The 19 Most Exciting Vegan Restaurant Openings in 2026

In 2026, despite a wave of vegan restaurant closures, the plant-based dining scene has seen a flourishing of new openings across the U.S. Cities like Brooklyn, Denver, and New York City have welcomed enticing vegan establishments, like Nacha Focaccia in Brooklyn, which quickly garnered a loyal following with its hearty focaccia sandwiches and specialty lattes. Meanwhile, Mother Other in Denver, owned by a celebrated chef duo, is making waves with its elevated whole-food cuisine, catering to a diverse roster of diners.

Other notable openings include Lesbiveggies in Camden, NJ, which returned after a two-year hiatus, and Matthew Kenney's Besos in Birmingham, MI, serving innovative cocktail and food pairings. From vegan delis like Secret Vegan Kitchen in Oceanside, NY, to exciting concepts like Long Count and Fungi Foods in New York and Oakland respectively, the year highlighted both established chefs and newcomers embracing the vegan movement. With more than 70% of Americans incorporating plant-based foods into their diets, the future of vegan dining looks promising as it continues to evolve and expand.