Philadelphia, PA - Philly has its fair share of vegan-friendly establishments, and most restaurants now cater to the health-conscious customer. From market-style shops to vegan street-food, Philadelphia has it all, and listed below are a few of our favorite spots for fantastic vegan fare.
Philly's Plant-Based Paradise: A Guide to the City's Best Vegan Restaurants
Philadelphia has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best cities in America for vegan dining. The city's plant-based scene is a vibrant and creative landscape, offering everything from world-class, upscale dining experiences to incredible comfort food, classic sandwiches, and international street food. Whether you're a lifelong vegan or a curious omnivore, these establishments prove that plant-based cooking can be a truly exceptional culinary adventure. Here is a guide to some of the very best vegan spots in Philadelphia.
1. Vedge (Washington Square West)
- The Vibe: The undisputed pioneer and crown jewel of Philadelphia's vegan scene, Vedge is an elegant, vegetable-focused fine-dining restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby. Housed in a beautiful historic brownstone, it's a premier destination for a special occasion.
- The Food: Vedge's menu celebrates vegetables for what they are, using innovative techniques to create complex and deeply flavorful dishes. Expect creative preparations like the famous Rutabaga Fondue and wood-roasted carrots that will change the way you think about vegetables.
2. Miss Rachel's Pantry (South Philadelphia)
- The Vibe: A unique and incredibly sought-after dining experience, Miss Rachel's Pantry offers a one-seating, multi-course, prix-fixe dinner in an intimate and charming setting. It feels like an exclusive, gourmet dinner party.
- The Food: Chef Rachel Klein serves up a creative, comforting, and constantly changing menu of vegan dishes, often with an Italian-American influence. Reservations are required and often book up months in advance, a testament to the incredible quality of the food.
3. Charlie was a sinner. (Midtown Village)
- The Vibe: A moody, sexy, and sophisticated cocktail bar that happens to be entirely vegan. With its dark, intimate atmosphere, Charlie was a sinner. is the perfect spot for a date night or a late-night drink and bite.
- The Food & Drink: They are renowned for their inventive and expertly crafted craft cocktails. The food menu features a delicious selection of globally inspired small plates that are perfect for sharing, from rich "ricotta" toast to Korean-style fried tofu.
4. The Tasty (South Philadelphia)
- The Vibe: For classic, all-American diner comfort food, The Tasty is a must-visit. This all-vegan eatery has the look and feel of a retro luncheonette, offering a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
- The Food: This is where you'll find all the diner classics, completely plant-based. They serve fantastic vegan breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, "cheesesteak" hoagies, and incredible milkshakes, proving that vegan food can be indulgent and satisfying.
5. Goldie (Rittenhouse & Fishtown)
- The Vibe: A fast-casual, quick-service falafel shop from the acclaimed team behind Zahav, Goldie is a go-to for a delicious and affordable lunch.
- The Food: The menu is simple and perfected: incredibly crispy and flavorful falafel (served in a pita or as a salad), shawarma-spiced French fries, and their legendary tahini (tehina) milkshakes. These shakes are a unique and must-try Philadelphia treat.
6. 20th Street Pizza (Rittenhouse Square)
- The Vibe: From the team behind the acclaimed vegan restaurant Blackbird, 20th Street Pizza is a dedicated, all-vegan pizzeria. It's a casual and modern spot perfect for grabbing a few slices or a whole pie.
- The Food: They serve up some of the best vegan pizza in the city, with a variety of creative and classic toppings on a fantastic crust. Their vegan "meats" and cheeses are top-notch.
7. Triangle Tavern (South Philadelphia)
- The Vibe: A classic South Philly corner tavern, Triangle Tavern is a beloved neighborhood institution. While it serves a traditional Italian-American menu, it is famous for having an entire, separate, and extensive vegan menu.
- The Food: This is the perfect spot for vegans to enjoy classic "red sauce" Italian-American comfort food, including vegan versions of meatballs, chicken parm, and other favorites, right alongside their omnivore friends.
From the high-end artistry of Vedge to the comforting diner classics at The Tasty and the perfect falafel at Goldie, Philadelphia's vegan dining scene is world-class. These establishments showcase the incredible creativity, diversity, and flavor of plant-based cooking, making the city a true paradise for vegans and a delicious destination for all food lovers.