Walking into Plant Junkie (226 Front Street) you're immediately welcomed by an airy, spacious ambiance filled with natural light and a comforting color palette that sets the tone for a refreshing dining experience. A neon Plant Junkie sign greets guests upon arrival, signaling that you've arrived at a vegan utopia. The dining room offers comfortable seating for up to 24, with a psychedelic-colored booth lining the space and added bartop seating, perfect for enjoying a meal alongside an N/A drink or two. 

Interior Shot Courtesy of Plant Junkie

The front of the restaurant features an expansive menu that greets you as you enter, brimming with vibrant plant-based options. The decor is equally inspiring, adorned with sweet quotes about kindness and living life to the fullest. Adding to the charm, there's a curated selection of vegan goodies for sale, including the latest lip gloss collection from Lucky Chick, showcasing a gorgeous variety of colors.

The Sri Lankan Karma Bowl

Plant Junkie is more than just a restaurant—it’s a step toward a healthier planet. By offering plant-based meals with gluten-free options, the team helps reduce the environmental impact of traditional dining while providing delicious, accessible vegan options for all. Founded by Nat Milner and Chef Hiranth Jaysinghe, Plant Junkie blends over 25 years of NYC restaurant expertise with a passion for sustainability. Chef Hiranth, born and raised in Sri Lanka and trained at the Natural Gourmet Institute, brings his rich culinary heritage to every dish, combining Sri Lankan roots with American comfort food classics. 

During my visit, I indulged in an array of flavorful dishes, each with its own unique signature. The Sri Lankan Karma Bowl was a standout, bursting with rich flavors from the Bay of Bengal. It featured Sri Lankan Seitan Curry, yellow basmati rice, chickpea curry, coconut kale, and a crispy papadum. For those seeking a gluten-free option, substituting the seitan with red curry tofu is a perfect alternative. The bold spices and creamy textures created a comforting, hearty bowl. 

Next, I tried The Wicked Baller, an old-school "meatball" grinder served on a vegan pretzel bun. The homemade marinara, paired with onions, peppers, and crispy shallots, delivered a delightful mix of tangy and savory notes with every bite.

"Chicken" Nuggets

The Greek Salad was a refreshing contrast, featuring crisp lettuce, tofu feta, olives, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and pepperoncini, all complemented by creamy hummus and crunchy pita chips. This vibrant dish is also available as a wrap for those on the go. For a classic comfort food fix, the 6 “Chicken” Nuggets did not disappoint. Crispy on the outside and generously sized, they offered a satisfying bite with a perfectly seasoned crunch.

The Greek Salad

To round off the meal, I indulged in their 100% plant-based homemade cookies and a decadent vegan mocha cake. The desserts were the perfect sweet ending, rich and flavorful without feeling heavy. Plant Junkie offers more than just food—it’s an experience that celebrates plant-based living with warmth, creativity, and an undeniable passion for bold, global flavors.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Find out more about their menu and mission on there website and check out upcoming events like Trunks of Love, a chef's dinner raising funds in partnership World Animal Protection, fighting to free Joyce, a captive elephant in suburban New Jersey. Whether you're vegan or just curious, it’s a spot that promises to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished and inspired.