By Caroline Dalton By Caroline Dalton | April 20, 2023 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Feature,
From Manayunk to Rittenhouse Square and beyond, find seasonal vegan eats like grilled veggies, beefless burgers, sweet treats and more.
Bar Bombón’s hearts of palm “fish” tacos, made with grilled corn slaw, avocado, cilantro lime vinaigrette and chipotle crema
20th Street Pizza
Stop by for a flavorful slice (or pie) from 20th Street Pizza—the only entirely vegan pizzeria in Philly. Foodies can choose from a variety of square or traditional round pizzas, like the Hatmaker with cashew mozzarella, garlic sauce, vegan sausage, red onion, organic tomato sauce and oregano; or the Balboa with pumpkin seed pesto, lemon cashew ricotta, “sausage,” tomatoes, arugula and chile flakes. Add on a side of garlic knots for an absolutely delicious snack—they’re served with a sweet tomato dipping sauce. 108 S. 20th St., 215.398.5748, 20thstreet.pizza
Bar Bombón
Authentic Latin-inspired recipes are re-created with plant-based proteins—say no more. The Rittenhouse Square restaurant’s spin on fish tacos uses hearts of palm with grilled corn slaw, avocado cilantro vinaigrette and vegan chipotle crema on flour tortillas. But no matter your order, be sure to order a classic margarita pitcher and “cheese” nachos for the table. 133 S. 18th St., 267.606.6612, barbombon.com
Korean-style crispy tofu from Charlie was a sinner.
Charlie was a sinner.
Now open until 2AM on weekends, Charlie was a sinner. cafe and bar is the perfect spot for a late-night vegan bite. Start with a tasty cocktail like the Bullseye, made with roasted farro-infused bourbon, Italian amaro and absinthe. For bites, snack on the potato croquettes, rich “beef” sliders with jalapeno jam, crispy shallots and brioche, or caramelized eggplant bao buns served with sweet hoisin and pickled slaw. 131 S. 13th St., 267.758.5372, charliewasasinner.com
Crust Vegan Bakery
Co-owners Meagan Benz and Juli Van Brown put activism and vegan treats hand in hand, with a focus on giving back to local animal rights and environmental organizations. With a range of treats from brownie bars to cinnamon buns, cake and cheesecake slices and over 11 varieties of cookies, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Plus—a menu of savory sandwiches also impress, Think plant-based breakfast items like egg and cheese croissants, as well as “bagel bombs” loaded with vegan cream cheese. 4409 Main St., 215.701.4230, crustveganbakery.com
Fitz on the 4th serves bites like kale and potato farfalle, “crab” cakes and vegan mac and cheese
Fitz on 4th
As a plant-based eater herself, co-owner Allison Fitzpatrick, with Alex Soto, has a strong passion for fresh, delectable vegan food. Enjoy the health benefits of her lifestyle with the chef’s tasting menu. Guests can choose two starters, like the rosemary focaccia and the grilled cauliflower, along with a choice of two other items, like garlic confit and spaghetti, and a beet salad. Finish with the apple crisp or a seasonal sorbet. 743 S. Fourth St., 215.315.8989, fitzon4th.com
Miss Rachel’s Pantry
Spoil your inner-foodie and dine at Miss Rachel’s Pantry for a spectacular five-course plant-based meal. The BYOB establishment took the city by storm in 2007—and ever since its tables have been booked one to two months in advance. Lucky patrons can savor the menu of the week with bites like stuffed handmade pasta and oyster mushroom crab-style cakes. If you can’t stop thinking about your meal after dining in, Miss Rachel’s Pantry also reserves the space for private dinners. 1938 S. Chadwick St., 215.798.0053, missrachelspantry.com
Nourish
Caribbean-inspired cuisine can be hard to find—especially with a plant-based twist. Nourish your soul at this eatery in between Northern Liberties and Fishtown, where co-owner and executive chef Sarah Scandone crafts fresh juices and superfood-packed vegan dishes. Caribbean bites like “oxtail” and curry plantain are sure to satisfy. 177 W. Girard Ave., 267.761.9242, nourishcafe.net
Pietramala’s blistered carrots with turmeric yogurt, mandarin, serrano and parsley.
Pietramala
A small, intimate eatery with everything made in-house and locally sourced seasonal, fully vegan fare? Sign us up. Chef/owner Ian Graye is dedicated to serving quality and unprocessed Italian-inspired fare like focaccia and tonnarelli with white sweet potato and tofu. Featuring a regularly rotating menu, Pietramala will keep you coming back week after week to experience new flavors and freshness. 614 N. Second St., 215.970.9541, pietramalaphl.com
True Food Kitchen
After your next King of Prussia shopping spree, stop by True Food Kitchen on Mall Boulevard. The expansive menu of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free salads, grain bowls, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches does not disappoint, and can all be adjusted for keto or paleo diets. Our favorite? The vegan teriyaki quinoa bowl with broccoli, green beans, bok choy, snap peas, avocado and umami powder. Finish your night off with the flourless chocolate cake topped with caramel, almond, vanilla ice cream and cacao nibs. 239 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia, 484.751.1954, truefoodkitchen.com
Vedge
Located in a restored 19th century mansion, outfitted with grand fireplaces and walnut wainscoting, is a fine-dining plant-based haven: Vedge. Plates like salt-baked golden beets, spicy dan dan noodles and eggplant braciole dot James Beard-nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby’s menu. Pair each decadent morsel with one of their many natural wines from over 70 producers. 1221 Locust St., 215.320.7500, vedgerestaurant.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF BAR BOMBĂ“N; JASON VARNEY; DAN KNOLL; SUZANNAH ZEE