The East Village is popular for plant-based food items, especially when it comes to getting those high-protein meals that keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you're hitting the gym or just trying to stay on top of your health, we will help you navigate the best vegan spots in the city. Imagine savoring gluten-free tofu tacos or digging into hearty seitan fajitas—these dishes are packed with protein but never sacrifice flavor. With ingredients like lentils, tempeh, and quinoa, you’ll see just how easy (and tasty) it is to fuel up with a high-protein vegan dinner.

Why Is Protein So Important for Vegans?

Protein is essential, especially when it comes to building and repairing muscles. For those following a vegan lifestyle, it might seem tricky to get enough, but don’t worry—it’s easier than you think. In the East Village, you'll find a range of restaurants that serve meals full of plant-based proteins, so you can skip the animal products without missing out on nutrition.

Top High-Protein Vegan Ingredients

Alright, let’s keep it casual. If you’re trying to build a high-protein vegan meal, there are some ingredients you’ll want to get friendly with. Tofu is a classic—you can do so much with it, and it’s packed with protein. Tempeh, on the other hand, is a bit firmer and gives you even more protein.

If you’re craving something with a bit more bite, seitan has a great texture, almost like meat, and it’s full of protein. You can’t skip the legumes either—beans, chickpeas, and lentils are staples that bring both protein and fiber to the table. And last but not least, there’s quinoa. This grain is awesome because it’s a complete protein, meaning it has all the essential amino acids your body needs.

Top vegan restaurants in East Village offer high-protein vegan foods

Here are the top vegan spots to check out.

Bar Verde

Bar Verde is your go-to for tasty, high-protein vegan meals. They’ve got flavorful dishes like Seitan Fajitas (21g protein per serving) and Tofu Tacos (8g protein), both packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients. They’re really setting the bar for vegan dining in the East Village with a menu that’s not just nutritious but also super satisfying. Let’s break down some of their standout options:

Venice Beach Garden Salad

This colorful and nutrient-packed salad looks beautiful and loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. It is great for boosting your immune system. And thanks to all those greens, you’re getting a solid dose of fiber to keep your digestion in check.

Butternut Squash Carpaccio

A dish that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching. The butternut squash gives you a healthy dose of vitamins A and C for eye health and immune support. Toss in some candied pepitas for a little extra protein to get a light yet filling option.

Massaged Kale Salad

Kale can be tough, but once massaged, it becomes tender and easy to digest. Plus, it’s packed with iron and calcium—two nutrients vegans sometimes miss. The creamy coconut-lime dressing and avocado give it a boost of healthy fats for sustained energy.

Watermelon Poke

Looking for something refreshing? The Watermelon Poke pairs juicy watermelon with a tangy ponzu-lime marinade. It’s hydrating, rich in heart-healthy lycopene, and gets an extra protein kick from kale and macadamia nuts.

Sprouted Chickpea Hummus

Sprouting chickpeas enhances their nutritional punch, and this hummus is no exception. Full of protein and fiber, it’s the perfect option for muscle repair and keeping you energized throughout the day.

Brussels Sprouts

Bar Verde’s Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of vitamin K and fiber. Paired with a maple-carrot purée and seeds for extra protein and healthy fats, this dish is a must-try.

Martina

Craving Italian? Martina serves up protein-rich dishes like Tempeh Pizza and Chickpea Pasta, so you can indulge in comfort food while getting your protein fix.

Martina Restaurant inner image source: Google

Superiority Burger

For burger lovers, Superiority Burger has you covered with their famous Chickpea Burger, packing around 12–15g of protein per patty.

Source: Superiority Burger Restaurant

The Benefits of High-Protein Vegan Dinners

From helping with muscle repair after a workout to maintaining your energy levels throughout the day, there are plenty of benefits of choosing a high-protein vegan dinner. Plus, these dishes often come with added benefits like fiber and essential nutrients (hello, iron!). Not to mention, protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which can be great for managing your weight.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can find:

Restaurant Dish Protein Source Approx. Protein (g)
Bar Verde Seitan Fajitas Seitan 21g per 3 oz
Bar Verde Tofu Tacos Tofu 8g per 100g
Bar Verde Lentil Salad Lentils 18g per cup
Martina Tempeh Pizza Tempeh 15-20g per serving
Superiority Burger Chickpea Burger Chickpeas 12-15g per patty
Peacefood Cafe Tempeh Sandwic Tempeh 15-18g per sandwich
Peacefood Cafe Tofu Stir-Fries Tofu 8g per 100g

So, whether you're into Mexican, Italian, or classic vegan burgers, East Village has something for everyone who wants to stay energized and healthy, all while sticking to plant-based proteins.

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