BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 Introduce
In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, the search for a truly unique and intimate dining experience can lead you to unexpected and delightful places. BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 is one of those rare finds. Tucked away at 135 E 50th Street, this vegetarian and vegan restaurant offers a culinary journey that is both healthy and deeply satisfying. Unlike a typical restaurant, BODAI provides a focused and immersive dining experience, centered around a thoughtfully crafted set menu of vegan Chinese food. It's a place that prioritizes quality and presentation, turning each meal into a work of art. The atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the food itself, with a cozy and luxurious setting that makes you feel as though you've been transported to a private, serene temple. This article will provide an in-depth look at what makes BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 a must-visit destination for anyone in New York seeking a special, healthy, and memorable meal.
BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 is located at 135 E 50th Street STORE in New York, NY 10022. Its Midtown location places it in a highly accessible and central part of the city, making it a convenient destination for a special dinner. Being in the heart of Manhattan means it’s easily reachable from anywhere in the city via a variety of public transportation options, including multiple subway and bus lines that stop just a short walk away. For those who prefer to drive, there is paid street parking available in the vicinity, though it's important to be mindful of city parking regulations. The unassuming exterior gives way to a truly unique interior, making the journey to this spot part of its charm. The focus is on the dine-in experience, so while there are no takeout or delivery options, the journey to the restaurant is well worth it for the intimate atmosphere and exceptional food you'll find inside.
BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 operates with a unique and focused service model that emphasizes the dine-in experience. Unlike many other restaurants that offer a wide range of services, BODAI's approach is minimalist and intentional, designed to create a single, perfect dining moment for its guests. Here’s a look at the services they provide:
- Dine-In: This is the sole service option available, as the restaurant's entire concept is built around a sit-down, intimate dining experience. The limited seating, with only six chairs, ensures that each guest receives personal attention and can fully immerse themselves in the meal.
- Table Service: The meal is served with table service, where each course is brought out and explained, adding to the fine dining feel. This allows for a more engaged and educational experience with the food.
- Dinner: The restaurant is primarily open for dinner, making it a perfect spot for a special evening out.
- Dessert: A unique part of the meal, the dessert course is included in the set menu, providing a sweet and satisfying conclusion to your dining experience.
Due to its small size and the nature of its service, BODAI does not offer takeout, delivery, or curbside pickup, as the full experience is meant to be enjoyed on-site.
What makes BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 so remarkable is not just its food, but the entire concept behind it. It’s an establishment that has been carefully crafted to offer something truly different in the New York City dining scene. Here are some of the standout features that set it apart:
- Intimate Dining Atmosphere: With only six seats, the restaurant provides an incredibly intimate and private dining experience. This small setting is perfect for solo diners or a very small group looking for a quiet and focused meal. The cozy and trendy atmosphere feels both luxurious and welcoming.
- Fixed Vegan Chinese Menu: BODAI operates on a set menu of vegan Chinese food. This allows the chefs to focus on a curated selection of dishes, ensuring each one is prepared to perfection. It takes the guesswork out of ordering and encourages a culinary adventure.
- Beautifully Plated Dishes: The presentation of the food is a major highlight. Each dish is a work of art, beautifully plated and designed to be visually appealing. This attention to detail elevates the meal from a simple dinner to a high-end dining event.
- Focus on Healthy and Flavorful Food: The menu is centered on healthy, vegan ingredients, proving that plant-based food can be incredibly flavorful and complex. The dishes are known for their intricate textures and a sophisticated interplay of tastes.
- Casual Yet Luxurious Vibe: The atmosphere strikes a unique balance between casual and luxurious. The decor, described by a customer as feeling like a "luxurious temple," creates a special ambiance without being overly formal or pretentious.
- Ideal for Solo Diners: The small, intimate setting makes BODAI a perfect choice for those who enjoy dining alone, as it provides a quiet and contemplative space to enjoy a meal.
For any inquiries or to learn more about this unique dining experience, you can reach out to BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 using the following contact details:
Address: 135 E 50th St STORE, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (917) 463-7997
In a city where restaurants open and close daily, a place like BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 stands out because it offers a truly unique proposition. It’s a choice for those who are not just looking for a meal, but for an experience. The main reason to choose BODAI is its singular focus on a high-quality, plant-based set menu. This is a rare concept in New York, and it allows the restaurant to perfect each dish, offering a level of culinary consistency and creativity that you won't find at a traditional a la carte establishment. The presentation of the food, which is often described as outstanding and beautiful, makes every course a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. This aesthetic attention to detail is a key part of the value proposition and sets it apart from more casual vegetarian spots.
The intimate and exclusive nature of the dining room, with its limited seating, creates a sense of occasion. This is a perfect choice for a special date, a quiet celebration, or simply a night out where you want to feel a sense of discovery and privacy. It's a place where you can relax, take your time, and truly appreciate each course without the noise and rush of a larger restaurant. The cozy and luxurious atmosphere, as one customer noted, makes you feel as though you've "entered a luxurious temple," and this feeling of stepping into another world is a significant part of what makes the experience so memorable. It provides a sanctuary from the bustling city outside.
Finally, BODAI is a testament to the power of elevated vegetarian and vegan cuisine. While some might think of vegetarian food as lacking substance or complexity, BODAI proves them wrong. The dishes are not only healthy but also intriguing, with a "complex interplay of textures" and flavors that can surprise and delight even a devoted meat-eater. The set menu forces you to be open-minded and try things you might not have ordered otherwise, often leading to wonderful discoveries. While some have noted that the portion sizes may be smaller than a traditional meal, the quality and artistic presentation are what you are paying for. For a healthy, sophisticated, and deeply personal dining experience in the heart of New York City, BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 is an exceptional choice that is truly worth the visit.
BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 Photos










BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 Location
BODAI Vegetarian 菩提
135 E 50th St STORE, New York, NY 10022, USA
BODAI Vegetarian 菩提 Reviews
ingredientsmushroomspricepresentationtasting menucreativityplatingwork of artappetizerbirthday
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The restaurant is like stepping into another world, feel like I’ve entered a luxurious temple. Tables are beautifully set and the dishes are beautifully plated. Everything was flavorful but as a meat eater, it just feels like the meal is missing something. It amount of food was just too little and needed something more substantial. I cannot see any guy being anywhere near full with a veggie meal this size. I few dishes stood out to me like the starting appetizer and the soup. The rest were just okay. They need more elevated vegetarian ingredients to justify this price point. And can definitely try a little harder with the dessert.
July 18 · Jing YangThis place is a must go. I went in with little information and I recommend doing the same. All I knew was that it was an affordable set menu of vegan Chinese food, and it exceeded all my expectations. The presentation of the food is outstanding and the whole restaurant exudes class and ambience. There are only 6 seats, which creates an intimate atmosphere. I liked all of the food, and many of the courses were delicious and intriguing, with a complex interplay of textures.
June 13 · Javier KohenSerene, peaceful dining environment. Service attentive, but pacing was a little too quick - maybe because we were the only party in the restaurant. Craftsmanship came through in the decor, food presentation and even the utensils and plates. Lot of mushrooms no doubt but no dish felt repetitive of another. Standout was the millet. Portions are a bit small.
August 03 · Brantley HawkinsBodai is New York's hottest new plant-based restaurant that nobody is talking about. Dining there is an experience. They are reservation only, and you pay in advance when you book. The restaurant is small with only about two tables, so the experience is intimate. When you enter, you are transported to a whole world that makes you forget you're in Midtown Manhattan.We LOVED our experience here. We appreciated that the menu is focused around natural ingredients like mushrooms and vegetables and fresh herbs. And more mushrooms. (Lots of mushrooms lol. But each one unique and not overly mushroomy.) The first course was a real work of art, with five individual bites, each representing a different flavor (sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty) - kind of like five amuse-bouche bites. The rest of the courses spanned a diversity of flavors and textures from the crowd-pleasing sweet and sour "riblets" made of pear and tofu skin to the clean, refreshing zhajiang noodles to the incredible Nepali mushroom with pepper sauce. There wasn't a miss among them. We ate every bite and felt satisfied by the end, though overall it is a light meal. Each dish is meticulously crafted to be equal parts delicious and beautiful. We were charmed and fascinated by every course that emerged. Many (most?) of the dishes featured ingredients I had never tried before or even heard of, such as cauliflower mushroom and peach gum.This experience begs comparison to dining at Eleven Madison Park. Both are plant-forward rather than fake meat-forward. Both are impressive and delicious - honestly pretty similar overall. At $99 per person, Bodai feels like a much fairer price for such a luxurious and unforgettable experience. We would love to return in a few months when the menu has changed over!
July 26 · LaurenI took my husband here for his birthday, and it was one of the most memorable meals we’ve had in a long time. This vegetarian restaurant truly exceeded our expectations! The waitress and chef made us feel very valued. Not only do you get a lot of food for the price, but the quality and creativity behind each dish are absolutely top-tier. They offer a vast array of vegetarian cuisine, each done in such fun and unique ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this tasting menu!The standout for us was the Bodai soup it was genuinely wonderful and felt almost magical, like a comforting hug in a bowl. Every bite throughout the meal was thoughtful, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The atmosphere was welcoming, the service kind and attentive, and the overall experience felt special from start to finish. Highly, highly recommend for vegetarians and food lovers alike!
July 24 · Margaret Diaz
More Best Restaurants Near Me

135 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

135 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

135 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

145 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

147 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

557 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA

151 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

150 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

818 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA

824 3rd Avenue, E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

143 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Bites & Banter Posts





