NYC Restaurants: Delice & Sarrasin

Delice & Sarrasin

Address | 178 W Houston St, New York, NY 10014

Lately, we’ve been making a conscious effort to explore more plant-based and vegan dining options in NYC. While we’re not strictly vegan, we love incorporating more plant-forward meals into our routine, especially in New York City with such a vibrant and diverse food scene. From inventive fine dining to casual cafés, there’s no shortage of NYC restaurants redefining plant-based cuisine.

This past weekend, we ventured to Delice & Sarrasin in the West Village for a Saturday brunch. Known for its fully vegan take on classic French dishes, the restaurant has been on our list for a while. French cuisine isn’t typically associated with plant-based eating—think buttery croissants, creamy sauces, and rich cheeses—but Delice & Sarrasin manages to capture those beloved flavors in a completely dairy- and meat-free way.

The cozy, intimate space with ornate mirrors hanging from the walls immediately transported us to a Parisian café, setting the perfect backdrop for a leisurely weekend meal. The menu offered a mix of sweet and savory crêpes, tartines, and hearty entrées—all made with plant-based ingredients without compromising on indulgence. We couldn’t resist trying their take on traditional favorites, and we were genuinely impressed by how well-executed each dish was.

Natural Sparkling Hibiscus Ginger

We started brunch at Delice & Sarrasin, with the Natural Sparkling Hibiscus Ginger, a refreshing and vibrant drink with just the right balance of floral and spicy notes. The tartness of hibiscus paired beautifully with the warmth of ginger, making it both invigorating and soothing. Beyond its delicious flavor, this combination is packed with health benefits. Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and known to support heart health, while ginger aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity. Together, they create a drink that’s not only delicious but also nourishing—a perfect complement to our plant-based dining experience.

Brie Roti Végétal

One of the standout dishes from our brunch at Delice & Sarrasin was the Brie Roti Végétal—a beautifully roasted, melted plant-based “brie” infused with thyme and served alongside perfectly cooked potatoes. The texture was incredibly creamy, nearly identical to traditional brie, with that signature mild, buttery richness. However, it felt lighter and cleaner, without the heaviness that often comes with dairy-based cheeses. Each bite was comforting yet fresh, making it a satisfying yet wholesome dish. It was a perfect example of how plant-based alternatives can capture the essence of classic flavors while offering a more nourishing experience.

Escargots Beurre Maitre D'hotel

The Escargots Beurre Maître d’Hôtel at Delice & Sarrasin was a brilliant plant-based take on the classic French dish. Made with oyster mushrooms instead of snails, the texture was tender and slightly chewy—almost identical to traditional escargots. The parsley garlic butter was rich, fragrant, and deeply flavorful, perfectly coating each bite with that signature savory depth. The flavor profile was spot on, capturing the indulgence of the original without any dairy or animal products. It was a wonderful surprise that highlighted how creative plant-based cooking can be, delivering all the decadence of French cuisine in a lighter, cleaner way.

Tournedos Rossini

The Tournedos Rossini at Delice & Sarrasin was an absolute showstopper. The pea protein "steak" had a remarkably tender texture with a deep, savory flavor that paired beautifully with the tahini-based "foie gras", which was rich, silky, and full of umami. The truffle wine-infused sauce added an elegant depth, while the freshly shaved black truffle elevated the entire dish. Served alongside perfectly cooked asparagus, it felt indulgent yet light—a masterful plant-based reimagining of a classic. Every bite was luxurious, proving that vegan fine dining can capture the essence of French cuisine without compromise. A must-try for any food lover!

Coq au Vin

The Coq au Vin at Delice & Sarrasin was a beautifully executed plant-based take on the French classic. The pea protein "chicken" legs had a surprisingly tender texture, absorbing the deep, rich flavors of the red wine sauce, which was layered with Parisian mushrooms, onions, spices, and herbes de Provence. The sauce had the perfect balance of earthiness and warmth, coating each bite in a luscious, aromatic depth. It felt hearty and comforting, yet lighter than the traditional version. This dish truly showcased how plant-based ingredients can recreate the complexity and indulgence of classic French cuisine without compromise.

Exploring vegan dining in NYC has been an exciting journey, and Delice & Sarrasin proved that plant-based French cuisine can be just as satisfying as the original. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new, it’s a spot well worth visiting. Stay tuned as we continue discovering more standout plant-based restaurants across the city!