The Best Vegan Eateries in Philadelphia

Something’s been sizzling on Philly’s food scene lately, and it isn’t just the city’s signature cheesesteak. Vegan eateries of all kinds have cropped up in recent years, earning the City of Brotherly Love the reputation of being a top-notch plant-based dining destination and drawing meat- and dairy-free diners from around the region.

However, you don’t have to be a vegan to appreciate the culinary creativity and inventive flavors at these eight Philadelphia spots, which are designed to satisfy diners of all stripes.

1. Zahav

It’s nearly impossible to get a table at Zahav, the modern Israeli restaurant of James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov. Thankfully, grabbing a stuffed pita, fries, and frosty tahini milkshake from Goldie is much easier (and just as delicious).

Bringing meticulous attention to flavor at this fast-casual spot, Solomonov has designed a short but sweet menu that has the Rittenhouse-area lunch crowd lined out the door. Enjoy your cooked-to-order falafel in a pita or atop a salad, and choose regular fries or shawarma spiced. The eatery features a few tables, but if you aren’t fortunate enough to snag one, take a short walk to Rittenhouse Square where you can people-watch and enjoy your falafel on a park bench.

2. Miss Rachel’s Pantry

Once upon a time, the South Philly neighborhood surrounding Miss Rachel’s Pantry was more industrial than residential, but now, this charming two-story building, outfitted with bistro lights, offers a delightful vegan catering experience.

Fast-forward to today, and you can enjoy a twice-weekly supper club served on Fridays and Saturdays. These five-course dinners, shared around a communal farmhouse table with 22 seats, often feature cultured nut-based cheeses and handmade pasta, creating a lively culinary experience.

3. The Tasty

Who says chicken and waffles are just for meat-eaters? Not The Tasty, a retro-styled vegan diner serving classic breakfast dishes and comfort food throughout the day. Located near south Philly’s trendy Passyunk Avenue, this small eatery can get crowded quickly, so be prepared for a fun, bustling atmosphere.

Go hungry as the menu features a diverse selection of guilty-pleasure vegan foods like soysage, cheez, and bacun. And if breakfast isn’t your style, try the diner’s cheezsteak and burger options available from 10 AM and even earlier on weekends.

4. Vedge

Led by local vegan dining superstars, James-Beard nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, Vedge is a self-proclaimed ‘vegetable restaurant’ with a long waitlist. A fine dining establishment, it’s perfect for special occasions and features high-quality dishes in a charming setting inside a renovated brownstone.

Fresh produce shines in every dish, where crowd favorites include velvety rutabaga fondue and wood-roasted carrots. Don’t miss the zucchini bread pudding with sweet corn ice cream, elegantly presented and sure to impress.

5. Dottie’s Donuts

At Dottie’s Donuts, the fact that it is vegan is almost secondary to its ingenious donut creations. The daily-changing menu features profoundly inventive flavors, captivating both vegans and non-vegans alike.

With locations in Center City and the original West Philly spot, you can try unique flavors like Thai iced tea, maple bacon, matcha pistachio, and stuffed s’mores. Look out for the proprietary greased pole donut, especially during football season, as it’s a fun homage to Eagles fans.

6. V Street

V Street, a combination cocktail bar and restaurant a half-block from posh Rittenhouse Square, offers a creative take on vegan street food. The concept is aimed at showcasing the diversity of flavors that don’t rely on meat-based ingredients.

Here you can enjoy hearty Korean fried tempeh tacos and Peruvian potatoes, all featuring exciting spice blends. Be sure to save room for V Street’s signature dessert, a sundae glass filled with purple sweet potato ice cream and crushed-ice granita.

7. Charlie was a sinner

Even the most herbivorous vegans might agree that the best way to enjoy wheatgrass is in shot form—especially when it’s spiked. Nestled in the Gayborhood, Charlie was a sinner boasts delicious cocktails and sharing dishes, all plant-based.

Choose from unique beverages like basil fennel mocktails and indulge in dishes inspired by global cuisines, from zucchini crabcake appetizers to caramelized eggplant bao buns.

8. Blackbird Pizzeria

While some pizzerias use vegan cheese, few can rival Blackbird Pizzeria for their strictly dairy-free offerings. Known for its house-made seitan buffalo wings at varying spice levels, it’s a go-to for pizza lovers.

Those in the know appreciate the eclectic topping options, which include marinated artichokes, pumpkin seed pesto, and roasted beets, crafting a unique experience for every diner.