What is a Thanksgiving dinner without turkey, some may ask? Turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table amongst an abundant array of seasonal food favorites. But if you are the vegan or vegetarian of the family, you will probably skip out on some of the Thanksgiving classics such as the stuffing, gravy, and the star of the show, the turkey. Thankfully, New York is an eclectic city that has no shortage of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Check out these plant-based restaurants that offer a taste of Thanksgiving with their seasonal dishes.

1. Champs Diner

Photo by of Madeleine Hall

Located in East Williamsburg, Champs Diner offers comfort food classics with a vegan twist. From plant-based mozzarella sticks to thick “milk” shakes, these veganized guilty pleasures can satisfy even the most avid diner goers. Now until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Champs Diner will be serving the TURKINATOR. The belly- busting sandwich is stacked with stuffing, cranberry-onion jam, brussels sprout slaw, fried apple rings, and shredded jackfruit “turkey” that is marinated in gravy. Additionally, Champs Diner is offering the “November Take n’ Bake.” For $10, take home a plant-based meatloaf with all the fixins such as mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, and gravy.

2. Blossom

Photo by Alex Etling/ A. ETLING Photography

If your plant-based palate is more refined, visit Blossom. The upscale vegan restaurant is offering a menu that is available only on Thanksgiving day. The menu will feature everything from starters to desserts. For an appetizer, try Blossom’s decadent parsnip ravioli that are cooked with truffle oil and topped with crispy shitake mushrooms. Blossom has locations on Columbus Ave and in Greenwich Village. You can book a table for Thanksgiving Day on Blossom’s website. If you want to enjoy your vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of your home, Blossom will also deliver the meal right to your doorstep. This year the restaurant has expanded its delivery service to all of Manhattan below 125th street.

3. Screamer’s Pizzeria

Photo by Madeleine Hall

Celebrate the holiday with a New York slice of pizza at Screamer’s. The all-vegan pizza joint in Brooklyn is currently making a special pie with Thanksgiving inspired toppings. The pizza is decked out with homemade mushroom gravy, sweet potatos, mac n’ cheese, brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, vegan sausage, and dairy-free cheese. Screamer’s Pizzeria will be selling their seasonal special until November 29th at both of their locations in Greenpoint and Crown Heights.

4. Candle Cafe

Candle Cafe’s cuisine features seasonal dishes that are made with locally sourced and farm-to-table ingredients. On Thanksgiving Day, their restaurant on 3rd Ave will offer a special menu with plenty of vegetarian Thanksgiving options to choose from. While Candle Cafe has pre-structured meals, guests also have the freedom to build their entrée from a wide array of Thanksgiving sides, just like you would at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

5. The Butcher’s Daughter

Photo Courtesy of the Butcher’s Daughter

Time for dessert! The Butcher’s Daughter is a 100% vegetarian restaurant with three locations in the West Village, Nolita, and Brooklyn. Right now, they are offering a holiday pie menu. Of course, nothing says Thanksgiving like a pumpkin pie. The Butchers Daughter makes theirs with a gluten-free crust, a spiced vegan pumpkin filling, topped with a whipped coconut cream. The menu also features a French Silk pie, for all the chocolate lovers, and a rustic apple walnut gallete. The pies are available for pickup at the Brooklyn location of the Butcher’s Daughter, with a 48-hour notice.

Next, read about the 10 Unique to Do for Thanksgiving 2020 in NYC