This East Village staple has dished out healthy, exclusively vegan fare since 1976, before its average patron was in biodegradable diapers eating organic soy Gerber. Angelica Kitchen is a restaurant with a clear mission: to use seasonally sustainable ingredients supplied directly from farmers and artisans whenever possible. In fact, 95% of the food used to create the menu is grown ecologically. A sense of community pervades the dining room, as communal tables encourage eating with strangers, and the solitary unisex bathroom reminds us that we are not so different that we need separate facilities. Locals line up out the door for tempeh reuben sandwiches and the signature Dragon Bowls, consisting of rice, beans, tofu, sea vegetables and steamed vegetables. A variety of seasonal soups, salads and spreads are available as well. And be sure to check the specials. As if the bounty of health-conscious vegan options were not enough reason to come, it's also BYOB. Cash only. Serving lunch and dinner daily.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Vegetarian
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"At Angelica Kitchen, fresh, delicious food is served in an atmosphere where sustainable agriculture and responsible business practices are the main ingredients. This combination reflects our deep respect for the environment and our gratitude toward the dedicated people who produce our food. All Angelica's food is prepared right here, fresh each day. Practicing intuitive cooking, the menu changes daily according to season, weather, availability of ingredients, and the personal creativity of our chefs."
– Angelica Kitchen website
"With its chic SoCal decor and warm bohemian ambience, Angelica Kitchen deserves its reputation as one of downtown's best date spots for vegetarians . . . the menu continues to be consistently creative."
—New York magazine
"A well-seasoned repertoire based on fresh veggies and grains. ... Soups are a particular strong point, with great depth of flavor achieved without resort to meat stocks."
—Village Voice
"Massive, superpopular Dragon Bowls (rice, beans, tofu, steamed veggies) get their kick from dressings like creamy carrot or eggless Sea Caesar."
—Time Out New York
How Others Rate Angelica Kitchen
Zagat 2008
21 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)