Dirt Candy Introduce
In a city that prides itself on culinary innovation, Dirt Candy stands out as a true pioneer. Located on Allen Street in the heart of the Lower East Side, this vegetarian and vegan restaurant has completely redefined what it means to eat vegetables. Far from a simple meat-free alternative, Dirt Candy is an upscale, fine-dining experience that uses vegetables as the main event, transforming them into creative, beautifully presented, and profoundly flavorful dishes. Chef Amanda Cohen has crafted a unique concept that has earned the restaurant a Michelin star and a reputation for being one of the most exciting dining experiences in New York City.
The experience at Dirt Candy is built around a multi-course tasting menu that changes seasonally, a choice made to highlight the freshest ingredients and minimize food waste. This allows the kitchen to act as a laboratory, where a team of dedicated chefs pushes the boundaries of vegetable cuisine to create dishes that are both imaginative and deeply satisfying. The result is a menu that surprises and delights, with each course building on the last in a perfectly paced, unforgettable sequence. As one reviewer noted, the restaurant’s tasting menu is "incredibly creative, beautifully presented, and always packed with flavor," a testament to its ability to win over even the most dedicated meat-eaters.
The atmosphere at Dirt Candy is a perfect blend of cozy, romantic, and trendy, making it an ideal destination for a special night out. The space is intimate, the vibe is welcoming, and the staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and attentive, making the entire experience feel both relaxing and special. The restaurant's commitment to its staff is also notable, as they operate with a no-tipping policy, a progressive step that reflects a true dedication to the hospitality industry. This commitment to its people is felt by the guests, who often comment on the staff's warmth and genuine enthusiasm.
Dirt Candy is located at 86 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, in a vibrant and easily accessible part of the Lower East Side. This location places it in a prime spot for both locals and tourists, surrounded by a lively mix of art galleries, boutiques, and other renowned restaurants. The restaurant is well-served by public transportation, with the F, J, M, and Z subway lines nearby, making it a convenient destination from various parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. For those who drive, both free and paid street parking are available in the area, although it's always wise to allow extra time to find a spot in this popular neighborhood.
The restaurant's accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensure that it is a welcoming space for all guests. The ability to plan ahead is crucial for a visit to Dirt Candy, as reservations are highly recommended and often required, with the restaurant known for having a wait. This speaks to its immense popularity and the high demand for a seat at this unique culinary table. For those who might not have a reservation, the restaurant also offers delivery and on-site services, providing flexibility and convenience.
- On-site services and dine-in experiences.
- Delivery options for those who prefer to eat at home.
- Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for lunch and brunch.
- Offers a tasting menu experience.
- Provides table service.
- Features a full bar on-site.
Dirt Candy’s highlights are numerous and contribute to its status as a top-tier dining establishment. The great cocktails, which are built around vegetables, are a unique and memorable feature. The wine list is also highly regarded, with selections that perfectly complement the intricate flavors of the tasting menu. Beyond the drinks, the food is the main attraction, with each dish showcasing the incredible versatility of vegetables. The restaurant is known for its inventive flavor combinations, beautiful presentation, and a focus on healthy and organic ingredients.
The atmosphere is consistently praised for being cozy, romantic, and upscale, yet without any of the stuffiness that can sometimes accompany fine dining. It's a place where guests can feel comfortable and relaxed, while still enjoying a truly elevated meal. The staff's attentiveness and knowledge of the menu are also a major highlight, as they are happy to engage with guests and explain each dish in detail. The restaurant also provides amenities like high chairs and a bar on-site, making it suitable for a variety of guests and occasions.
- Great cocktails, including unique vegetable-based creations.
- An extensive and curated wine list.
- A cozy, romantic, and upscale atmosphere.
- Features a seasonal, multi-course tasting menu.
- Offers healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options.
- Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom.
- Accepts all major payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
To secure a spot at this sought-after restaurant, reservations are a must. You can reach Dirt Candy at (212) 228-7732 to make a booking. The address is 86 Allen St, New York, NY 10002.
What is worth choosing about Dirt Candy is its unwavering commitment to a truly unique and exceptional dining experience. It’s a restaurant that challenges preconceived notions about vegetarian food, proving that vegetables can be the star of a meal that is every bit as inventive and satisfying as one centered on meat. For New Yorkers looking for a memorable night out, a special birthday celebration, or simply an unforgettable meal, Dirt Candy delivers on all fronts. The tasting menu provides a culinary journey that is both cohesive and surprising, and the attentive staff ensures that every moment of the experience is delightful. It's a place that is not just worth visiting, but worth returning to, as its seasonal menu ensures that there's always something new and exciting to discover. In a city full of dining options, Dirt Candy stands out as a true gem that is changing the way we think about food.
Dirt Candy Menu
all cocktails
(includes tip) all our cocktails are built around vegetables
- Fennel 75 $17.00
gin, grapefruit-fennel cordial, sparkling wine
- Kyuri $17.00
mezcal, cucumber, yuzu
- Popcorn Old Fashioned $17.00
popcorn infused bourbon, orange bitters
- The Great Wave $17.00
japanese whisky, ginger, tamarind, lemon
- Safflower $17.00
rum, yellow bell pepper, saffron liqueur, ancho reyes, lime
- The C&T $17.00
botanist gin, celery, poblano, lime, tonic
non alcoholic vegetable sodas
(includes tip)
- carrot lemon ginger $7.00
- celery lime $7.00
- cucumber cilantro serrano $7.00
- beet lemon $7.00
Dirt Candy Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Dirt Candy Photos










Dirt Candy Location
Dirt Candy Reviews
tasting menuwine pairingcocktailsmichelincaviar5 coursecourse mealliving wagehush puppiessommelier
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We have been to Dirt Candy four times, and every visit has been nothing less than outstanding. The fully vegetarian tasting menu is incredibly creative, beautifully presented, and always packed with flavor. It’s a place where both vegetarians and meat eaters can enjoy an inventive, satisfying meal.The pacing of the courses is perfect, with each dish building on the last without ever feeling rushed. The staff is warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, which makes the whole experience fun and memorable. Dirt Candy continues to surprise us with thoughtful dishes and unexpected flavor combinations, and it remains one of the best dining experiences in New York.Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable night out.
September 07 · Brad HoverWent for a birthday treat, the atmosphere, staff and most importantly the food - left me speechless. Salivating in anticipation of the next course, flavour combinations, with beautiful colours and textures. All the staff were beyond friendly and were happy to engage with us, the vibe was so relaxing and welcomeing. Hands-down one of my most memorable and enjoyable meals to date. Worth every penny (sorry, dollar)
September 18 · Shane RhoneI came here for the first time a few days after the launch of their summer menu.As soon as you walk in you are greeted warmly and attended to promptly by a variety of staff the rest of your time there.The food and wine pairing was exceptional. For each dish you are told the story and intent, before being treated to a sensory treat.The dishes had variety of textures and flavors and the experience was well worth the priceDefinitely recommend!
July 11 · rob kasinowWhat a truly exceptional and amazing experience.The menu is so creative and the flavors are superb.I had the vegan tasting menu and my friends had the vegetarian tasting menu. We all were blown away by each dish. They started strong and finished with a truly astonishing set of dishes. The carrot enchilada and the snow cone for dessert will stay in my mind and on my palate forever! So grateful to have been able to eat at this restaurant. I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the incredible staff as well! Attentive and helpful. The food was so creative. I would recommend the wine over the cocktails but we truly loved this dining experience.
July 16 · Dan GuttmanThe tasting menu was absolutely fantastic. Every dish was very flavorful and we also got two extra courses from the kitchen. My favorites were the lettuce dessert and the peas pastry though everything was very tasty. The desert sunrise drink is a must try if you are interested in something unique. The atmosphere was very good and the waitstaff was very fast in replacing the cutlery and plates after every course. If you like vegetables and want to try something unique Dirt candy is a must visit. Loved it!
June 15 · S A
More restaurants near me

81 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

79 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

85 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

85 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

85 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

71 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

76 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

78 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

86 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

88 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

74 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

81 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





