Philadelphia"s 7 Best Vegetarian Restaurants
Philadelphia is a city made famous by the cheesesteak, but Philly's association with the cheesy, meaty sandwich belies our city's rich vegetarian dining scene. Meat-free eateries in the City of Brotherly Love run the gamut from fast-casual to gourmet, satisfying the palates of vegans, vegetarians (and carnivores!) alike.
Chef Richard Landau and his wife, pastry chef Kate Jacoby, are the masterminds behind Vedge, a progressive, elegant eatery that many consider to be Philly's premier vegan restaurant. The menu is inspired by the seasons, but all dishes here are equally innovative. (Don't skip the portabella carpaccio or the grilled seitan with Swiss chard and whipped tahini.) Incorporating housemade syrups, cocktails and mocktails round out the menu, and the desserts are not to be missed.More »
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine is the focus of Mama's Vegetarian. Pita bread is made on-site daily, a warm and chewy vessel for creamy hummus and spicy eggplant. The real star of the show here, however, is the falafel, which is best followed by a sweet piece of baklava for dessert. Make mental note: Mama's Vegetarian is cash-only, and it gets especially busy during the lunch rush.More »
Applewood smoked butternut squash and coconut soup. Asian summer rolls with fresh basil. Grilled seitan with tamarind sauce over risotto cakes. You could say the menu at Mi Lah is all over the map, but that's the draw of this globally-inspired vegan eatery in Rittenhouse Square. The locally- and seasonally-sourced ingredients also make their way into Mi Lah's brunch dishes, which are served on weekends.More »
With two Philadelphia cafe locations, HipCityVeg is a fast-casual eatery boasting an entirely plant-based menu. Comprising a handful of salads, burgers and wraps, the menu here isn't particularly lengthy, but everything on offer is worthy of its spot on the list. Pair your vegan cheesesteak with a side of sweet potato fries, and wash it all down with HipCityVeg's signature green smoothie, "The Groothie."More »
Those in search of a Chinese food fix should check out New Harmony, a bustling vegan restaurant in Chinatown. Plant-based proteins simulate the meaty texture in staple dishes like General Tso's chicken, sesame beef and pork dumplings. Be sure to order the fried bananas for dessert, and don't skip New Harmony's all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet.More »
Exposed brick walls, painted wood floors and reclaimed wood seating create a cozy, rustic ambiance at P.S. & Co. (Pure Sweets & Company), a vegan cafe in Rittenhouse Square that's equal parts healthy and decadent. Greet your day with a muffin and a bowl of coconut yogurt, both made in-house, then swing back later in the day for a wrap, salad, banana-walnut cookie and a cold-pressed juice. Not only is the menu entirely plant based, food here is also kosher parve, gluten-free and 97% organic.More »
Part coffeehouse, part vegan eatery, South Philly's Grindcore House keeps Philly vegans buzzing with the infallible combo of caffeine and free Wi-Fi. The Kropotkin sandwich is a fan favorite, but it's the vegan desserts--sourced from Vegan Treats--that really earn the most raves here.More »
1. Vedge
Chef Richard Landau and his wife, pastry chef Kate Jacoby, are the masterminds behind Vedge, a progressive, elegant eatery that many consider to be Philly's premier vegan restaurant. The menu is inspired by the seasons, but all dishes here are equally innovative. (Don't skip the portabella carpaccio or the grilled seitan with Swiss chard and whipped tahini.) Incorporating housemade syrups, cocktails and mocktails round out the menu, and the desserts are not to be missed.More »
2. Mama's Vegetarian
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine is the focus of Mama's Vegetarian. Pita bread is made on-site daily, a warm and chewy vessel for creamy hummus and spicy eggplant. The real star of the show here, however, is the falafel, which is best followed by a sweet piece of baklava for dessert. Make mental note: Mama's Vegetarian is cash-only, and it gets especially busy during the lunch rush.More »
3. Mi Lah Vegetarian
Applewood smoked butternut squash and coconut soup. Asian summer rolls with fresh basil. Grilled seitan with tamarind sauce over risotto cakes. You could say the menu at Mi Lah is all over the map, but that's the draw of this globally-inspired vegan eatery in Rittenhouse Square. The locally- and seasonally-sourced ingredients also make their way into Mi Lah's brunch dishes, which are served on weekends.More »
4. HipCityVeg
With two Philadelphia cafe locations, HipCityVeg is a fast-casual eatery boasting an entirely plant-based menu. Comprising a handful of salads, burgers and wraps, the menu here isn't particularly lengthy, but everything on offer is worthy of its spot on the list. Pair your vegan cheesesteak with a side of sweet potato fries, and wash it all down with HipCityVeg's signature green smoothie, "The Groothie."More »
5. New Harmony Vegetarian Restaurant
Those in search of a Chinese food fix should check out New Harmony, a bustling vegan restaurant in Chinatown. Plant-based proteins simulate the meaty texture in staple dishes like General Tso's chicken, sesame beef and pork dumplings. Be sure to order the fried bananas for dessert, and don't skip New Harmony's all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet.More »
6. P.S. & Co.
Exposed brick walls, painted wood floors and reclaimed wood seating create a cozy, rustic ambiance at P.S. & Co. (Pure Sweets & Company), a vegan cafe in Rittenhouse Square that's equal parts healthy and decadent. Greet your day with a muffin and a bowl of coconut yogurt, both made in-house, then swing back later in the day for a wrap, salad, banana-walnut cookie and a cold-pressed juice. Not only is the menu entirely plant based, food here is also kosher parve, gluten-free and 97% organic.More »
7. Charlie was a sinner.
A vegan bar and restaurant from HipCityVeg owner Nicole Marquis, Charlie was a sinner. opened May 2014. Sure, the restaurant's name is a little wacky, but the chefs here are serious about their menu of gourmet eats--all 100% vegan, of course. Perfect for pairing with artisinal cocktails, small plates offer bites of chickpea fries with garlic aioli, while heartier appetites can cut into an entree of grilled tofu, watercress and pickled mustard seeds.More »
8. Grindcore House
Part coffeehouse, part vegan eatery, South Philly's Grindcore House keeps Philly vegans buzzing with the infallible combo of caffeine and free Wi-Fi. The Kropotkin sandwich is a fan favorite, but it's the vegan desserts--sourced from Vegan Treats--that really earn the most raves here.More »