Long Island vegans no longer have to travel to Manhattan, settle for a salad or several sides, or be limited to ethnic cuisine to enjoy a delicious meal out. In addition to Asian restaurants like New Garden in Port Washington that offer Zen selections with mock meat, Greek places such as Limani and Kyma in Roslyn that provide plenty of plant options and the plethora of vegetarian Indian restaurants in Hicksville, celebrate Meatless May in style at these Island eateries where vegans and carnivores coexist—and even thrive—at establishments that boast menus to please all palates.
The Purple Elephant
81B W. Fort Salonga Rd., Northport
www.thepurpleelephant.net • 631-651-5002
While enjoying The Purple Elephant’s relaxed vibe overlooking the marina in Northport, share a fun appetizer of Patacones & Guacamole “Jubileo,” an assortment of Costa Rican crispy fried green plantains, homemade white corn tortilla chips and yucca chips that can be dipped into little cups of pico, refried black beans, guacamole and hummus.
One of the most flavorful entrées ever is the generous portion of Chris G.’s Eggplant Extraordinaire, made with crispy eggplant, roasted tomato and Daiya mozzarella over
raw zucchini “noodles” with pesto. Other tempting selections include “Burnt Ends” Enchiladas and Casado Platter Costa Rican “Comida Tipica.” End the meal with a decadent vegan brownie topped with peanut butter cream that comes from a specialty bakery in Pennsylvania.
Tula Kitchen
41 E. Main St., Bay Shore
www.tulakitchen.com • 631-539-7183
At the vegan-friendly, candlelit Tula Kitchen, vegetarian proteins and grains are organic; chicken is antibiotic and hormone free; and dishes are baked, not fried. For starters, choose a Mediterranean Spread of spinach pie, Greek salad, hummus, grilled pita and tzaziki sauce; Mexican Tortilla Pizza with roasted veggies, white bean spread, cheddar, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole; or select from interesting salads that can easily become a meal with the addition of grilled tofu or tempeh. The vegetarian/vegan section of the menu offers Sesame Crusted Tofu, Tofu Veggie Crab Cakes and the Tula Burrito.
For more about Tula Kitchen and the Purple Elephant, see Eclectic Vegan Venues On Long Island.
3 Brothers Pizza Cafe
75 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale
www.3brotherspizzacafefarmingdale.com • 516-755-1100
3 Brothers Pizza Cafe offers Italian favorites in both vegan and traditional versions with a comprehensive selection of appetizers, salads, brick-oven pizzas, pastas and entrées. The plant-based menu includes comfort foods like Oyster Mushroom “Calamari,” Tofu “Crab” Cakes, Mac & Cheese, Vegan Cheese Pizza and Seitan Parmesan.
Traditional dishes take a super special twist with tofu, seitan or tempeh replacing animal protein. My favorite is Seitan Marsala served over mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach and smothered in a mushroom Marsala sauce.
For a full review of 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe, see Delicious Italian Comfort Food.
3 Brothers Vegan Cafe
1038 Montauk Hwy., Copiague
www.3brothersvegancafe.com • 631-464-4328
Thanks to the popularity of 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe, Long Island’s only all-vegan restaurant, 3 Brothers Vegan Cafe, was born.
The menu features familiar appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, entrées, wood-fired pizzas and house-made desserts, but the eatery also prepares homemade cheese from nuts—and serves the delicious meals in an intimate dining room.
Creamy homemade nut cheeses offer dairy-free twists to entrées including Eggplant Rollatini, Buffalo Seitan Panini, Baked Ziti, pizzas and calzones with just about any topping you crave, as well as more sophisticated options such as Seitan Piccata, Marsala and Scarpariello.
Read more about 3 Brothers Vegan Cafe at Italian Classics Are Meat And Dairy Free At LI’s Only Vegan Restaurant.
Ariana
255 Main St., Huntington
www.arianacafe.com • 631-421-2933
For a unique and tasty experience, try Ariana, an Afghani eatery in Huntington. Instead of the usual bread basket, Ariana serves a complimentary plate of pita triangles, hummus and shredded beet salad. Dinners come with salad or soup, such as vegan Golden Lentil or Mashawa, made with mung and black beans.
The vegan and vegetarian entrée section of the menu offers seven interesting choices including the delectable Vegan Steak with portabella mushrooms marinated in balsamic and garlic, grilled, topped with pomegranate sauce and served over spinach with vegetables and basmati rice, as well as Aushak Kadu, homemade ravioli filled with roasted pumpkin and served with marinara. Artisan vegan ice cream is the perfect way to end the meal.
See A Vegan Cheese Shop to learn about Dr. Cow in Brooklyn, the first vegan cheese shop.
Also, see Where to Buy Mock Vegetarian Meat, a specialty store in Queens that imports plant-based “meats.”
