Best Upscale Vegan Restaurants in East Harlem | Upscale & Vegan

18 restaurants in Best Upscale Vegan Restaurants in East Harlem | Upscale & Vegan

• Chu Ros Thai — Thai · rated 5/5: Chu Ros Thai invites diners into a world of bold aromatics and vibrant colors, where the steam from bubbling hot pots of creamy Tom Yum meets the irresistible crunch of golden-fried delicacies. The kitchen masterfully balances tradition and creativity, serving up everything from rich, lychee-infused duck curries to savory drunken udon that hums with spice and fresh seafood. It is a culinary destination where every plate tells a story of balanced heat and fragrant herbs, offering a soulful escape into the heart of Thai flavors.
• Burritos y Mas — Mexican · rated 5/5: The air at this vibrant neighborhood haunt is thick with the savory aroma of seared meats and the irresistible crunch of warm, salt-dusted chips meeting zesty house-made salsa. Hand-stretched tortillas arrive generously overstuffed with charred, seasoned steak or tender, slow-simmered pork, creating a hearty and soulful experience that celebrates bold, sun-drenched flavors in every satisfying bite.
• Frenchy Cafe — French · rated 5/5: Frenchy Cafe captures the effortless charm of a Parisian sidewalk haunt, where the rich, nutty aroma of freshly pulled espresso fills a space designed for both quiet contemplation and lively morning rituals. Skilled baristas craft everything from velvety flat whites with delicate micro-foam to bold, soul-warming cafe au laits, turning each cup into a refined celebration of European coffee culture.
• Café d'Anvers — French · rated 4.9/5: Café d'Anvers transports diners to a romantic corner of Europe, where the soft hum of conversation mingles with the irresistible fragrance of garlic, butter, and herbs de Provence. Each plate is a vibrant canvas of French culinary artistry, offering a sensory journey through velvety bisques, tender braised meats, and crisp, golden-crusted delights. With its polished zinc bar and flickering candlelight, the space invites you to linger over a bottle of Bordeaux and lose yourself in the soulful, unhurried rhythm of a true Parisian evening.
• Casa Maya — Mexican · rated 4.9/5: Casa Maya transports diners to a sun-soaked courtyard where the rhythmic patter of handmade tortillas and the smoky aroma of slow-roasted carnitas fill the air. Vibrant murals and warm terracotta accents set the stage for a feast of bold, ancestral flavors, where zesty citrus marinades and rich, complex moles celebrate the soul of Mexican heritage. As the clink of salt-rimmed glasses punctuates the lively chatter, every meal becomes a spirited celebration of tradition and community.
• Chu Ros Thai — Thai · rated 4.8/5: Stepping into Chu Ros Thai feels like a sensory journey through a bustling night market, where the air is thick with the fragrance of crushed galangal and the rhythmic sound of a mortar and pestle. The kitchen balances the bold, punchy notes of tamarind and bird’s eye chilies with the cooling grace of fresh herbs, creating dishes that dance between fiery spice and delicate sweetness. It is a space where the vibrant colors of emerald curries and golden-fried delights come together, offering a warm, communal atmosphere that honors the soulful traditions of Thai home cooking.
• La Nostra — Italian · rated 4.5/5: La Nostra invites guests into a warm, candlelit sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered ragu and toasted garlic drifts from the heart of the kitchen. Silken, hand-stretched pastas and vibrant seasonal antipasti celebrate the soulful traditions of the Italian table, creating a timeless atmosphere where every shared plate and glass of Chianti feels like a spirited homecoming.
• Effy's Kitchen — Mediterranean · rated 4.4/5: Effy’s Kitchen serves as a sun-drenched escape where the bright, herbaceous scents of the Mediterranean dance through a warm and inviting space. From the velvety swirl of house-made hummus to the charred perfection of flame-kissed skewers, every dish celebrates the vibrant colors and bold, rustic flavors of the coast. It is a place where the clink of glasses and the warmth of shared plates create an atmosphere of effortless hospitality, inviting diners to linger over a meal that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
• AB Fish Market — Seafood · rated 4.4/5: AB Fish Market transports diners to a bustling coastal pier where the day’s freshest catch rests on shimmering beds of ice, promising a meal defined by the pure, bracing flavors of the deep. The air hums with the lively energy of a seaside bazaar as chefs transform briny oysters and succulent, pan-seared fillets into vibrant plates that celebrate the simple, salt-kissed elegance of the ocean.
• The Lexington Social — Mediterranean · rated 4.3/5: The Lexington Social pulses with a convivial energy, drawing guests into a stylishly rustic space where the sun-drenched spirit of the Mediterranean comes alive through vibrant, shared plates. Fragrant herbs and charred citrus mingle with the rich aroma of olive oil and grilled delicacies, creating a sensory journey that transports diners to a breezy coastal terrace. This sanctuary for spirited evenings captures the effortless warmth of a seaside gathering, where every bite celebrates the soulful, salt-of-the-earth flavors of the coast.
• Quechua Nostra — Peruvian · rated 4.2/5: Quechua Nostra brings the spirited soul of the Andes to life, welcoming guests into a space where sun-drenched colors and the sharp, bright scent of lime and aji amarillo fill the air. The kitchen balances the bracing chill of citrus-cured seafood with the comforting, earthy depth of slow-cooked mountain grains, creating a sensory journey that spans from the rugged highlands to the misty Pacific coast. It is a vibrant celebration of Peruvian heritage, where ancient culinary traditions are reimagined with modern artistry and served with heartfelt hospitality.
• Ollin — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: Ollin pulses with a soulful energy, where the smoky aroma of toasted chilies and the rhythmic pat of hand-pressed masa transport guests to the sun-drenched heart of Mexico. Each plate is a vibrant tapestry of flavor, layering the velvety depth of complex moles against the bright, citrusy snap of garden-fresh salsas. It is a lively sanctuary that celebrates ancestral traditions with a modern spirit, inviting long, convivial evenings fueled by the warmth of artisanal mezcals and bold, authentic spices.
• La Fonda — Mexican · rated 4/5: La Fonda transports diners to a vibrant Mexican plaza, where the rhythmic pat-pat of handmade tortillas and the smoky aroma of slow-roasted meats create an atmosphere of festive warmth. Each dish celebrates bold, ancestral flavors, from the complex depth of a velvety mole to the zesty brightness of lime-cured seafood, all served in a space alive with color and the clink of artisanal glassware.
• Wimpy's Hamburger Place — American · rated 4/5: Wimpy's Hamburger Place captures the timeless spirit of the classic American diner, where the irresistible aroma of searing beef and toasted buns wafts through a space buzzing with nostalgic charm. Guests settle into a world of simple, savory perfection as juicy, hand-pressed patties meet the intense heat of the griddle, resulting in a signature charred crust that pairs beautifully with frosty, hand-spun shakes and golden, salt-dusted fries.
• Sam's Famous Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a neighborhood cornerstone where the warmth of the ovens and the aroma of toasted crust create an immediate sense of home. Whether you’re diving into a thick, pillowy Sicilian square or exploring the bold flavors of a Gyro-topped pie, each hand-tossed creation celebrates the timeless joy of a perfectly melted cheese stretch. It is a vibrant, unpretentious space where the art of the pizza parlor is honored in every slice, from the creamy richness of the white pizza to the hearty, loaded Supreme Deluxe.
• Dear Mama Coffee — American · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood sanctuary pulses with a warm, soulful energy, inviting guests to linger over artisanal brews that feel like a heartfelt embrace. Baristas transform the daily caffeine ritual into an art form, pouring poetic, botanical-inspired creations like the delicate Sakura Blossom and the radiant Golden Hour Latte alongside meticulously sourced single-origin drips. It is a vibrant community hub where the aroma of freshly roasted beans meets a spirit of creative innovation, making every visit a refreshing celebration of the season.
• Mojo Desserts — American · rated 4/5: Mojo Desserts serves as a vibrant sanctuary for the sweet-toothed, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of rich cocoa and every velvety spoonful offers a moment of pure indulgence. From intimate, perfectly portioned cups to grand, shareable feasts, the experience centers on decadent textures and the warmth of artisanal hot chocolate that lingers long after the final sip.
• La Isla Restaurant — Spanish · rated 3.8/5: La Isla transports diners to a sun-drenched corner of the Mediterranean, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of toasted saffron and sizzling garlic. Vibrant plates of tapas and golden-crusted paellas arrive at bustling tables, inviting guests to linger over glasses of chilled sangria amidst a backdrop of warm terracotta tones and spirited conversation. This lively sanctuary captures the soulful essence of Iberian hospitality, turning every meal into a convivial celebration of bold, coastal flavors.