Anixi Review: Inside NYC’s Upscale Vegan Mediterranean Restaurant
Anixi NYC
Address | 290 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
New York City has no shortage of places to enjoy brunch, but finding somewhere that combines creative plant-based food with a stylish dining experience is always a good reason to plan a visit. On our latest trip into Manhattan from Sagaponack, we decided to try brunch at Anixi, an upscale vegan Mediterranean restaurant in Chelsea known for its inventive approach to plant-based cuisine.
Anixi brings a Mediterranean perspective to vegan dining, offering an entirely plant-based menu inspired by the flavors and culinary traditions of the region. For vegans, a restaurant like this offers the pleasure of choosing freely from the menu rather than searching for a few suitable options. For anyone dining with non-vegan friends or family, it is also an opportunity to explore how creative and satisfying plant-based food can be.
Brunch is a particularly appealing way to experience a restaurant, with the chance to enjoy a leisurely meal before spending the afternoon exploring the neighborhood or heading to another New York destination.
In this review, we'll share our experience at Anixi, including the brunch menu, the atmosphere, the dishes we tried, and whether we'd recommend adding it to your NYC dining list. If you're looking for vegan brunch in Manhattan or simply want to discover a different side of New York's restaurant scene, Anixi is worth a closer look.
Anixi NYC: Brunch Cocktails
We started our brunch at Anixi with the Super Juice, a refreshing cocktail made with tequila blanco, mezcal, housemade cucumber lemon juice, club soda, and mint. Light, citrusy, and wonderfully crisp, it was an ideal way to kick off a leisurely weekend brunch. The cucumber and lemon brought a fresh, bright flavor, while the mezcal added a subtle smokiness that gave the drink a little more depth. The mint and bubbles kept everything feeling light and refreshing, making it an excellent pairing for the Mediterranean-inspired dishes that followed. It's a lovely choice if you're in the mood for a brunch cocktail that's refreshing rather than overly sweet.
Anixi NYC: Mezze Brunch Sampler
The Mezze Brunch Sampler at Anixi was one of the highlights of our NYC brunch experience. Designed to serve two, this impressive spread was perfect for a long, leisurely brunch, with a beautiful assortment of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired flavors to explore.
The sampler included sunny-side-up eggs, lemon potato hash browns, cured salmon, harissa-roasted eggplant, cucumber tomato salad, salt-roasted beets, spicy feta, tahini, labneh, seaweed caviar, olives, and fresh herbs. Everything was accompanied by fresh pita and layered herb bread, making it easy to sample a little of everything and return to our favorites.
What we especially enjoyed was the variety. The table was filled with vibrant colors, different textures, and flavors that complemented one another, from the bright, fresh salads to the smoky eggplant, savory dips, and warm bread. Rather than rushing through a single dish, we could take our time, share bites, and enjoy the experience.
At $56 for two, the Mezze Brunch Sampler felt like a generous and thoughtfully composed brunch option. It's an excellent choice for couples or friends who enjoy sharing food and trying several different dishes in one sitting.
If you're looking for a NYC brunch that encourages you to slow down, linger over coffee, and enjoy good conversation over an abundant spread, Anixi's Mezze Brunch Sampler is well worth considering.
Anixi NYC: Coffee & Dessert
With the autumn rain falling outside, we decided there was no reason to rush off, so we lingered a little longer at Anixi over dessert and coffee. We ordered the Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake alongside an Americano and a cappuccino, the perfect ending to our leisurely brunch.
The cheesecake was incredible, both in flavor and presentation. Beautifully plated and finished with delicate gold leaf, it felt like a dessert made for a special occasion. The Dubai chocolate inspiration made it an indulgent finale, and the elegant presentation was every bit as memorable as the meal itself.
Paired with our coffees, it was a lovely way to spend a rainy autumn afternoon in New York. Sometimes the best part of brunch is having nowhere else you need to be, taking your time over one last bite of dessert, and enjoying the atmosphere a little longer. Anixi made it easy to settle in and savor the experience.
Final Thoughts: Is Anixi Worth Visiting?
We thoroughly enjoyed our brunch at Anixi and left already looking forward to returning. From the refreshing Super Juice to the generous Mezze Brunch Sampler and the beautifully presented Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake, the entire experience felt special without being overly formal. The food was thoughtfully prepared, the presentation was elegant, and the atmosphere encouraged us to slow down and enjoy our time at the table.
As a vegan Mediterranean restaurant in NYC, Anixi offers something a little different from the city's many plant-based dining options, bringing together Middle Eastern flavors, creative dishes, and an upscale dining experience. Whether you're planning a leisurely weekend brunch, a date, or a special meal with friends, it's a wonderful restaurant to add to your New York City dining list.
We especially appreciated being able to linger over coffee and dessert as the autumn rain fell outside. It's those little moments that turn a good meal into a memorable experience, and Anixi delivered on that front. We're already thinking about what to try on our next visit!
