citywide.
• Ess-a-Bagel and Pick A Bagel serve diverse tofu cream cheese options, including specialty flavors like sun-dried tomato lox.
• Van Leeuwen and Whipped Urban Dessert Lab provide cashew and oat-based ice cream flavors across multiple NYC locations.
• Both classic ($3-$5) and artisanal ($25-$30+) vegan pizza styles are available throughout NYC's five boroughs.
• Brooklyn's vegan bagel shops, like Bagelsmith and Greenberg's, offer innovative options including carrot lox and Just Egg sandwiches.

Where to Find the Best Vegan Pizza in NYC

Pizza lovers who've gone plant-based won't miss out in NYC, with dozens of dedicated vegan pizzerias and traditional spots now offering dairy-free options.

Screamer's Pizzeria leads the pack as NYC's first fully vegan pizzeria, with locations in Crown Heights and Greenpoint. You'll discover creative toppings like sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing.

For upscale dining, head to Double Zero in the East Village, where wood-fired pies feature truffle cashew cream and wild mushrooms.

On a budget? Check out Artistic Pizza in the West Village, offering 17 vegan options under $20. Their menu includes specialties like the Vegan Chicken Scallion pizza.

Two Boots serves the popular Vegan Cleo with plant-based sausage, while Williamsburg Pizza uses traditional techniques for their vegan slices.

For gluten-free needs, try Vinnie's Pizzeria or Vito's Slices and Ices, both offering dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Classic Vs Artisanal Vegan Pizza Styles

A growing divide exists between two distinct styles of vegan pizza in NYC: classic and artisanal.

Classic slices offer familiar comfort with thin, foldable crusts, basic toppings like vegan mozzarella and commercial meat substitutes, and reasonable prices ($3-$5 per slice). Adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can enhance the overall flavor profile of these simple pies. You can discover these at mainstream pizzerias and late-night slice shops across the city.

Artisanal pies take a different approach, featuring sourdough or chickpea-based crusts, gourmet combinations like roasted garlic and caramelized onions, and house-made nut-free cheeses.

While they're pricier ($25-$30+ per pie) and limited to specialty spots in areas like the West Village, you'll get innovative flavors and organic ingredients.

These pies often use dual-stage baking techniques and longer fermentation times for complex textures and tastes.

Must-Try Vegan Bagel Spots in Manhattan

While Manhattan's vegan dining scene continues to expand, the city's bagel shops have embraced plant-based options with impressive variety and authenticity.

You'll discover standout spots like Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown East, offering seven tofu cream cheese varieties including sun-dried tomato lox and raisin walnut flavors. Pick A Bagel serves their famous tofu scallion spread as a delicious dairy-free alternative.

For a classic New York experience, head to Tompkins Square Bagels where they boil their bagels with barley malt and serve them with Beyond Meat sausage.

Don't miss Murray's Bagels in Greenwich Village for their spinach dill tofu spread, or Liberty Bagels' hummus-topped everything bagels.

If you're gluten-sensitive, try Zucker's, which carries Little Northern Bakehouse vegan bagels paired with sunflower cream cheese.

For convenience, Plantega partners with local bodegas to serve loaded vegan cream cheese bagels across the city.

Brooklyn's Top Plant-Based Bagel Shops

Crossing the East River into Brooklyn reveals an equally impressive array of plant-based bagel options.

You'll find classic flavors at Bagelsmith's two locations, where 12+ vegan varieties and tofu-based spreads await. Their fresh toasted bagels make the perfect base for any sandwich creation. However, expect weekend waits up to 30 minutes at their Williamsburg spot.

Craving traditional bagels? Head to Bagelsmith for vegan options, but be prepared to wait at their busy Williamsburg location.

For a modern twist, check out Greenberg's rotating cream cheese flavors and their innovative carrot lox. The shop's savory delights have earned it a loyal following among vegans and non-vegans alike.

Budget-conscious eaters should explore Plantega's bodega program, offering loaded cream cheese bagels for $5-$7 across 15+ locations.

At Familiars Vegan Coffee Shop in Bed-Stuy, don't miss their signature Just Egg breakfast sandwich and house-made cream cheese varieties.

If you're gluten-sensitive, Smith Street Bagels partners with Urban Veganizer for allergen-free options and offers soy-free sunflower seed spreads.

Dairy-Free Ice Cream Destinations

Despite New York's reputation for traditional dairy-based treats, the city now boasts an impressive selection of dairy-free ice cream destinations.

You'll find dedicated vegan shops like Orchard Grocer serving cashew-olive oil soft-serve and Whipped Urban Dessert Lab crafting oat milk creations. The shop offers decadent toppings including house-made strawberry shells and cookie crumbles.

For variety, hit up Van Leeuwen's multiple locations for their cashew and oat-based flavors, or try 16 Handles' rotating Oatly options.

Want something unique? Head to Seed + Mill for tahini-based soft-serve or explore Crème & Cocoa's Jamaican-inspired coconut-soursop ice cream.

During summer, catch seasonal specials like Davey's watermelon basil sorbet or The Ice Cream House's strawberry mango blend.

For an adult twist, try Crème & Cocoa's tequila-infused Margarita Mama or OddFellows' bourbon-spiked seasonal offerings.

Innovative Vegan Frozen Treats

Beyond traditional dairy-free scoops, NYC's vegan dessert scene has spawned creative frozen innovations that push culinary boundaries.

You'll discover oat milk soft-serve dominating menus at spots like Whipped Urban Dessert Lab and 16 Handles, while Van Leeuwen crafts ultra-creamy textures using cashew and coconut milk bases. Orchard Grocer's olive oil blend creates an exceptionally smooth dairy-free soft-serve experience.

For unique flavor experiences, head to Seed + Mill for tahini-infused oat milk gelato topped with halva crumbles, or try Blossom Ice Cream's hand-rolled coconut milk creations.

Many shops now make their own oat milk bases in-house, enabling frequent seasonal rotations.

Don't miss Van Leeuwen's Vegan Earl Grey Tea and Banana Pudding offerings, or Whipped's Strawberry Shortcake fusion that combines Sweet Creme soft-serve with strawberry crumble for a memorable treat.

Tips for Navigating NYC's Vegan Dessert Scene

When planning your vegan dessert crawl through NYC, you'll discover the most rewarding experiences by targeting specific neighborhoods and combining visits strategically.

Head to Chelsea where Blossom Bakery's location near the High Line offers a perfect post-dessert walk, or explore the East Village where Rawsome Treats sits conveniently close to other vegan eateries. Enjoying a vegan ice cream from Van Leeuwen makes for an ideal dessert stop while exploring both Manhattan and Brooklyn locations.

Strategically plan your dessert stops – Blossom Bakery pairs perfectly with a High Line stroll, while Rawsome Treats anchors an East Village vegan adventure.

1. Track seasonal offerings through social media to catch limited-time flavors like Van Leeuwen's Vegan Earl Grey Tea or 16 Handles' rotating soft-serve options.
2. Visit multiple spots in one area – combine Whipped Urban Dessert Lab with other attractions in Harlem's cultural district.
3. Plan your timing wisely – The Ice Cream House extends hours during summer months, while many spots introduce special holiday-themed treats.

The Wrap Up

You will discover NYC's vegan food scene offers plenty of wallet-friendly options if you know where to look. Download food apps for daily specials, and follow your favorite spots on social media for deals. Visit during off-peak hours for shorter waits and potential discounts. Don't forget to check student and local resident deals. With some planning, you can enjoy the city's best plant-based pizza, bagels, and frozen treats without breaking the bank.