Caravan of Dreams: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Caravan of Dreams is one of New York City’s most enduring vegan restaurants, open since 1991 in the East Village at 405 E 6th Street. Every single item on the menu is plant-based, certified kosher, and made with organic ingredients. If you’re looking for a fully vegan spot with serious history, this is the place.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Caravan of Dreams

Everything. Caravan of Dreams is a 100% vegan restaurant, so you won’t find a single animal product on the menu. The kitchen uses no meat, dairy, or eggs and commits to all-organic ingredients with no pesticides, preservatives, artificial flavorings, or hormones. The restaurant also holds full kosher certification, including its wine list. If cross-contamination is a concern, you’re in about as safe a spot as you’ll find in a sit-down restaurant.

Signature dishes to order

The menu pulls from Mediterranean, Latin, and international flavors. A few things come up in reviews again and again. The Caravan Burrito is a crowd favorite, noted for its generous portions and rich flavors. The Seitan Nachos land well with people who want something hearty. The Tempeh Reuben, built with grilled tempeh, vegan Russian dressing, tomato, and organic sauerkraut on rye toast, is a strong pick for anyone who misses the original. On the raw side, the Raw Zucchini Pasta with cashew alfredo and the Raw Nori Rolls with walnut pate are worth ordering. At brunch, the Spinach Tofu Omelet and Banana Blueberry Pancakes are reliable. The $23 prix fixe brunch deal, which includes a drink and house salad, is a solid value for Manhattan.

How to order

You can dine in, order takeout, or get delivery. The restaurant takes reservations through its website at caravanofdreams.net, and you can also order pickup online through TBDine. Hours vary by day, so check before you go: dinner service starts at 4pm Monday through Wednesday, at 1pm Thursday and Friday, and brunch kicks off at 11am on weekends. The kitchen stays open until 10:30 or 11:30pm depending on the night, so it works for a late dinner. Live music starts at 7pm most evenings, which means the vibe shifts after that hour.

What to watch out for

A few reviewers have flagged that not every dish on the menu is fully raw even when it looks like it might be, so if you’re strictly raw vegan, ask your server before ordering. Some items use processed soy products like tamari or conventional soy sauce, which a handful of guests have noticed in dressings. Gluten-free options are available and marked, but the kitchen isn’t a dedicated gluten-free facility. Hours can also shift around holidays, including closures on Christmas and July 4th, so a quick call ahead on those days is a good idea.

Is Caravan of Dreams worth it?

Yes, especially if you’re visiting New York and want a vegan restaurant with genuine history and atmosphere. Founder Angel Moreno opened this place in 1991, making it one of the oldest all-vegan restaurants in Manhattan. The room has a low-lit, bohemian feel with live music most nights, which makes it a better dinner-out choice than a quick solo lunch. Prices are moderate for NYC at the $$ level, the staff consistently gets praise in reviews for being knowledgeable and unhurried, and the organic commitment is real, not a marketing claim. It won’t win any minimalist design awards, but if you want a meal that’s 100% plant-based, kosher, and rooted in the neighborhood, Caravan of Dreams delivers.