Bonobo's (CLOSED)

I've been a vegetarian for the past 15 years, and so was jazzed to try this place. Never again. The restaurant looks like a high-school canteen, and the food is completely tasteless, save for some salads with very strong garlic. The nutmeat patty tastes like cardboard. What a shame, especially since vegetarian food can taste amazing.

Went to Bonobo's for the first time last week. I got there at 7:40, just 20 minutes before close. My boyfriend and I, not vegan/raw but vegan/raw enthusiasts, loved this place! We each got salads. The veggies looked and tasted fresh and were cut or shredded into bite size pieces. The dressings were good but kind of watery. We each got coconut meat shakes. I got the Bonobo's blend, and my boyfriend got the malt. Both tasted good but they were a little on the small side. The malt tasted chocolatey but was swerved warm and probably would have been better ice cold. I also got a bottle of the coconut chai drink to go. I had it the next morning and it was among the BEST things I have ever tasted, raw, vegan, omni, whatever! I would re-visit Bonobo's for that drink alone. Lastly, the raw bread was nothing special. I wouldn't get it again. The curry pate was tasty but a little too salty. We spent $40 on food in all but it was worth it.

This restaurant is fabulous....and I am not Vegan. If this is what Vegan is, I am jumping onboard. The nut pate's are amazing. The veggie patty is delivious. I want to eat there everyday, and the prices are reasonable. My salad was around 9 dollars, but if I went to any other restaurant in the neighborhood, I would be spending the same price. You have to try the coconut chai...fantastic!

Their nori rolls are awesome!! I also got the coconut chai.. it is absolutely to die for. Creamy and coconutty with a hint of chai... dessert in a bottle! I went around 2 pm and it was slightly crowded but not bad. I got my food to go so I didn't stick around to get the whole experience but it seemed very relaxed. Definitely recommend this place!

I read some other comments about the "cafeteria" atmosphere of Bonobo's. I love that it is a N.Y. restaurant where you can actually move and maneuver a baby stroller. I avoid other raw restaurants because I can"t even get in the door comfortably with a stroller. About the food....yum yumm...I am addicted to their frozen durian. The salad dressings are great and my favorite salad is the sea vegetable. I can smell the ocean while chewing..

My Girlfriend and I made a special trip from the NJ 'burbs to try this place out, NJ is a wasteland for raw, vegan and organic restaurants. We both felt this place was great. The Nut Pate' was outstanding, the soups fresh and tasty and the veggie patty the best we had. I have a feeling a lot of the criticism in the seasonings is made by those who do not eat naked food and appreciate the flavor of what greens really taste like. The food is not over seasoned or spiced except where appropriate. The draw back is the "Bonobo" is pricier than a comparable non-organic restaurant. I think we tend to forget that true organic and sustainable food is expensive.

Either you "get" this place or you don't. I love Bonobo for its fresh, raw, choices. I leave feeling energized and satisfied. While Pure Food and Wine (mentioned below) is very delicious and beautifully crafted work intensive food, it also cost me over $100 for me and my guest. Soooo, Bonobo serves as a stop in a crazy city where fresh and raw and healthy is not so easy to find. Just stop in and taste a few things...They are always willing to let you try a sample. Go sit in Madison Square park after eating...a great NYC park right across the street!