New York City Paleo-Friendly Food Guide
Living in New York City was a dream in so many ways, but the biggest dream of all was finally being able to explore all the restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, smoothie bowls, and ice cream places I had always wanted to try. My love affair with NYC’s paleo-friendly food scene was very exciting and I’m here to tell you all the dirty details. I explored high and low to find the best options for those of us dealing with unwanted food allergies and it was honestly way more difficult than I thought it would be! The thing about NYC is that almost every restaurant will have something paleo-friendly on the menu like a yummy seasonal salad or roast chicken with vegetables, but not everywhere has a wide variety of options. Finding places that advertise that they cater to an audience of paleo-foodies are few and far between. This city is massive and I felt it was my job to find the very best Manhattan has to offer us. Here is my highlight reel of the best gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly spots and I can’t wait for you to try them.
Restaurants
Thyme & Tonic / Modern Bread and Bagel / Arba: Three incredible restaurants, all owned by the same woman: Orly Gottesman. She first started exploring gluten-free baking because of her husband who struggled with Celiac Disease and ended up becoming a professionally trained pastry chef. She has developed (in my opinion) New York City’s best gluten free bagel shop. My go-to is the everything bagel (toasted) with their dairy-free tofu cream cheese with arugula, tomato, and lox. But it’s not just bagels, she owns two separate restaurants next to each other in the Upper West Side where she serves 100% gluten free cuisine. Thyme & Tonic is next door and is one of my favorite dinner spots with friends. The entire menu is gluten-free, dairy-free, and things that aren’t vegan are labelled NV.
Springbone Kitchen: One word…BONE BROTH! Springbone is the real deal. Their entire menu is paleo inspired with one-of-a-kind meals entirely made with sustainable proteins like grass-fed beef and free-range chicken. They have a wide variety of bowls, salads, broths, and paleo goodies like granola and brownie bites. My personal fave is their Chicken Zoodle Soup.
Two Hands: Iconic bowls for the ages. Two Hands is an Australian-inspired, health-conscious, dreamy spot filled with color and light. Their coffee is incredible and their food is diverse. My personal fave is the Zoe’s Market Plate filled with two eggs, avocado, watercress, roast tomato, sweet potato, beet relish, quinoa (pro tip: their scrambled egg has some dairy so opt for the poached).
Everything bagel with tofu cream cheese from Modern Bread and Bagel.
Zoe’s Market Plate from Two Hands in Noho.
Friedman’s: A brunch spot regular. This restaurant strives to make food allergies a norm. Their entire menu can be made gluten-free upon request. It even comes with a little GF flag on it when delivered to the table so you can be confident in eating your meal. I’ve had a lot of gluten free pancakes in the city, and these are still my fave: Oatmeal Banana Pancakes made with almond milk, walnuts, and maple syrup with the best almond milk latte on the side (they use Colombe, duh). Their dinner menu is bomb too, btw.
The Little Beet Table: One of my absolutely favorites. A sit-down version of the fast casual spot, The Little Beet, this restaurant does not disappoint when it comes to healthy, paleo food. Delicious full plates worth the price like their Hanger Steak, Roasted Chicken, and even a Grass-Fed Burger plate with huge roasted sweet potato wedges. Don’t miss their flaxseed pancakes if you’re there for brunch!
The Butchers Daughter: Probably the most popular and trendy vegan spot in the city. This health-conscious hot spot is a staple in your healthy food exploration. They have a really amazing assortment of wellness lattes, juices, and smoothies as well as plenty of GF/DF, veggie-packed options. If you have reintroduced rice or tofu, I recommend their GF Pad Thai Noodle dish. Check out their desserts too!
Le Botaniste: Another vegan hot spot filled with the most beautiful spread of vegetables you’ve ever seen. Amazing soups, quinoa bowls, salads, and even desserts! Their Apple Volcano and Key Lime Pie are fully paleo options.
Double Zero & Fumo: When it comes to gluten-free/dairy-free pizza these are my two favorites. Both delicious and incredible in their own way. Double Zero was created by celebrity chef, Matthew Kenney and is a world all its own. If you want an upscale vegan dining experience, look no further. Their menu is packed with handmade nut cheeses you can either get on pizza or a cheeseboard as well as nut-based cheesecake. Fumo is one of my favorite little Harlem finds, and to my excitement, are opening a second location in the Upper West Side. The owners, who are from Italy, say that their motto is “Eat Real Food” and the menu shows that. They have handmade gluten-free crusts they cook in pizza tins to not cross-contaminate with a vegan cheese substitute for us dairy-free folks.
The Smith: A very popular restaurant, which basically everyone in the city has heard of, but for good reason. They’re popular for their mac-n-cheese, but I know it for their incredible Brick Chicken and gorgeous atmosphere. They also have heated outdoor dining which was a huge plus during winter months. Steaks, vegetables, and incredible entrees. This is definitely a place for a whole group to indulge and enjoy themselves no matter what they’re in the mood for.
Wild: A 100% gluten-free kitchen with tons of great options. Not only do they have GF/DF pizza, but they also have entrees like Zucchini Noodle Marinara, a Quinoa Balsamic Kale Bowl, and an entirely vegan & gluten-free dessert menu that will blow your mind. They even have a Pizza Making class that is GF!
Senza Gluten: They call themselves “The Gluten Free Place” for a reason. If there’s something you’re craving that isn’t gluten-free, this place has it. They are very much Italian-inspired and have a bakery, with the same name, down the street with an assortment of amazing fresh-baked goods.
Ja Ja Ja: Mexican food and vacation vibes. This amazing little spot has some of the most creative and vibrant takes on Mexican food classics. About half the menu is labelled gluten-free, and if their bowls aren’t enough for you, try their Paleo Caveman taco made with coconut and arrowroot flour!
Fast-Casual Restaurants
My Build-Your-Own-Bowl from The Little Beet for lunch in Madison Square Park.
Locanut: A very new, paleo-inspired spot with an actual PALEO COOKIE on the menu. There are not a lot of restaurants that advertise themselves as paleo in Mahattan, but this is one of them. Everything is labelled: Paleo, Whole 30, Vegan, and Nut-Free on their menu so you will know exactly what you’re getting on your plate. Everything organic, grass-fed, and they even have an almond flour cauliflower burger bun…it really doesn’t get better than this in the city.
Dig Inn: A New York healthy girl staple. I’ve eaten here every time I’ve been in the city because of the quality and care that goes into every ingredient. It’s a build-your-own-bowl style place with easy pick up and delivery. Their Hot Honey Chicken & Carrots bowl has been my favorite lately, but you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu.
Sweet Green: You’ve been living under a rock if you’ve never heard of Sweet Green. It’s the best salad or bowl lunch spot you can find anywhere in the the five boroughs. If you think otherwise, drop a comment below.
The Little Beet: The fast casual version of The Little Beet Table, this place is similar to Dig Inn, but with slightly more vegan options. It really just depends on which part of the city you’re in, and which of these restaurants is in delivery range because THEY’RE ALL GOOD.
By Chloe: Two words…AIR FRYER! By Chloe is a plant-based grab-and-go spot with tons of gluten free options, but the real star is their Air Baked Sweet Potato Fries with homemade ketchup.
October: A quick and easy, plant-based, lunch spot that states they are ‘Free of the top 8 allergens’! I’m here for it. With entrees like a Charred Cauliflower Steak, a Baja Bowl, and a Kale & Brussel bowl all for under $10…definitely a great option.
Bakeries
By The Way Bakery: Entirely gluten and dairy free, and even Kosher! One of the best spots in the city for variety and quality. Their cakes are incredible and they have everything you could possibly think of when it comes to baked goods. The owner, Helene, really cares about having an inclusive shop where people with sensitivities can enjoy, relax, and indulge!
Posh Pop Bakeshop: 100% gluten-free, but definitely not guilt free. They have a handful of dairy-free options including their Slutty Brownie, Smore’s Cookie, Poptarts, and Apple Cider Donuts. This is the type of paleo splurge while on vacation because there is definitely refined sugar in this stuff. But honestly, it’s worth it…Pro tip: ask them to heat up the cookies in their oven for you because it totally changes the game.
Erin Mckenna’s: Entirely gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan! With tons of donuts, cupcakes, and cookie sandwiches, this is definitely a paleo girls dream.
The Love Bakery: A brand new paleo & vegan online ordering/pick-up service in the Lower East Side, which also offers delivery near and far! Celebrities like Hailee Steinfeld have ordered from the amazing baker, Erica Barbag, who recently moved from Chicago to NYC to follow her dreams and open a little shop all on her own for those of us looking for allergen-free options.
Coffee & Matcha:
Dairy-Free Matcha Soft Serve at Cha Cha Matcha
Bluestone Lane: My favorite coffee in the city. Their lattes never disappoint, and neither do their gluten-free/dairy-free Banana Bread and Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. They have a small menu of food, but I really only ever stopped in for their drinks on-the-go. Don’t miss their Peppermint Hot Chocolate in the winter made with peppermint tea and dairy-free chocolate.
Cha Cha Matcha: Only the most iconic matcha spot in the city. They have matcha in every color with all sorts of super foods and photo opportunities. The real star of the show is their matcha soft serve. Dairy-free and DIVINE.
Chalait: Organic ceremonial grade matcha. If you want it legit, this is the spot. They’re all about authentic health benefits, sourcing, and flavor. Their product is really top notch. They even have a great food menu which includes my favorite vegan, gluten, and dairy-free chocolate chip cookie in the city made with Tahini!!!
PlantShed Cafe: Not only is it a coffee shop with gluten & dairy-free baked goods, but it’s also a gorgeous plant store with unique gifts and greeting cards. I’m obsessed with this place and I come up with any excuse to stop in and walk around.
Dr. Smood: This is the healthiest health food shop you can find in the city. They pride themselves on making sure every ingredient is organic, plant-based, and sustainable. They want to make sure you get the most nutritional value from the food you are consuming. They have creative drinks, juices, smoothies, matcha, coffee, and even a variety of food. Their popular drink is their Hawaj Coffee made with almond mylk, maple syrup, dates, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove. Make sure to check out their paleo Cacao Coconut Fudge and Sweet & Salty Bites.
Smoothie Bowls:
Loco Coco: The best damn smoothie bowl I’ve ever had in my entire life. There’s no other way to say it. This is a must try on your trip to the big apple. The perfect thick consistency that doesn’t melt and a beautiful presentation. These things are a full meal and can all be made paleo by swapping to almond butter and using their grain-free granola. My personal fave is their Nut Butter & Loco.
Good Thanks Cafe: An all-around great brunch or dinner spot, but I had to shout them out for their smoothie bowls because they’re beautiful. There’s nothing better than a healthy way to start your weekend before diving into the natural wine selection they also have available. This would be a great spot for a date or with family because of the many options they have for any type of diet. With a slogan like: GREAT COFFEE, NATURAL WINE, REAL FOOD, you really can’t go wrong.
Joe and The Juice: Their smoothie and juice menu is bomb. A great spot for a quick meal-on-the-go.
Ice Cream & Chocolate
Van Leeuwen’s: When you think vegan ice cream in Manhattan, you think of Van Leeuwen’s. They have a delicious variety of cashew and oat milk based ice creams with gluten free mixin’s and sweetened with cane sugar. Their most popular flavor is honeycomb, and it’s easy to understand why (comes in both dairy and non-dairy).
Pressed Juicery: Everyone knows my love affair with Pressed Juicery Freeze has been ongoing. Hell, I have a whole story highlight of my freeze bowls on Instagram. I first tried Pressed in LA, then in New York, and was overjoyed when a location opened in TX while I was still living there. Their almond milk freeze soft serve (sweetened with dates) is my favorite thing on this planet. With paleo and vegan toppings and drizzles, this is the perfect healthy girl summer necessity.
Fine + Raw: When I found out there was an entire paleo/vegan chocolate shop in Brooklyn, I just about lost my mind. Their website says they “save the world through silliness and chocolate and their products are always organic, plant-based and next level.” They have an incredible variety of artisan chocolate bars, truffles, and spreads all sweetened with coconut sugar. You can pick up from their storefront, but they ship nationwide and are available in Whole Foods throughout Manhattan.
Raw Cacao Mousse Pie from Peacefood Cafe
Rawsome Treats: A raw vegan & paleo dessert boutique filled with color and variety. I’ve never seen raw desserts made so beautifully. You can order whole pies, cakes, or tarts…or you can come in and get a tasting plate of everything they have on the menu. It’s an experience to visit this place and definitely a great spot if you’re looking for a little bit of everything sweet. The majority of their treats are sweetened with agave, but they do have a few keto options sweetened with monkfruit.
Whipped Urban Dessert Lab: I have to say it…this is the most bad ass soft serve joint in NYC. Completely oat-based soft serve with allergen-friendly toppings for DAYS. Not only is this stuff delicious, but it’s incredibly instagram-able.
Peacefood Cafe: Plant-based restaurant with a ridiculous dessert selection. Tons of raw goodies and paleo treats like Key Lime Pie and their Cacao Mousse Pie! If you can eat legumes, their chickpea fries are pretty wild. They even have gluten free raw sushi rolls and tons of quinoa bowl options!
16 Handles: Definitely not as allergen-friendly as a lot of the above options, but I have to give them a shout out for their most recent addition: Oatly Soft Serve. Having great gluten and dairy free additions to their line of regular fro-yo is always a comforting moment in this community. If you want a quick and easy fro-yo stop at this popular joint, feel comforted knowing they will have something for you! Even if it is just toppings like fruit, nuts, and coconut flakes with your creamy treat.
