2022 Plant-Based Restaurant Guide

20TH STREET PIZZA

Dairy-free pizza dreams come true at this small, casual spot in Rittenhouse. Puffy and blistered, the crust has the perfect char. The tomato sauce is tangy, and the cheese tastes just as wonderful as all the other toppings on offer. 108 S 20th St., 215.398.5748, 20thstreet.pizza.

ALL THE WAY LIVE

Everything on the menu at this Germantown spot is entirely vegan with a focus on raw cuisine. The menu features creative dishes like the “squash tuna,” which is butternut squash prepared in such a way that it evokes the ocean. Try one of the many raw vegan desserts. 6108 Germantown Ave., 215.821.7298, allthewaylivecafe.com.

BAR BOMBON

A plant-based celebration of all things Latin, Bar Bombon has boisterous energy, a deep menu of margaritas, and nachos that could go toe to toe with any in the city. There are plenty of excellent tacos to choose from as well. The Buffalo cauliflower tacos are a favorite. 133 S 18th St., 267.606.6612, barbombon.com.

BLUE SAGE

Since coming on the scene in the early aughts, this suburban spot has drawn vegans and vegetarians from Philadelphia and beyond. The pressed sandwiches (try the robusto) are especially flavorful and filling. Though a few dishes contain cheese, almost every dish can be made vegan. 727 Second Street Pike, Southampton, 215.942.8888, bluesagevegetariangrille.com.

BOARDWALK VEGAN

A relatively new restaurant, Boardwalk Vegan opened during the pandemic to immediate acclaim. The menu is stacked with comfort foods inspired by Jersey boardwalk classics. Fans drive from far and wide for the pizza. 28 N Manoa Road, Havertown, 484.453.8798, boardwalkvegan.com.

CHARLIE WAS A SINNER

This dark and inviting cocktail bar also boasts one of the best vegan menus in town. Don’t skip the house-made ricotta with grilled sourdough, the zucchini crab cake slider, or the Korean-style fried tofu. Cocktails and mocktails are bold and bright with fresh ingredients. 131 S 13th St., 267.758.5372, charliewasasinner.com.

GOLDIE

Goldie is not only one of the most in-demand food experiences in Philly, it’s also entirely vegan. The falafel and fries are excellent, but the real treat is the tehina shakes. They’re luscious, rich, and even more flavorful than dairy versions. If you’ve never tasted one, start with the original. Multiple locations, goldiefalafel.com.

GREYHOUND CAFE

Inspired by a passion for animal welfare and the environment, Greyhound Cafe is named for the dogs the owner rescues. The food is as good as the intentions, too. The family-friendly menu is filled with classic comfort foods like sliders and mac and cheese. 83 Lancaster Ave, Malvern, 610.240.0222, thegreyhoundcafe.com.

HIPCITYVEG

This locally-based micro chain answers the question: What if a fast-food spot could be plant-based? Burgers are popular, but those in the know order the crispy HipCity ranch. That’s battered and fried chick’n, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle with ranch on a perfectly tender roll. Multiple locations, hipcityveg.com.

LUHV VEGAN DELI

This place is a counter-service vegan oasis in the middle of Reading Terminal Market. Luhv serves some of the finest plant-based breakfast sandwiches around with ingredients like smoked golden beets, hickory-smoked seitan, and sausage made with oats and flax. Don’t miss their vegan Reuben. 51 N 12th St. (Reading Terminal Market), 267.758.5779, deli.luhvfood.com.

MISS RACHEL’S PANTRY

Though not exactly a restaurant, this booming vegan catering business hosts frequent ticketed dinners. They’re usually five-course affairs with a dazzling array of top-notch plant-based cuisine. Look out for Italian nights, a delicious riff on South Philly’s history of red-gravy restaurants. 1938 S Chadwick St., 215.798.0053, missrachelspantry.com.

NOURISH

A fresh addition to 9th Street, Nourish offers a wide variety of vegan fare ranging from the raw-and-healthy to the fried-and-decadent. The fresh juice bar is a major highlight. Nourish serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you’ll have plenty of chances to stop by. 943 S 9th St., nourishcafe.net.

PRIMARY PLANT-BASED

Local ingredients and big flavors inspire this inventive vegan menu, which started as a pandemic popup. You’ll find global influences in dishes like yuba noodle salad, a mezze plate, and a kimchi pancake. Check out our feature story in this issue for more. 161 W Girard Ave., 267.360.2305, primaryplantbased.com.

SOY CAFÉ

A staple in Northern Liberties, Soy Cafe is another all-day hangout with something for everyone. You’ll find plenty of soups, wraps, salads, and toasts. The mac-and-cheese and s’nice cream (made with 100% frozen bananas) are menu must-haves. 630 N 2nd St., 215.922.1003, mysoycafe.com.

SPRIG AND VINE

An upscale vegan BYOB in New Hope, Sprig and Vine pleases locals and visitors alike. The seitan wings are wildly popular (they’re available in four flavors), but don’t sleep on more elegant dishes like fennel-seed seared tofu with arugula and oyster mushroom cream sauce. 450 Union Square Drive, New Hope, 215.693.1427, sprigandvine.com.

SU XING HOUSE

There’s a long history of mock meats in Chinese cuisine, and this specialist has been doing it well for years in Center City. Everything on the menu is kosher and vegetarian, and most items are also vegan. 1508 Sansom St., 215.564.1419, suxinghousephilly.com

THE TASTY

The Tasty’s all-vegan menu will be familiar-sounding to any fans of old-school diner fare: Biscuits & gravy, waffles and pancakes. The Tasty also fries up some of the best low-key vegan donuts in town, with more baked goodies available on weekends. 1401 S 12th St., 267.457.5670, thetastyphilly.com.

VEDGE

The crown jewel of plant-based based cuisine in Philadelphia and beyond, Vedge’s elegant dishes have no equal. The setting is equally posh and the service is polished. It’s a special occasion spot for anyone who loves fine dining. 1221 Locust St. 215.320.7500, vedgerestaurant.com.