14 Must-Try Vegan Restaurants in Philadelphia

Are you heading to Philadelphia but worried about what in the world you’re going to eat? Have no fear, the city of brotherly love is full of amazing vegan food and, if you’re like me and need gluten-free options, they’ve got that too!

You can start your day with a sinfully sweet Boston cream donut and end it with spicy chorizo tacos or a slice of cheesy pizza, but if you need something on the healthier side, they’ve got that too!

So, get back to planning what walking tours you’re going to do and museums to explore, and leave the hard work of where to eat to me! Without further ado, check out these 14 amazing vegan restaurants in Philadelphia.

The Best Vegan Restaurants in Philadelphia

#1 The Tasty

1401 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
This retro American diner has cornered the market on vegan breakfast and brunch comfort food in Philadelphia. They are flipping classic American pancakes, thick-cut French toast, fully loaded tofu scrambles, biscuits and gravy, and so much more goodness that your eyes won’t believe. If this is your first visit to Philly, you can’t miss their selection of the classic Philly Cheese Steaks — from a traditional cheesesteak smothered with mozzarella and caramelized onions to a slightly spicy buffalo chick’n cheeze steak.

For my gluten-free friends, check out their selection of tofu scrambles piled high with tofu feta, coconut bacon and so much more. Their staff is great at accommodating allergies or special requests.

Hip tip: The Tasty is just a quarter-mile from Batter and Crumbs (the next spot on this list). I suggest you grab lunch (or breakfast) here and then walk over to Batter and Crumbs for a sweet treat!

#2 Batter & Crumbs Café

1401 Reed St, Philadelphia, PA 19146 
Need a place to start your day with a caffeine fix and a sugary treat? This is the place for you! This vegan café features delicious house-made baked goods as well as treats, grab-and-go snacks, and sandwiches from local vegan start-ups like Tattooed Mom, Chef Reeky, High Fidelity Bakery, and Okie Dokie Donuts.

You really can’t go wrong starting your day with a strawberry rose or a Nutella latte and one of Okie Dokie’s vegan and gluten-free donuts! 

Oh wait, I lied, you also can’t miss their mini vegan cannoli, cupcakes, and chick’n and waffle sandwich — oh hell, just get one of everything, it’s too hard to decide!

#3 Charlie Was a Sinner

131 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
With a name like that, whether you’re a vegan or not, you’re immediately intrigued to find out what this hip little spot is all about. Rich velvet benches and glittering chandeliers create a sexy vibe that beckons you to sit back and unwind — a perfect spot for a date night or a night on the town with friends.

The small plates style menu of fresh veggie-forward dishes is next level, right down to the styling. Be sure to check out their Mediterranean Board, which features their special Maverick cheese and pine nut ricotta. The cheese is worthy of a standing ovation. Many of the dishes are gluten-free or can be made gluten-free. 

#4 Hip City Veg

3 locations in Philadelphia: 18^th Street, S. Broad Street, & 40^th Street
This is vegan fast food at its finest — Philadelphia is lucky to have such an amazing option. I hope to see more Hip City locations pop up throughout the US. The fast-casual menu is loaded with juicy burgers, Philly’s finest vegan cheesesteak, salads, frozen treats, and even a breakfast menu (who doesn’t want to wake up with a Maple Crispy Chick’n sandwich and golden hash browns)?!

And, there are many gluten-free options, they even have a separate gluten-free menu so diners can be sure their dish is safe.

You honestly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I was really impressed by the jerk tofu that I added to their creamy Caesar salad.  The texture of the tofu with the kick of spice was a 10/10! You can also find Hip City Veg in another vegan-friendly East Coast city, Washington DC!

#5 Nourish Plant Based Café

943 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Right in the heart of the bustling Italian market, Nourish is open all day to ensure that you are properly fueled. The menu is influenced by the cuisine of Italy and Jamaica which can be seen in the vegan scallops (sautéed trumpet mushrooms) and pure pesto pizza to the jerk veggie steak.

This is also another great place to try a vegan Philly cheesesteak! If you’re looking for vegan and gluten-free options, check out their raw foods and salads. Many of the options are gluten-free or can be made gluten-free. Just ask their helpful staff to assist you!

#6 P.S. & Co.

1706 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The one and only spot in Philadelphia that is 100% vegan and gluten-free. No need to scour the menu or ask a million questions about what’s safe and what’s not — hooray!

This delightful café is open for breakfast and lunch (the café closes at 4 PM) and is baking up some of the most amazing and beautiful vegan and gluten-free cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and more sinful sweets to put you in a carb coma.

But I’m sure you want more than sweets. To balance that sweet tooth, check out their salads packed with nutrient-dense superfoods, French bread pizza with a sweet potato crust, and savory delights to start your morning off right. Aside from food, they also have a great selection of fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and coffees. 

#7 Bar Bombon

133 S 18^th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Interested in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine? I thought that would be an emphatic yes! Their house-made tortillas are filled with buffalo cauliflower, chorizo spiced Impossible beef, smoked tempeh, and more.

Aside from savory tacos, be sure to check out their nachos smoothed in vegan cheese, black beans, cumin crema, and add on blackened chick’n for an extra kick! On the weekends, start off with a stop here for brunch with a special breakfast egg torta (Just Egg, smoked tempeh, cheese, peppers, and onions) and sweet plantains—that sweet and savory combo sounds like heaven! Many of the items on the menu can also be made gluten-free.

#8 20^th Street Pizza

108 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
In need of a slice of cheesy vegan pizza? Then don’t miss 20^th Street Pizza! You’ll find epic pizza pies from plain Jane cheese to the ultimate vegan supreme (tomato sauce with cashew mozzarella, onion, green pepper, vegan sausage, and mushrooms).

They also have an array of creative toppings like lemon ricotta, roasted tomatoes, and thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes.

#9 Monster Vegan 

1229 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
No nightmares or scary monsters here, just good ole fashion vegan comfort food and deliciously spooky cocktails. If you’re craving a hearty bowl of rigatoni Bolognese or truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, then this is the spot for you! Monster Vegan whips up crowd favorite dishes with a vegan twist that is so deliciously tasty you might have a “is this really vegan” moment!

Aside from stuffing yourself with addictive noodles, they also have a selection of eye-popping sandwiches, crisp salads, and of course, specialty desserts — how can you say no to an Oreo beignet!?

No dish is complete without one of their spooky cocktails from the fun Zombie Beach Party (rum, blue curacao, combier, pineapple juice, and lime) to the foreboding Beware of Blob-arita (jalapeño infused tequila, strawberry puree, rhubarb bitters, and lime), proceed with caution! 

#10 Vedge

1221 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Be delighted with some of the best vegan dining at this chic little spot in the city center. All the dishes focus on local and seasonal vegetables, infused with a mix of mouth-watering flavors.

The star-studded veggie dishes have all been carefully curated by James Beard-nominated chefs, Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, so you know you’re in for a culinary treat. Right down to the aquafaba “egg whites,” in their cocktails, no ounce of creativity has been spared.

Be sure to order multiple dishes to share with the table — to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the deliciousness! Many of the items on the menu can be made gluten-free.

More Vegan Restaurants to Check out in Philly

Philadelphia has so many vegan and vegan-friendly spots you’ll want to check out! Here are a few more to add to your list but for even more options, don’t skip checking out our complete vegan travel guide to Philadelphia!

#11 Pietramala

614 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
A plant-forward restaurant using seasonal and local ingredients to create an all star veggie menu. One note, they don’t serve alcohol.

#12 Fitz on 4^th

743 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Gorgeous globally-inspired vegan tapas that includes fantastic gluten-free options!

#13 Miss Rachel’s Pantry

1938 S Chadwick St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
This shabby chic fine dining spot is creating epic 5-course comfort food menus. Dinners are currently offered on Friday, and Saturday evenings, reservations are required.

#14 The Nile Café

6008 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
For traditional Soul food, don’t skip this hot spot! You’ll be head over heels for their collards, plantains, crispy chick’n, and more.

More Vegan Travel Planning Help

If your travels don’t end in Philadelphia, be sure to check out these other articles and guides for more vegan travel fun!

The Ultimate NYC Vegan Travel Guide
The Complete Vegan Travel Guide to The Finger Lakes
The Best Washington DC Vegan Travel Guide
The Ultimate New Orleans Vegan Travel Guide
The Best Vegan Travel Guide to Seattle
The Austin Ultimate Vegan Travel Guide