Best Vegetarian Restaurants on Long Island

This gourmet restaurant is far from vegetarian, since it specializes in Greek seafood. But if you look at the appetizers, you'll see that most are both delicious and meat- and fish-free. There's a mouthwatering plate of Greek spreads which includes skordalia -- a divine blend of almonds and garlic, melitzanosalata -- eggplant/garlic puree, and other culinary treats. The saganaki, pan-fried Greek kefalograviera cheese, is another excellent appetizer.

Then look at the side dishes. Horta is a delectable blend of red, white and gold Swiss chard, escarole, dandelions and spinach. The white and green asparagus is steamed and tossed with olive oil. Or try the grilled red and yellow peppers.

Limani
1043 Northern Boulevard, Roslyn
(516) 869-8989

Tucked away behind the Iavarone Brothers Cafe, you'll find delectable food at the Back Room Trattoria. Italian food traditionally includes many savory appetizers and side dishes that often don't include meat. Order the trattoria's hearty appetizers like the superbly prepared polenta with a delicate mushroom and gorgonzola cheese sauce. With one or two appetizers like these, you won't miss a meat entree, but your carnivore friends can dig into the meat dishes at this eatery.

After eating, drop by Iavarone Brothers Foods next door and buy some excellent Italian food. You'll find plenty of non-meat choices to bring home.

The Back Room Trattoria at Iavarone Brothers
1534 Union Turnpike
Lake Success Center
Lake Success, NY
(516) 488-4500

UPDATE: Tel Aviv is now called Anise, and it has the same great hummus and more, but it is no longer certified kosher.

From the best varieties of hummus that I've ever tasted to babaganoush that's redolent of garlic and eggplant, to other small plates like roasted Cauliflower and Tahini Salad, a good portion of the menu at Tel Aviv in Great Neck is meatless. In addition, since it's glatt kosher, there is no dairy at this restaurant which also serves meat dishes for your carnivore friends.

Read the Tel Aviv Restaurant Review...

I assumed that Afghani cuisine was filled with lamb, chicken and beef, but along with food for the carnivore crowd,  Ariana Restaurant in Huntington Village also offers a wide range of Afghani fusion vegetarian and vegan appetizers, entrees and dessert. From their Vegetarian Kechri -- brown rice risotto with mung beans topped with falafel and chick peas in marinara sauce to the potato and leek turnovers with a tasty yogurt and mint sauce, Ariana serves up meat-free, gourmet delights. Conclude your savory lunch or dinner with  the vegan Key Lime Pie or Sheer Brinj, a delighful, hearty rice pudding with subtle spices.

Ariana Restaurant
255 Main Street
Huntington Village, NY
(631) 421-2933

Read the Ariana Restaurant Review...

Update: Unfortunately, Green Melody closed in 2010.

You'll never miss beef or chicken at this gourmet Chinese restaurant specializing in vegan (no meat, dairy or other animal products) & kosher cuisine. Some meals look and taste a bit like meat, but it's pure vegetarian heaven here. Appetizers include hearty, organic king oyster mushroom fritters & mushrooms on a bed of mashed sweet potatoes and snow peas with an aromatic sauce. The sesame "chicken" has the same mouth-feel as the real thing, so you can bring your meat-eating friends and they'll never know the difference.

Green Melody Restaurant
519 North Broadway (in the shopping center)
Jericho, NY
(516) 681-5715