The Veggie Wrap with Pesto at Mundo, from Little Girl, Big Appetite
Mundo
The jewel of healthy eating in Astoria! Choose from a wide variety of options including their perfect Red Sonjas, soups, dips and that hearty Veggie Wrap. Mundo has something in mind for every veggie, and their tapas style presentation means more to try, and less damage to the wallet. Plenty of vegan fare too, if that is more your thing. (31-18 Broadway)
Vesta
As a rather strict vegetarian, I appreciate clear menu marking of which dishes are ok for me to consume, and Vesta does a brilliant job at this task. Their locally grown, seasonally appropriate ingredients are also a huge plus in my book. Check out their deliciously layered salads, those Crispy Parm Brussel Sprouts, and the great assortment of pizzas (with whole wheat crust, too!). (2102 30th Avenue)
Café Bar
Home of Mediterranean Café style cooking, Café Bar has lots to offer people looking to cut down on their meat consumption. A wide variety of soups, sandwiches and salads are prepared with organic and healthy eating in mind. The Lebanese Salad is a hearty, protein packed salad that won’t disappoint. Their Homemade Veggie Burgers are also a knock out and a welcome change from the ‘Garden Burgers’ that are ubiquitous at most restaurants. Looking for something a bit lighter? Café Bar also has a great selection of juice and smoothies. (32-90 36th Street)
Aliada
Greek food and vegetarian eating don’t always go hand in hand, but this local favorite is actually quite veg friendly. The smoky Charcoaled Eggplant, Hummus, and Grilled Haloumi Cheese make quite the veggie feast, but the real stand out is their Horiatiki salad, a delicious Greek chopped salad with cabbage, cilantro, feta, olives, arugula, and a light lemon vinaigrette. (29-19 Broadway)
Bare Burger
Not surprisingly this organic burger joint has lots to offer non meat eaters. Their veggie patties are quite good and can be included on any of their fantastic combinations. Those looking for a change of pace should try their Portabella Burger option, bursting with flavor. Veggies will find lots of great salad and side options here too. (33 - 21 31st Avenue)
Fatty’s Café
A long time Astoria staple, Fatty’s has a great selection of non-meat options. Their ‘Make Your Own Salad’ offering is a great way to go- try the House Dressing, a smoky thick stunner. If you’re looking for something more substantial, their Grilled Veg with Hummus plate or Veggie Burrito with Mole sauce is always a winner. (25-01 Ditmars Blvd.)
Rest-Au-Rant
An unusual choice, Rest-Au-Rant is the king of the cheese plate, that yummy veggie staple. This cozy Astoria bar/eatery has lots of cheese plates to choose from, often in differing sizes. Enjoy a pressed sandwich or salad with your glass of wine if that is more your speed. (30-01 35th Avenue)
What makes the Sparrow burger a plus for me is the brioche bun--always fresh with a hint of sweetness. The burger meat itself is yet another masterpiece. It's juicy, seasoned well with various fresh and dried herbs and is generous in size--you won't get slider portions here! Pair it with your choice of cheese (gruyere, fontina, brie or cheddar), a side of their crunchy fries (herbed or spiced) and you got yourself a killer Sparrow Burger. Happiness and gluttony on a plate for $9-$12 (depends on your choice of toppings).
The Fatty's burger is complex. There are five varieties including a salmon burger and a Jalapeno turkey burger (shown here). Like at Sparrow, the portions are generous and I'd say even more so. The actual burger meat is fantastic--also moist, hearty and packed with fresh ingredients. Fatty's burgers are "glitzy", illustrated by this turkey burger. They're accompanied by a lot of crap--the mayo, the veggies, the salad, the list goes on. While I enjoy these embellishments on their own, they sometimes steal the burger's thunder. But if you fancy a fancy burger, I highly recommend Fatty's. The prices are wallet friendly, ranging from $7-$11.
