Inventive, acclaimed vegetarian fine dining that elevates vegetables to the star of the show. Expect creative tasting menus & delightful surprises.
Dirt Candy is a groundbreaking vegetarian restaurant that redefines plant-based dining with its inventive tasting menus and focus on seasonal vegetables. Chef Amanda Cohen's culinary philosophy emphasizes creativity and technique, transforming simple ingredients into complex and delightful dishes. From savory donuts with smoked feta to imaginative vegetable-based desserts, each plate offers a surprising and memorable experience. The restaurant is celebrated for its ability to cater exceptionally well to both vegetarian and vegan diners, with many noting that the vegan options are as exquisite as the vegetarian ones. The dining experience is further enhanced by thoughtful wine pairings and impeccable service, making it a top choice for special occasions or for anyone seeking a unique and high-caliber meal.
Dirt Candy is lauded for its highly creative and innovative approach to vegetarian cuisine, with a focus on seasonal vegetables. Diners consistently praise the inventiveness of the dishes, with specific highlights including a highly-rated 'fried broccoli' and an 'artichoke ravioli.' The tasting menu is a frequent topic of discussion, with many finding it to be an exceptional culinary journey. The restaurant also offers a well-regarded vegan menu that is considered to be on par with its vegetarian counterpart, with subtle yet impactful substitutions. Desserts are also a talking point, often incorporating unexpected savory elements like vegetables, which some find intriguing and delicious, while one diner found a specific ice cream dessert to be a disappointment.
"The 'fried broccoli' has received specific praise with an 8/10 rating, and the 'artichoke ravioli' was highlighted as a favorite dish. Many reviewers also mention the overall tasting menu as an excellent experience."
Overall, customer sentiment towards Dirt Candy is overwhelmingly positive. Many diners praise the restaurant for its inventive and creative vegetarian cuisine, describing it as a unique and exciting culinary experience. The restaurant is frequently recommended for special occasions and for those seeking high-quality vegetarian or vegan options. Some specific mentions include the 'fried broccoli' being rated highly, and the overall quality of the food being described as outstanding, with many dishes being amazing. There is also positive feedback regarding the wine pairings and the inclusive nature of the vegan menu, which is considered just as good as the vegetarian counterpart. A few comments note that while generally excellent, one dessert (a Caesar salad-inspired ice cream) was a disappointment for one diner, though this was contrasted by another who found the same dessert to be creamy and a favorite. A single strongly negative review described the restaurant as 'shit,' but this sentiment was rare.
Important Note
One diner reported a disappointing Caesar salad-inspired ice cream dessert, describing it as icy and not particularly delicious. There's also a note about arriving on time for reservations, as punctuality is expected by the staff.
"The user strongly dislikes Dirt Candy, calling it "shit.""
Negative"The user suggests Dirt Candy as an alternative restaurant recommendation."
Positive"This user views Dirt Candy's removal from the list as a major oversight, considering it one of the best restaurants in the city."
Positive"This user believes removing Dirt Candy and ABCV from the list was a mistake."
Positive"Dirt Candy was among the restaurants noticed to have fallen off the NY Times list this year."
Neutral"This user strongly agrees with the recommendation for Dirt Candy, highlighting that it feels celebratory, is vegetarian-friendly, fits the budget, offers great service, and even has a cool bathroom."
Positive"The user simply recommends Dirt Candy as a suitable restaurant."
Neutral"A user shared their experience having the same meal at Dirt Candy, noting that their ice cream dessert was super creamy and a favorite dish. They suggested the original poster might have received a bad batch."
Positive"The first three courses were excellent, especially the artichoke ravioli which was a favorite. While the broccoli course was good, the caesar salad-inspired ice cream dessert was a disappointment, described as icy and not particularly delicious, detracting from an otherwise potentially perfect meal."
Positive"Dirt Candy is highlighted as the user's mom's favorite visiting spot, noted for its fun atmosphere and great wine list, despite the mom being adventurous."
Positive"A user recommended Dirt Candy as a suggestion for a tasting menu birthday dinner. This recommendation is particularly relevant given the original poster's request for exciting vegetarian options."
Positive"A user simply recommends Dirt Candy."
Positive"A user strongly recommends Dirt Candy."
Positive"A user agrees that vegetables can be used in desserts, recalling an initial skepticism about a bok choy dessert on Dirt Candy's menu, which ultimately proved that vegetables indeed work well in desserts."
Positive"A user praises vegetable-based desserts, encouraging an open mind and providing examples like parsnip custard and beet sorbet to illustrate how various root vegetables can be sweet in desserts."
Positive"A user confirms that Dirt Candy consistently incorporates vegetables into their desserts, describing the practice as "weird" but generally good."
Positive"A user expresses admiration for how Dirt Candy creates vegetable-based desserts, consistently finding them incredible despite initial skepticism about the concept."
Positive"A user highly recommends Dirt Candy as an amazing option for a starred place with vegetarian options, calling it one of the best vegetarian restaurants in NYC."
Positive"The original poster finds the concept of salad-based desserts at Dirt Candy "interesting" and considers the restaurant a great option overall."
Positive"A user states that Dirt Candy has a Michelin Star, is reasonably priced, and offers incredible food."
Positive"The commenter clarifies that at Dirt Candy, the closing time refers to the last seating, and the restaurant maintains its excellent service even for late-night bookings."
Positive"The commenter confirms their personal positive experience with a 10:30 PM reservation at Dirt Candy, stating that the restaurant was great, not rushed, and still quite busy."
Positive"A server and past diner praises Dirt Candy's impeccable service, assuring that even a late reservation will not feel rushed. However, they strongly advise arriving on time due to the courtesy expected for staff."
Positive"The commenter emphasizes that Dirt Candy's service is consistently great and guests are not rushed, even during the latest seating, while also advising punctuality."
Positive"The commenter shares their positive experience with a previous late reservation at Dirt Candy, confirming that it was fine."
Positive"The commenter expresses approval for the choice of Dirt Candy as a celebratory venue."
Neutral"The commenter affirms that late reservations at Dirt Candy are fine, as the restaurant offers the time slot and provides a precisely coursed meal that naturally guides the dining experience."
Positive"Countering a previous comment, this commenter states that they have never felt rushed during late seatings at various restaurants, implying that establishments plan service for such reservations."
Positive"The commenter cautions that a late reservation, specifically at closing time, might lead to a rushed experience and potential mistakes at any restaurant, including Dirt Candy, despite it being an available booking."
Negative"The commenter reassures the original poster that booking a late reservation at Dirt Candy is not rude and they will not be the only diners there at that time."
Neutral"The original poster had a very positive experience at Dirt Candy with their late reservation. The restaurant remained busy, they were not rushed through their meal, and the food was outrageously good."
Positive"This comment recommends Dirt Candy for those looking for vegetarian options downtown."
Positive"Loratliff enthusiastically recommends Dirt Candy as a vegetable-focused restaurant option."
Positive"Confirms hearing positive feedback about the wine pairings at Dirt Candy (DC)."
Positive"Comments that Dirt Candy (referred to as DC) offers relatively reasonable prices for its vegetarian fine dining."
Positive"Describes Dirt Candy's wine pairing as one of the most innovative they've experienced, highlighting its focus on small, often women-owned producers, and expressing great enjoyment."
Positive"The commenter lists Dirt Candy, a vegetarian restaurant, as one of their go-to spots."
Positive"Strongly recommends Dirt Candy as the place to go if the diners are open to vegan restaurants. This implies it's a top-tier choice for plant-based dining."
Positive"Briefly recommends Dirt Candy as a suitable restaurant choice, fitting the criteria of the original post."
Positive"A regular diner at Dirt Candy, visiting nearly every quarter for years, states both the vegan and vegetarian menus are delicious and exquisite without any sacrifice in quality."
Positive"The commenter clarifies that the 'freebies' are included in the meal and mentions two vegan examples: peas in spicy serrano cilantro sauce and a carrot falafel slider. They list the differences between the vegan and vegetarian menu as cheese, cream sauces, and bread/puff pastry."
Positive"The commenter has enjoyed both the vegan and non-vegan versions of Dirt Candy, finding both wonderful and memorable."
Positive"A former line cook at Dirt Candy assures that the vegan versions of dishes are just as incredible as the vegetarian ones, with a lot of care put into their preparation."
Positive"The commenter has dined at Dirt Candy with their vegan partner and vegetarian partner, noting the meals are almost identical with minor tweaks. They highly recommend the restaurant for vegans and non-vegans alike, praising the staff and food for providing an exceptional, equal experience."
Positive"While suggesting Dirt Candy as a great place to make an exception for non-vegan dining, the commenter emphasizes that the vegan experience is not lesser. They've been there 10 times without receiving "freebies.""
Positive"The commenter and their wife recently dined at Dirt Candy, with the commenter choosing the vegan menu while their wife had the vegetarian option. The commenter found the vegan meal incredibly satisfying, with some dishes having simple substitutions like no cheese or a vegan biscuit instead of puff pastry. They both received two extra dishes."
Positive"The commenter's vegan wife loves Dirt Candy, considering the food excellent and much better than Emp."
Positive"The commenter has been to Dirt Candy four times with vegan friends and found the vegan dishes looked identical to the non-vegan options. They also mention that the restaurant always gives out two "freebies" which are basically part of the menu."
Positive"Dirt Candy is a restaurant worth considering."
Neutral"Called Dirt Candy their go-to special occasion restaurant and said they love it."
Positive"Called Dirt Candy "fabulous"."
Positive"Said Dirt Candy was "really good" with half the plates amazing and the other half still good."
Positive"Rated fried broccoli an 8/10 and said Dirt Candy was good overall with half the plates amazing and the other half still good."
Positive"Dirt Candy has a great, reasonably priced tasting menu and is suggested as a non-sushi option."
Positive"Considers Dirt Candy the top suggestion for the user's request, noting it is elegant and polished compared to some other vegan options."
Positive"States Dirt Candy is the best answer if the user can afford it."
Positive"Strongly recommends Dirt Candy as the best option for the user's request, advising to get a reservation and noting the price is more palatable due to the no-tipping policy."
Positive"Suggests Dirt Candy for a fun vegetarian tasting menu experience."
Positive"Recommends Dirt Candy for a vegetarian birthday dinner."
Positive"The commenter recommends Dirt Candy as a very inventive vegetarian restaurant, though notes uncertainty about its similarity to Aquavit."
Positive"A commenter highly recommended Dirt Candy for vegans, noting that tipping is included and reservations should be made about 30 days in advance."
Positive"A user suggested the OP look into Dirt Candy as another high-end vegan restaurant option in NYC besides Eleven Madison Park."
Positive"A user recommended Dirt Candy as a one-star Michelin vegetarian/vegan restaurant where tips are included in the price ($115pp), presenting it as a palatable alternative."
Positive"Dirt Candy is haute cuisine and high concept, but fun to do at least once."
Positive"Dirt Candy has a set rotating menu that highlights seasonal vegetables."
Positive"Dirt Candy has been outstanding for a flex diner and their vegetarian wife."
Positive"I'd add Dirt Candy to that list, $115pp but they're a no-tipping establishment (also, the food is awesome)."
Positive"Dirt Candy is $105 pp with tip included (though I usually end up spending about $150pp with drinks) and is super fun (though vegetarian)."
Positive"Suggests vegetarian Dirt Candy as a 'so good' and fun adventure, noting it's not super expensive, has a coursed menu that isn't hours long, but lacks a view."
Positive
