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Full disclosure: I'm not a vegan or a raw foodist. I am a vegetarin, however, and was thrilled to try Quintessence after hearing good things. I went with a friend, with great intentions. We sat down and she ordered a glass of wine. "We don't serve alcohol." So she asked for a Diet Coke. "Um, no, sorry." AS IF she'd asked for blood of a virgin on the rocks. We ordered "nachos." You can not make a corn chip without frying it. Don't bother. We had a "stew." You can't "stew" food without cooking it. We had a "caesar" salad. The "carmelized onions" were dehydrated and saturated with agave nectar. All of this to say that the "raw" food at Quintessence is, well, unappetizing. If I want raw food I will make a gigantic, delicious salad. Their attempts to create food resembling cooked food fell totally flat. AND the waitress was rude. The most disappointing meal I've ever had in NY. Hands down.

This is absolutely the best place for people who appreciate real food. I am used to high quality meals from organic ingredients but the food in this place ranks on the top. It tastes like nothing else and yet all the ingredient are real (well, this is the best part). Also, it is worth every penny and the owners are clearly not trying to make money on us - I think they actually believe in what they do. Also, good ingredients, as we all know, are not cheap. Every time you eat in a (suspiciously) cheap place, remember that the owners still need to make money, so what is the actual quality of the food you bought? Your body is so worth of being treated well. These guys seem to be somewhat religious about raw food and this makes this place (and the food) very special. The desserts are so delicious and guilt-free and I do not understand why there is no one-mile like outside. I think, unfortunately, many people still believe that "usual" food (overpriced "Italian" pasta, anyone?) is somehow better than raw and pure. I crave this food all the time, too bad I live in Boston, a little too far to stop by from time to time.

I am not a vegan or a vegetarian and I rarely eat a meal that doesn't include some meat or cheese. The food at Quintessence surprised me with its complex full flavors. It was not the bland macrobiotic flavor I expect from a vegetarian restaurant. Rather, the food is inventive and satisfying. Traditional dishes are reconstructed vegan-style, but in a way that puts the eating experience ahead of novelty. I liked it better than for example the WD-50 approach to the same problem. That restaurant is in love with novelty often at the expense of pleasing texture. It's a tiny storefront which limits the decor but they do well within the limits of the space and the service was accurate, fast, friendly.

I am not a vegan but my friend is and she picked this restaurant. The food was way better than I anticipated. Although it was not my first time at a vegan/raw place, I was still pleasantly surprised at what this place had to offer. The food was flavorful and fast. Beware, this space is cramped but charming.

Recently went raw/vegan and always looking for places to take friends that aren't. A girlfriend and I went here for brunch and I just had to write a review! The savory crepe is to die for and the atmosphere is really charming! Service isn't anything special, and entered were a bit pricy ... but the food and vibe are really top notch. Can't wait to go back!

Lovely live food dining. Vibrant and fresh! Could you please consider having a second location in New Orleans? :o) Not only was the food delicious but the drinks were so very lovely as well. Have the electrolite lemonade with your meal and a warm ginger latte to finish. Stay juicey!

this is good food! i love it. it makes me happy and all the coconut flavor! and ch-ch-ch-chia seed pudding ym!! and the lemongrass soup:) we are what we eat so maybe i will grow some green fuzz now- stay tuned.