Vegan Options at Restaurants: Tips for a Better Dining Experience

A person holding a laffa wrap stuffed with falafel and salads
A person holding a laffa wrap stuffed with falafel and salads
Finding satisfying vegan options doesn’t mean you need to settle for a plain salad. When you know where to look and what to look for, eating out vegan is simple. Mediterranean cuisine is a natural fit for plant-based earring thanks to its abundance of vegetables and legumes. You can find these as Grill Point, where we keep our meat-free options fresh and simple.

Tips for ordering vegan options at restaurants

There are often hidden ingredients that make a meal non-vegan. That also means that many dishes can be made vegan with simple modification, but you may need to ask a few questions.

Vegan options are usually clearly labelled, but that isn’t always the case. Instead of asking for vegan items, you can provide specific details about your dietary requirements. For instance, saying “I don’t eat meat, eggs, or dairy. Can you tell me which dishes will work for me?” This opens the door to solutions for the server, who can also confirm how the meals are prepared and whether they share the same preparation as other items if you’re concerned about cross-contamination.

Common non-vegan ingredients to watch for:

  • Broths & stocks: Soups, rice, and braised vegetables are often cooked in chicken or beef stock for extra flavor.
  • Sauces & dressings: Eggs and anchovies are typically included in dressings, creamy sauces, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Hidden dairy: Many items may have yoghurt mixed in, like hummus and baba ganoush. Pita breads can also be brushed with butter, and dishes can often be topped with cheese.
A vibrant falafel platter with hummus, salads, and laffa

Simple substitutions for vegans

A vibrant falafel platter with hummus, salads, and laffa
While vegan options at restaurants may seem limiting, there are many additions that can broaden your options and add important nutrients to your diet. While some add meat-based protein, you can add in plant-based options like chickpeas or falafel. You can also swap creamy causes for humus or tahini, and opt for grilled vegetables and lentils to add layers to your order.

Vegan-friendly choices at Grill Point

Grill Point specializes in authentic, traditional Israeli grilling. We’ve made it easy to enjoy fresh meals made from scratch and without compromise. Our 100% Glatt Kosher menu includes no dairy, with many naturally plant-based meals suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Our salad bowls are made with a selection of mezze, while the falafel bowl is loaded with golden chickpea nuggets. If you prefer creamy hummus, you can get it in a bowl, or wrapped in a warm pita, laffa, or baguette with vegetables. 

There are also sides to mix and match, including a range of salads, from beets to cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Spicy carrots and tangy tahini are other vegan favorites. There are also warm fluffy sides of rice, couscous or bulgur, along with hand-cut fries and grilled veggies.

This place is truly a hidden gem in NYC! Not only was the service impeccable, the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful with explaining the menu. The food was beyond fresh, hot and tasty. I had the falafel, which was ginormous. The fennel is now something that I am craving because of this place, who would have thought?
Chrissy M
An employee in the Grill Point kitchen preparing food with trays of salad options

Visit us in Queens or the Upper East Side

An employee in the Grill Point kitchen preparing food with trays of salad options

If you’re looking for vegan food at restaurants, visit Grill Point at a location near you to enjoy wholesome meals. We offer flavorful Israeli cuisine, with vegan food options for those who follow the plant-based diet and those who are just exploring. 

Decorative placeholder image

Amy Peretz

As co-owner of Grill Point, Amy Peretz has spent over 10 years managing daily operations and preserving the same shawarma recipes locals have loved for 20+ years.

Share Our Story!

Related articles

return to blog