Best Upscale Vegetarian Restaurants in Long Island City | Upscale & Vegetarian

24 restaurants in Best Upscale Vegetarian Restaurants in Long Island City | Upscale & Vegetarian

• AJA Dumplings — Chinese · rated 4.9/5: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive at the table, releasing fragrant clouds that reveal delicate, hand-pleated treasures bursting with savory depth and silken texture. The air hums with the rhythmic sound of rolling pins as guests dip artisanal wrappers into pools of zesty chili oil, savoring a masterclass in traditional Chinese comfort. It is a warm, vibrant sanctuary where the ancient art of the dumpling is celebrated with every succulent, soul-warming bite.
• Anable Basin Sailing — American · rated 4.6/5: Perched on the rugged edge of the East River, this open-air sanctuary offers a front-row seat to the shimmering Manhattan skyline as the sun dips behind the skyscrapers. The air carries the nostalgic scent of charcoal-grilled favorites and chilled spirits, drawing a relaxed crowd to weathered picnic tables where the gentle lapping of the basin creates a rhythmic backdrop for breezy summer afternoons.
• Manducatis — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Manducatis captures the soul of a bygone era, where white-clothed tables and a warm, amber glow invite guests into a space that feels more like a private home than a bustling eatery. The kitchen breathes life into timeless Italian classics, from velvet-smooth sauces to hearty, hand-crafted pastas that carry the weight of tradition in every savory bite. It is a place where the clink of wine glasses and the gentle rhythm of attentive service create an intimate sanctuary for those seeking the true, unhurried essence of a family-run trattoria.
• Red Sorghum 夜宴 — Chinese · rated 4.5/5: Red Sorghum 夜宴 invites diners into a moody, atmospheric space that captures the soulful energy of a traditional Chinese night banquet. The air is thick with the fragrant "wok hei" of sizzling spices and the deep, savory aroma of slow-braised meats, creating a sensory experience that balances fiery regional heat with comforting, time-honored techniques. This vibrant destination celebrates the communal joy of the table, where every shared plate offers a journey through the bold textures and complex flavors of the Chinese heartland.
• Lupo Rosso Pizzeria — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Lupo Rosso Pizzeria pulses with the rustic energy of a modern Italian enoteca, where the amber glow of a wood-fired hearth casts a warm light over communal tables and clinking wine glasses. Artisanal pizzas take center stage, boasting leopard-spotted crusts that crackle under the weight of vibrant heirloom toppings and fragrant, hand-torn basil. It is a place where the simple alchemy of flour, fire, and tradition transforms into a soulful dining experience that lingers long after the last slice is gone.
• Court Square Diner — American · rated 4.4/5: Bathed in the nostalgic glow of neon and chrome, this quintessential American diner serves as a timeless sanctuary where the rhythmic clink of heavy mugs and the constant sizzle of the griddle create a comforting urban soundtrack. Guests slide into deep vinyl booths to indulge in towering stacks of golden buttermilk pancakes or savory, gravy-laden classics that capture the unpretentious heart of traditional comfort food. It is a bustling neighborhood crossroads where the aroma of fresh-baked pie and the steady pour of hot coffee provide a soulful, warm welcome at any hour.
• American Brass — American · rated 4.4/5: Perched along the Long Island City waterfront, this polished brasserie glows with warm brass accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the shimmering Manhattan skyline. The air hums with the energy of a bustling open kitchen, where the savory aroma of herb-crusted rotisserie mingles with the crisp, briny scent of fresh-shucked oysters. It is a sophisticated yet soulful retreat where diners linger over artisanal cocktails as the city lights begin to dance across the East River.
• Tuk Tuk — Thai · rated 4.4/5: Tuk Tuk transports diners to the heart of a bustling Bangkok alleyway, where the air is thick with the fragrance of crushed lemongrass and the rhythmic clatter of woks over high flames. Each dish is a vibrant tapestry of flavor, weaving together the fiery punch of bird’s eye chilies with cooling coconut milk and the bright, citrusy zing of fresh kaffir lime. This lively sanctuary captures the soulful, high-energy spirit of authentic Thai street food, making every meal feel like a spirited celebration of tradition and spice.
• Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern piazza, where the smoky perfume of wood-fired crusts and simmering pomodoro invites guests into a warm, social atmosphere. Artisans at the lively bar stretch hand-tossed dough to be kissed by the oven’s glow, while nearby tables overflow with bowls of silky, house-made pasta and shared plates of vibrant antipasti. It is a soulful neighborhood anchor where the timeless warmth of Italian hospitality meets a contemporary edge, turning every meal into a spirited celebration of authentic, sun-drenched flavors.
• Levante — Mediterranean · rated 4.3/5: Stepping into Levante feels like a journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, where the rhythmic clinking of glasses mingles with the intoxicating aroma of slow-roasted meats and fresh herbs. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into a tapestry of bold, vibrant flavors, from smoky charred vegetables to silken dips, creating a convivial atmosphere where every meal is a celebration of warmth and hospitality.
• Madera Cuban Grill — Spanish · rated 4.3/5: Sun-drenched flavors and the rustic charm of the Mediterranean converge at Madera Cuban Grill, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of wood-fired meats and saffron-infused rice. Guests are swept into a vibrant, wood-accented sanctuary that hums with energy, offering a soulful journey through shared tapas and sizzling pans that celebrate the heart of Spanish hospitality.
• Blend on the Water — Latin American · rated 4.2/5: Perched along the shimmering waterfront, this chic destination pairs breathtaking skyline views with a high-energy atmosphere that pulses with the vibrant spirit of Latin America. The kitchen artfully balances tradition and innovation, delivering a sensory feast of bold spices, zesty citrus, and smoky charred flavors that transport diners from the urban edge to the heart of the tropics. As the sun dips below the horizon, the rhythmic clink of craft cocktails and the glow of the city lights create an unforgettable backdrop for a sophisticated culinary escape.
• Milk and Roses — American · rated 4.2/5: Stepping into Milk and Roses feels like entering a hidden sanctuary where floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a vintage piano create an atmosphere of old-world romance. Guests can linger over soulful American fare in the dim, candlelit interior or retreat to the lush, ivy-walled garden for an enchanting alfresco experience that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
• Rockaway Brewing Company — American · rated 4/5: This spirited taproom captures the essence of a coastal escape, where industrial charm and the scent of fresh hops invite guests into a lively, communal sanctuary. The taps pour a creative spectrum of liquid gold, ranging from the citrus-forward punch of the Rockaway IPA to the tropical, sun-drenched notes of the Vacation Zone, offering a refreshing retreat where bold innovation meets a laid-back neighborhood vibe.
• Sweetleaf — American · rated 4/5: The air at Sweetleaf is thick with the intoxicating scent of freshly roasted beans, drawing visitors into a sleek, high-energy haven where the craft of caffeine is elevated to an art form. Guests can indulge in the velvety, potent kick of their signature Rocket Fuel cold brew or explore the nuanced, sun-drenched flavors of single-origin Ethiopian roasts that highlight the roastery's artisanal precision. This is a vibrant sanctuary for coffee aficionados, where every bold blend and concentrated pour is designed to fuel the day with unparalleled intensity and flavor.
• 51st Bakery & Cafe — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into this inviting neighborhood corner, where the scent of warm bread and melted Oaxaca cheese creates an immediate sense of home. The kitchen transforms simple staples into elevated comfort, layering salty prosciutto with bright pesto or pairing creamy brie with the sweet snap of red grapes for a sophisticated midday escape. It is a soulful retreat where every dish, from the golden morning frittatas to the hearty organic meatloaf, is crafted with an artisanal touch that invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
• Noodlecraft — Chinese · rated 4/5: Noodlecraft is a vibrant sanctuary of regional flavors where the air is perfumed with the sharp, inviting heat of Szechuan peppercorns and the savory depth of garlic-infused soy. Guests find comfort in silken wontons bathed in glowing chili oil and the satisfying crunch of Taiwanese salt and pepper chicken, all served alongside hand-pleated dumplings that celebrate traditional craftsmanship. This bustling space balances the fiery tingle of red chili oil with the cooling, crisp snap of fresh cucumbers, creating a soulful dining experience that honors the diverse culinary landscapes of the East.
• Little Chef Little Café — American · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood nook hums with the comforting sizzle of the griddle, where the aroma of toasted brioche and savory spices invites guests into a bright, welcoming space. Golden-yolked eggs and melted cheese are elevated by the bold, soulful flavors of Filipino-inspired adobo and sweet-garlic longanisa, creating a breakfast experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. From vibrant, herb-flecked toasts to hearty, spice-kissed rolls, every dish serves as a warm, handcrafted invitation to slow down and savor the morning.
• Kora — Filipino · rated 4/5: Kora serves as a vibrant homage to Filipino heritage, where the air is perfumed with the scent of toasted coconut and the deep, earthy sweetness of purple ube. Intricately braided babka wreaths and thick, molten cookies—studded with premium Auro chocolate or caramelized white chocolate—transform traditional island ingredients into a decadent, modern celebration of flavor.
• Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana — Mexican · rated 4/5: Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana captures the spirit of the social table, where the clinking of glasses meets a parade of vibrant, snackable treasures meant for lingering long after the last bite. Golden, salt-dusted chips dive into bowls of velvety chipotle queso and zesty guacamole, while the aroma of charred corn and savory empanadas fills the lively air. It is a sanctuary of Mexican comfort, where loaded fries and house esquites turn a simple gathering into a festive, flavor-drenched celebration.
• Big Alice Brewing — American · rated 4/5: Gleaming fermentation tanks and the inviting aroma of toasted grain set the stage at this inventive taproom, where the boundary between a working brewery and a vibrant social hub disappears. Guests linger over a kaleidoscope of experimental pours, ranging from the earthy sweetness of a farmhouse ale to the complex, spicy heat of a rye-barrel-aged jalapeño brew. Bubbling, thin-crust pizzas provide a savory anchor to the experience, making it a destination where bold liquid artistry and communal comfort collide.
• Cyclo — Vietnamese · rated 4/5: Cyclo captures the vibrant energy of a Southeast Asian escape, where the air is perfumed with the scent of fresh herbs and deeply savory simmering broths. Delicate summer rolls and golden, crispy wontons offer a symphony of textures, leading the way to nourishing bowls of silken tofu soup and zesty papaya salads that celebrate the bright, clean flavors of the region.
• Riverview — American · rated 3.9/5: Perched along the water’s edge, Riverview invites guests to linger over the rhythmic flow of the current while savoring the soulful flavors of elevated American comfort. Sun-drenched tables and the scent of wood-fired grills set the stage for a culinary journey that celebrates the heartland, from succulent prime cuts to vibrant, farm-fresh harvests. This scenic sanctuary transforms every meal into a timeless celebration of the landscape, where the shimmering horizon meets the warmth of classic hospitality.
• Hana Makgeoli — Korean · rated 3/5: Step into a minimalist sanctuary where the ancient art of Korean rice wine fermentation is reimagined through a modern, artisanal lens. The air carries the subtle, earthy scent of steaming grain and wild yeast, setting the stage for a tasting journey through velvety Takju, floral Hwaju, and the crisp, refined elegance of small-batch Yakju. This sleek brewery space invites guests to linger over complex, hand-crafted pours that bridge the gap between time-honored tradition and contemporary craft culture.