Why Cadence is NYC’s Best Vegan Southern, Soul Food Restaurant

Cadence in NYC’s East Village is where Southern comfort food meets plant-based creativity. Created by the talented Executive Chef Shenarri Freeman, this 2x James Beard-nominated restaurant is making waves with its innovative take on traditional Southern dishes. Imagine smoky grits, savory collard green wraps, and fried lasagna rolls —all made entirely from plants. At Cadence, you don’t have to be vegan to fall in love with the food; you just need to love great flavor.

What’s special about Cadence is how it honors the essence of Southern cooking while embracing the power of plants. Chef Shenarri takes classic soul food recipes and gives them a fresh, vegan twist that’s both delicious and satisfying. It’s more than just food—it’s a celebration of what’s possible when you approach cooking with creativity and care. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious, Cadence offers a dining experience that feels like a warm, Southern hug.

As more people explore plant-based diets, Cadence stands out by showing that vegan food can be every bit as rich, hearty, and flavorful as traditional dishes. It’s exciting to see Southern cuisine evolve in this way, and Cadence is leading the charge with dishes that make you rethink what plant-based cooking can be. So, come hungry and leave inspired—because at Cadence, the future of soul food is here, and plants are leading the way.

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📍Locations: East Village, NYC
💁🏻‍♀️ EP/Director/Editor: Liza Mosquito de Guia (@SkeeterNYC)
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Meet the coolest food makers! Food. Curated. is a James Beard Award-Winning food series, by Brooklyn-based filmmaker Liza Mosquito de Guia, dedicated to amplifying stories of unique, small-batch food makers and chefs in New York City and beyond. Bringing fresh, inspiring insights into the craft of food every month. We support women, POC, LGBTQIA+, Asians, minorities, and anyone looking for an ally within the industry. All good food has a story...

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