If you've been around NYC and vegetarian, you have almost definitely heard of Dirt Candy. It's the epitome of vegetarian fine dining in NYC.I will preface my review by stating that I have not grown up in the fine dining realm; there is probably some level of "appreciation" that I lack. That being said, the food here is great. Presentation, creativity, flavor experience are all on point. However, I couldn't justify the price for the food. I think if you are very curious and want to knock it off your bucket list OR you are someone into fine dining then this is perfect. Otherwise, there are restaurants that I think you get much better bang for your buck for in NYC.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Charles B.
Taking my wife to Dirt Candy was a gastronomic expedition to a land where vegetables are the crown jewels and the Michelin star is their royal seal. This isn't your grandma's veggie patch; it's a culinary Wonderland in the heart of NYC, where Chef Amanda Cohen is the Alice of the vegetable world, tumbling down the rabbit hole to invent dishes that would have the Mad Hatter trading in his tea for a table reservation. Dining at Dirt Candy is akin to attending a veggie high school reunion, where every dish is an old friend with a stunning new makeover. You'll find yourself whispering sweet nothings to a carrot and making plans to elope with a beet. The menu, a veritable veggie manifesto, turns the humble produce aisle into a parade of avant-garde delights. It's where cauliflower gets a Cinderella transformation, and mushrooms are more than just fungi--they're the life of the party. And let's talk about their philosophy: Dirt Candy doesn't just say "yes" to vegetables; they put them on a pedestal and give them a megaphone. It's not about wagging a finger at meat eaters but rather seducing everyone to the green side with dishes so dazzling, you might forget that steak ever had a place in your heart. And the best part? They're doling out this veggie love with a side of social justice, offering their staff a living wage, health benefits, and more, proving that good food and good ethics can go hand in hand. Forget about your food making your skin glow or adding years to your life--Dirt Candy is here to make you fall head over heels in love with vegetables. They're not just cooking; they're performing culinary magic, transforming the earth's bounty into a feast that's as thrilling as a roller coaster ride for your taste buds. So, buckle up; dining here promises a journey into the unknown, where every bite is an adventure, and vegetables are the undisputed stars of the show. Here's to hoping you leave craving broccoli the way you crave pizza, because at Dirt Candy, anyone can cook meat, but it takes a wizard to make vegetables this unforgettable.
Jennifer M.
Dirt Candy was incredible! The food and service was one of if not THE best dining experience of my life. The food was excellent and the wine pairing was perfect. We were lucky enough to sit at the chef's table and had a front row to their creations. The lighting, staff, and location were wonderful. I'll be back the next time I'm in NYC. Thank you!
Yasmine P.
If you have the opportunity to dine here…. take it! Dirt Candy was the dining experience I was most looking forward to in NY, and it didn’t disappoint. There is a star ingredient in each dish, and they use it masterfully. My favourite was pain au champignon paired with a mushroom cappuccino. Creative and delicious! We can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kathryn Anderson
Took my parents out to dinner here after coming with my husband the first time. My mom and I are both vegetarians and we loved the food. It's so nice not having to select anything from a menu and simply enjoying the 5 (to 7 - there are a couple surprise "gifts from the kitchen") courses that they bring. We in particular loved the carrot dish (gift from the kitchen) at the beginning and the dessert, which was a chocolatey date cake I think). The wine pairing was also lovely. It's spendy, but it's a great experience, especially for vegetarians. This place books out fast though, so it's important to book in advance and put yourself on the waitlist if there aren't any times available (I got in off the waitlist)
We arrived 5:50 pm just before a rush of people at 6. I recommend arriving a few minutes early. The meal started with a very friendly and knowledgeable server. We ordered our food in a non hurried manner, and a complementary pre meal item, an amuse bouche, promptly arrived. It was delicious. A taste of what was to come, excellent food at all times, great service, and a not too quiet, not too loud, Humm of other patrons. Cocktail and Wine choices are broad. Since I’ve given up alcohol for awhile, they have mock tails too, good ones, not to worry. I’ve omitted food choices on purpose since their menu changes seasonally based on availability of vegetables and sources, but I think you will enjoy the ambience, service, beverages, and most definitely the food. Go there, you’ll enjoy it. Clearly deserving of their Michelin star, I’d give them two based on my time living and dining in France, Italy, Belgium, and EnglandWheelchair accessibility: Front Doorway is very accessible. Staff are very helpful. Bathrooms are tight but have ample safety bars
This place is a treasure. My husband and I have been twice, most recently in March 2024, and it's always a culinary highlight of our trips to NYC. Amanda Cohen and her team do magical things with vegetables, and the front of house team embodies hospitality. We aren't vegetarian, but meat doesn't even cross our minds when we're eating here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Krys B.
My absolute favorite restaurant! As a vegetarian in NYC there are plenty of great restaurants that I love but Dirt Candy is unlike any restaurant I've ever been to. The food is incredible. The attention to detail of the presentation of each course is amazing. I can not rave about this place enough. Also, the staff is very friendly and informative. The give you a brief description of each course when the serve it. You definitely get your moneys worth. Each course was a good amount of good . They also sneaked in a couple extra treats in between courses. Can't wait to go back!
Vidhya Bhat
This is one of my favorite restaurants in NYC! I’ve been here a couple times, and the menu was absolutely fantastic every single time!!The menu is seasonal so you are always in for a surprise when you visit. I am a 100% sure that you’ll be mind blown by the finesse, craft, attention to detail, and the quality of food at dirt candy! I won’t believe anyone that says this place is any less than 5 stars! :DThey also send you an email when the menu changes, and reading it makes me want to immediately fly to NYC from SF! This place is a gem and I hope it never changes!!!
This is a fun and unique experience! I enjoyed every aspect of the meal but my favorite was the mushroom pastry. The service was good- they were attentive throughout the meal and were good about changing plates in between courses.
Becca M.
Delicious and our server was so attentive. We had a great corner table and the restaurant was bustling on a Friday night. The tasting menu was strong overall with the onion dish being a star among veggies. Came with two friends for our birthday celebration and the restaurant made us feel special.
Amber C.
Take this review with a grain of salt because I prefer meat and fish over vegetables any day. I have also been to many tasting menus that is not vegetarian or vegan so my expectations are a little biased. Creativity was A+ but it fell short on the execution side. It felt as if they were trying to combine a bunch of ingredients to make it seem fancy and fine-dining, but the unnecessary combo of ingredients made each individual dish overwhelming. I didn't feel full from all the courses and felt that i was still hungry after. Food: There were quite a few amuse bouches which I appreciated throughout the course (cucumber with dehydrated flakes was one). The Yuzu carrot mille fueille cake was super flakey and messy, and the cream was a bit sour. It was a savory dish, which is interesting because usually this concept would be on the sweet side. The portobello mushroom mousse was nothing to ride home about and the texture threw me off a bit. The pea ravioli with feta cheese was the best dish and executed well. It tasted like a cheese ravioli with peas. The crispy broccolini was super salty, and the broccoli became soggy due to the broth. It was like a bunch of random flavors were thrown in. The worst dish in my opinion was the burrata ice cream. The ice cream was not sweet at all and was salty. The cheese did not add anything, and it was by far one of the worst desserts I have had. I believe this place caters better towards the vegetarians/vegans because there are not many (reasonably priced) tasting menus for that demographic. however, as someone who is not a vegetarian, I would not choose this place over a different restaurant's tasting menu.
Daniel T.
My partner and I went to Dirt Candy for the first time for their six course Valentine's Day dinner last night. I really wanted to enjoy my dinner. While not currently a vegetarian, I did have multiple periods of vegetarianism in the past and I generally have a lot of respect for people who choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Further, I like the fact that Dirt Candy prides itself on paying respectable, living wages for staff and on not allowing customers to tip. Perhaps my positive attitude and initial excitement made my disappointment greater. While the service was friendly, we found the food to be quite lacking. Most dishes tasted fine, but did not feel special nor like they justified the price ($145 per person, plus tax, not including drinks). The dessert, consisting of eggplant and chocolate with yuzu granita, even though it was visually appealing, was practically inedible. Parts of it were extremely bland (including the chocolate, somehow!), and the flavorful elements did not at all go together. I left my dessert dish almost untouched, and even though the waiter noted this out loud when they took our plates off the table, they did not ask what is wrong nor whether anything could be done to amend the situation. To top it all of, both my partner and I woke up this morning feeling quite queasy and with some indigestion. The meal at Dirt Candy was the only food we shared yesterday, and so we are suspicious that it might have been the cause for our discomfort this morning. As you can tell, we unfortunately will not be coming back.
Maja
The food was great and exceptional in a good way!Service was also good, but very impersonal and you were dealt with quickly.Price performance but totally okay!
Great food and very nice vibes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you've been around NYC and vegetarian, you have almost definitely heard of Dirt Candy. It's the epitome of vegetarian fine dining in NYC.I will preface my review by stating that I have not grown up in the fine dining realm; there is probably some level of "appreciation" that I lack. That being said, the food here is great. Presentation, creativity, flavor experience are all on point. However, I couldn't justify the price for the food. I think if you are very curious and want to knock it off your bucket list OR you are someone into fine dining then this is perfect. Otherwise, there are restaurants that I think you get much better bang for your buck for in NYC.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Taking my wife to Dirt Candy was a gastronomic expedition to a land where vegetables are the crown jewels and the Michelin star is their royal seal. This isn't your grandma's veggie patch; it's a culinary Wonderland in the heart of NYC, where Chef Amanda Cohen is the Alice of the vegetable world, tumbling down the rabbit hole to invent dishes that would have the Mad Hatter trading in his tea for a table reservation. Dining at Dirt Candy is akin to attending a veggie high school reunion, where every dish is an old friend with a stunning new makeover. You'll find yourself whispering sweet nothings to a carrot and making plans to elope with a beet. The menu, a veritable veggie manifesto, turns the humble produce aisle into a parade of avant-garde delights. It's where cauliflower gets a Cinderella transformation, and mushrooms are more than just fungi--they're the life of the party. And let's talk about their philosophy: Dirt Candy doesn't just say "yes" to vegetables; they put them on a pedestal and give them a megaphone. It's not about wagging a finger at meat eaters but rather seducing everyone to the green side with dishes so dazzling, you might forget that steak ever had a place in your heart. And the best part? They're doling out this veggie love with a side of social justice, offering their staff a living wage, health benefits, and more, proving that good food and good ethics can go hand in hand. Forget about your food making your skin glow or adding years to your life--Dirt Candy is here to make you fall head over heels in love with vegetables. They're not just cooking; they're performing culinary magic, transforming the earth's bounty into a feast that's as thrilling as a roller coaster ride for your taste buds. So, buckle up; dining here promises a journey into the unknown, where every bite is an adventure, and vegetables are the undisputed stars of the show. Here's to hoping you leave craving broccoli the way you crave pizza, because at Dirt Candy, anyone can cook meat, but it takes a wizard to make vegetables this unforgettable.
Dirt Candy was incredible! The food and service was one of if not THE best dining experience of my life. The food was excellent and the wine pairing was perfect. We were lucky enough to sit at the chef's table and had a front row to their creations. The lighting, staff, and location were wonderful. I'll be back the next time I'm in NYC. Thank you!
If you have the opportunity to dine here…. take it! Dirt Candy was the dining experience I was most looking forward to in NY, and it didn’t disappoint. There is a star ingredient in each dish, and they use it masterfully. My favourite was pain au champignon paired with a mushroom cappuccino. Creative and delicious! We can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Took my parents out to dinner here after coming with my husband the first time. My mom and I are both vegetarians and we loved the food. It's so nice not having to select anything from a menu and simply enjoying the 5 (to 7 - there are a couple surprise "gifts from the kitchen") courses that they bring. We in particular loved the carrot dish (gift from the kitchen) at the beginning and the dessert, which was a chocolatey date cake I think). The wine pairing was also lovely. It's spendy, but it's a great experience, especially for vegetarians. This place books out fast though, so it's important to book in advance and put yourself on the waitlist if there aren't any times available (I got in off the waitlist)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carrot, Chocolate Olive Oil Cake, Wine Pairing, Black Garlic Sticky Toffee Pudding
We arrived 5:50 pm just before a rush of people at 6. I recommend arriving a few minutes early. The meal started with a very friendly and knowledgeable server. We ordered our food in a non hurried manner, and a complementary pre meal item, an amuse bouche, promptly arrived. It was delicious. A taste of what was to come, excellent food at all times, great service, and a not too quiet, not too loud, Humm of other patrons. Cocktail and Wine choices are broad. Since I’ve given up alcohol for awhile, they have mock tails too, good ones, not to worry. I’ve omitted food choices on purpose since their menu changes seasonally based on availability of vegetables and sources, but I think you will enjoy the ambience, service, beverages, and most definitely the food. Go there, you’ll enjoy it. Clearly deserving of their Michelin star, I’d give them two based on my time living and dining in France, Italy, Belgium, and EnglandWheelchair accessibility: Front Doorway is very accessible. Staff are very helpful. Bathrooms are tight but have ample safety bars
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carrot, Chocolate Olive Oil Cake, Eggplant Savory Dish
This place is a treasure. My husband and I have been twice, most recently in March 2024, and it's always a culinary highlight of our trips to NYC. Amanda Cohen and her team do magical things with vegetables, and the front of house team embodies hospitality. We aren't vegetarian, but meat doesn't even cross our minds when we're eating here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My absolute favorite restaurant! As a vegetarian in NYC there are plenty of great restaurants that I love but Dirt Candy is unlike any restaurant I've ever been to. The food is incredible. The attention to detail of the presentation of each course is amazing. I can not rave about this place enough. Also, the staff is very friendly and informative. The give you a brief description of each course when the serve it. You definitely get your moneys worth. Each course was a good amount of good . They also sneaked in a couple extra treats in between courses. Can't wait to go back!
This is one of my favorite restaurants in NYC! I’ve been here a couple times, and the menu was absolutely fantastic every single time!!The menu is seasonal so you are always in for a surprise when you visit. I am a 100% sure that you’ll be mind blown by the finesse, craft, attention to detail, and the quality of food at dirt candy! I won’t believe anyone that says this place is any less than 5 stars! :DThey also send you an email when the menu changes, and reading it makes me want to immediately fly to NYC from SF! This place is a gem and I hope it never changes!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a fun and unique experience! I enjoyed every aspect of the meal but my favorite was the mushroom pastry. The service was good- they were attentive throughout the meal and were good about changing plates in between courses.
Delicious and our server was so attentive. We had a great corner table and the restaurant was bustling on a Friday night. The tasting menu was strong overall with the onion dish being a star among veggies. Came with two friends for our birthday celebration and the restaurant made us feel special.
Take this review with a grain of salt because I prefer meat and fish over vegetables any day. I have also been to many tasting menus that is not vegetarian or vegan so my expectations are a little biased. Creativity was A+ but it fell short on the execution side. It felt as if they were trying to combine a bunch of ingredients to make it seem fancy and fine-dining, but the unnecessary combo of ingredients made each individual dish overwhelming. I didn't feel full from all the courses and felt that i was still hungry after. Food: There were quite a few amuse bouches which I appreciated throughout the course (cucumber with dehydrated flakes was one). The Yuzu carrot mille fueille cake was super flakey and messy, and the cream was a bit sour. It was a savory dish, which is interesting because usually this concept would be on the sweet side. The portobello mushroom mousse was nothing to ride home about and the texture threw me off a bit. The pea ravioli with feta cheese was the best dish and executed well. It tasted like a cheese ravioli with peas. The crispy broccolini was super salty, and the broccoli became soggy due to the broth. It was like a bunch of random flavors were thrown in. The worst dish in my opinion was the burrata ice cream. The ice cream was not sweet at all and was salty. The cheese did not add anything, and it was by far one of the worst desserts I have had. I believe this place caters better towards the vegetarians/vegans because there are not many (reasonably priced) tasting menus for that demographic. however, as someone who is not a vegetarian, I would not choose this place over a different restaurant's tasting menu.
My partner and I went to Dirt Candy for the first time for their six course Valentine's Day dinner last night. I really wanted to enjoy my dinner. While not currently a vegetarian, I did have multiple periods of vegetarianism in the past and I generally have a lot of respect for people who choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Further, I like the fact that Dirt Candy prides itself on paying respectable, living wages for staff and on not allowing customers to tip. Perhaps my positive attitude and initial excitement made my disappointment greater. While the service was friendly, we found the food to be quite lacking. Most dishes tasted fine, but did not feel special nor like they justified the price ($145 per person, plus tax, not including drinks). The dessert, consisting of eggplant and chocolate with yuzu granita, even though it was visually appealing, was practically inedible. Parts of it were extremely bland (including the chocolate, somehow!), and the flavorful elements did not at all go together. I left my dessert dish almost untouched, and even though the waiter noted this out loud when they took our plates off the table, they did not ask what is wrong nor whether anything could be done to amend the situation. To top it all of, both my partner and I woke up this morning feeling quite queasy and with some indigestion. The meal at Dirt Candy was the only food we shared yesterday, and so we are suspicious that it might have been the cause for our discomfort this morning. As you can tell, we unfortunately will not be coming back.
The food was great and exceptional in a good way!Service was also good, but very impersonal and you were dealt with quickly.Price performance but totally okay!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3