Top Vegetarian spots

By Daisy Carrington | dcarrington@am-ny.com

3:18 PM EDT, October 10, 2007

A salad with falafal at Maoz. (Jefferson Siegel)

Hey, vegetarians, we feel for you. We know it gets tiring digging through meat-laden menus for that one, lonely vegetarian option when out with friends.

Isn¹t it high time your carnivorous buddies let you pick the restaurant, for once? If you take them to one of the suggested venues below, they won¹t begrudge you: The food is delicious, no matter what your dietary preference is.

Candle 79 Though the menu is all-vegan, a skilled use of spices and a stellar list of organic wines and beers will convert even the staunchest meat-eaters into tempeh-loving fools. Top off an order of porcini-crusted tofu with Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss -- peanut butter and chocolate mousse atop almond shortbread, served with a chocolate shell and berry coulis. Who knew vegetarian fare could be so haute? (154 E. 79th St.; 212-537-7179; $18-$20)

Angelica Kitchen It¹s difficult to say what makes the food at this East Village haunt so tasty. One likely factor is the freshness of their ingredients (much of the food is served less than 48 hours after being harvested). Unlike other vegetarian restaurants, which rely solely on Asian influences, Angelica Kitchen draws inspiration from several countries and cultures. Try the Brazilian-inspired feijoada (black beans, roasted seitan and vegetables in an orange-cumin-coriander broth, served with basmati rice and cilantro-jalapeno-almond pesto) or the Parisian sacre-coeur --garlic and rosemary baked tofu served with a creamy cashew sauce. (300 E. 12th St.; 212-228-2909; $7.50-$16.50)

Maoz Though the options may be limited, the sole menu item -- falafel -- is crisp and delicious. The Union Square location is the first U.S. franchise of a Dutch chain, with more on the way. You can adorn your sandwich with eggplant and hummus if you wish, and you can choose from a number of healthy toppings, including sweet pickles, tabouleh and beets, at the salad bar. Make sure to order a side of Belgian fries, which are beautifully crunchy and expertly salted. (38 Union Square East; 212-260-1988; $4.50-$7.95)

Counter When one thinks of vegetarian cuisine, Italian fare does not quickly come to mind. Counter has managed to take some of the most delicious, most meat-loving cuisines and make them vegetarian, without losing any flavor. The potato-almond gnocchi with lemon-thyme sauce is gentle and tangy. They also have a large list of organic and biodynamic wines, beers and cocktails. The adobe decor is warm and welcoming, and tends to attract a hip, artsy crowd as well as the occasional celebrity --Moby and Alicia Silverstone are both fans of the restaurant. (105 First Ave.; 212-982-5870; $13-$19)

Gobo Whether you live uptown or downtown, drop into the strictly vegan Gobo for a relaxed vibe and a varied, hearty menu. The front of the shop has a juice bar for diners on the run. Chef de cuisine Yuki Chen draws inspiration from around the world. Try the spicy Vietnamese stir-fry rice noodles, and follow it up with a hazelnut napoleon. (401 Sixth Ave.; 212-255-3902. 1426 Third Ave.; 212-288-4686. $8-$20)