Discover the Best Mediterranean Vegan Spots on the Upper West Side

 

If you’re looking to experience the vibrant and nourishing flavors of Mediterranean cuisine while sticking to a plant-based diet, the Upper West Side is the place to be. With fresh, healthy ingredients like chickpeas, olive oil, and plenty of herbs, Mediterranean cuisine offers a bounty of vegan-friendly dishes that make eating out easy and delicious. From cozy neighbourhood spots to well-known local favorites, here’s your ultimate guide to discovering the best Mediterranean vegan spots on the Upper West Side, including a must-visit local gem, Moshe's Falafel.

1. Moshe's Falafel

Location: Broadway & 69th St. (Food Cart)

Moshe's Falafel is a New York City icon and a must-visit for anyone on the Upper West Side. Known for its authentic and flavorful falafel, this beloved food cart is a go-to for vegans and vegetarians alike. Moshe's falafels are always fried to crispy perfection, with a soft, flavorful interior that’s packed with herbs and spices. Served with freshly chopped salad, tahini, and pita, these falafel sandwiches are simple yet satisfying. The cart's hummus and baba ghanoush also make for delicious vegan-friendly options, ideal for a quick and flavorful Mediterranean meal on the go.

Must-Try Dishes: Falafel Pita Sandwich, Hummus, Baba Ghanoush

2. Green Plate Garden

Location: Amsterdam Ave & 82nd St.

Green Plate Garden brings a fresh and sustainable approach to Mediterranean vegan cooking on the Upper West Side. Using locally sourced, organic produce, this cozy spot offers vibrant mezze platters, hearty salads, and wraps that celebrate the best of plant-based Mediterranean flavors. Their beet and chickpea hummus, with its bold color and creamy texture, is a standout, while the falafel wrap, served with fresh veggies and house-made tahini, is always a popular choice.

Must-Try Dishes: Falafel Wrap, Beet & Chickpea Hummus, Roasted Vegetable Mezze Platter

3. Olive Branch Kitchen

Location: Broadway & 90th St.

For a casual and welcoming Mediterranean vegan experience, Olive Branch Kitchen offers a variety of traditional dishes with a plant-based twist. This spot is known for its zesty tabbouleh salad, smoky baba ghanoush, and comforting lentil soup. Olive Branch’s vegan-friendly menu makes it easy to build a balanced, delicious Mediterranean meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Must-Try Dishes: Smoky Baba Ghanoush, Tabbouleh Salad, Herb Lentil Soup

4. Falafel & Beyond

Location: Columbus Ave & 76th St.

Falafel & Beyond offers some of the Upper West Side’s best falafel, seasoned with a unique blend of herbs and spices and fried to perfection. Known for their vegan mezze plate, which includes falafel, hummus, and fresh salads, Falafel & Beyond is ideal for a quick and flavorful meal. Pair your falafel with a lemon-tahini salad for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Must-Try Dishes: Falafel Sandwich, Vegan Mezze Plate, Lemon Tahini Salad

5. The Hummus Corner

Location: West 79th St & Amsterdam Ave.

At The Hummus Corner, you’ll find a modern take on Mediterranean classics, with several unique vegan options. Their “Rainbow Hummus” platter is a favorite, featuring beet, turmeric, and traditional hummus served with fresh veggies and warm pita. For an extra smoky taste, try their baba ghanoush, which pairs beautifully with the restaurant's fresh tabbouleh and other vegan-friendly sides.

Must-Try Dishes: Rainbow Hummus Platter, Roasted Eggplant Baba Ghanoush, Tabbouleh Salad

6. Spice of the Levant

Location: West 72nd St & Broadway

Spice of the Levant offers a vegan-friendly menu inspired by traditional Levantine flavors. This cozy spot emphasizes plant-based ingredients in dishes like stuffed grape leaves and a hearty vegan tagine made from fresh seasonal vegetables. The zucchini fritters, seasoned with fresh herbs, are another highlight, offering a perfect blend of crispy and savory.

Must-Try Dishes: Stuffed Grape Leaves, Zucchini Fritters, Vegan Tagine

7. Lebanese Harvest

Location: West 80th St & Broadway

Lebanese Harvest delivers authentic Lebanese vegan dishes in a warm and inviting setting. Their vegan moussaka, featuring layers of roasted eggplant, chickpeas, and tomatoes, is richly spiced and satisfying. Pair it with a fresh fattoush salad topped with sumac and crispy pita chips for a classic Mediterranean meal. Don’t miss their vegan kebabs, which are made from a blend of seasoned vegetables and legumes.

Must-Try Dishes: Vegan Moussaka, Fattoush Salad, Vegan Kebabs

8. Mediterraneo

Location: Columbus Ave & 86th St.

Mediterraneo offers a fusion of Mediterranean flavors and has plenty of options for vegans. Their grain bowls, loaded with roasted chickpeas, quinoa, olives, cucumbers, and a lemon-tahini dressing, make for a hearty and healthy meal. The roasted red pepper hummus served with warm pita is another excellent choice for those craving a taste of the Mediterranean’s rich, earthy flavors.

Must-Try Dishes: Mediterranean Grain Bowl, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Lemon Tahini Cucumber Salad

9. Almond & Olive

Location: West End Ave & 95th St.

For a contemporary take on Mediterranean flavors, Almond & Olive serves up unique plant-based dishes made with wholesome ingredients. Their spiced cauliflower steaks, vegan tagine filled with fresh vegetables, and olive tapenade are all highlights of the menu. This cozy spot offers a warm ambiance and inventive dishes that bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to the Upper West Side in an exciting, plant-based way.

Must-Try Dishes: Cauliflower Steaks, Vegan Tagine, Olive Tapenade with House-Made Bread

The Upper West Side’s Mediterranean Vegan Scene: A Taste of the Mediterranean in Every Bite

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the Upper West Side’s Mediterranean vegan offerings are varied, flavorful, and filled with plant-based goodness. With a focus on fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques, these restaurants deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors that cater to a vegan lifestyle.

So next time you're on the Upper West Side, make sure to stop by Moshe’s Falafel for a classic falafel wrap, or explore one of these other gems for a memorable Mediterranean meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.