New York City is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant food scene that never sleeps. While it’s easy to indulge in all the delicious options, it’s also essential to be mindful of the planet and eat sustainably. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of 5 eco-friendly restaurants in the city that offer delicious food, all while being kind to our environment.

1. ABC Kitchen 🥗🍴

ABC Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. They pride themselves on using organic, sustainable, and earth-friendly ingredients and working closely with local farmers. The interior design of the restaurant also reflects their mission, with reclaimed wood and earthy tones that create a rustic atmosphere.

A beautifully presented dish of roasted vegetables with a crispy crust

2. Blue Hill 🧀🍷

Blue Hill is known for its luxurious fine dining experience. The restaurant also has a location in upstate New York, where they own their own farm that supplies their food. They prioritize zero-waste initiatives and have implemented composting and reducing food waste. Their ingredient-driven menu showcases the best of what’s in season, with dishes that are both beautifully plated and delicious.

A plate with a thin layer of cheese, with sprinkled herbs, olives, and breadsticks on the side

3. Dirt Candy 🥕🥦

Dirt Candy is a vegetarian restaurant that aims to make vegetables the star of the plate. The chef and owner, Amanda Cohen, works with local farmers to source her ingredients and has a strict no-waste policy. The restaurant also composts, recycles, and uses eco-friendly cleaning products. Their menu changes seasonally, ensuring that their produce and dishes are always fresh and sustainable.

A beautifully arranged dish with a variety of colorful vegetables topped with a creamy sauce

4. WastED 🍔♻️

WastED is a pop-up restaurant with a mission to combat food waste. Created by chef Dan Barber, the restaurant sources food items that are typically considered “waste,” such as carrot tops or beef tallow, and transforms them into delicious plates. Their ethos is to use every part of the ingredient, down to the peelings and bones. The pop-up also partners with local farmers to reduce food waste.

A burger with a black bun and a variety of toppings, including pickles and lettuce, served with fries and a drink

5. Sweetgreen 🥗🌱

Sweetgreen is a chain salad restaurant that has a mission to connect people to real food. They source their ingredients from local farmers and prioritize sustainability in every aspect of their operations. Their menu is customizable, with a range of salads, bowls, and seasonal options. Sweetgreen also has a program called Sweetgreen in Schools, where they teach children about the importance of eating sustainably.

A colorful salad bowl with roasted vegetables, chicken, and a variety of toppings

These are just a few of the many eco-friendly restaurants in New York City. By choosing these restaurants, you’ll be eating delicious food while also contributing to a more sustainable future. Bon appétit! 🌿🍽️🌍

A simple image of the New York City skyline lit up at night