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Dirt Candy on the LES remains a favorite for its inventive, vegetable-forward menu. While the offerings change seasonally, they are consistently full of whimsy. For their spring menu, the potato noodles and mushroom pasta delivered deep, savory flavors, while the artichoke caramel provided a sharp, unexpected finish. Service is sharp. Our server acknowledged us from previous visits, adding a personal touch with a complimentary glass of bubbly. It's professional without the stuffy Michelin pretense; the team keeps things grounded. The space is tight but efficiently used with a mix of high-tops and tables. It is street-level and wheelchair accessible. Note that it can get loud--it's best for a high-energy date or a group of foodies. At $110 per person (plus optional $55 wine or $45 non-alcoholic pairings), it's worth it just for the creativity alone.
Snagged a last minute reservation to celebrate an early valentines day. came in and was immediately impressed by the space it was perfectly lit and spaced out. the staff here is incredibly accommodating i was almost 30 minutes late due to subway issues but they still seated us and gave us an incredible experience. in terms of the food it was a very flavorful and unique twist to vegetables. as someone that eats everything i was pleasantly surprised by how they really made things have so much flavor and the creativity. favorites were the chips and the brussel sprouts. some things were a bit weird like the first course biscut with caviar not sure i was fond of this or the dessert it had blue cheese that just wasnt hitting. theres also a no tipping policy which im so not used to but is nice to see employees getting paid like they should.
Five stars, no hesitation. Dirt Candy is the rare place that makes you feel like you're being taken care of from the second you walk in, and then backs it up with food that's genuinely exciting. We did the tasting menu and every course had a clear point of view, huge flavor, and that "how did they do that?" level of creativity. Highlights for me started right away with the Celery course. It was bright, surprising, and somehow comforting at the same time. The Brussels sprout stalk with barbecue vibes, sesame, and peanuts was smoky and addictive. I could have eaten an entire tray of it. The Squash spaetzle in the red curry squash broth was a standout. Rich, warming, and perfectly balanced, with just enough spice and tang to keep you chasing the next bite. Then the Kale course, their playful riff on fish and chips, was such a flex. Crispy, savory, and ridiculously satisfying, with the labneh and olives pulling everything together. And then dessert. The Mushroom dessert with massaman spice cake, cashews, and citrus sorbet should not work on paper, but it absolutely does. It was complex, bright, and totally memorable. Plus, the little "treats from the kitchen" at the end felt like a warm mic drop. The service deserves its own five stars. Friendly without hovering, knowledgeable without being performative, and paced perfectly. Our server explained each course in a way that made it even more fun to eat, and the whole team had that calm, polished rhythm that makes the night feel effortless. If you want a meal that's creative, deeply flavorful, and executed at a really high level, Dirt Candy is it. We left happy, full, and already talking about when we're coming back.
My adult daughter who likes this place invited us for dinner, but - tasting menu of vegetarian dishes?? Me? I wasn't convinced. I was wrong. From the moment we arrived last night, we were welcomed. The wait staff (no tipping - the restaurant days they pay a living wage plus benefits, so please don't tip) were uniformly friendly and helpful. The vibe is comfortable. It's an upscale decor, with an open kitchen and it's very comfortable and unpretentious. Tables are near each other, but no issues with volume or privacy of conversation. The food is great. The tasting menu changes seasonally, so last night was Spring - green vegis, including peas, broccoli, fennel, artichoke and others. Each of the courses was presented beautifully, with a brief explanation of each. Each was unique. My partner usually does not like artichokes, but loved the artichoke dish. Although I'm sure they present courses that some people like more than others, last night, the three of us did not find a weak spot. The bar offers unusual and tasty drinks. I had a slushie with a beet and lemonade base. It was addictive. (It was also $18, which is normally out of my price range, but it was unusual and worth a try. My dinner partners enjoyed their alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well. Service was outstanding. "Fancy" in that after every course the staff removed the plate and all silverware, replacing silverware appropriate for the following menu item. The first time they did it, I thought "pretentious" but then realized that it was practical. Each course had its own utensil (small spoon for one, knife and fork for another, large spoon for another, etc. So, yes, I was wrong. The tasting menu is $110 plus tax. There's a $55 wine pairing option which none of us did. I'm glad we passed on the wine pairing. The drink each of us got was unusual (vegi based) and very tasty.
I was interested to try an all vegetarian Michelin star restaurant, however, I was unmoved by the restaurant. The restaurant is located in a somewhat jaded neighborhood compared to other Michelin restaurants in the city. Nonetheless, I was hopeful upon entering the restaurant and it started out okay. The service is decent and the drinks are okay. I had the nonalcoholic pairing with my meal but I thought the selection could have been better. I enjoyed the cucumber dish to start but the rest of the menu was lackluster in my menu. I enjoyed the mushroom dish but I could see that the plating was inconsistent. Although I liked the dish I thought it was unbalanced due to the plating because the first spoon didn't have any broth. Also the pea dish lacked flavor in my menu. The dessert was tasty to wrap up the night. I guess I'm just not a vegetarian menu fan but it was still creative ways to present vegetables.
This was such a cool and creative tasting menu, and I love how the chef uses vegetables in such a playful manner. I was here for the summer tasting menu and I believe the theme was carnival. My favorite dish of the night was definitely corn because the mousse really highlighted the delicate flavors and it was just so whimsical. I love to have fun with my food and I also really enjoyed the tomato Twinkie. There were definitely some dishes I didn't love (bell pepper granita for dessert) but I still really appreciate how the menu was pushing the boundaries of what people thought vegetables could be used for. The staff were really kind and I want to come back to try their other seasonal tasting menus as well and look forward to seeing what creations the entire team comes up with.
Dirt Candy was an absolute star in a visit to NYC full of great meals. I made a reservation for two for dinner and had some issues with a glitch in the online reservation system before the visit, but in one quick phone call, the restaurant itself fixed it quickly. We arrived a couple minutes before our reservation time and were seated immediately. The inside of the restaurant is lovely -- stylish but not overstyled and very inviting. It was neither quiet nor loud; it was bustling but still easy to hold a conversation. The service staff was all fantastic -- friendly, not snooty -- and the sommelier was an absolute highlight. This was one of the best drink pairings I've ever had -- the focus was on women-owned, natural wines, and each was paired perfectly with the accompanying course. As you probably know, the menu is vegetarian (and can be made vegan on request); I'm mostly vegetarian, but my mom is pretty strictly vegetarian, so getting to bring her to a fine dining restaurant where we both felt like the vegetarian-friendly courses were the stars rather than an afterthought was amazing. And they were all amazing. The fennel dish was a quick favorite -- it stuck out for being not just unique but absolutely delicious. We also particularly loved a kitchen treat that featured carrot, including a carrot pita I'd happily eat daily. But I think the biggest surprise was the "Caesar salad-inspired" dessert. I'm not sure how the chefs managed to turn romaine lettuce into such a perfect meringue, but they did. I left feeling pleasantly sated but not stuffed; I do understand how some folks could leave feeling like they want a bit more to eat, but my mom is a lighter eater, so it was actually great for us to have a meal where she got to experience every course and not feel like she was struggling through the end. (And it's NYC, so a cheap slice of pizza to round you out for the night if needed is never far.) To sum things up, this is a gem for non-meat eaters but would also be great for omnivores who appreciate fine dining with a level attention to high-quality ingredients and excellent flavor combinations. It is one of the best values I feel I've gotten for a Michelin-starred meal in the USA. And definitely try the wine pairing!
I've been wanting to visit @dirtcandynyc for the longest time because I love plant based dining, and they have earned both a green star and a one star from @michelinguide ! There's a vegetarian option and a vegan option available. The food was excellent - beautiful, creative, and really brings out the flavor of vegetables as well as natural spices. I love that they are a no tipping restaurant and respect them to be able to keep this up in NYC! It was a good dining experience, except that we weren't really greeted in/out and it felt odd for a Michelin restaurant.
We went for dinner and were pleased by the dinner menu. At $110 for the prix fixe, it was a little pricey, but I would currently consider it the most creative and delicious vegan menu that I've had in a while. Highlights for me were the Cabbage and the Beet, and Celery.
this Michelin-starred vegetarian spot has beautiful presentation and great flavors, but a bit lacking in substance. My friend grabbed a slice of pizza after since the menu left him wanting more protein or carbs lol. A solid 3.85/5. Worth it for the experience, but maybe not the most filling meal. The good thing is tip is added in your final bill, no need for extra.
First time to try vegetarian food with one Michelin Star. It is quite a good experience. Some of the dishes are quite heavy in taste. Personally I like the celery bread the most. I m a meat lover and it is very tough to justify to love most dishes without meat. lol. I like the creative way to dine with bare hands. It is playful.
I was looking forward to dining here as I was staying at the hotel next door. I walked in without a reservation -- just myself -- and was immediately asked if I was vegan. I said yes. The hostess checked with the chef and returned to say there were no vegan options. She then asked if I was vegetarian, which I confirmed, only for her to check again and tell me there were also no vegetarian dishes and "not enough food." As a foodie, I found this approach unprofessional, unwarranted, and downright disrespectful. While I stood outside afterward, I watched other walk-in guests without reservations (I ASKED THEM) being seated without issue. This is shameful behavior, and the staff should be embarrassed by how they treat paying customers,
I really, really like this restaurant. Two of us enjoyed the tasting menu with the wine pairings. Every dish was delicious, the staff was kind and the wine pairings of that seasonal menu were so good, the waitress sent us the list afterwards (below): Valerie Tissot Crémant du Jura NV Jura, FR Sybille Kuntz Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2015 Mosel, GER Claire Naudin Bourgogne Aligoté 'Mallon' 2018 Burgundy, FR A Tribute to Grace Grenache 2018 Santa Barbara County, CA Yalumba Antique Muscat NV Rutherglen, South Australia Be mindful of your reservation as this experience is usually in higher demand than other spots, and the staff really put their hearts into it, you can taste it! No tipping and all options can be made vegan if requested. The restaurant is upscale and has a great vibe. The menu changes seasonally and I can't wait to try their new fall menu!
I didn't do the full tasting menu, but instead sat at the bar. We couldn't get a reservation because we didn't plan two weeks ahead (Seriously though, make a reservation... while we were there in November, someone was calling to reserve Valentine's Day.). We got there right when they opened though and were able to be seated immediately at the bar. The bar seating can only for 4 people so it is VERY limited. If you want to shoot for eating without a reservation I highly recommend arriving right when they open. At the bar, the menu is just a selection of some all time favorites you can pick from a la carte. It is a good option if you can't afford the full tasting menu. The monkey bread was maybe my favorite item. It was so unique and soft and delicious. I also adored the build it yourself Brussel sprout tacos. So fresh and yummy. The flavors weren't very unique, but they were well done. The carrot sliders were good but mainly because of the bread and sauce. The patty was literally just a slice of cooked carrot. The Korean cauliflower was good, but didn't live up to the hype for me. Though I did enjoy the meal, it wasn't life changing. Maybe I went in with too high of expectations? Or maybe it would've been a more special experience if I had done the tasting menu? I definitely would like to return and would like to give the full tasting menu a try in order experience the meal as intended. It is definitely a special place and well worth a visit... Just plan ahead. By a lot. read more
Truly a beautiful, spacious venue with cozy seats, kind staff, and delicious, surprising food. Tip is included in the bill, and the 5 course pre fixe (with multiple additional surprises) was $85 pp. -- really great value for NYC. Off the fall menu, the sunchokes were my favorite dish! Hearty, layered, and not trying to be anything other than a great expression of themselves. Beet carapaccio bonus dish was tender and extremely well balanced. Cannot believe this was my first time here -- I will for sure return for next seasons menu! read more
4 years ago
This was a divine experience. Every course was sublime the cocktails were super tasty and the service was top notch. The food was flavorful and whimsical, we particular loved the carrot sliders, the mushroom tea accompanying the mushroom crepe cake. We will certainly return. read more
5 years ago
We did the 5 course tasting menu plus wine pairing, which was around $100 per person. Not a bad deal at all, considering the quality of the food and the wine, which was all natural wines from female-owned wineries. The 5 course menu consists of 4 savory and 1 sweet course, and you get 5 glasses of wines to go with it if you get the wine pairing. It's incredible the amount of flavor that comes through in the dishes; some of our favorites were the broccoli, the mushroom pate, and the brussels sprouts "larb". Eating here is truly like immersing yourself in a garden of flavors; each dish is beautifully plated (and you can watch it all happening in the open kitchen!), and the colors only hint at the taste. The only part that was a miss for me was the sweet course. The cauliflower birthday cake tasted a bit too much like cauliflower, and I found the homemade Snickers bar too sweet. Service was lovely, and we left satisfied. read more
Complex flavors melded together expertly to create fantastic and beautiful dishes. You don't have to be a vegetarian to truly enjoy this amazing restaurant. They only serve chef's menu. You have a choice of a 5 or 9 course meal. We went with the 5 course, and I left full. Apparently the 5 course meal usually consists of restaurant classics, while the 9 course they usually include some experimental new dishes. I definitely need to go back for a 9 course meal. What we had: Beet dish - Beet balls stuff with some spicy beet something-ness. With beet cake, and some sweet twill-like glassy thing, with some amazing sauces. How am I supposed to remember it all. There were a lot of beet components, and it tasted amazing. Mushroom something and fennel salad: I'm not much a salad person so my friend enjoyed that. She isn't much of a pate' person, so I devoured that mushroom pate with the thin toasted bread that came with it. The mushroom on the plate was divine, and there was some candied pear? on the plate that was ok. Didn't love that. I thought it was carrots. Carrot Sliders and Broccoli "Dog" - The carrot slider was amazing. Had a great sauce with it, and I gulped it down in 2 bites. The broccoli dog - broccoli was really amazing. For me, this course had way too much bread. Perhaps I'd try to ask for Gluten free next time I go. Brussel Sprouts Tacos - a pile of butter lettuce, a hot griddle with delicious brussel sprouds and about 12 little bowls of accompaniments. Guac, hot pepper, vegan crema, salsa, - ok, i don't remember them all. But you make your own little tacos and go to town. Its a huge portion. and really filled us up. Desserts: OMG. I'm usually too full for dessert, but thats the beauty of chef's menu.. you get em anyway. lol. Chocolate tart with carmalized onions, with a smokey almond (?) ice cream. You'd never believe it's vegan. It was amazing. Almond cake with almond ice cream - also great. Very light and airy. probably the dessert I'd opt for if it were a la carte, bec. its lighter. The service was impeccable. I'll be back. read more
7 years ago
I visited Dirt Candy for my birthday last year and had to come back again to celebrate this year. My boyfriend (who is not a vegetarian) and I were impressed both times by the quality of food, the service and the ambience. The first time we visited, we only had time for the 5 course Vegetable Patch tasting menu. This year we set aside enough time to try the ten course Vegetable Garden tasting menu and were so glad we did. Their website describes it as a vegetable party at your table and I have to say I agree! A few highlights from our meal: Monkey Bread and butter - tasty, buttery, soft. Perfect way to start the meal. Imitation caviar made from seaweed - very unique and enjoyable. Tower of Roots, with three tiers - celeriac kugel, a warm broth, and beet "popsicles" on top. There were also edible greens in tahini sauce. This was a fun course to eat and also the perfect flavors for the season. Korean fried broccoli - probably my favorite. I loved the crunch of the broccoli and the sauce was so good. The dish also came with Shanghai shoots in a crème fraîche sauce to counteract the heat. Raddichio Steak Frites. The Chermoula Ranch that came with this course was really good. We also really enjoyed the Carrot Sliders, Mushroom Pate and the Mushroom Cake. In fact, out of everything we tried, the only thing we weren't crazy about was the Cauliflower Confetti cake. We also went for the wine pairing and enjoyed the unique selections and how they complemented each course. We had a fantastic experience and can't wait to come back again and see what amazing things Dirt Candy does with vegetables next! read more
5 years ago
3 years ago
Dirt candy doesn't need another great review but it is going to get one from me. The experience was phenomenal from the first to last dish. Didn't know what to expect but went here on a recommendation. The food is innovative and flavorful. I am not a vegetarian but love vegetables. For those who are skeptical you don't miss meat or fish at all. Service was great and we were shocked at the end of the night to find out it is not a topping restaurant. Not only wonderful food but great service This is value for your money. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
If you're looking for a upscale vegetarian-friendly restaurant that also appeals to carnivores, Dirt Candy is your restaurant. I have wanted to come to Dirt Candy since it first opened back in the day but it was impossible to secure a reservation. Now that the restaurant has moved to a bigger space, it's slightly easier. My friend and I were able to snag a 6:30* time slot this past Saturday. There are two tasting menus, the Vegetable Patch which consists of 5 courses, and the Vegetable Garden which consists of 9 courses. We opted for the latter [$99, tax and tip included]. I also had a glass of Spanish wine [$12]. Overall, the dining experience was excellent. I definitely enjoyed the 7 savory courses more than the 2 dessert ones. It kind of seemed that dessert was an afterthought. Almost like the kitchen wanted to show off how they can transform a vegetable into something "sweet" rather than making a truly great dessert. Just the highlights: Tomato Tower: one of our favorite courses. I especially enjoyed the candied tomato pops with nuts and seeds on top. The tomato smoothie and tomato tart were also delicious. Basically, I need more tomato in my life. Monkey Bread: Uff, I have never tasted monkey bread as good as this- so buttery and soft. Pulling apart the bread was a sensual experience. It was difficult not to fill up on it alone. Korean Fried Broccoli: This was also dynamite. It was spicy and saucy and the broccoli was fried to perfection. Mushroom Pate: with dehydrated peaches on crostini. My friend did not enjoy this dish. I did. More for me. The mushroom pate had the texture of foie gras and if you closed your eyes, like really hard, then maybe you would think you're eating it. I just wish the crostini were a little bigger and had less holes in them. Peas and "Cheese": My friend and I equally enjoyed this. It was like carbonara without the bacon [RIP]. The peas were cooked perfectly- they popped like water balloons. I always worry about mushy peas. Dessert: The desserts left me underwhelmed overall. Cauliflower Cake: This was the dessert I enjoyed the most. The cake was made with cauliflower and was suppose to resemble a vanilla funfetti cake. I think this was actually really successful in execution as well as in taste. I actually wouldn't even be able to tell it was made with cauliflower. $99 is a steal for a 9-course dinner. Despite dessert being a flop, I'd come back in a heartbeet. ________ *If you decide to do the longer tasting menu, the Vegetable Garden, get an earlier reservation. We did not leave until close to 10:00PM. read more
I was very excited for this restaurant as the reviews and the even word of mouth is excellent. We opted for the vegetable patch menu, which is a 5 course meal for $65 (no tips). Each dish they brought out was okay. It wasn't very impressive. One of the dishes was loaded with far too much chili powder and wasn't pleasant to eat. The brussel sprout tacos were alright, a bit too smokey for my liking. In fact, one other dish also had a very strong smoke flavor that I didn't quite enjoy. The rest of the dishes were good, but not spectacular. The best part of the meal was the dessert. The cauliflower birthday cake was delicious, the chocolate mushroom was great, but the Swiss chard ice cream sundae was absolutely phenomenal. 5 stars for the dessert. read more
4 years ago
Hands down the best vegetarian food I've ever had in my life. We had the fixed menu, which came with 5 courses. Once the first course came out, I was questioning if we'd need to make a pizza run on the way home - boy, was I wrong! In addition to the 5 courses, the kitchen gave us 3 additional courses. I've never been more full in my life. The cocktails were refreshing and creative. The food was beautiful, delicious, and filling. Definitely an experience I recommend! read more
4.5 stars. If you're looking for creative, innovative, vegetarian/vegan fancy dishes, please please please make a reservation at Dirt Candy! I went for dinner and ordered the Vegetable Patch (5 courses). Let's dive right into the individual reviews of my favorite dishes! Celery soda - 4 STARS The celery soda tasted like carbonated green juice. I liked how it didn't taste too sweet! Really strong celery flavor which I enjoyed, but nothing super special about this drink that wowed me. Korean fried broccoli - 4 STARS The korean fried broccoli was meant to mimic korean fried chicken, and Dirt Candy did a pretty good job. The broccoli itself was fried well (not that greasy!). However, there was an overload of the gochujang sauce which made the broccoli way too salty. if there was lighter layer of sauce and the broccoli was slightly glazed on the outside, that would instantly make this a 5 star dish. Mushroom mousse (imitation pate type dish) = 5 STARS!!! Wow wow wow one of my absolute FAVORITE dishes of the night! The mushroom mousse is truly special - its light, fluffy, smooth, melt in your mouth texture is to die for. I loved spreading the mousse on the crackers, placing a thinly sliced Asian pear on top, and eating the whole creation. This dish is a carnival of textures and flavors: sweet, savory, buttery, crispy. Cauliflower confetti cake - 4.5 STARS Dirt Candy is so creative, and this dessert exemplifies that. Usually, when you think of dessert and vegetables, they seem like opposites, but Dirt Candy somehow magically cooked up this cauliflower cake. From the sprinkles, ice cream, and sponge, they're all made from cauliflower! The sponge was slightly crumbly and the overall dessert became a little too sweet for me after several bites, but man was this addicting! Swiss chard sundae - 5 STARS!!! This is THE DESSERT of the night. The swiss chard sherbet echoed the flavors of the vegetable, while adding a sweetness to the dessert. The green cake bites around the sherbet were fluffy and moist. I loved the candied nuts sprinkled on top, which added a touch of salty flavor as well as a nice crunch! The ultimate bite consisted of a scoop of sherbet, a green cake bite, a couple candied nuts, and a small cloud of whipped cream. I would go back to Dirt Candy just to have this sundae again. read more
3 years ago
Dirt Candy never disappoints - year after year, season after the season, the food is delicious, surprising and beautifully presented. If you haven't been, you will be amazed at the creativity and rich flavors of every course. The service is wonderful and the servers are warm and knowledgeable. If you can, sit at the counter and enjoy the intricate preparation and the bustling kitchen scene. read more
After getting our schedules aligned, a friend and I were finally able to check out Dirt Candy. I have been following them before there was any inkling of me ever living in NYC and I was so excited to finally go and the experience did not disappoint. Service was absolutely amazing from the moment we arrived. Staff was informative and attentive without being intrusive. I asked a question about a dish and when they didn't know the answer they went and asked the chef. Now let's get to the food. If you follow their Instagram everything they make is absolutely gorgeous. As for taste? I don't have the words to even begin describing the culinary adventure they took us on. They started with the familiar flavor of cucumber but served it in a fun and imaginative way. Each course that followed was somehow even better than the last and got more adventurous as it progressed. The meal was 5 courses with 3 amuse-bouche sprinkled throughout. The star for me out of the savory dishes was the romanesco (4th course) it was fried to absolute perfection while still being maintaining it's integrity (no mushy vegetables here). I loved that it had flavors near and dear to my Mexcian heart but served in such a unique way. Now dessert. Not going to lie, when I read a dessert banh mi with bok choy and Sriracha merengue I had my doubts. Buy oh Dirt Candy made me a believer! It was absolutely insane! None of those ingredients scream dessert to me but they did it. It was the most adventurous and innovative course of the night. My fried and I have decided we will be going every time they change out their menu. Almost forgot, cocktails are amazing! This place is well deserved of its Michelin star. read more
Not vegetarian but def enjoying the plant based and vegetable restaurants popping up all over the city. We did the 5 course tasting for $65 and have to say it's pretty dam good. If you are vegetarian I imagine it's pretty dam amazing ! Love the carrot sliders ! Each course is actually 2 dishes so plenty of exciting options to enjoy. Service is great and ever informative. read more
4 years ago
The presentation of this food was great! The food was lovely--my favorite was the mushroom crepe cake with the mushroom tea. It paired beautifully. As a meat eater at a vegetarian Michelin star restaurant, I was astounded at how well they cooked, paired, and presented their food. I did not miss meat at all throughout this experience, and the kale sausage even tasted realistic! Service was great--the people working there were so nice and went out of their ways to treat us well and check in. I would definitely come back and try their new seasonal menu! This experience was unforgettable. read more
I looked online and the next reservation was not available until mid July so I had to see what it was about. Fortunately, if you do walk in right around their opening you will probably get a table as we did with no lines. The staff were extremely nice and attentive. The lighting and decor are so peaceful and great for photos! It's tapa styles so we ordered 6 things for 3. Truthfully probably could've done with five since I was kind of full. Word of warning though, don't over index to the fried section, you may feel kind of woozy later. We ordered the monkey bread, pumpkin pad thai, fried broccoli, zucchini takoyaki, truffles bread with mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts taco. My favorites were the monkey bread, zucchini takoyaki, and the truffle oiled bread. My least favorite was probably the Brussels sprout tacos, the price tag was quite high but overall nothing too special. We were a group of 3 carnivores but still enjoyed our experience, highly recommend to try! read more
7 years ago
Phenomenal!! I could sit here and type a detailed review of every course we had and how absolutely genius each was... But a major part of the meal is the experience itself and how the seemingly endless plates continued to excite each of our senses. We aren't strict vegetarians but do make an effort to limit our consumption of meats and eco-unfriendly choices. Have no worries here, as the food was 100% vegetarian yet I wouldn't hesitate to take even my most red-blooded Texan friend here for a really tasty meal - even if he'd be constantly waiting for 'the beef'. I'd say our only complaint would be the amount of waste we noticed. Some courses come with single use items and clearing off plates and utensils even if they went completely unused seemed wasteful and a bit contrary to an otherwise very well thought out and conscious food experience. Swap the paper straws (still better then plastic) for reusable and the clever cardboard boxes for something that can get cleaned and you've got one hell of an experience. The staff was phenomenal - friendly, prompt and very knowledgeable - and it's an interesting experience to be encouraged not to tip. Everyone seemed happy to be working there and I only hope that remains because it showed in the preparation, food quality and overall service we received. Thank you again - we will be recommending this place with excitement and confidence that anyone we meet would have an equally amazing experience. read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
Absolutely amazing food and service! We liked every single course. We also got the wine pairing and it was perfect. My favorite part was probably the cucumber veggie slushie. Would highly recommend! Even my husband who is not super keen on vegetarian food said it was one of the best meals he has ever had! read more
PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE AND READ BEFORE VISITING THIS RESTAURANT!!! Many negative things that have been said about this restaurant in previous reviews could've been avoided had bare minimal research been done (ie. NO a la carte options for dinner, etc.) This place was nothing short of absolutely EXTRAORDINARY. I am not a vegetarian but, WOW. The way they manipulate vegetables and their taste was so astounding. I did the Vegetable Patch that had five courses. This included the fried Korean broccoli (words cannot describe how good it was), and the Brussel sprout tacos! AMAZING!!! They are pricey. A dinner for two people with two drinks each will cost you more than $200. On the pro side- that includes tip. Their servers are great! Thank you Travis! Can't wait to go back! read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
Great 5-course vegetarian dinner - the dishes were very innovative and unbelievable how they used vegetables! They packed in some surprises as well, which I won't reveal :) overall a must-try for vegetarians in Manhattan! read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
We were really excited to come, but were disappointed when we left. Food was quite good now in hindsight, my boyfriend and I opted for the vegetable garden $99 10 course tasting menu. We just can't believe the dinner took 3 hours! The speed could really have picked up. We waited 15-20 minutes between each course. Favorites: mushroom pate, seaweed caviar, monkey bread, and Korean fried broccoli. The courses started off very strong but slowly declined in variety and excitement--or maybe we were just losing our patience. Would recommend a place like blue hill over this. read more
5 years ago
Great place!! Food is wonderful and the juice sodas are fantastic! The spicy tofu sandwich..... super spicy and delicious!! Mushroom Mousse was incredible!! read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
My mom and I decided to eat here because she is vegan and this is a top notch experience. We decided to do the smaller of the options which I believe may be called 'The Garden' and had the wine pairings with it. I had no idea what "natural" wines were but the som was quite educated and was honestly my favorite person at the restaurant. Our first course was my favorite, crusty bread with a garlic oil, some cauliflower coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, and some lettuce with dip that you basically ate like chips. The rest of the courses were good, but I wouldn't say outstanding. We received a pate of sorts made out of mushrooms and I kid you not we received four (4) crackers smaller than a Ritz to eat it with. (photo attached) Dirt Candy, please fix that. You could not finish the dish with four crackers lmao. Anyway the experience was fun, I never knew what was coming next but knew everything was vegetables so felt safe eating every bite! Definitely worth a try read more
4 years ago
This was my third Dirt Candy experience. Ok, maybe three and a half. The first was in their old location. I went with my now boyfriend and we thought it was cool and interesting, but not really worth a second visit. The next time was during a "SHARE" event. This is where the top chefs and restaurants in NYC have tables and give a sampling of a dish from their menu to women who volunteer at a cancer organization. My mom and I go often, and the dish from Dirt Candy was by far our favorite. I mean, we're talking the TOP chefs in nyc, and this vegetarian dish was worth waiting in line multiple times. So clearly my mom and I needed to go to their restaurant to experience a full meal. This is after they moved to Allen street. You could still order ala carte and the time, but we got the tasting menu and it was amazing. Cut to tonight. My husband and I went back after that first trip. Now they only have 2 tasting menus to choose from which allows the kitchen to focus on the best of the best. The choices are a 5 course meal for $65 or a 9 course meal for $99. And that includes tip (as it states on the menu, they believe in paying the staff a fair wage, so no tipping!) My husband and I went for the 9 course meal. And so glad we did. I diligently took photos of each amazing dish, but only have a vague outline of what was featured in each plate. What I can say is Dirt Candy stays true to their word of transforming vegetables in new and amazing ways. Definitely go hungry, try a veggie cocktail, and savor every last bite. read more
7 years ago
An excellent dining experience. The food is fantastic, creative and incredibly presented. The service is impressive, all waiters are extremely knowledgeable about the menu and which drinks pair best with what dishes. And they just seem like great, friendly people. The restaurant is spacious and has a calm ambience, and even when packed full you're able to hear your dining partner well. I've tried both the Vegetable Patch and the Vegetable Garden. The two menus had several dishes in common: Korean Fried Broccoli, Carrot Sliders, Mushroom Pate, Cucumber Melon Salad, Cauliflower, and a few desserts. Each menu had a few unique dishes to themselves as well. So really the Garden menu is just a slight upgrade to the Patch one, and you'll get to try the classic Dirt Candy either way. Keep in mind that this review is for the spring-summer seasons, and I'm sure that further down the road the creative chefs of Dirt Candy will come up with more great additions to their menu. read more
Years ago I read of Chez Panisse's founder, Alice Waters, serving Bill Clinton "a perfect peach" for dessert. Later, there was a highly lauded vegetarian restaurant in Napa that was housed in a yoga studio. Both of these facts smack of pretension and probably account for why I found Dirt Candy so delightful. I dined there on vegetables that were prepared in ways I'd never attempt at home and there was no Lululemon in sight. Amanda Cohen, Dirt Candy owner/founder/chef, approaches vegetables from a refreshingly light vantage point. She's not a vegetarian and doesn't bother trying to source organically or even local. I paraphrase, but she's been known to say "a carrot is a carrot; do you know what I'd have to charge if I bought organic vegetables?" Don't look to her menu to tell you the farm at which that carrot is grown either; it's irrelevant. Employing butter, eggs, and cream (though vegan, gluten-free, and allergies can be accommodated) Dirt Candy turns mere vegetables into exquisitely delicious creations. My Tijuana Sunrise ($15) and I made our way to a table and were soon joined by a terra-cotta flowerpot overflowing with fresh-baked, lollipop-hued, salt-speckled bread. It was all I could do not to request seconds. Dirt Candy has moved to an all-inclusive dining policy. A menu of small plates plus a couple of larger share-plates has an automatic 20% added on top and no further tip is necessary (in fact, the tab specifically mentions that they kindly decline additional tips). Such a policy could lead to servers trying to pad the bill but I found quite the opposite here. Throughout my meal I felt my server wanted mostly for me to enjoy my meal, which is in line with the owner's oft stated desires. He encouraged plate sharing, seconded my choice of ordering only a couple of things at a time, and steered me away from ordering a big plate too soon lest I fill up and be unable to try other menu options. In other words, he was the perfect server (Balaboosta: take note). I went on to sample Hush Puppies ($9), Korean Fried Broccoli ($9), Shanghai Shoots ($7), Grilled Onion Salad ($8), Carrot Sliders, and Portobello Mousse ($15). Each was novel and creative, well-developed and nicely presented. Most importantly? Each was delicious. Making such a meal at home is theoretically possible (the graphic novel formatted Dirt Candy cookbook is not just entertaining but also amazingly thorough) but I'd probably not get through more than two dishes for any one meal which is part of what makes dining in-house such fun. From start to finish I liked what was going on here at Dirt Candy and think you might also. Good place, good food, and the proper level of respect for vegetables. read more
2 years ago
More info about Dirt Candy
86 Allen St
New York, NY 10002
Bowery, Lower East Side
Directions
(212) 228-7732
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Visit Website
http://dirtcandynyc.com/
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Ask the Community - Dirt Candy
Do they have an a la carte menu or set menu only?
I'm pretty sure it's only the set tasting menu for that season. They do sometimes add extra courses that are not included on the printed menu offering.
Do they take walk-ins? Or is it reservation-only?
During the peak hours I don't think you can get in without a reservation. If you walked in or called ahead (after peak dining hours), I feel that they would likely seat you. They are hugely popular, but I don't think they have any snobbery about…
How far in advance do reservations open?
One month. Exclusively on Resy. Reservations for parties of 1-5 persons are available to book online up to 30 days in advance to each calendar date. Reservations are released at Midnight EST.
Do they take reservations? How big is it, is it one of those trendy high ceiling industrial spaces, or cozy & intimate? Thanks!
Yes they take reservations. And it's definitely on the cozier side although it is not a tiny place (more like medium).
How different is the vegan vs. the standard version of the tasting menu?
Are there outdoor tables?
On my visit they'd already announced they were being taken down, so no more.
Can the menu items be customized to be allium-free (no onion, no garlic)?
This is an extremely high end restaurant that prepares every dish with great care and artistry which of coarse takes more time to prep. I would call them to ask they are very accommodating tho I doubt it would be the same experience.
Now that NYC is back in the medium zone for COVID19 and NYC Health & CDC recommend indoor indoors, will Dirt Candy open up outdoor tables again? I made a reservation on June 7 at Chef's Counter but prefer outside table as I am high risk
Just call the restaurant and ask?
Would a non-vegan person LOVE this restaurant (ideally looking for memorable flavor and to be full by the end)? Thanks!
I eat meat and still loved it. And was full by the end
Is the outdoor heating here good? I've gone to places with "outdoor heating" and was still freezing my behind off. Somebody let me know please
Yes outdoor seating. Yes still freezing my butt off!! Idk if it's bc heating is not that great or bc it was so cold.
Do they allow children ? My son is 1 yr old?
Yes we allow children! Children ages 5 and under can order a la carte, but children ages 6 or older must order a tasting menu.
Does Dirt Candy still do brunch?
This summer, the chef announced in an email that "Dirt Candy is ending its regular brunch. I had learned the hard way that, for a lot of little reasons, it's just not possible to turn out Dirt Candy caliber food for brunch. But while our regular…
Is there a dress code?
There is certainly not a formal dress code. We went with jeans and casual shirts and did not feel under-dressed at all.
Would you allow two people with small appetites split the Vegetable Patch dinner?
They specifically say each person needs to order their own. Too bad, since it's so much food, you could split it. I think they let you order a la carte items if you sit at the bar.
We are taking our 6 year old along, will we pay for her full tasting menu as well?
More than likely! This place is good, but just too expensive even when sharing.
Does the Vegetable Patch include dessert, or is that an additional charge?
It definitely includes dessert and no tipping necessary. I don't recall if the tax is included in the price.
Question for the staff. Are the small brown bread balls intended to resemble something a bunny might leave behind in a garden? :)…
That's their monkey bread! Each serving from what I can tell is naturally colored with a different vegetable. Ours was a pretty red from beets!
Would it be hard to do a gluten and soy free dinner?
They have a lot of gluten free options.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
49 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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Dirt Candy - vegetarian - Updated September 2026
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