This was my second time eating here and it continued to be as excellent as the first. The creativity in ingredients and the presentation of the food was unlike anywhere else I’ve eaten. It is recommended to order 5 dishes and it was truly just the right amount. I didn’t even need/have room for dessert. I hope to go back soon, next time I’m in NYC. This was also good value for the price.

Amazing food! Highly recommend this restaurant to any vegan. The service and all the staff were wonderful. Will definitely be back!

Scorched cauliflower and artichoke are wonderful. Staff are friendly and helpful. Ambience is nice; dimly lit with upbeat music. Small tables with reservations, high tops for walk-ins. You can see them prepare the food. Will return for sure!

Fantastic service, knowledgeable staff and most importantly delicious food! Everything was super tasty, the cauliflower in particular was a highlight for me and the almond cake dessert. Highly recommend

+2

I found out about Avant Garden after watching an episode of Worth it on Buzzfeed. For starters, I am not vegan and Im picky when it comes to food textures, which has made me dislike alot of the vegan food I have tried. Nonetheless, I have been wanting to try more vegan places with hopes of finding somewhere I liked enough to come back. The food looked delicious from what I could tell on the worth it video so we gave it shot, and my god i'm so happy we did. We started off with the Cremini Mushroom Toast which was delicious but a bit oily and the Avocado. I dont eat Avocado ever since the texture makes me feel sick but this avocado plate was something else. The miso glaze and the crispy rice were so flavorful that I couldn't taste the avocado at all! We ordered three entrees: the Celery Root , the House Made Spaghetti and the Paella. The the Celery Root was the star of the show. I dont eat celery, the smell and texture is repulsive to me, but my god this dish was perfect. It is seriously something I would crave the same way I would crave a good burger or bowl of pasta. The spaghetti wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked it was my least favorite dish out of all of them. by the time we got the Paella I was already full, but my husband liked it and said it was full of flavor and complimenting textures. It took our waiter a while to get us to-go boxes and the check, so they offered us free dessert in return which we really appreciated. The dessert's sweetness and texture was perfect. Avant Garden is a great place for vegans and non vegans alike who want to enjoy a delicious meal with a twist. I can't wait to go back!

+2

It is easy to see why this place is on the Michelin radar! The service was well above average (new dinnerware between courses, dish descriptions upon delivery, very attentive). The food was incredible. Our server recommended four courses for two of us and that was perfect—we ended up pleasantly full but not stuffed. We tried two toasts (artichoke pictured left, roasted beet right); the tamal, which had the tenderest jackfruit I’ve ever tasted; and the risotto with seasonal mushrooms, which had us oohing and ahhing at every bite. We had the first reservation of the evening at 5 pm and enjoyed a lovely quiet meal. The seating is tight and it was filling up by the time we finished, so if you’re prone to sensory overload an early time might be the move!

This is consistently the best restaurant I've ever been to. Each dish is more flavorful than the next, service is excellent, and the whole dining experience is top tier.

One of our favorite restaurants from our travels! Everything was perfect, we had an appetizer, one pizza and three different kinds of pasta, and every dish was beautiful!

I came here for dinner with my friend and overall had a nice experience. We shared all 3 dishes "hot" dishes which included: >Brussel sprouts: not actually listed on the menu but my friend ordered it and they were delicious! Perfect balance of crispy outside texture with soft cooked inside and caramelized something topped off with a spiral of something else (lol I don't ask just consume). >Celery root: also delicious and creamy but also loved the presentation. Also an elegant combination of crispy and creamy textures with flavors you just have to close your eyes and chew to experience the full range of savory. >House made spaghetti: my favorite dish, I know I'm basic. It tasted like truffle to me, but not overwhelmingly so. The level of creaminess blew me away and I had to remind myself that I was sharing the dish. The staff was friendly and accommodating even when they had to re-make a dish due to a food allergy. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate with soft synth-pop music playing in the background, candle lights and modern/rustic décor. It is a small restaurant but don't let it deter you from experiencing an unforgettable vegan menu with flavors that tasted nostalgic yet unfamiliar.

Food was soooo good, and all vegan. We really enjoyed it. Great tasted and textures. Heads up: it smells like frying in the room.

Absolutely loved this place! Intimate vibes with incredible food. Everything is plant based and served tapas style. I went in a group and I highly recommend getting a few people together or sharing plates on a cute date night. So many incredible dishes to try! Some favorites included the spaghetti, hen of the woods, cremini toast, and the almond cake - but everything was amazing!

We went with a party of four and they recommended we get seven to nine dishes. We ordered two toasts, three hot dishes, and two salads. Each plate arrived as it was ready and was prepared to perfection. We didn’t regret a single item, though of them all the home made spaghetti stood out as something we must get again. We are rearranging some trip plans to make sure we can eat here one more time and plan to get every other menu item to try as well as the spaghetti. Couldn’t give a stronger recommendation for a dining experience.

+2

You just will never have anything less than a 5star experience at an Overthrow Hospitality location - we went for a date night then scheduled a buy-out for 60+ people; the space is cozy and cool and unique, the FOOD, like all their partner restaurants is absolutely delicious, and the bar selection perfect. Go - now.

The fig toast was really delicious. Also enjoyed the almond cake which was so dense and delightful.

I went there with my vegan friend (I'm not), and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The interior is dark and very cozy, the service was great, and we took all the recommendations from our server. Everything was delicious, filling, and beautiful. Can see it as a great date spot.

Amazing experience from start to finish! Great service by people who are passionate about the food and really friendly. The dishes look beautiful and are finely crafted for exquisite taste. The Spaghetti carbonara is one of my favourite dishes ever! (Visited - Wednesday 20th Feb)

+1

Avant Garden is a hidden gem. The waitress was so friendly, welcoming and accommodating. The kitchen bar seating is super fun because you see the cooks prepare everything. They are a bit shy don't expect them to start chatting with you. The wine selection is good. The Lucien Reymond Sancerre by the glass is very light and crisp. It pairs nicely with everything. My favorite dish was the Avocado. The textures and tastes were incredible. The sticky white rice with crispiness on the outside was so good. I'm not sure how they cook that, probably with some soy sauce glaze, sugar and oil but it's really nice! On top, was an avocado dome, with pickled carrot creamy paste dressing (on the avocado), topped with micro greens and crispy seaweed. The miso, soy sauce "dots" aka the sauce on the plate were very flavorful, and the peppers had a nice kick to them. The plating was really nice, and the flavors were excellent individually and together as one bite, with all the sauces/dressings. I also ordered 2 toasts: roasted beets and sunchoke. I preferred and recommend the sunchoke over the beet one. I enjoyed the way they cut the toast in little triangle slices that are easy to pick up and eat with your hands, or your fork and knife. Made easy to share as well. The beets toast was good but it's a bit earthy and the bread was softer through-and-through compared with the sunchoke, which is crispy on the outside (toasted) and soft on the inside 'layer' of the slide of bread (la mie du pain, as they describe in French). Sunchoke has pickled pear, which are quite unique and a bit crunchy. Adds some texture, with acidity from the olive purée (and the fact that the pear is pickled), pistachios (which I couldn't taste so much) and microgreens that supposedly were baby mint, but tasted nothing like mint. $17 Roasted Beets had hummus, date, sumac, chickpea, cucumber tzatziki. The hummus and crispy chickpeas paired together well in terms of texture. The tzatziki added creaminess and the dates were very subtle. The cripsy chips on top were very good (a nice addition for texture). I couldn't really taste the acidity that usually comes with sumac. Good ingredients pairing but I think the hummus (chickpeas) and beets overpower the whole toast, making it soggier than wanted and a bit too un-wow-ing to the taster. Still good, but maybe not for $17 a toast. The restaurant is small and intimate. The ambiance is dark and not too loud (I actually wish the lights were a bit brighter so I could see the beautiful food and plating better). The staff is very friendly, especially the woman with bangs (sorry I don't know her name). It's a bit pricy, I have to say. For veggies, it is expensive, even though the restaurant and ingredients are elevated produce is fresh and good quality. I recommend sitting at the bar counter. It's a nice experience. Finally, I paid cash, and did notice that the waiter didn't make the cash adjustment, giving me back change for the total bill (it would be for a credit card). That's fine because I adjusted the tip amount, but it's a small detail that customers expect to not have to mention or be ignored when we're making an effort to pay cash to help the restaurant... I'd recommend and would go back, but it is pricey.

+1

One of the best restaurants I’ve been to in a while!!! I had an amazing night with my friend there. Neither of us is vegan but we heard so much about Avant Garden that we wanted to try it ourselves. They didn’t let us down! The reservations are currently limited to 90 minutes which is totally reasonable given the circumstances. The staff was end-to-end very attentive, friendly and helpful! The concept is to share the dishes and the recommendation for 2 people is 4 dishes. We went for the toast with artichoke and for the Cremini mushroom one. SO GOOD! Furthermore we shared the scorched cauliflower and the house made spaghetti. Delicious!!! Especially the cauliflower was mind blowing. To finish our dinner we did the tiramisu which was very different than the regular version of it but we loved it! Overall wonderful experience: beautiful restaurant, fantastic staff and incredibly delicious food. Will definitely go back! Can’t wait to try more!!

+2

Such a cool experience with a very different, unique meal. Absolutely loved everything I ate. The toasts were so good, everything was. It's a small place and I recommend a reservation. It seems like they change the menu around so I will be happy to come back. Update Dec 2024! They've moved locations to the old Overthrow Hospitality absinthe bar. It's upstairs now. I miss the windows from the old location, but I think there's a bit more room in this venue. Food is still wonderful.

Let me preface by saying that I'm not a vegan and vegetarian, but who cares? The dishes at Avant Garden are absolutely stupendous! Every dish is presented perfectly and packed with flavor and texture. The service is also top notch and the staff are welcoming and friendly. Pro-tip: If you're a wine connoisseur then you'll definitely be in heaven. Avant Garden's selection is impressive. 💯

+2

Tasty and eclectic. Very turn of the century interior - the last century.

Love this "new" location. Sat at the bar and it was moody and interesting. Of course the food was awesome. I will definitely be back. The dessert could have fed a family of five!!

This place is an absolute gem. When we were walking up to the restaurant, we realized it was a hole in the wall. The door and entryway was hidden but once inside, it was like a little getaway. It was mysterious and magical. There were tree branches and fairy lights. It almost felt like we were going into a magical forest. Once we got inside, the ambience was soothing and intimate. The chaos of NYC was hidden away from this charming restaurant. The waiters are absolutely amazing and pay attention to detail. The food was impeccable and delicious. The presentation of the food was exactly how I imagined— creative, on theme, and beautiful. We got the Sunchoke toast, soarched cauliflower, and cremini mushroom spaghetti. All delicious and without flaw. Beautifully executed in its delivery and flavor. We left feeling full and happy. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant. Excellent job.

+5

One of the very best meals I’ve had. We ordered the avocado, artichoke toast, hen of the woods dish, and paella, with the beet cocktails. Everything was amazing - both delicious and creatively prepared. Next time we’re eager to try the carrot, pasta, lava cake, and more. The service was excellent and the decor and ambiance was beautiful. Great for groups, a date, or even a nice solo eve out, as there is very nice bar seating in addition to tables. Highly recommend!

Love how vegetable forward this restaurant is vs using fake meats. Super creative and the sauces are so flavorful! Our favorite must-get is the crispy rice with avocado and ginger carrot dressing & the lava cake dessert (it’s not on the menu so ask for it!)

Wonderful gracious attentive service with the most delicious vegan food imaginable. The paella was particularly amazing and innovative. We also liked the appetizers and toast. Don’t miss the avocado salad. It is unlike anything you’ve had elsewhere. Engaging staff suggested excellent wine and beer to accompany our meal

Went here for our anniversary dinner. MTA was running behind schedule so couldn’t get there on time but the hostess was very understanding and accommodated us. The first thing that hits you when you enter is the beautiful ambience and open kitchen! They have the chefs table that gets you to watch how the chefs are cooking and the best part is the chefs will serve the food and explain what goes into each of it. We ordered artichoke toasts, mushroom toast, roasted cauliflower and avocado. Everything was unique in its own way and extremely delicious. We ended our dinner with a chocolava cake- oh em gee! It comes with a torched banana! So tasty😇

+3

Delicious food, beautiful presentation, creative flavor combinations and a cozy decor make me feel like I’m in a medieval treehouse with wizard cooks and elven staff. Wonderful cocktails too. Loved the Modern Antibiotic.

Came here for my wife’s birthday, one thing I thought was nice was they had a birthday card on table for her. Food was Great! Love the Flavors! Staff was very attentive. They poured our wine and water never once had to worry about a refill. Food came in a timely manner, one dish after the other. Also as each dish was placed on the table they explained what was in each dish. Small cozy place but not too small I counted 32 indoor seats. They also have outside dinning. I was impressed with the food ,service, and diversity of staff. Will definitely be back they are on my list of my Top vegan spots! Can’t wait to see the new location.

+2

My wife (vegetarian who rarely eats select types of fish) and I (meat eater) visited Avant Garden last Thursday for dinner. It was an excellent experience. Service is great, the cocktails were delicious and the food was outstanding. We read the quote: "Excellent food that just happens to be vegan" and can confirm that this is the quintessential description for this restaurant. Everything tasted great, savory, balanced, and delicious. We especially loved the avocado and the cauliflower, but the risotto was delicious, and the dessert was to die for. Definitely recommended for everyone who loves great food (independent if you eat meat or not).

+2

As a non-vegan person, this place was REALLY GOOD. My husband’s cousin came to visit us from overseas and she has very specific dietary allergies that essentially only make foods that are gluten-free and dairy-free/vegan safe. We found this place as recommended on a Reddit thread and I was amazed. The ambiance was fantastic and the service was so wonderful. We started off with the cremini mushroom toast and the artichoke toast. Both were incredible. I would come back just for these babies! We ordered an assortment of entrees: roasted carrot, risotto, spaghetti, and the celery root pasta. The portions were pretty generous. My husband’s favourite was the risotto - he says it’s the best risotto he’s ever had (keeping in mind that we’re not vegan, so that really says something)! My favourite was the spaghetti. It sounded boring but the waitress raved about how creamy their carbonara sauce is despite it being vegan so I had to try it. It was indeed creamy without feeling heavy and the smoked mushrooms were just divine! I wasn’t a huge fan of the celery root pasta, but the rest of the dishes more than made up for it. For dessert we shared the lava cake. I would definitely recommend coming here! Our cousin says it’s the best food she’s had since she was diagnosed with all her dietary restrictions!

+3

I was excited to try Avant Garden and my expectations were met! The food was delicious and unique, the service was very lovely, the ambiance is cozy. Considering the quality of the food, the prices are very reasonable. The cherry on top is that it's all plant based! My only sadness is that I couldn't get better pictures of the food, as it was quite dark inside, but that's okay, you'll have to experience it for yourself! 🌱

+2

This place is nothing short of perfect. I came here twice for dinner during my week long trip to NYC, it was this good. Every dish was crafted to perfection, with a unique combination of flavors and textures, all working seamlessly together. I highly recommend the paella and hen of the woods, both spectacular! The food presentation was outstanding too. But my highest praise goes to the staff, extremely kind and generous. I can't wait to be back again!

Not often do I wake up thinking about my meal not once but two days in a row. My friend took me here for a birthday meal and man it was incredible. Host sat me almost immediately. I got a beet drink that was smooth and tasty. But the rest of the meal continued to surprise me. We got a bunch of dishes to share - the avocado was my favorite with a remarkable combination of flavors and textures, this was my favorite dish. The artichoke toast was close second and also delicious and available on GF bread. The carrot and faro was so tasty and the celery root pasta was incrediblely unique to. We also got super lucky, they had a gf veg chocolate lava cake that was sooo worth the wait The ambiance was beautiful. The service was great. I can't wait to come back here!

+4

I went to Avant Garden to celebrate my birthday with my husband and he could not have chosen a better place!!! The food is incredible, the service is perfect. They are willing to help you with any food allergies. For me is one of the best vegan restaurants in the city and you should not miss visiting this place!!

+5

Delicious well executed food! Do get the chocolate lava cake, the cake itself is rich and warm and the other elements put it over the top. All of the mushroom dishes were also top tier on terms of flavor and texture. Service was also great and everyone was incredibly friendly.

We booked a table on Tuesday evening for my birthday. The place has charm and a romantic feel. The food was very delicate, and the cocktails were really nice. We ordered four plates to share, which was just right for us. I can’t wait to go back.

+3

The place was pricey but the vegetables were very well prepared. I liked the hen of the woods best, the cauliflower a close second. I also had the celery root pasta, which I enjoyed but not as much, I mean it was not as good as actual pasta haha. The chef is very good at cooking things just perfectly and making the flavors combine just right. The ambiance was nice too.

Updated review: We went a few more times to avant- garden and each time was even better than the last. The new place is gorgeous. The crispy rice avocado is my favorite dish. Go there! My husband and I went to Avant Garden to celebrate our anniversary. We announced the cause for celebration upon booking the table and received a special anniversary dinner menu. We chose 5 dishes (plus dessert) as recommended to us by the very attentive and helpful waiter. If I could squeeze in any more food I’d order more, since everything was so good. They made every single dish but the dessert gluten-free since I’m allergic and the food was perfect: vegetables in every form and texture, a mix of umami, sweet, tangy. A bit pan-Asian, some French influence, definitely Mediterranean. Delicious vegan wine, too. We can’t wait to go back and to try the group’s other restaurants and bar in the neighborhood!

+6

Great corner location and wonderful food and drinks, perfect for dinner or anytime you are hungry. We dropped in early evening after nearby poetry reading event and a stop at the bookstore. Vegetarian options abound and we tried an asian-style dumpling dish and an italian style pasta, prosecco, and wonderful cannolis for dessert. Portions are good without being too big or heavy. servers are busy but when they do drop by are super nice and helpful - happy to give recommendations. Glad I found this place and will certainly come back. Reservations are recommended during meal times.

Took my wife for her birthday dinner, and the food, staff, and atmosphere were incredible. A big "thank you" to the Avant Garden team for all their hospitality. Easily one of the best restaurants in NYC.

One of the best vegan restaurants in NYC! The food here is on another level! Every plate is so unique and presented perfectly beautifully! Everything tasted delicious! Incredible combinations! We even had a chance to meet and talk to the chef himself! Juan it’s really talented and interesting person to talk to, he made us feel like home! 10/10 experience and food! We will definitely comeback next time we’re in NYC. That would be our permanent dinner place from now on!

+3

Came for Mother’s Day and loved the food . It was a pre fix menu . I’ll have to come back another time to try the regular menu . They didn’t have any options for kids but after asking they were able to bring my child butter pasta . The whole experience was a bit long for having a child - only feedback to make it better for next year

+3

Minimal, yet delicious food options at this vegan fine dining restaurant. There didn’t seem to be a dress code, but it was upper-scale so be cognizant. The wine list is also very extensive. My favorite dishes were the tagliatelle and artichoke toast. Artichoke toast - crispy potato chips, pesto (or some sauce), and strong hint of black truffle. Delicious toast. Hen of the woods - kinda greasy, very tender mushrooms. Hard to describe the flavor, a mix of savory with slight sweetness Tagliatelle - tasty pasta with fresh vegetables. Thought the mushrooms were too raw here (texture/taste of raw mushroom ruined the other flavors), otherwise the bell pepper and cooked onion/garlic complimented the paste very well. It was creamy even without dairy. Roasted cauliflower - the cauliflower was nicely roasted (crispy tips, tender body). However the sauce wasn’t strong enough so it wasn’t very flavorful (tastes… like cauliflower). Risotto - incredibly creamy risotto (don’t know how they did this without dairy). The “lobster mushrooms” had a distinct taste, neither like lobster nor mushroom (more like a light chunk of seasoning). Overall the risotto was mostly sweet, slightly sour, and savory.

+4

10/10 would recommend! The food was absolutely delicious, the cocktails were spectacular, and the experience was everything. So much to love about Avant Garden but you should absolutely check it out.

+1

Food was delicious! 100% recommend hen of woods if you’re a mushroom lover! My boyfriend who is not vegan or vegetarian loved the experience! The Brussels sprouts with fig and cranberries was such a wonderful combination of savory, salty, citrus and sweetness. Highly recommend coming here if you ever get the chance! The almond cake had such a rich texture and the apple sauce was sweet and sour which yummy!

Avant Garden is easily one of my favorite restaurants in New York! The food is absolutely delicious - from the fresh salads and toasts to the cauliflower and the incredible carbonara pasta. And don’t forget to try the almond cake for dessert! Their wine collection is also impressive; I had the chance to enjoy wines from both California and Greece. The service was exceptional, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who make great recommendations based on your taste. The ambiance is perfect, whether you’re on a date, having a solo dinner, or catching up with friends. I especially love their ‘dinner for one’ menu - a fantastic idea! I highly recommend talking to the waitstaff for personalized suggestions or trying the solo menu. Avant Garden is a must-visit in NYC, with a great location and an unforgettable dining experience!

+2

Chad Walter

Really nice meal. The server recommended 5-6 plates but we had three plus a dessert and that was plenty. Not inexpensive but the food was great. The special dessert that wasn’t on the menu was $22. We did have a reservation which seemed to be a good idea for a Saturday night.

Tineke C

Excellent friendly professional service. Warm atmosphere. They recommend 2-3 plates per diner. We ordered 8 plates for 5 diners, and that was just about right for us. All dishes were delicious (except the Mole sauce with the Tamal was super salty). Favorites (I might be messing up the descriptions): charred salad, pickled pear toast, trumpet mushroom, fig toast. Cauliflower was a big thumbs UP. Thank you, Avant Garden, love the delicious (and vegan!) food!

MsCastroRides MsLupeCastro

A beautiful restaurant to celebrate my daughter’s success in a recent theatre production .. she is vegan with gluten intolerance. This is the perfect place it’s cozily small and the service is perfect . All the staff are knowledgeable on the dishes and very proud of their fare . They are Happy to recommend plates as well which is always a good sign if you’re stuck . Although the toasts are not gluten free they are happy to switch to a gluten free option.. We were told that it would be great to order 2 to three dishes each and then share .. which was a great idea because we love to try new things and all the dishes sounded great. We didn’t do pudding but I did finish with a ginger style grog which was perfect .. If you can’t manage all because you’re worried you will fill up for the next plate they are happy to wrap so you can take away .. which is great . Definitely recommend to the vegan vegetarian or anyone interested in pushing their culinary discoveries .

+3

Wendy

I felt like I walked into a forest when I first came up the stairs. The interior is decorated with vines and branches and tiny candle lights. It’s a charming place. I think this is one of the few vegan restaurants I really enjoyed. This restaurant stands out because they truly exemplify the flavors and essence of vegetables instead of manipulating vegetables to taste like meat. Honestly, I enjoyed every dish I ordered here. Scorch cauliflower: 10/10 the cauliflower was somehow both tender and crispy. The sauce that was drizzled on top of it was super flavorful and elevated the whole dish. Brussels sprouts: 10/10 classic they were super good; with a really nice balsamic vinaigrette/glaze Mushroom toast: 8/10 this was a fun one because it was interesting to see sliced grapes on mushroom toast. The flavors surprisingly complement each other well and it has a refreshing finish. Risotto: 8/10 super flavorful, and I appreciate the variety of mushrooms that were in the dish. Overall, it was a pleasant experience and I would come back for the scorched cauliflower.

Urvil Kenia

One of the absolute best restaurants in NYC (which happens to be all vegan). Great selection of dishes and everything we ate was great. The drinks could be slightly better though. The best dishes were the tomato soup, the toast with fig and the paella. Definitely recommend going with a group of more than 4 so you can try more dishes.

+4

This was such a great dinner for a night out. Visited for a Christmas gift & it did not disappoint! The food was not only visually stunning but sooo tasty. Our favorites were the mushroom toast, carbonara, and cauliflower however, everything we ordered was top notch. We were a group of 2 so they staggered each dish, which made it much less overwhelming and easy to keep enjoying the food at a normal pace. I would recommend for vegans and non vegans because the food is just so darn good!!! Hope to be back here soon

+1

Katie Mikles

In summary, we were saying “oh my God” throughout the whole meal because everything was so good. Prepare to be wowed. We came in with average expectations and were blown away. Highly recommend the fig toast, cauliflower, and risotto. Also we absolutely love Paul the bartender. He allowed me to try each white wine and I landed on an unexpected one with an olive taste to it. Thanks Avant Garden!

Ella Nguyen

Our family came here for a birthday and this was such a perfect, special place for this. I’d specifically like to thank Paul, our server! He went above and beyond to make this occasion an amazing memory for us all. His suggestion on wine was spot on from the first try, he made sure everyone was taken care of, and Paul immediately brought ease to our table. The food was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience, start to finish. Thank you to everyone at Avant Garden for making this a special night!

Krishna Komanduri

We were quite excited to try this all vegan menu and it didn’t disappoint. We had the bib salad which was quite refreshing and light with bite sized avocado chunks. We also had the artichoke toast. This one was okay but it was hard to get all of the ingredients into one bite as they were losely packed over the toast. The charred cauliflower with the cauliflower puree was delicious. The celery root pasta was quite delicious as well. The tamal was our least favorite dish. The dish looked quite pretty but we werent able even go beyond one bite each. We also were celebrating a birthday so ended the night with the lava cake which was quite scrumptious— the ice cream and bruleed banana was great!

+1

Jessi Valenti

Incredible atmosphere, excellent service and the cocktails are to die for. Most of the food was mind blowingly good, especially the lava cake. However the tamal mole dish was not what we expected flavour and texture wise. Everything else was killer, try the Mini Vacay and the Gibson cocktails! Highly recommend.

Selina L

I stopped by early evening on the weekend out of curiosity. The cozy, stylish interior drew me in, so I ordered a Peach Toast and a cocktail (forgot the name). The cocktail was fine, but the mix of peach and nuts on the toast didn’t really work for me. Next time, I’d like to try their dinner menu instead.

+5

Kevin Costa

Just off Tompkins Square Park and on the second level, this enchanting vegan restaurant offers reprieve from the chaos of Ave A with its warm and inviting ambiance. The food is served family style—so expect to order a bunch—they recommended 9 for 4 people (which, be warned, can get really expensive quickly with most dishes being $20+). The toasts were yummy, as were the drinks and the cold items like the Hen of the Woods, but I’m coming back for the paella and the risotto—they both are must-haves and tasted DEVINE. It’s amazing how far vegan food has come. Overall, not a cheap night out, but the ambiance and service were great and the hot items (the paella and risotto) were even better. Pro tip: check them out on InKind and save some $.

Geetanjali Chugh

One of the most plant-forward and innovative menus in NYC I had been looking forward to trying Avant Garden for a while, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We celebrated a birthday here and every dish we tried was bursting with unique, fresh flavors. From the mushroom toast to the avocado in the salad, the cauliflower entrée, and the molten lava cake — each plate was beautifully crafted and memorable. The celery root pasta was the only dish that didn’t quite work for me, but overall the experience was outstanding. Portions are generous, so I’d recommend starting small — contrary to the server’s suggestion. They also offer a great selection of drinks, including non-alcoholic wines, which was a thoughtful touch. The space is intimate with warm, cozy decor. It’s located on the first floor and can be a little tricky to find, but well worth it once you arrive. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates creative, plant-based cuisine.

Danielle Schaaf

THE FOOD WAS AMAZING! Out of this world, 100% recommend. And Paul was hands down one of the best bartenders and servers. He was very friendly and such a great conversationalist! Run don’t walk to this place.

A. Leigh

I really enjoyed my experience here. The food was quite delicious and so were the drinks. As a vegetarian, it was great to have food that was vegetarian friendly, but also still very creative and filling. Sometimes that combination can be difficult to find. My only complaint is that it’s very hard to see in the restaurant since it’s so dark. Also, I wouldn’t say that this restaurant is very accessibility-friendly as there’s no elevator or anything to the second floor and the staircase is quite narrow. Also, the actual space is very small so it would be hard to fit a wheelchair or any other accessibility devices, should you need them. Edit: the restaurant apparently has alternate, downstairs seating that is fully accessible for guests who use mobility devices. I would call in advance if that is a concern for you to make sure you get the correct seating.

Avant Garden is one of those Manhattan restaurants that completely changes your expectations of plant-based food. Located in the East Village, this place is creative, thoughtful, and genuinely exciting from the first dish to the last bite. The artichoke presentation alone is a showstopper. Perfectly cooked, layered with flavor, and plated beautifully. It’s rich without being heavy and balanced in a way that makes you slow down and actually appreciate what you’re eating. The cucumber and radish dish was bright, refreshing, and incredibly clean. Light but full of texture, with that subtle acidity that keeps you coming back for another forkful. One of the standouts for me was the roasted cauliflower. Deeply caramelized, crisp on the outside, tender inside, and sitting in that silky sauce that pulls everything together. It’s bold without being overpowering. Every dish feels intentional. You can tell the kitchen cares about composition, contrast, and presentation. Even the dessert was impressive. Not overly sweet, beautifully plated, and a perfect way to close out the meal. Beyond the food, the atmosphere feels intimate and refined without being stuffy. It’s the kind of East Village restaurant you’d confidently bring someone to, whether it’s a date night, dinner with friends, or an out-of-town guest who thinks Manhattan dining is all hype. As someone who spends most of his time walking through Manhattan neighborhoods for real estate, I’m always paying attention to the places that define a block. Restaurants like Avant Garden are part of what makes this area special. The energy, the creativity, the detail. It’s the same reason people fall in love with living in Manhattan in the first place. If you’re looking for one of the best plant-based restaurants in Manhattan, especially in the East Village, Avant Garden is absolutely worth experiencing.

+3

Eugene Platonov

I've been there twice (several months apart) and both times that was a hit. The food is amazingly delicious, it's hard to describe it, as you just need to taste it. Quite simple ingredients, but the outcome is fantastic. We had scorched cauliflower (twice), smoked carrot, different toasts and colds. Lava cake for dessert (yummy) and really good french Rosé. I'm very happy that people can experience vegan food of such taste and quality. It's a bit pricey, but hey, it's New York. Staff is very nice and helpful. Definitely coming back. Thank you! Update: been there many more times since original review. Tried almost all the dishes and ordered their holiday prepared dinners. They don't disappoint. Still probably the best vegan restaurant in American continent.

+12

Talia Swift

Absolutely excellent! This was one of the best food experiences I’ve had. Noah was an absolutely amazing server and their recommendations were unbelievable. Highlights were the artichoke, paella, risotto, Brussels, SPAGHETTI and carrots. The food looked like art and tasted even better! The drinks were really good as well! Loved the Manhattan. This is a MUST GO. Everything Overthrow Hospitality does is such an amazing experience, but this might take the cake as my favorite.

+5

Loved the food and service. The atmosphere is not really my thing to be honest. Given that the food is very beautiful and upscale this venue feels very dusty and worn to me. But still enjoyed the evening with friends.

+1

I wasn’t sure how much I’d like a vegan restaurant as an omnivore who skews carnivore but loved my visit to Avant Garden. The vibe was very trendy and the food left me satisfied on all fronts. The entrance is very cool, it looks like are headed into a forest with twigs and branches artfully arranged around the entrance and interior. Inside it is moody and dimly lit. I would get everything again except the tamal which I don’t think I would enjoy even as a non-vegan offering: Special - squash soup - outstanding, some how had a smoky bacon flavor Avocado on crispy rice - I could eat another of these right now! Mushroom toast - very tasty, could not get enough of the mushrooms Mushroom risotto - excellent, buttery feel despite no butter Crispy cauliflower- soooooo good Tamal - didn’t love Chocolate lava cake with mushroom ice cream - very tasty, and not at all too sweet Overall, good service. Not Michelin star worthy, but we never felt like we were waiting too long for attention. Good value for the price! $200 for two with a cocktail and a mocktail in NYC for 8 food items felt like a decent price. They participate in the inkind app so great way to accrue or spend points too!

Although my immediate first impression was disappointing (the entrance is difficult to find [the restaurant is a loft space above a storefront, so look for a tucked away door], and I waited at the host stand for an awkwardly long time before being sat down despite having a reservation), ultimately Avant Garden is worth checking out! The Table for One experience was immaculately executed with the most darling thoughtful touches and personalized service; I don't know that I have ever felt more catered to. The portions were surprisingly large with exciting flavor profiles and texture variations, but I did find the menu lacked cohesion. The decor is unforgettable with rich color schemes and design.

we ordered one plate from each section. The toast and the avocado from the cold section were delicious but the spaghetti was tooooo salty...we didn’t manage to finish the spaghetti because of the salty sauce. Overall it was an interesting experience though. There were some pretty innovative combination of ingredients.

Wonderful cool Vegan restaurant tucked away in the East Village. Best I have been to as a staunch "meat eater". Notable Orange wine flight. Cremini Mushroom toast was the shining start amongst an overall very tasty menu. Paella came in 2nd.

+3

Lovely dinner here last week. Food was amazing, tasty, great portions. We didn't enjoy our drinks so much but we probably should have ordered the fresh coconut water like everyone else! They had problems with the sound system so the atmosphere was a hit flat at points. The servers were top notch.

+2

Not a vegan. The food here was a treat. We ordered too much to be honest (2 plates per person was recommended and we would have been full at 6 between 8. Highlights were the sunchoke toast, the Brussels sprouts, and the scorched cauliflower (has a kick - which I found delightful but too much for some of my dining companions). The wines are very reasonably priced for the quality. Service was incredibly warm and knowledgeable. Definitely not just for vegans, a great spot for anyone who wants healthy, hearty, tasty eats in a nice atmosphere.

+1

It’s my first time trying a vegan restaurant. It’s not bad. The toast was crispy but too hard for me. The homemade spaghetti was kind of flavorless . Paella was my favorite.

I would come back again as the food is innovative and delicious, especially the avocado and broccoli. However, the Lava cake was quite ordinary (even somewhat disappointing) with overly sweet chocolate sauce and the cake that was too dry and plain. This item will not be something that I would order again.

+4

Rohit Simic

I recently visited here and had a wonderful experience. The ambiance was cozy and welcoming, and the staff were attentive and friendly. The food was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I especially loved cauliflower , which was a real standout. Overall, it was a delightful dining experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food and excellent service.

Pragati Singh

The food was good, though not great. The service felt rushed, with nearly all dishes being served at once, crowding the tables. They could have waited for guests to finish one course before bringing the next. That said, the take on plant-based cuisine was inspiring.

+3

Vicki

Very nice environment to be in. Almond cake turned out to be our favorite item of the evening, but I also enjoyed the fig toast and the hen of the woods.

+5

Divya Mishra

Its a beautiful andcharming place decorated with tree branches and vines. Seating is cozy and dimly lit. We ordered Fig and artichoke toast, paella ans tamale. Toasts were delicious and the presentation was excellent. Paella was good but the trumpet was really tough and chewy. Tamale was the only thing we did not enjoy much. The presentation was beautiful but the flavours were not that great. Recommend to visit atleast once. Vegan places are mostly hit or miss and here everything was hit except the tamales.we also tries tha lava cake for dessert ans it was delicious.

+3

Went for my birthday dinner, it was okay. They recommended getting 4 plates to share. We ordered the Brussels sprouts, beet toast, and paella. The first two were delicious but the paella was way too rich and earthy. The sauces were kinda gross. We barely ate any of it (pictured). We were offered sparkling water, not realizing the bottle was going to be $20! Overall overpriced and not the greatest experience for what we paid for a birthday dinner.

The experience was quite disappointing, especially considering that the restaurant is in the same price range as Anixi and Le Basque but doesn’t even come close in terms of taste or menu quality. The menu itself feels like it needs a full rewrite. There isn’t a single dish with any substantial protein: no tofu, seitan, tempeh, beans or similar ingredients, just vegetables and fruit. We started with the cauliflower hot dish on a purée. It was fine, but honestly, I make a better version at home. The purée was unnecessarily spicy and could have easily been replaced with something like a bean purée for more flavor and protein. Next came the risotto. Overall, it was good, probably the best dish of the night, but the watercress added nothing. A different ingredient could have given it some much-needed texture and depth. Then came the artichoke toast. This was overwhelming in the worst way. It was served cold and it tasted almost exclusively of spinach, to the point that it should really be called “spinach toast.” Even then, the layer of spinach purée was so thin it barely contributed to the flavor. The artichoke was practically nonexistent and both the bread and purée would have benefited from being warm. The biggest letdown of the evening was the hot lava dessert. They proudly mention that it is made fresh on the fly in 45 minutes but it seemed anything but fresh. The texture was gummy and chewy, to the point that it was hard to cut with a spoon. The flavor was strange, more like rosemary or oregano than chocolate and the mushroom-flavored ice cream on the side did not help. Overall, a very underwhelming experience. At this price point, there are far better options nearby.

We came on a Friday night ready to have the vegan experience of our life. However we felt the food wasn’t as good as expected. I was surprised that the toasts were served cold and not warm and toasted. Except for the cauliflower all our food was served cold which made it feel like a collection of starters and not a dinner. The food was good but not amazing. Interesting flavours. Both me and my partner agreed the best dish was the lava cake for desert. The restaurant is very small and cozy, nice atmosphere and candle light. The service was laid back, no one helped us pour wine or checked on any of the food during the meal. Overall I’d probably try a different place next time.

Nice food. Service can be improved. Extremely slow to bring out the dishes. The AC was too strong so bring a sweater! The paella is overrated, the toasts were good and so was the cauliflower.Two dishes per person should be enough.

+3

In all honesty my first experience at Avant Garden was lackluster and quite lousy given its reputation. My partner planned for us to dine on Valentine’s Day. However, we received a call the day before requesting our reservation be moved a day later. We were the last reservation booked and there was an issue on their end, so we obliged and management settled the score by waving the automatic service fee. With an open heart and zero expectations, the mandatory Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu was disappointing. The first course started strong, but the dining experience became anticlimactic and disjointed as the meal progressed. Not to mention, we took the tiniest bite of the worst red velvet cake we’ve ever had, which resembled a Little Debbie Snack. The service was okay, nothing out of the ordinary. Except the part where my partner was accidentally sprayed with our sparkling bottle of water, which rightfully so ended up being on the house. The ambiance is whimsical and rustic. Cozy, yet sophisticated. The dim lighting + red velvet booths create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for date night. Note to mention, their Shazam worthy playlist. Did I enjoy my experience? Absolutely not. However, I’m curious and courageous enough to try again on a day where I’m able to order a la carte.

I thought the food was average. Surely creative for Vegan. The drinks and the ambience were great. Scorched Cauliflower, Mushroom toast, Spaghetti were good. I did not like the roasted carrot dish. Overall a must visit for the drinks!

presentations were great but it wasn’t enough to convince me that maybe my tastebuds were novice. flavors and textures were just okay. first time I’ve had to send a dish back- the pepper was undercooked and difficult to cut. By the time you get a piece, the filling was mixed into the huge amount of sauce you were hoping to not eat as soup. I found a lot of the dishes were difficult to eat without getting messy. dang, looking back even the dessert was underwhelming and flour-y to an easy chocolate lover despite us remaining positive! I am possibly spoiled coming from Chicago’s vegan landscape lol. I didn’t take photos of all the dishes, i realized I wasn’t coming back:/ We all know what it’s like to not agree with a dish that’s not for you, and to also go crazy over something that has never tasted so excellent. But we noticed a trend with every dish, a bit flavorless and always off with ratios of sauce or dryness. If you find yourself not exactly going crazy for anything here, me too.

+1

I had high expectations, but the food was a hit or miss. The Brussel sprouts and toast were wonderful. However, with the “paella”, we had issues (i put it in quotes because it was reimagined paella, not the real deal). There was a big piece of squash that was more or less uncooked and inedible. Also I’m not sure what the purpose of the piece of mushroom was either. I’m no Michelin star connoisseur, but putting a big piece of unseasoned mushroom doesn’t seem like it enhances the dish. Finally, the lava cake was a flop. The entire joy of eating a lava cake is the hot molten core surrounded by a moist gooey cake. We got neither. The cake was cold and plasticy. The “lava” wasn’t flowing. The additional things like banana, additional sauce, ice cream didn’t really do much to enhance the dish. Frankly Domino’s lava cake is better. I would not go there again.

Had a good experience in the past but had a very negative experience this time around. Had to wait awkwardly in the stairwell for a table despite having a reservation. Then we kept being served food another table ordered. And the cherry on top was after being there for 2 hours we never received the dessert that we ordered up front with our meal. Will not be coming back. Not worth the price.

Highly acclaimed and hyped, but was extremely disappointed by my experience here. Most of the food we had was very very average, salvaged only by the phenomenal risotto. The service was one of the worst I've experienced in NYC. It took over an hour for the food to arrive. Most of the times, our server was absent and it took 15 mins+ after sitting down, just to get some water. When placing the order, we were told the chocolate lava cake is specially made, hence an order needs to be given 30-40 mins in advance. We accordingly did place an order in advance, but the chocolate lava cake was not even warm when we got it on our table. In terms of the rest of the food: Artichoke toast - bland and tasteless Scorched cauliflower - taste wise - Fantastic...but the cauliflower was over cooked, would crumble as soon as you attempt to put your fork on it Risotto - hands down the best I've had Tamal - nothing to brag about Overpriced, poor service and average food.

It was a special event celebration for our dinner, informed the staff. Still the table they gave was super cramped. Changed the table, and the 2nd table was also cramped, walls were dusty. Staff never presented celebrations cake (or anything). Food presentation was good, taste was okay.

Unsure how this restaurant has so many great reviews. The ambiance is lovely and they even seated us at the most romantic table upon seeing we were a couple when we walked in. But the food was awful and the service was disappointing. It’s not advertised but when you arrive they’ll let you know that their $20-30 dishes are designed to be for “tasting” and that you should order 2 per person. This would be fine if the portions were average sized, but each plate was only a few bites. The presentation of the food was lovely, but the taste was either bland or bad. We had to order dessert at the beginning of our meal, which was odd but fine. The server let us know that the usual ice cream would be substituted for another flavour tonight, which she said is a better flavour anyways. Days later I’m still trying to figure out what that disgusting ice cream flavour was. None of the staff seemed to be on the same page about menu items, the waitress said the ice cream was strawberry, the busser said it was cranberry, but to us it tasted like dumpster. They try way too hard to make their dishes look and sound artsy that they forget they have to taste good as well. I watched the hostess give the same rehearsed speech to every new table as they came in, no personal aspect at all. After our food arrived no one checked on us to ask how it was or if we needed anything. Then, when we received our bill there was an additional item that we didn’t order. We had debated ordering it in a private conversation, but the host stand was located right behind our table, so she must have been eavesdropping and placed our order before actually taking it. Once we brought the extra item to her attention she didn’t say sorry, she said I’ll see what happened here. To top it off, there is a 3.5% additional fee if you decide to pay credit card. This is so unheard of, and not sure why it would even be necessary when you consider how much the dishes are marked up. The only thing I enjoyed about this restaurant was the lovely busser who brought our food out and explained the dishes. I’ll be sure to tell my Vegan friends to avoid Avant Garden when visiting NYC.