7 most instagrammable vegan cafes in NYC that are worth the hype

New York City has a way of making even a quick coffee stop feel like an adventure. There’s always a new spot to check out, especially for plant-based folks looking to pair a gorgeous latte with equally gorgeous surroundings.

But what actually sticks—not just on your feed, but in your memory? That’s where these seven cafés come in.

I’m talking places that look beautiful, feel special, and, let’s be honest, serve vegan food that doesn’t make you miss the dairy. So if you’re up for some visual treats and maybe a moment of pause in the city hustle, these spots won’t disappoint.

1. Remi Flower & Coffee

Ever walked into a café and felt instantly calmed because everything looked like it belonged in a dream? That’s Remi Flower & Coffee for you. Fresh blooms practically flow from every corner, pastel arrangements drape the counters, and every table is surrounded by petals and greenery.

That lavender latte? It’s delicate, floral, and kind of feels like sipping spring itself. And that’s just the drink—perfect for a flat-lay with a background that’s softer than a whisper.

I remember going mid-week, early morning. No crowds. I had that whole botanical moment all to myself. Pure magic.

Pro tip: weekdays before brunch are your golden hour. Weekends are lively (great if you’re up for the energy), but weekdays give you the serene aesthetic and peace.

2. Urban Vegan Kitchen

Okay, so this isn’t your soft-pastel, minimalist dream. But hear me out—sometimes the most photogenic spaces are the ones bursting with character. Urban Vegan Kitchen in the West Village is that bold vibrance personified: graffiti-style art, mismatched chairs, funky neon vibes, and a dash of uncompromising energy.

Their vegan mac and cheese? Gooey. The “chicken” fingers? Crunchy. And the desserts? Decadent. Imagine a flat-lay that’s as vibrant as the place itself.

Sometimes “instagrammable” doesn’t mean delicate—it’s about capturing personality. UVK oozes it. And yes, I’ve taken some of my favorite colorful, messy-pretty shots right here.

3. Le Petit Monstre

Picture this: Bed-Stuy, early afternoon. Sunlight is pouring in through big windows. The countertop is marble. Pastries—croissants, tarts—are artfully arranged, whispering “je ne sais quoi.” And the colors? Soft greens, blush pinks, muted earth tones. Calm. Refined. Almost poetic.

Their pistachio-rose croissant is almost too beautiful to touch. But of course, you do. Its flaky layers and delicate aroma—“almost too pretty to eat”—become a moment you savor. And yes, you pause long enough to photograph it.

This café is one of those places where time feels gentler. You find yourself taking that extra moment, saying to yourself, "Just one more shot."

4. Peacefood Café

If NYC vegan cafés had veterans, Peacefood Café in the Upper West Side would be one. It’s been around enough to develop a devoted following, yet still feels fresh. Think clean lines, warm woods, and light-soaked interiors that make everything look like it belongs in a photographer’s portfolio.

Whenever a friend tells me they came “just for the vibes,” that's Peacefood. And then they stay for the food—with a quinoa “tuna” melt or slice of vegan carrot cake that tastes as lovely as it looks.

My go-to photo? The dessert display. It’s a lineup of temptations—cookies, cakes, pies—each one under a glass dome, each begging to be captured from just the right angle. And yes, that angle often ends up being two or three shots.

5. Planta Queen

Dressed-up visuals? Planta Queen in Flatiron delivers that drama. Lush greenery climbs walls, velvet seating glows in low-light, and gold accents glint. It feels high-end in the best way, but never stuffy.

Their menu nods to Asian fusion—edible sushi art, cocktails in jewel tones, plating that’s almost sculptural. Shots here aren’t “let me quickly snap”—they’re slow, cinematic, wanting you to capture mood and texture and story.

Every once in a while, I consciously dress in something a bit nicer before going here. Mostly so the photo feels intentional—like I belong in the vibe.

6. Rawsome Treats

Dessert lovers, rejoice. Rawsome Treats specializes in raw, vegan goodies that look like they’ve been carved by pastry artists obsessed with pattern and color. Think cheesecakes made from cashews and fruit, layered beautifully, bright, intricate.

The café itself? Minimalist. Bright. Providing the perfect blank slate for those vivid desserts to pop off the screen. I once brought a box of these to a small dinner gathering. Every. Single. Guest said, “They’re too pretty to eat.” Of course we ate them anyway—and then argued over who got the last slice.

If you’re ever creating content around “pretty food that actually tastes incredible,” this is your muse.

7. Café Kitsuné

Here’s a café that’s the quiet star of the group. Not strictly vegan, but oh-so-vegan-friendly, and incredibly chic. French-Japanese minimalist, soft neutrals, clean lines, calmness incarnate.

They offer plant-based milk and a few vegan pastries that blend seamlessly into the serene aesthetic. Lattes here feel like they should be framed. The ambiance is quiet, refined—not loud, but whispering elegance.

Sometimes the most swipable photos come from places that don’t scream for attention but reward you when you look close. Kitsuné is exactly that.

Why “Instagrammable” matters to more than just photos

Have you ever noticed what happens when something makes you pause? Maybe it’s a dessert so delicate you take three pictures before you dare eat it. Or a seating nook so charming you linger longer with your coffee than you planned.

These cafés do more than offer pretty images. They invite you to slow down. That’s no small thing in a city where we often move at light speed.

Maybe that’s the real beauty—capturing not just the shot, but the pause behind it. In that pause, whether we admit it or not, we give ourselves a breath. A moment of calm. A chance to notice.

A few thoughts before you go: Practical tips for shooting in these spots

• Light is everything. Morning and early afternoon are gold. Always angle toward natural light when you can.

• Be kind to other patrons. These cafés can get busy. If you're setting up a flat-lay, consider shooting at a quieter moment or choosing a table that’s less in scale.

• Details matter. Grab a sprig of greenery or a napkin that matches the aesthetic. Small touches elevate the shot.

• Stay curious. Every café has its photo story—maybe it’s how shadows play off a table, or a reflection in a window, or the texture of their froth. Look for what catches your eye.

Parting thoughts

So there you have it—seven spots in NYC where vegan food meets visual delight. Some are soft and dreamy. Others are vibrant and playful. All have a moment worth capturing.

Yet I’ll say this: the best shot in the world isn’t the one that gets the most likes. It’s the one that makes you pause. That whisper of “wait—this is beautiful, and I’m here, and it feels good.”

Here’s to slowing down, savoring, and capturing not just the photo—but the feeling behind it.

Want help crafting Instagram captions for each spot? Or pairing these cafés with walking routes or seasonal vibes? Just say the word—I’d love to help make this post even more useful for your readers.