Ras Plant Based

Finding a place for a fun, not-too-spendy group dinner can be hard. Finding a place for a fun, not-too-spendy group dinner with both vegans and people who have never tried a chickpea before can be almost impossible. Almost. The next time you find yourself agonizing about this exact situation, choose Ras Plant Based in Greenwich Village.

The large vegan Ethiopian restaurant—which has an original location in Crown Heights—has a Biggie Smalls-heavy soundtrack, and crowd-pleasing platters of spongy injera, topped with things like creamy ground chickpeas, and crispy green beans. They also have injera nachos with cheese and fake meat that somehow rivals the real thing. Tortilla chips walked so that fried injera could run.

With colorful murals, plants hanging from the ceiling, and servers wearing shirts that say “Purveyors Of Vibes,” this is a great option for a casual weeknight dinner that’s fun, but not sick-day-tomorrow fun. Bring a small group of friends who aren’t afraid to knock back just enough rum-based Wet Ass Passionfruit cocktails on a Tuesday.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Willa Moore

Injera Nachos

Tortilla chips should watch their (brittle) backs. Fried injera makes a worthy substitute, remaining sturdy and strong under the weight of lots of saucy toppings: avocado, a ground meat-like soy protein, vegan cheese, and black beans. This dish is only available at the Greenwich Village location, and you must order it.

photo credit: Willa Moore

Sambusas

You can get these flaky pockets filled with butternut squash, lentils, or mixed vegetables, but we’re partial to the butternut squash, which is slightly sweet with just a little heat. Dip every last piece of crispy wrapper into the awaze—a traditional Ethiopian hot sauce—until you’ve joined the clean plate club.

photo credit: Willa Moore

Cucumber Salad

This is an extra-good, extra-simple creation. Maybe it’s really hot out. Maybe you’re in desperate need of a vegetable. Either way, the oh-so-tart lime vinaigrette, cold, crunchy vegetables, and dainty lettuces are a menu highlight.

photo credit: Ras Plant Based

Mercato Platter

There may come a time during a group meal when you run out of things to talk about, and things get sort of awkward and weird for a few minutes until someone comes up with something else to talk about. Enter the Mercato Platter, a plate of spongy injera with five piles of things like velvety ground chickpeas, and green beans—an instant conversation starter. Are you a tangy collard greens person, or more of a melt-in-your-mouth lentils person? Conversation saved.

photo credit: Ras Plant Based

Mushroom Tibs

These berbere-spiced, seared mushrooms and onions are great for rounding out a group order, but if you’re here for a solo meal, stick with the Mercato Platter.