Ladybird

It’s no secret that I’m nothing close to vegan (everything IS better with butter), but I’ve repeatedly expressed how I love discovering vegan restaurants. Not only because I fully respect and endorse plant-based diets (I’m not including soy, tempeh or other processed fads here), but when neither meat nor dairy are involved, such cuisine calls for a lot more creativity and innovation. Avant Garden is my favorite vegan restaurants in New York City, so I naturally headed over to its sister restaurant Ladybird as soon as it opened its newest East Village location.

Adorable entrance on East 7th St

After it spent a year in the former Bourgeois Pig space in Greenwich Village (which is now a champagne parlor), Ladybird relocated in the East Village, just steps away from its vegan siblings. The unique, sophisticated decor and vibe remain the same, although the menu has gotten a slight makeover. The 50-seat restaurant is cozy and elegant, with a distinctive, uber-cool design. The modern furnishing is stylishly curated, with a poppy green, white and gold color scheme, velvet-cushioned stools, an artsy bar setting and crystal chandeliers (don’t leave without checking out the restroom!). The atmosphere at Ladybird makes it perfect for an intimate date or a girls’ night out (because everything from the name to the adorable plush decor screams girly!), but is overall relaxed and casual.

Easy reservations

The main reason to visit Ladybird is to discover its unique, inventive spin on vegan cuisine with a tapas-inspired fare that will satisfy even the most skeptical meat-lover. Ladybird describes itself as a “vegetable bar”, which basically means they serve an array of vegetable-forward small plates along with just as creative cocktails (owner Ravi deRossi’s is the name behind many of New York’s most famous cocktail bars), along with wine & beer, both also available on tap!

Great for late night

You’re given a printed paper menu in which you tick off the dishes you want to order, categorized by vegetable, as well as three types of their signature vegan fondues for 2. The cheesy consistency of the fondues is made out of tapioca (vegan genius or sacrilegious?), served with bread and vegetables of course. All small-plates are 100% plant-based, where veggies are star, in all shapes and form. Ladybird is more of a tapas-bar than a restaurant, with small-portion plates all made for sharing (count 2 to 3 dishes per person, almost all priced under $15). The food is not as inventive and ingenious as at Avant Garden, but an interesting take on vegan recipes nonetheless (I mean, vegan fondue hellooo?!). Just like all of owner Ravi DeRossi’s vegan restaurants, the menu is catered to satisfy both vegans and nons alike, by bringing out the best of each vegetable in an original way.

Can be made 100% gluten-free upon request

Kale – pickled daikon, radish. Puffed rice, black garlic – $11 – so delicious!

Avocado – seaweed, fried avocado, shiso, black garlic-ponzu – $10

Mushrooms – pearl onions, truffle vinaigrette – $14

Zucchini – basil pesto, cauliflower, pine nuts, garlic croutons – $14

Artichoke – caponata, basil, ricotta & lemon zest, sourdough toast – $10

Eggplant – breaded & fried, tomato sauce, ricotta, fresh basil – $14

Just like Avant Garden or ABCV, Ladybird is one of those NYC vegan hot spots for everyone, great for  casual drinks & nibbles in a unique, charming setting.

Fun fact: DJ & animal rights activist Moby! is a partner/investor

Open every evening from 5pm-2am

Also check out Ladybird‘s vegan sister restaurants/bars Avant Garden, Mother of Pearl,and Cienfuegos.