If you’re craving small-plate vegan tapas, then East Village has you covered.
Al-Andalus (511 E. 5th St.), by Overthrow Hospitality, opened summer 2025. The latest in the popular hospitality’s repertoire, there’s a twist to this spot that sets it apart from their other restaurants (Avant Garden, Ladybird, Soda Club, and more) — the dishes here are $10 and under.
The menu, which brings together Iberian and North African cuisine, is entirely plant-based.
The vision of Al-Andalus
Founded by James Beard–nominated restaurateur Ravi DeRossi, Al-Andalus is helmed by Chef Amira Gharib, previously of Soda Club, whose Egyptian heritage helps shape a menu that celebrates Middle East, North African and Iberian culinary traditions.
To bring the menu to life inside the restaurant, guests inside the former home of Eterea, features a Moroccan-inspired interior with zellige tiles, brass lanterns, jewel tones, plaster, clay, and handmade Egyptian ceramics.
What vegan tapas to order at Al-Andalus
As someone who lived in Madrid and loves the tapas culture and cuisine there, some of the dishes at the new restaurant are a special treat for me. They bring to life the tapas I loved, making them plant-based. These are five dishes to share, or keep for yourself.
Tortilla Arabica – One of my most favorite dishes from Spain, tortilla traditionally is made with potatoes and egg. At the East Village vegan restaurant, the tortilla’s smoky take on the classic Spanish tortilla uses JUST Egg and added in saffron, harissa for some warmth in the dish and toum.
Confit leeks – The warm spices like hazelnut dukkah make this the perfect winter dish. With tender leeks in a date vinaigrette and delicate dill, this earthy dish delivers a unique profile that people will love.
Shawarma mushrooms – One of the more vibrant dishes on the menu, these chewy mushrooms come topped with bright pink pickled onions, harissa and and a bed of toum. While I’m not a huge fan of the toum, the mushrooms meaty goodness makes it satisfying to eat, and the spices, like the leeks, make it feel like Christmas.
Butter bean crostini – Perhaps my favorite dish of the evening, the thick toast is topped with a spread of a plant-based take on ‘nduja (spicy fermented pork), cavalo nero (dark kale), heirloom tomatoes and, of course, butter beans. It’s comfort food in the form of toast, and I am so here for it.
Rice pudding – I haven’t had rice pudding in ages. Enter Al-Andalus. This pudding comes topped with burnt cinnamon nut crunch. It’s creamy, lightly sweet flavor makes it the ideal dessert after sharing plates and plates of foo.
Imbibe on a budget
I mentioned that the plates (minus the paella) are $10 and under. So are most of the drinks. There’s my personal favorite, tinto de verano, the drink of summer in Spain. It’s a blend of red wine and lemon soda and refreshingly good. If you’re hot on espresso martinis, you’ve got to check out the Cezve Martini. The drink combines Lebanese cold brew and cardamom.
The bottom line
Al-Andalus is perfect for today’s word with its affordable small plates and cozy vibes. They even have a tasting menu that delivers 10 of its most popular plates for $100 (minimum of two diners).
