If you’re dairy-free in New York City or Long Island, you already know this isn’t a city where you have to miss out on anything. From iconic ice cream shops like Van Leeuwen serving unbelievable vegan scoops, to hidden gem bakeries, plant-based comfort food spots, and elevated restaurants reimagining classics without dairy, there’s never been a better time to eat your way through NYC and Long Island on a dairy-free lifestyle.
This guide pulls together 50 must-try dairy-free foods – from desserts and coffee drinks to full meals – that prove good food, amazing flavor, and a dairy-free diet can absolutely go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking for vegan food in NYC, dairy-free restaurants on Long Island, or just the best plant-based eats near you, consider this your go-to list for discovering new favorites, supporting innovative chefs, and enjoying every bite without compromise.
And by the way, this list was inspired by Van Leeuwen’s banana pudding ice cream I had the other day. It was absolutely delicious. I don’t go there enough!
50 Dairy-Free Foods You NEED to Try in NYC & Long Island
Ice Cream, Desserts & Sweet Treats
- Vegan Oat Milk Ice Cream – Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
📍 Multiple locations (ex: 152 W 10th St, NYC) - Moo Moo Pie Ice Cream Sandwich – Rawsome Treats
📍 158 Orchard St, New York, NY - Vegan Cupcakes – Erin McKenna’s Bakery
📍 248 Broome St, New York, NY - Vegan Donuts – Dun-Well Doughnuts
📍 222 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY - Vegan Ice Cream (oat milk flavors) – A La Mode Shoppe
📍 616 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY (also LI options) - Dairy-Free Soft Serve & Sorbet (16 Handles) – 16 Handles
📍 231 Glen Cove Rd, Carle Place, NY 11514 - Vegan Cinnamon Rolls – Cinnaholic
📍 Multiple locations - Vegan Cupcakes & Specialty Bakes – Shuga Pie Shop
- 📍 163 N Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst, NY 11757
- Tahini Soft Serve (Dairy-Free Dessert) – Seed + Mill
📍 Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 - Vegan Soft Serve – The Dreamery
📍 489 6th Ave, New York, NY
Restaurants with Standout Dairy-Free Dishes
- Ancient Vegan Bowl – Teranga
📍 1280 5th Ave, New York, NY - Vegan Mera Mera Soba – Cocoron
📍 16 Delancey St, New York, NY - Vegan Burger (Superiority Burger) – Superiority Burger
📍 119 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 - Cauliflower Ceviche – Ladybird
📍 111 E 7th St, New York, NY - Vegan Nachos – Bar Verde
📍 65 2nd Ave, New York, NY - Vegan Pizza (Violife cheese) – Bario’s
📍 Staten Island, NY - Vegan Cheeseburger & Shake – Moonburger
📍 Multiple NY locations - Plant-Based Sushi – Beyond Sushi
📍 Multiple locations - Vegan Pasta – Soda Club
📍 East Village, NYC - Veggie Burger – Lekka Burger
📍 Tribeca, NYC
Casual, Cafes & Everyday Favorites
- Smoothie Bowls – Toastique
📍 New Rochelle, NY - Dairy-Free Coffee Drinks – Gregorys Coffee
📍 Multiple NYC locations (oat/almond options) - Vegan Breakfast Sandwich – Peacefood Cafe
📍 460 Amsterdam Ave, NYC - Vegan Bowls – The Little Beet
📍 Garden City + NYC - Plant-Based Bistro Dishes (Urban Vegan Kitchen) – Urban Vegan Kitchen
📍 41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
Comfort Foods & Indulgent Options
- Vegan Pizza Slice – Vito’s Slices and Ices
📍 NYC - Vegan “Chopped Cheese” – Vegan On The Fly
📍 NYC - Vegan Mexican Tacos – Jajaja Plantas Mexicana
📍 Multiple locations - Ethiopian Vegan Platter – Bunna Cafe
📍 Bushwick, Brooklyn - Vegan Rainbow Cookies + Bakery Desserts – Pride Enjoy
- 📍 8 W Main St, Wading River, NY 11792
Long Island Dairy-Free Finds (Your Audience Will LOVE This)
- Dairy-Free Modern American Menu (True Food Kitchen) – True Food Kitchen
📍 630 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY 11530 - Vegan Cupcakes – Baked by Melissa
📍 Garden City, NY - Dairy-Free Ice Cream – A La Mode Shoppe
📍 LI locations - Build-Your-Own Bowl – The Little Beet
📍 Garden City, NY - Dairy-Free Fine Dining Options – 75 Main
📍 Southampton, NY
“Hidden Gem” Dairy-Free Wins
- Vegan Dosas – NY Dosas
📍 Washington Square Park - Vegan Italian – Soda Club
📍 East Village - Vegan French Pastries – Delice & Sarrasin
📍 West Village - Vegan Burgers – Modern Love Brooklyn
📍 Williamsburg - Vegan Diner Classics – Ro’s Diner
📍 Brooklyn
Drinks, Snacks & Easy Add-Ons
- Bubble Tea with Oat Milk – Alimama Tea
📍 NYC - Dairy-Free Lattes – Bluestone Lane
📍 Multiple NYC locations - Vegan Croissants – L’imprimerie
📍 Brooklyn - Vegan Bagel Sandwich – Tompkins Square Bagels
📍 NYC - Dairy-Free Smoothies – Juice Press
📍 Multiple locations
Must-Try “Even Non–Dairy-Free People Love This”
- Vegan Sushi Rolls – Beyond Sushi
- Vegan Ice Cream Flights – Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
- Vegan Cheesecake – By the Way Bakery
- Vegan Pasta – Soda Club
- Vegan Tapas Night – Ladybird