ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegan Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
LuAnne's Wild Ginger
8.3
On Smith Street in Cobble Hill, LuAnne's Wild Ginger serves a fully vegan pan-Asian menu built around seitan, tofu, and vegetables in curries, stir-fries, and noodle bowls. It works as a relaxed date-night or small-group spot where familiar takeout flavors get a slightly more polished, sit-down treatment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Soy Protein, Prosperity Platter, Grilled Miso Eggplant
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Long-running all-vegan Asian menu with lots of familiar favorites.
Who should go: Plant-based diners wanting sit-down Asian comfort with friends.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or low-key weekend dates before nearby bars.
What to order: Crispy Soy Protein, Prosperity Platter, Grilled Miso Eggplant.
Insider tip: Go for lunch specials to sample multiple plates at better value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Smith Street and surrounding blocks is limited, especially after 6pm; metered spots open up more steadily closer to Atlantic Avenue.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests wear neat everyday attire, but it’s polished enough for a relaxed date night.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation comfortably, though peak hours bring a steady dining-room hum.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with quick seating for solos and pairs.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based, with many vegetable-forward dishes and tofu options.
Vegan options: Yes — everything is fully vegan, including sauces and proteins.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are gluten-free or can be made gluten-free; ask for guidance on soy-based proteins and noodle swaps.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm lighting, cozy tables, and neatly plated dishes create an easy, low-pressure environment that still feels intentional.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights and early weekend hours, though peak weekend dinner slots fill quickly. Arriving before 6:30pm improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate for older kids who enjoy Asian-style noodles and stir-fries; the room is compact and better suited for calm, seated dining than very young children.
Best For
Better for: A fully vegan Asian menu with reliably balanced flavors in a relaxed, slightly dressy setting ideal for dates and small groups.
Skip if: You want highly spicy regional dishes, ultra-fast counter service, or very budget-friendly pricing — nearby casual spots will fit better.