Post Overview: Vegan pizza in NYC
Listen – I’ll just be honest from the get-go: I’m not vegan. Having said that, my spouse is. And yes, you’d be correct in assuming that as New Yorkers we’ve had plenty of vegan NYC pizza slices.
As a matter of fact I think that me not being vegan is a positive to writing this article. I’m not forced to follow a diet, so the fact that I keep coming back to these vegan pizza shops in NYC means they must be good, right?
My wife and I are always on the hunt for noteworthy vegan pizza in NYC and try to one-up each other with better finds (friendly competition is core to our marriage). But last week I thought, let’s share our finds with the world!
So without further ado, here are the best vegan NYC pizza shops we’ve found (thus far).
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Vegan Pizza in NYC
#12. Emmy Squared
Emmy Squared has managed to break into a scene dominated by New York style pizza with an array of Detroit style pies that are too damn good to deny.
Even the staunchest New Yorkers who treat their pizza religiously can’t refuse a bite.
They offer two vegan pies that give New York City’s vegan population a reason to keep coming back.
The first is the Artie Bucco, which is made with garlic, caramelized onions and basil. The second (and my favorite) is the Larry that comes with cauliflower, spinach, chili glaze, raisins, pine nuts and parsley pesto.
The restaurant also offers more than just some of the best vegan pizza in NYC. A lot of their menu can be made vegan including the brussels sprout salad, meatballs and waffle fries so bring your appetite.
Emmy Squared has five locations in Manhattan and two in Brooklyn, so make sure you reserve the right shop.
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
#11. Pizza Collective
The folks behind the Pizza Collective knew what they were doing when it comes to marketing. Every time I pass by the bright pink sign it catches my eye, and I walk past one daily!
A baby born after the pandemic, the shop is still growing in popularity. But thanks to some of the best vegan pizza in NYC I don’t anticipate much struggle.
The pies are Roman style, meaning they’re square and have a thick, fluffy crust. For those of you that like hearty slices that feel heavy in your hand, Pizza Collective says: I got you.
I wish they had more than three vegan options. For now the vegan mushroom, sausage and primavera pies have brought me back half a dozen times.
Made with Violfi vegan mozzeralla I doubt the pies will ever have the texture of dairy-made pies. But I’ll tell you this much: they’re pretty damn good.
Address: 2060 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
#10. &Pizza
&Pizza is coming for well established, historic pizzerias flaunting a modern interior (that looks like a spaceship) and pies that aren’t afraid to push boundaries.
Your options are limitless because you have the ability to craft your pie any way you like it. If you order online all you have to do is choose ingredients with a green smiley face, meaning vegan (I love when things are simple).
So not only do you get some of the best vegan pizza in NYC, you can change your order daily based off your mood and cravings. Since vegan pizzas aren’t (yet) readily available in NYC, the ability to customize means you still get to try something new.
Address: 15 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
#9. Coletta
Alas, now we’re reaching the heavy hitters. Coletta is entirely vegan, meaning you don’t have to settle, ask for substitutes or opt out of ingredients – Coletta’s your oyster.
And not only does Coletta make some of the best vegan pizza in NYC, the restaurant is 100% kosher too (L’Chaim!). The Italian menu is entirely at your disposal, so dig in my friends.
There are six different pizzas to choose from, but the fig jam and “prosciutto” pie has ran away with my heart. With a hint of sweetness from the figs, it almost doubles as dessert.
And with its quaint, intimate vibe Coletta is a phenomenal place for a casual date-night. Who said vegan pizza in NYC can’t be romantic? 😉
Address: 365 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
#8. Williamsburg Pizza
Don’t let the name throw you off — Williamsburg Pizza isn’t exclusive to Williamsburg Brooklyn (they even have a location in Nebraska). There are three locations in Brooklyn and two in Manhattan.
The friendly and extremely efficient staff do a great job at creating a welcoming environment for folks to enjoy a classic slice of vegan NYC pizza.
Those who are partial to a bit of a crispy, crunchy crust are sure to be satisfied. Nice and toasty, the crust’s flavor isn’t overwhelming which really helps the quality ingredients really shine.
They only make two vegan NYC pizza slices, one is a vegan pepperoni (which is to die for) and the second is simply called vegan. It comes with vegan mozzarella, artichokes, basil, spinach, red peppers and red onions.
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
#7. Village Square Pizza
Small and nondescript, you’d be forgiven if you didn’t give Village Square Pizza the time of the day. I’m here to sing their praises though, they make some of the best vegan pizza in NYC.
The slice shop usually has a few options available but don’t expect a ton of variety. What they lack in variety they make up for in flavor. Simple and to the point, the eggplant square is a sure-fire order that won’t disappoint.
Address: Multiple locations in New York City
#6. Two Boots
Founded in 1987 and now boasting five (soon to be six) colorful and quirky locations in NYC, Two Boots makes some of the most sought-after vegan pizza in NYC.
Inspired by Cajun cuisine and New-Haven (Connecticut) style pizzas, Two Boots doesn’t make any qualms about ruffling feathers. They make fun and unique pies that keep your tastebuds on their toes.
As far of their vegan options, the NYC pizza joint has a half dozen pies to choose from. They’re named after eccentric figures like Mr. Pink from Reservoir Dogs and VCBGB, the legendary punk-rock venue in the East Village.
You should also note that every Two Boots location has a signature “home” pie that’s unique to the neighborhood. These won’t often won’t be vegan, but sometimes you can customize to meet your dietary restrictions.
For a full look at Two Boots’ menu visit their website.
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
#5. Double Zero
Double Zero is here to remind vegan New Yorkers that their food requirements should not only be met, but mastered. Founded by celebrity plant-forward chef Matthew Keeney, Double Zero is a pioneer in vegan NYC pizza.
The pies are impressively 100% plant-based and made in a wood-burning oven. They’re both healthy and tasty! Even better, every pie can be made gluten, soy and nut free so food intolerances are a non-factor.
Double Zero also makes non-pizza plates, including pasta dishes that could’ve fooled me into thinking they were made with real cheese. It’s no wonder the Michelin Guide donned Double Zero a Bib-Gourmand rating, given to restaurants that offer a good value.
My only complaint with Double Zero is that their seating is mostly stools. Sitting on them for a while can be uncomfortable, but not to the extent of knocking them off the list of the best vegan pizza shops in NYC.
Address: 65 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States
#4. Artistic Pizza
A hole in the wall type of joint, Artistic Pizza is an unassuming spot for a mind-blowing vegan slice in NYC.
They have two menus, one full of classic pies and another catered towards vegan flavors. The vegan menu is compromised of an admirable 17 pies, so can we please give Artistic Pizza a round of applause!
Lucky for my credit-card statement, Artistic Pizza is also affordable. Full pies coming in south of the $20 mark which makes stumbling in after a boozy night out not nearly as bad. Individual slices aren’t as cost-effective so either take the full pie home and reheat it later or visit with friends.
Speaking of which, Artistic Pizza is open until 2AM and in the nightlife-riddled West Village. It should go without saying that this is one of the best vegan pizza shops in NYC to visit during a fun night on the town.
Address: 123 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
#3. Paulie Gee’s
Paulie Gee’s has the best pizza Greenpoint has to offer. They have two unique locations with the same name, both churning out delicious wood fired pizza. They have both a sit-down restaurant and a slice shop.
The restaurant wants guests to enjoy their pizza straight out of the oven so they don’t offer any takeout orders. No big deal since it’s a beautiful setting for dates and get-togethers.
Not to mention they offer such a large variety of pies everyone in your party can get a different one and you still wouldn’t have tried half. In total, Paulie Gee’s the restaurant has 10 of the best vegan pizza options in NYC.
The slice shop has a significantly smaller menu but still dishes out pies with the same high quality you expect from the restaurant. It’s more of a low-key setting reminiscent of a mom & pop shop with four vegan NYC pizza variants.
They’re less than a 5 minute walk from each other so I like to show up to the restaurant and if the wait is too long stop by the slice shop. Either way you’re guaranteed a slice of the best pizza in Brooklyn.
Restaurant Address: 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Slice Shop Address: 110 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
#2. Zazzy’s Pizza
Anyone a fan of rewards points? If so one of the best pizza joints on the Upper East Side is Zazzy’s.
You can start earning “Za Dollars” with every purchase and by simply signing up for rewards you’ll automatically receive 10 Za$ which can be applied towards your order.
After that your rewards automatically get added to your account after ever visit. It’s a great system for those looking to save a buck (or those who can’t help themselves when they see a killer deal).
Zazzy’s Pizza is also one of the best pizza spots in NYC for vegan friends or those with dietary restrictions. Offering both a regular menu and a plant-based menu, everyone can enjoy a delicious pie without having to visit two separate shops!
Address: 1477 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075
#1. Screamer’s Pizzeria
Screamer’s Pizza was my introduction to vegan pizza in NYC and I admit I might be biased, but it’s hard to beat. It was a slice of this pie that made me think, these vegan folks might be on to something here.
For a split-second I forgot I was eating vegan pizza, which says a lot for a NYC joint. Most of the city’s pies are greasy bites of cheesy goodness and Screamer’s somehow toes the line. They make the kind of pizza that tastes so good because you know it’s so bad – but in reality it’s not actually that bad.
The entire restaurant is vegan so my wife doesn’t have to worry about analyzing the menu. We never hesitate to order whatever sounds good because we know the ingredients are fresh and the pie will be amazing.
Screamer’s also lives up to its name, the shop swells with folks from all across the city. If I’m being honest, depending on the day it can grow to be a little too much. Generally speaking though the chipper chatter often adds to the ambience and you feel like you’re in a foodie hot-spot.
Word to the wise: Screamer’s doesn’t only make some of the best vegan pizza in NYC, they make some of the best vegan wings too. Do yourself a favor and add some to your order, you won’t regret it.
Address: 620 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Quick Recap of the best vegan pizza in New York City
- Screamer’s Pizzeria
- Zazzy’s Pizza
- XXX
- Paulie Gee’s
- Sacco
- Artistic Pizza
- Double Zero
- Two-Boots
- Village Square
- Williamsburg Pizza
- Coletta
- Lil Frankie’s
- &Pizza
- Pizza Collective
- Emmy Squared
Best Vegan Pizza NYC (Helpful Map)
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And there you have it, our list of the best places to grab vegan pizza in NYC. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything. Cheers!
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