New York City is a carnivore's paradise. It's no secret that we love our meats. But what about the other food groups? 

Mnay of the culinary geniuses of NYC's restaurant scene aren't solely catering to meat-eating consumers. In fact, a lot of new vegetarian and vegan spots seem to be all the rage these days. 

We have some of the most creative chefs putting up killer plates devoid of any meat product.

Sure, some people really can't fathom the idea of filling up on tofu and rabbit food, but there's so much more to vegetarian/vegan food than just the stereotypical items. 

Here are some NYC restaurants (in no particular order) who have the potential to make any carnivore into an herbivore after one meal. 

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1. Candle 79 (154 East 79th Street)

Sometimes when you're a strict vegetarian or vegan, it's incredibly difficult to go out for a nice dinner and be able to eat according to your dietary restrictions. If you're looking for a spot to have a celebratory dinner where you're sure to have a wonderful, non-meaty meal, try Candle 79.

Better yet? It's all organic... even the beer and wine. They also have a gluten-free menu to make it easier for people with that particular dietary restriction, and they have brunch. Essentially, it's your new favorite vegetarian spot.

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Try the "Mezze Platter" as an appetizer that comes with smoked hummus, eggplant caponata, babaganoush, almond tzatziki, grilled paratha bread, olives and almonds. For an entree, try the "Seitan Piccata," with creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, oyster mushrooms, and lemon caper sauce. 

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2. Blossom Restaurant (187 9th Avenue)

Want another upscale vegan restaurant with an emphasis on pairing vegan food with wine? Try Blossom Restaurant, which is cozily located in a two-story townhouse in Chelsea. While they do have two more locations in NYC, their original Chelsea location is our favorite. 

Apart from their everyday lunch/brunch or dinner menu, they also have an "In Bloom" menu using seasonal vegetables for flavorful and original dishes. Our current favorite is the spinach and cashew ravioli with basil marinara, crispy leeks, and truffle oil drizzle. 

From their everyday menu, we really love their hickory barbecue tempeh with roasted fingerling potatoes, sautéed collard greens, and horseradish creme fraiche. 

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3. Franchia (12 Park Avenue)

For many years, people were turned off from vegetarian diets due to the idea that tofu was the only source of protein... and that it was pretty gross. But those people need to try the "Avocado Stone Bowl" with avocado, vegetables, and tofu over rice. 

This spot has a huge variety vegan foods with a Korean flair. They even serve over ten different types of vegetarian sushi. 

If you're looking for something a little cheaper, try the prix fixe menu that comes with either the soup of the day or the salad of the week, two appetizers, and choice of entree served with white or brown rice, and dessert with tea. You have to order at least 2, so go with a friend. It's $35/person.

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4. Taim (222 Waverly Place)

This is one of our absolute favorite vegetarian/vegan restaurants in NYC. Serving Middle Eastern vegetarian cuisine, this spot is a must for any food lover, and not just vegetarians, especially if you're a fan of falafels. 

While the restaurant is all vegetarian, only a few options aren't vegan, so you can find something to fit your dietary needs pretty easily here. 

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We're obsessed with their falafel sandwich with a green falafel, hummus, israeli salad, pickled cabbage, and tahini sauce. If you're not feeling that, try the "Sabich," which comes with sliced eggplant (fried to order), an organic egg, parsley, hummus, israeli salad, pickled cabbage, tahini, and amba. 

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5. Strictly Vegetarian Restaurant (2268 Church Avenue - Brooklyn)

Sometimes vegetarian and vegan food comes with a pretty steep price tag... you don't have to worry about it at Strictly Vegetarian Restaurant in Brooklyn. 

The menu changes each day, and you pretty much get whatever is on the menu, but you do choose your size. You can get a small for $8, a medium for $10, and a large for $14. Though it's pretty much a hole-in-the-wall place, the food is out of this world. 

If you're in the Brooklyn area and you don't try Strictly Vegetarian for a quick lunch, you're doing yourself a disservice. 

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6. Seasoned Vegan (55 St. Nicholas Avenue)

This spot in Harlem definitely touches the heartstrings. It's owned and operated by a mother and son duo, Brenda and Aaron Beener. Their menu is organic and 100% vegan. While you wouldn't traditionally associate vegan food with soul food, these two do it well. 

Some of the favorites are the "lemon crusted 'chicken' nuggets" that uses soy "chicken" that has been breaded and fried. 

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Lookin' for a good chopped cheeseburger? Try their "Harlem Chopped Cheeseburger," that takes a soy protein patty chopped on the grill with greens, tomatoes, and "cheddar." 

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7. Le Village (127 East 7th Streeet)

Just because you're a vegan or vegetarian doesn't mean you can't have some really amazing French food. Just head on over to Le Village in the East Village for a quaint, BYOB spot that's serving up vegetarian versions of French classics. 

Beware that it is not completely vegetarian, but that just means you can bring your meat-eating friends along for a delicious meal. They also offer a lot of gluten-free options, so it's the perfect spot for someone with various dietary restrictions. 

Try the sauteed brussels sprout appetizer with balsamic glazed strawberries. Then try the Cassoulet with mixed stewed beans, smoked portobello, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms, sliced boiled potato, and olive oil. You can't go wrong. 

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8. by CHLOE (185 Bleecker Street)

This newcomer to the vegan/vegetarian restaurant scene is essentially taking over the city. Really... they've ushered in the vegan burger trend. They've developed such a large following that they are already planning to open two new spots this year. 

Make sure to try their famous guac burger, or try the whiskey BBQ with smoky portobello mushrooms and seitan, sauteed kale, onion marmalade, grilled pineapple, bourbon bbq, and a potato bun. Or try their mac and cheese, with sweet potato-cashew cheese sauce, shiitake bacon, and almond parm.

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If you're trying to hit up by CHLOE for lunch, be prepared to wait on a hefty line (like we said, they've developed a following), but we assure you it's worth it. 

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9. Govinda's Vegetarian (305 Schermerhorn Street - Brooklyn)

Most cafeterias don't really have wonderful options for vegetarians. This cafeteria-style spot doesn't have any NON-vegetarian items. It's pretty much a vegetarian's lunch break dream. 

The menu changes daily, so be sure to check their Facebook for their menu. Today's lunch included eggplant parm, quinoa salad, tons of vegetables, pumpkin soup, and a couple of vegetarian desserts including cheesecake, cupcakes, and samosas. 

Check out 7 Best Lunch Spots to Keep Up That Healthy New Year's Resolution. 

[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]