Vegan Chef Challenge Lands in Long Island
There’s never been a better time to try vegan! Vegan food is taking center stage once again! The inaugural Central Long Island Vegan Chef Challenge kicks off on June 1st, 2026, inviting local chefs to showcase their creativity with delicious vegan dishes. Diners will have a month-long opportunity to explore unique menu items and rate dishes!
Frustrated by the lack of plant-based options at restaurants on Long Island, a group of vegans, led by Ann Merrill of Syosset, have volunteered to enlist area restaurants to join the Vegan Chef Challenge. “When dining with non-vegan family and friends, I’ve experienced firsthand how limited my options can be.” explains Merrill.
Here’s how to join the fun:
GO! You have one month—from June 1st to June 30th. Go to the Central Long Island Vegan Chef
Challenge Website to see the full list of participating restaurants and their vegan offerings.
EAT! Try the inventive vegan dishes featured at participating restaurants throughout the city.
VOTE! Rate and review each menu to share your feedback with the chefs, then cast your vote for your favorites before the challenge ends!
The current list of 28 businesses who are participating in this year’s Vegan Chef Challenge include: Pine Grove Inn Restaurant, Umberto’s of Sayville, Mongo’s Coffee Roastery & Lounge, The Chefs Pantry, Sapsuckers Hops & Grub, North Fork Chocolate & Eatery, Shuga Pie Shop, Wild Honey Restaurant, LI Pita House, Rock n Roots, Greek Island Diner, Phayathai, Flora’s Pizza Cafe, Flora’s Wine Bar & Restaurant, Secret Vegan Kitchen, Pasta Pasta, The Recovery Room Cafe, Angelina’s Italian Restaurant, New Wave Burrito Bar, Nautilus Roasting Co, Sotto Luna, The Pour Authority, Ruta Oaxaca Mexican, Drifters Kitchen & Bar, Fresco Creperie & Cafe (Williston Park), Fresco Creperie & Cafe (Long Beach), C.P. La Manno’s Italian Restaurant, and 317 Main Street.
We are currently seeking businesses to join our Vegan Chef Challenge. Any business open to adding new vegan options is encouraged to apply on our website.
Winning dishes will be announced in early July. For Challenge updates, please visit veganchefchallenge.org/longisland
10 Weeks to Vegan: Feel great about what’s on your plate!
The Vegan Chef Challenge invites diners to experience the many benefits of a plant-based diet by signing up for the free 10 Weeks to Vegan program. This guided challenge gives participants everything they
need to get started with eating vegan. Each week, participants learn to replace one animal product with a vegan version, while receiving nutritional tips, product recommendations, and recipes. To learn more, please visit: vwwv.1Oweeks.org.
About your host, Vegan Outreach
Vegan Outreach is an international, nonprofit organization aiming to reduce animal suffering by promoting a vegan lifestyle through education and making vegan options more accessible.
