In the hustle and bustle of this big city it can be a challenge to find the time to feed your body and soul with good, healthy food. So, I created this guide for all you NYC people out there who are busy and on the go, but want to eat a little healthier and a little more plant-strong! Each restaurant listed has quick, easy and delicious to-go options for lunch (or breakfast or dinner). This guide is meant to be simple and easy to read since, as we’ve already established, you’re one busy New Yorker! Let’s get started:
1. BLOSSOM DU JOUR
- Great for: People new to plant-based eating. Blossom du Jour has lots of comfort foods you will recognize…just made with plants instead of animal products. This place is also great for cheese-lovers because the dairy-free cheese they use is awesome.
- My favorite menu items: seitan philly cheesesteak sandwich, buffalo bites with vegan ranch dressing, un-tuna salad & strawberry banana burst smoothie
- Locations: Chelsea, Midtown West, Upper West Side
- FYI: In addition to the Blossom du Jour to-go spots, they’ve also got multiple sit-down restaurants and a bakery!
Check out Blossom here.
2. ONE LUCKY DUCK
- Great for: a seriously healthy but delicious meal, coming off a weekend of bad eating, enormous/filling salads, raw (uncooked) vegan food, juices & shakes
- My favorite menu items: cacao latte shake, banana nut shake, zucchini and tomato lasagna & raw taco salad
- Locations: Gramercy & Chelsea Market (more extensive menu at the Gramercy location)
- FYI: One Lucky Duck’s sit-down counterpart, Pure Food & Wine, has one of the most amazing outdoor gardens I’ve ever had the privilege of dining in!
Check out One Lucky Duck here.
3. LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN
- Great for: awesome tartines and salads, delicious iced tea, refreshing seasonal health drinks, healthy food with a European flare
- My favorite menu items: black bean hummus tartine, avocado tartine, chia seed pudding, kale caesar (hold the cheese!) & lemonade iced tea
- Locations: 30+ locations in Manhattan (full list here)
- FYI: LPQ has locations all around the world, so even if you’re not in NYC there may be an LPQ close to you!
Check out Le Pain Quotidien here.
4. SUN IN BLOOM
- Great for: a super healthy meal, very filling salads, raw vegan food, gluten-free/vegan baked goods
- My favorite menu items: Chef Aimee salad + avocado, chia seed pudding, vegan blueberry cheesecake, cookie sandwiches
- Locations: Tribeca & Brooklyn
- FYI: Sun in Bloom’s sit-down counterpart in Brooklyn has amazing reviews and is known for their killer weekend brunch!
Check out Sun in Bloom here.
5. JUICE PRESS
- Great for: nutrient dense, super healthy juices, super clean raw vegan food, great food to start your day
- My favorite menu items: schmear bagel sandwich (marinated kale, cucumbers, rosemary cashew cream cheese, sesame dressing), marinated kale salad, “love at first sight” green juice, black label coconut water
- Locations: Many locations throughout the city, full list here.
- FYI: This is some of the absolute cleanest food you can find in the whole city. As they describe it, their food is “100% organic, 99% of the time.” Gotta love that!
Check out Juice Press here.
6. THE CINNAMON SNAIL FOOD TRUCK
- Great for: amazing organic sandwiches, donuts & other baked goods
- My favorite menu items: apple cider donut, special sandwich of the week–whatever it may be
- Locations: Follow the Cinnamon Snail here on Twitter for location updates each morning. The truck makes stops in NY & NJ.
- FYI: If you follow me on instagram then you already know that the sandwich above (the “peking seitan” sandwich special of the week) may be one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had in my life! Ever. And this truck was named Yelp’s “#1 Place to Eat in NYC” for 2014!
Check out The Cinnamon Snail here.
Do you have any other plant-friendly recommendations for busy people on the go?? Let me know!
Now who’s ready for lunch?? 🙂
That cookie sandwich is making my mouth water!
It’s so delicious!