Philadelphia, PA - 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.
- 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.
Before You Go: Restaurant hours and menu specials can change seasonally. To ensure the best experience, please check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm that they are open and that the dishes mentioned in this article are still available.