RAS Plant Based

- 739 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Welcome to the heart of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where a culinary gem is redefining what it means to experience authentic, vibrant Ethiopian flavors. RAS Plant Based is more than just a vegan restaurant; it is a lively, community-focused spot offering a bold and inventive remix of traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Founded by the dynamic husband-and-wife team Romeo and Milka, RAS is built on a foundation of passion, culture, and intentional hospitality, serving up dishes that are as rich in flavor as they are in purpose.

For New Yorkers seeking a dining experience that combines wholesome, plant-based ingredients with complex, fire-kissed spices, RAS is a standout. The restaurant takes the deep-rooted culinary traditions of Ethiopia—a cuisine already rich in naturally vegan dishes like lentil and vegetable stews—and pushes the boundaries with unexpected, creative twists. The result is a menu that surprises, satisfies, and is a true celebration of flavor, making it a hotspot not just for the vegan community, but for all food lovers across the city.

The atmosphere at RAS is often described as a crucial part of the experience. It features striking décor, including Ethiopian-inspired murals, that creates a "vibe" that is both casual and trendy. Whether you are a dedicated vegan, new to Ethiopian food, or just looking for an incredible meal out, RAS Plant Based promises a welcoming, flavorful, and memorable visit right here in New York City.

Location and Accessibility in Brooklyn

RAS Plant Based is conveniently located at 739 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA, right in the vibrant Crown Heights neighborhood. This location places it near several of Brooklyn's major attractions, including Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum, making it an ideal stop for a meal before or after exploring the area.

The restaurant's accessibility is a key factor for local New Yorkers and visitors alike.

• The facility features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons.
• For those driving, free street parking is available in the surrounding area, a welcome amenity in the city.
• The Crown Heights location is easily reachable via public transportation, with its proximity to key subway lines making it a central dining destination.

The option for outdoor seating also adds to the neighborhood appeal, allowing diners to enjoy the lively Crown Heights ambiance.

Services Offered

RAS Plant Based is dedicated to accommodating the diverse needs of the New York dining public, offering a wide array of services for every occasion.

• Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy the full experience in their cozy, trendy setting with friendly, attentive table service.
• Takeout and Delivery: Perfect for those busy days, with both traditional delivery and no-contact delivery options available.
• Curbside Pickup: A convenient service for quick and easy meal retrieval.
• Reservations Accepted: Dinner reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.
• Catering: The rich and flavorful Ethiopian-inspired cuisine is available to cater your next event.
• Happy Hour: Enjoy great deals on food and drinks during their popular happy hour, a perfect way to unwind after a long day.
• Full Bar Service: A stylish bar onsite serving beer, wine (including vegan red, white, and blush options), hard liquor, and a menu of inventive, celebrated cocktails.
• Dining Throughout the Day: Available for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner service.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: High chairs are available for families dining with children.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed outside for those enjoying a meal on the sidewalk seating.

Features and Highlights

What makes RAS Plant Based a standout destination in NYC's vibrant culinary landscape is its commitment to quality, flavor, and a uniquely welcoming atmosphere.

• Bold Ethiopian-Inspired Vegan Cuisine: The restaurant is not strictly traditional; rather, it’s a “reimagining” of classic Ethiopian dishes, with a completely plant-based twist. This includes popular, richly spiced lentil stews and vegetable dishes, as well as creative vegan takes on dishes like Kitfo (made with a pea protein crumble) and Mushroom Tibs.
• Black-Owned Business: Co-founded by the Ethiopian husband-and-wife duo Romeo and Milka Regalli, the restaurant proudly identifies as a Black-owned establishment, deeply rooted in family recipes and cultural heritage.
• Exceptional Cocktail Program: Milka Regalli oversees a beverage program celebrated for its Great Cocktails and Tej (Ethiopian honey wine). Signature drinks are a highlight, pairing perfectly with the spicy cuisine.
• Inviting, Trendy Atmosphere: The interior décor is a fusion of Ethiopian-inspired art and modern, lively design, creating a Casual, Cozy, and Trendy environment with a great 'vibe' that diners love.
• Diverse and Inclusive Crowd: RAS is a welcoming spot for a wide range of patrons, popular with Family-friendly, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, and Transgender safespace communities, fostering a sense of connection and community.
• Commitment to Quality: The menu features Healthy Options and Organic Dishes, and the emphasis is on fresh ingredients, high-quality spices, and depth of flavor. The staff is often praised for Fast service and being knowledgeable and hospitable.
• Unique Ethiopian-Fusion Dishes: Beyond the traditional, they offer inventive items like Injera Nachos with homemade berbere cheese sauce, a Chick'n Sandwich made with lion's mane mushroom, and a highly praised French Toast for brunch.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit, here is how you can get in touch with RAS Plant Based.

Address: 739 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Phone: (718) 622-6220

What is Worth Choosing: Menu Highlights for Your Next Visit

The menu at RAS Plant Based offers an impressive array of options, from traditional Ethiopian classics to inventive vegan comfort food and fusion dishes. For a truly representative experience of what this Brooklyn jewel has to offer, there are a few must-try selections that repeatedly earn high praise from local diners.

The Mercato ($32.01) and Piassa ($32.01) Platters are arguably the best way to sample the depth and variety of Ethiopian flavors. The platters, which are perfect for sharing and encourage family-style dining, feature an assortment of stews and cooked vegetables, such as red lentil stew, caramelized string beans, collard greens, and spiced ground chickpeas, traditionally served over spongy injera (or turmeric brown rice). These platters are a journey through the authentic, spiced heart of Ethiopian cuisine, many of which are based on Romeo's grandmother's cherished family recipes.

For those who want to experience the creative fusion of the RAS kitchen, the Injera Nachos ($21.94) are a unique and frequently-ordered starter. They feature injera chips covered in a homemade berbere cheese sauce, black beans, and a protein crumble, serving up an Ethiopian-inspired take on a classic comfort appetizer. The Sambusa Trio ($17.32), flaky pastries filled with lentils, mixed veggies, and butternut squash, also makes for a delicious beginning to the meal.

The "Plates" section offers fantastic mains, particularly the savory, umami-rich Mushrooms Tibs ($27.39) and the flavorful Mama's Tofu ($27.39), a dish inspired by Chef Romeo's mother. Diners also rave about the vegan take on a classic: the Kitfo ($28.54), made with a spicy pea protein crumble.

And don't skip brunch! The weekend brunch is a major draw, with the French Toast ($21.94) being an absolute must-have. Patrons describe it as "phenomenal" and "out of this world," making it a delightful, indulgent vegan treat. Paired with one of Milka's unique cocktails, like the Fig Fig Bang Bang or a Tej Mimosa, the brunch experience at RAS is truly special. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, this Crown Heights establishment offers a culinary experience that is vibrant, heartfelt, and undeniably New York.

RAS Plant Based

739 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA