A Local Foodie’s Guide to Vegan & Plant-Forward Eats Across Nassau & Suffolk
We Long Islanders take our food seriously.
Bagels, pizza, egg sandwiches — they’re practically a love language here.
But if you’ve gone plant-based (or even just try to eat a little cleaner), you know the struggle: finding a restaurant that won’t hand you a side salad and call it dinner.
Good news — that’s changing.
Over the last few years, plant-based dining has gone from niche to normal across Long Island. From Levittown to Bay Shore, Northport to Patchogue, more local spots are dishing out creative, hearty, full-flavored meals that just happen to be meat-free.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a “flexitarian” who just likes good food, here’s your guide to the best restaurants and towns on Long Island for plant-based dining in 2025.
Why Long Island’s Plant-Based Scene Is Growing
We’re not just following a fad. The plant-based movement has roots — and it’s growing fast here on Long Island.
1. The numbers don’t lie.
The U.S. retail plant-based food market hit $8.1 billion in 2024, nearly doubling since 2017. Some subcategories (like meat alternatives) dipped, but others — like tofu, protein drinks, and dairy substitutes — grew steadily, showing the shift toward everyday use.
2. Health is trending.
According to Yelp’s 2023 report, searches for “vegan food” jumped 12% year-over-year. More Long Islanders are looking for healthier, lighter options that still satisfy.
You don’t have to be a strict vegan to want a better burger alternative. Restaurants are seeing the benefit of offering plant-forward options that appeal to flexitarians, health seekers, and curious eaters.
3. NYC sets the tone.
New York City is one of the most vegan-friendly metros in the U.S. — and as more city dwellers move east, they’re bringing their dining expectations (and spending habits) with them.
4. Small business resilience.
We’re seeing local entrepreneurs create sustainable, community-focused eateries that make plant-based approachable. Think of Green Street Eatery, Tula Kitchen, That Pizza Place — they’re redefining what “comfort food” looks like without the guilt.
Bottom line?
The island’s not going vegan overnight — but the menu is definitely changing.
Top Town Clusters for Plant-Based Eats on Long Island
We hit both Nassau and Suffolk to find the towns that actually deliver the goods.
1. Levittown & Hicksville — Dense, diverse, and delicious
Green Street Eatery (Levittown): 100% vegan and gluten-free, and easily the most creative plant-based kitchen on the island. They serve hearty comfort food that hits the soul: tacos, loaded fries, smoothies, and over-the-top sandwiches that make you forget meat ever existed. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you went plant-based in the first place.
That Pizza Place (Levittown): Imagine classic Long Island pizzeria vibes, but with an entire vegan menu: pies, vegan wings, vegan chicken rolls, and even BBQ vegan chicken pizza. They nail it.
Hicksville’s Indian Veg Corridor: House of Dosas, Rajbhog Café, Bengali Sweet Shop. 100% vegetarian, tons of vegan options, all bursting with flavor. Affordable, authentic, and perfect for anyone who loves spice and variety.
2. Bay Shore — Upscale with heart
Tula Kitchen: Bay Shore’s gem. This cozy, plant-forward spot (about 95% vegan-friendly) has become a destination for vegans who want a sit-down meal that feels special. Their Reuben sandwich? To die for.
Tula nails the balance between health and indulgence — great drinks, amazing food, and a welcoming vibe.
3. Northport — Healthy with a view
The Purple Elephant: A Latin-inspired, eco-friendly restaurant right by the water.
It’s been serving the Northport community for years, with clear vegan/vegetarian markers on the menu. Their bowls, yucca fries, and cauliflower “wings” are must-tries.
4. Babylon Village: A hidden gem for sweet treats
The Shuga Pie Shop: This tiny walk-up window in an alley between the public parking lot and Deer Park Avenue is becoming Long Island’s go-to for vegan sweets. Everything is handmade, and flavors rotate constantly. The vibe is pure Babylon Village charm — friendly, local, and always delicious.
Pro tip: check their Instagram before heading over — hours can change week to week.
The Brixton: Not vegan but they have arguably the best cauliflower wings on the island that even meat lovers crave.
5. Williston Park — Vegan comfort food heaven
Rock n Roots Vegan Eatery: 100% plant-based and family-owned, this spot serves up bowls, wraps, mac-and-cheese balls, and all the comfort classics — veganized. It’s like your favorite Long Island lunch spot… minus the animal products.
6. Port Jefferson: The OG veggie town
Tiger Lily Café: They’ve been serving up vegetarian and vegan food for decades — before it was cool. You’ll find soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and a dedicated vegan section on the menu.
It’s laid-back, a little quirky, and pure Port Jeff.
7. Sayville & Lake Grove — Old-school meets new-school Italian
Umberto’s: You might not expect it, but Umberto’s has quietly built one of the best vegan Italian menus on the island. Try their Mushroom & Olive vegan pie — perfectly crisp, rich, and deeply satisfying. They also offer vegan catering for parties and events.
Not 100% vegan, but arguably the best vegan Italian experience around.
Cornucopia Natural Foods (Sayville): Not a restaurant, but worth a mention. This market and deli counter has long been a lifeline for local vegans. Great soups, salads, wraps, and groceries — plus, they’re expanding into Ronkonkoma in 2025.
8. Patchogue — Pizza and vibes
Donatina Neapolitan Pizza Café: They’re serving up authentic pies with NUMU vegan mozzarella, giving Long Islanders the perfect slice night without compromise.
Patchogue’s food scene is booming, and Donatina’s vegan pie proves it.
9. Great Neck — Clean eating done right
Bee-Organic: Smoothies, bowls, soups, juices — simple, clean, and consistently good. Perfect for anyone looking to fuel up post-workout or grab a quick lunch.
Editor’s Picks — Our Love Local Favorites for 2025
1. Best Overall / Comfort / Brunch
Green Street Eatery (Levittown)
The holy grail of Long Island vegan spots.
Their Dolly Parton sandwich and Loaded Vegan Mac & Cheese Grilled Sandwich are legendary.
And here’s the insider tip: always check their specials. They’re constantly inventing something new and amazing — call ahead before you order.
2. Best Date Night / Elevated Dining
Tula Kitchen (Bay Shore)
Cozy lighting, killer cocktails, and a menu that balances health and indulgence. That Reuben is unforgettable.
3. Best Pizza & Game-Day Comfort Food
That Pizza Place (Levittown)
For every craving you thought you’d never satisfy again. Vegan wings, vegan chicken rolls, and that BBQ vegan chicken pie make it an instant classic.
4. Best Vegan Italian (Plant-Forward Category)
Umberto’s (Sayville / Lake Grove)
Not a vegan restaurant, but their plant-based options are top-tier. The Mushroom & Olive vegan pie deserves its own round of applause.
5. Best Desserts
The Shuga Pie Shop (Babylon Village)
For anyone who believes dessert is a love language.
6. Honorable Mention (Closed, but Never Forgotten)
Sweet Soul (St. James)
They were the vegan bakery that started it all — decadent cupcakes, savory Saturday lunches, and a loyal following that still misses them every weekend.
Know a plant-based eatery on Long Island that should be featured here?
We built this guide to celebrate the local spots making Long Island a little greener, one bite at a time. If you own (or love) a vegan or plant-forward business, we want to share your story on Love Local Long Island.
You might be featured in our next community spotlight or newsletter!
Because around here, it’s never just about where we eat — it’s about the people behind the plate.
Quick Order Guide — What to Ask For
- Green Street Eatery: Dolly Parton Sandwich · Loaded Mac & Cheese Sandwich · Ask for the daily special
- Tula Kitchen: Vegan Reuben · Buddha Bowl
- That Pizza Place: Vegan Wings · Chicken Roll · BBQ Vegan Chicken Pizza
- Umberto’s: Mushroom & Olive Vegan Pie · Vegan Catering Menu
- Purple Elephant: Vegan Nachos · Cauliflower Wings · Yucca Fries
- Rock n Roots: Mac Balls · Crunchwrap Special
- Tiger Lily Café: Daily Vegan Soup · Vegan Sandwich Section
Plant-Based Catering & Events
- Umberto’s (Sayville / Lake Grove): Full vegan catering menus for parties, showers, or Sunday dinner spreads.
- Organic Krush (multiple LI locations): Organic, plant-forward catering perfect for family gatherings or office events.
- Hicksville Indian Veg Corridor: House of Dosas & Rajbhog do catering platters and sweets — big flavor, big portions, totally meat-free.
Bonus: Map Out Your Long Island Vegan Food Crawl
Make a weekend out of it.
Start with brunch at Green Street Eatery, swing by Northport’s Purple Elephant for lunch by the water, and end the day in Bay Shore at Tula for dinner and drinks.
Or flip it: hit Sayville for Umberto’s vegan pizza, stroll Babylon Village for Shuga Pie dessert, and cruise the South Shore home happy.
Because the truth is, Long Island’s plant-based scene isn’t about one town anymore — it’s about a movement spreading across them all.
Final Bite: The Local Shift
Going plant-based on Long Island used to mean sacrificing flavor, convenience, or community. Not anymore.
Now, it’s about creativity, connection, and celebrating the local chefs bringing healthier, heartier options to our neighborhoods.
These restaurants aren’t just serving food — they’re feeding a movement.
And that’s something worth celebrating (and supporting).
Sponsorship Opportunities: Partner with Love Local Long Island
We’ve highlighted some of Long Island’s best plant-based restaurants — and our readers love supporting local.
If your business is part of this growing movement — whether you’re a restaurant, market, or healthy lifestyle brand — you can sponsor this page, which also includes being featured in our monthly Love Local Long Island newsletter, along with some other cool perks.
Special founding sponsor rates are available right now.
Contact us to learn about advertising opportunities.
Let’s keep our island’s plant-based community thriving — together.
Support Local. Eat Local. Love Local.
If you’re a plant-based restaurant or vegan-friendly caterer, claim your free business profile on Love Local Long Island — and help more neighbors discover what you’re cooking up.
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