Raw food restaurants in NYC

[MrsT]

We are having a friend visit from out of town and she is on a raw food diet. Are there any places we can take her that won't break our bank account?

[alc]

Check out Rawlicious on Centre St. near Broome. It opened just a few weeks ago. I've been there once and thought the place was lovely and the food delicious. It is far less pricey than Pure Food and Wine (where I've never been).

[mrnyc]

GOBO is another one on 6th avenue. i went a few times when they first opened and it was good, but havent been recently. there is another branch too.

http://www.goborestaurant.com/

[ironfrank]

I've gone a lot recently. I really like some things there but I think Gobo does better with faux meats and stir fry-type dishes than raw stuff.

[ironfrank]

I forgot one more, and probably the least expensive. Bonobo's on 23rd St. has great raw food focused salads, smoothies, and these raw pates on raw crackers and conveniently is directly across the street from the Shake Shack where I usual go after I eat with my raw buddies.

[vegwriter]

Bonobo's is no longer in business, due to a dispute with the building owner. It's a shame, as it was an all-raw-vegan place and perfect for lunch.

[ironfrank]

The most affordable raw restaurant is probably Caravan of Dreams in the East Village, if you don't mind the hippy dippy vibe, and most raw foodists I know don't, I'd recommend it. I don't eat raw but when I go with friends I have the best time at the garden at Pure Food and Wine but it's still too chilly for that. Blossom, the vegan in Chelsea (and I believe there's one uotown as well) has a few raw items on their menu and seems to have a more refined ambience but with prices to match.

[Wilfrid]

Pure Food and Wine is far away the best. I recall Counter on Second Avenue used to have a raw menu some nights (probably have some raw dishes most nights).

[vegwriter]

Pure Food and Wine is very expensive, but has a trendy atmosphere so can be a fun place for those who can afford it. But raw food purists should note that this restaurant does not use only all-raw ingredients. Recipes might have such non-raw elements as maple syrup and nutritional yeast.

[robin76]

Angelica Kitchen usually has a couple of raw food dishes in addition to their splendid salads. It is much more affordable than Pure Food and Wine which while delicious is extremely expensive.

[scarlet starlet]

If you like your friend you wouldn't take her to Angelica - I have been three times (to give it a really fair chance) and every time, the food my friends and I ordered was bland, cold, and just plain BAD. I would honestly rather pull a fistful of grass out of the ground and eat it because at least the grass is free.

[robin76]

ha ha :) . Sorry you didn't enjoy your lunch at Angelica- I always find it consistently v. good (and fresh).

[vegwriter]

Angelica Kitchen has one raw food combo plate (also called their picnic plate) that is good in a pinch. But this is not a place to go to for a wide variety of inventive raw vegan dishes.

[kaffy]

Love Pure Food and Wine! Another good (and less expensive) option is Quintessence in the east village.

[scarlet starlet]

Pure Food and Wine is amazing - I went with my parents and brother last month, and even my dad, who doesn't like anything but Indian, Thai, or Mexican, absolutely loved it. But it will break the bank.

Quintessence is just ok, but if you're looking to get your friend some raw food solely to keep her on her diet, then it's a good option.

Seriously, though, get thee to Pure Food and Wine! :)

[vegwriter]

Quintessence is wonderful. Their food is delicious and very inventive, like their raw vegan bagel and cream cheese dish and their chia seed pudding. I could go on and on about their menu! They're the oldest raw food restaurant in Manhattan, in fact. It's a small place, but fabulous.

[RGR]

We have been to Pure Food. Once. The "lasagna" was sensational and is one of two reasons I might consider going back. The other is the opportunity to sit in the gorgeous back garden (which we used to do quite often when that location was occupied by the much-missed Verbena). Obviously, not possible right now. One thing's for sure, it's expensive.

http://www.purefoodandwine.com

[Lucia]

Pure Food & Wine is raw food. I haven't been, but I think it's pricey.