<div class="tldr">In June 2024, at least four major steakhouses in Midtown Manhattan, including Smith & Wollensky and Del Frisco’s, debuted new plant-based entrées. The menu additions reflect changing diner preferences this summer.</div>

<ul class="key-facts">

<li>Smith & Wollensky introduced a vegan Wellington on June 10.</li>

<li>Del Frisco’s Grille added a grilled eggplant entrée the same week.</li>

<li>The Palm and Benjamin Steakhouse quietly launched plant-based mains.</li>

</ul>

Major Midtown steakhouse operators are responding to shifting diner expectations with new plant-based main courses this summer. Smith & Wollensky began offering a vegan Wellington entrée on June 10, marking the first time the restaurant has served a fully plant-based main dish. Del Frisco’s Grille followed with a grilled eggplant plate featuring lentil stuffing and chimichurri sauce.

The Palm and Benjamin Steakhouse joined the trend this month, each adding a single plant-based entrée. These menu changes have not been widely advertised. Instead, managers report that regular patrons began requesting non-meat options, especially for group dinners where one or more guests follow a plant-based diet.

Steakhouse representatives described the additions as a test. “We’re watching customer response,” said a spokesperson for Smith & Wollensky. At Del Frisco’s Grille, management said the new offering is available through Labor Day, with plans to monitor summer sales before making the item permanent.

Operators report that the new items remain a minority of orders. However, they note steady interest from diners booking large tables or corporate events that include guests with dietary restrictions.

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

<h2>Which Midtown steakhouses have added plant-based entrées?</h2>

<p>Smith & Wollensky, Del Frisco’s Grille, The Palm, and Benjamin Steakhouse each now offer at least one plant-based main course, as of June 2024. These options are newly introduced for the summer and are available on site at their Midtown locations.</p>

<h2>Are these plant-based dishes permanent additions?</h2>

<p>Most steakhouses describe the plant-based entrées as seasonal or on a trial basis for summer 2024. Operators at Smith & Wollensky and Del Frisco’s Grille say they will review customer interest before deciding whether to keep the dishes after Labor Day.</p>

<h2>Why are steakhouses adding vegan or vegetarian options?</h2>

<p>Managers report increased requests from diners for plant-based options, especially at group dinners and corporate events. The menu additions aim to accommodate changing diner preferences and dietary restrictions, reflecting broader trends in the city’s restaurant industry.</p>