Vegan-friendly
Italian
Delivery
Gluten-free
Non-veg

Serves meat, vegan options available. Old-world Italian restaurant established in 1908. Introduced an entirely vegan menu in 2010 that includes in-house-made seitan, vegan bruschetta, garlic bread, vegan cannolis, and more. Dedicates half of kitchen and utensils to vegan dishes. Open Mon-Sun 4:00pm-10:00pm.


Venue map for John's of 12th Street
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58 Reviews

First Review by nailina

mollysveganeats

Points +46

Vegan
11 Jan 2024

Wonderful!

Great place to bring vegan and non-vegans 😊 I’ve been with multiple friends & family and everyone always loves their meal! Definitely recommend.

daijoubou

Points +66

Vegan
03 Jan 2024

Fancy, delicious, more traditional.

Their vegan options (there's a fair amount of choice) are tasty and you won't feel 'left behind' at all. This place is my go-to whenever I spend time in New York City!
Prices are quite high, however I think it's worth it if you can afford a fancy dinner.

Updated from previous review on 2024-01-03

CoreyS

Points +480

Vegan
31 Dec 2023

Old-school Italian spot

I love the neighborhood local feel. Small little OLD spot that has a dedicated vegan menu plus vegan desserts. Feels like it would be in a Billy Joel song. #Veganuary

Pros: Vegan menu with lots of options, Old, non-tourist vibe, Good food

Cons: I have definitely had better Italian food

jmo646

Points +35

Vegan
20 Dec 2023

Disappointing

I really wanted to love this place. Great “old New York” atmosphere, and awesome traditional Italian vegan menu—including many dishes that are hard to find. Sadly, the food itself was fairly bland and disappointing.

Pros: Atmosphere, Menu options

Cons: Bland food

Poundie

Points +13129

Vegan
08 Dec 2023

Old-world elegance

This is a historic, century-old Italian restaurant, elegant (waiter served, silverware, cloth napkins, candlelight, etc.) yet not unreasonably priced. Though an omni restaurant, they offer many vegan items, prominently displayed. I admit I prefer the vegan food in the nearby all-vegan restaurants: the vegan dishes I tried here (seitan parmagiana, garlic bread, spaghetti and meatballs, cannolo, cappuccino) I frankly found to be so-so at best.

Updated from previous review on 2023-12-08

Pros: Huge portions, many vegan items, elegant, but not unreasonably priced

Cons: The vegan food I have had here is so-so

tinyveganmama

Points +94

Vegan
02 Dec 2023

Meh!

None of the food was actually tasty😒love that they’re trying but I thought it was terrible vs. what I cook at home!

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: Tastes awful, I don’t think they’re vegan…

coldlittleheart

Points +48

Vegan
27 Sep 2023

So many vegan options

We went to John's of 12th Street after a friend recommended it, it was a meal out for my husband's birthday the day before flying back to the UK. We weren't disappointed. This restaurant has vegan options, yes, it has a whole vegan menu! They also have dedicated cookware and kitchen utensils for the vegan dishes which is above and beyond most omni restaurants. I had their Seitan Parmigiana w/ Vegan Cheese and it was simply delicious. Huge portions too, so if you plan a visit, make sure you go on an empty stomach. I wish I could have tried desserts but I couldn't even finish my mains.

Pros: Huge vegan menu and good prices, Dedicated kitchen utensils/cookware for vegan food, Quick service, authentic atmosphere

Cons: None

NayeliAbrego

Points +2261

Vegan
05 Sep 2023

A lovely night out

Perfect for a romantic date night! LOVE the vegan meatballs, and the fact that they're not trying to imitate meat. They're just so delicious. I also really loved the Seitan Parmesan. Such a cute atmosphere and an extremely friendly staff.

Note: I wasn't a huge fan of the cannoli... they were tasty enough, but didn't really taste like cannoli. If you're looking for a vegan version of authentic cannoli, I don't recommend 😅

Updated from previous review on 2022-12-09

Pros: Delicious Italian food, Very friendly staff, Romantic atmosphere (evening)

NWatlington

Points +641

Vegan
29 Jun 2023

John’s of 12th Street

Classic Italian restaurant offering many vegan options. Everything is clearly labeled. I didn’t feel scared of cross-contamination as the menu states that everything is cooked separately. The food was 8/10 and the cannoli was 11/10. Not sure if this is the best vegan italian in the city but in a nutshell, I’d go back.

Updated from previous review on 2023-06-29

VeganCarson

Points +312

Vegan
30 May 2023

Fine but not amazing

Ragu and meatballs were amazing. Garlic bread, Alfredo sauce, and cannoli were underwhelming. Appreciate the whole vegan menu section, but it wasn’t a home run.

veganbtw3000

Points +24

Vegan
04 May 2023

Keep looking

I bet you can find better vegan italian food NYC.

The alfredo was literally just coconut milk. Definitely don’t order this.

Portions for seitan parmigiana too small.

Sauce is so-so.

Decor needs an update.

Quiet restaurant.

Very good service.

Vegan caesar was not worth it.

FYH powdered cheese.

Updated from previous review on 2023-05-04

eligbutler

Points +84

Vegan
07 Jan 2023

Authentic Italian! So good!!!

I’ve come here twice and both times have enjoyed not only the delicious food, but the atmosphere and service as well! Both times I have gotten the vegan ravioli with red sauce and everytime it is so delicious. Great dessert menu as well. I love coming here with non-vegan friends and family because there’s something for everyone!

Pros: Whole separate vegan menu!!!, Great atmosphere

thetravelingvegan

Points +1077

Vegan
29 Oct 2022

Classic Italian fine dining with dedicated vegan menu

Classic Italian fine dining with dedicated vegan menu. You can get all the classics here eggplant Parmesan, veal Parmesan made from seitan pasta Alfredo. Vegan meatball doesn’t have impossible or beyond meat but made from whole food. The marinara sauce is spot on. I thought the Alfredo sauce was a little on the sweet side, and it’s made from coconut milk. The service is top-notch. Nice and noisy, cozy, fast paced and fun. The restaurant has a 100 year history. Very passionate and capable staff. Don’t miss it!

tmcdveg

Points +266

Vegan
11 Jul 2022

This is what NY dining is about

Authentic Italian food and atmosphere. Feels like you are transported to another time. Everything I've tried here is 10/10. Owners and staff are very friendly.

Pros: 1/2 the menu is vegan, food you won't find elsewhere, traditional NY Italian

IwaWella

Points +1249

Mostly Veg
12 Jun 2022

Italian

Really great decor , ambiance, service and the food was great too. The vegan cannoli was amazing too !

EeshEats

Points +221

Vegan
11 Apr 2022

Would be 5 stars but happy cow doesn’t allow

Excellent food, top tier service, extensive vegan menu. Happy Cow doesn’t allow 5 stars for non vegan/veg restaurants, which is only reason this is a4 star review. Homemade pasta is fresh & delicious. Caesar salad was super good—they use mushrooms to imitate the anchovy flavor.

Updated from previous review on 2022-04-11

Pros: Generous portions, Well flavored food , Authentic Italian food and ambience

StanleyNY

Points +35

Vegan
01 Mar 2022

John’s

So good! Love the wheat balls

CiaraSalinas

Points +126

Vegan
14 Nov 2021

Best Italian I've ever had

Literally the best meal I have ever had. The sauce and pasta was on point. The desserts were beyond amazing and the service was exceptional. I wish I could give this place 5 stars. Literally coming back to New York just for this place.

Pros: Whole vegan menu, Fresh food, Dessert

·X·

Points +17394

Vegan
31 Oct 2021

John’s of 12th Street

This place is so vegan friendly that it’s mind blowing! Apparently this is a very old well-established Italian restaurant, so is pretty amazing to see that they’ve got such a large vegan menu.

I had the vegan seitan parmesan and loved it. It also came with delicious spaghetti. The avocado bruschetta appetizer was super delicious. And the vegan garlic bread was tasty. The staff even brought out a shaker with vegan parmesan! High five to this restaurant!

SamAnthony

Points +1691

Vegan
20 Jul 2021

Five Star Italian American Food!

Wow! This place has been on my list for years but I usually go to all vegan places (there are so many in NYC, after all!), so i hadn't made it yet. Boy have I been missing out!

There is an entirely separate vegan menu (on the back of the regular menu that everyone is given) and everything sounded amazing. I was having a hard time choosing and our lovely waiter gave me some recommendations. I got the seitan scallopini with marsala wine sauce and it was bomb! My mom (not vegan) got the vegan ragu and parpardelle (sp?) and was super impressed. We also shared a vegan Cesar salad and vegan mango sorbet (housemade!)

It was all incredible and a lot of food. I ended up taking home leftovers from both our mains and my partner polished them off, saying how impressed be was. Which is saying something as he grew up with Italian American food!

The setting was more upscale but still down to earth if that makes sense? There were plenty of ppl there on special occasion type dinners and others that had just stumbled in, like my mom and I.

Definitely recommend getting a reservation though as we only managed to get a non-reserved table cuz it was early (5:30 pm on a Friday). Everyone else coming in after us had a reservation!

It's on the pricier side (mains were $20-28), but i feel like for the quality, homemade-ness, portions, and atmosphere, as well as location, the prices were more than fair. Not a place I can afford regularly but will absolutely be back for a special occasion.

Pros: Separate vegan menu, Everything is homemade , Nice setting

Cons: Pricey

MEW

Points +374

Vegan
26 Jun 2021

100+yr old Italian restaurant in NYC with a vegan menu

Vegan menu: We had the ravioli, the eggplant parm, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and tiramisu. Everything was exceptionally tasty.

Note: substitute the sautéed escarole instead of the pasta that comes with your order

Updated from previous review on 2021-06-26

Pros: Excellent vegan menu, Staff and ownership, The food!

talakoala

Points +699

Vegan
17 Jun 2021

Solid

Solid Italian American cuisine with tons of vegan options.

LauraHSisson

Points +36

Vegan
07 Jun 2021

Solid Italian food

You can’t rate non vegan restaurants 5 stars, but this place had 5 star worthy vegan ravioli and tiramisu

jayluhx

Points +1462

Vegan
26 May 2021

Good food!

Probably not the best restaurant around, but they have some solid vegan choices. Great to go with non vegans

LynnCVoss

Points +208

Vegan
18 May 2021

Would Be 5 Star if Allowed

Delicious authentic Italian food. What I love about John’s is they have a separate vegan menu so I don’t have to negotiate vegan options. The menu is diverse and the food is delicious. Enjoy.

Pros: Separate vegan menu , So delicious , Atmosphere

Cons: none.

ThatsVegayzing

Points +755

Vegan
16 Feb 2021

Best Vegan Italian Food Ever

John’s of 12th Street

A cozy and charming Italian restaurant serving red-sauce specialties in the East Village since 1908. Traditional old school classics and vegan versions.

Food*****
This is one of the few restaurants we have rated 5 stars. The food was absolutely delectable and we could not even tell we were eating vegan versions of these Italian classics. The portions were hefty—we split the Seitan alla Rosa and the Bruschetta. The Seitan alla Rosa was so flavorful and the bruschetta was one of the best we’ve ever had. The vegan tiramisu was so delicious it was hard to take a break while eating it.

Service*****
Prompt and friendly service with a smile. We were given the table of our choice and we were approached by the waiter right away. We never had to wait. We split a dish and they were nice enough to put it on two plates!

Atmosphere*****
Cute, cozy, and charming. There’s a front and back area. The lighting was dim and the ambiance was peaceful.

Price$$$
On the pricier side but the portions are big and it’s definitely with every penny!

Pros: Several vegan options, Large portions, Cozy and charming atmosphere

Cons: Not fully vegan

TorsiDawn

Points +1193

Vegan
05 Mar 2020

Super awesome !

Loved it here! The owner was so excited to talk about his vegan menu and the food was phenomenal !




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