The Best Restaurants with Vegan Options in Philadelphia

In recent years, a huge shift has changed Philly's food scene. Vegetarian and vegan restaurants are springing up all over, and even the most meat and seafood-centered places incorporate vegan-friendly dishes the menu. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Offering some of the best plant-based Japanese, Italian, Indian, and American cuisine, their restaurants will satisfy even the most discerning vegan foodie. Read on for our top picks in Philadelphia.

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Talula’s Garden, Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, White Dog Cafe - University City…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	American, Italian, Contemporary American…
Neighborhoods:	Washington Square, Old City, University City…

Talula’s Garden

$$$$

American

Washington Square

4.9

11582 reviews

Describing itself as "a farm-to-table celebration of all things seasonal," Talula’s Garden has the homecooked and healthy vibe down — so much so that they even have their own forager! Dripping in gold fairy lights and filled with greenery and reclaimed wood furniture, stepping into Talula’s is like entering a magical wonderland. Vegans have plenty of choice, and the chefs are happy to transform vegetarian dishes into vegan-friendly ones where possible. Go for the autumn cauliflower pea soup with diced brown butter pears, local cauliflower, and topped with a perfect sprinkling of crushed hazelnuts. The crispy soy balsamic brussels sprouts and Thai spice delicata squash are pretty special too.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

$$$$

Italian

Old City

4.6

3484 reviews

Positano’s decor and cuisine certainly evoke the spirit of the Amalfi Coast. Expect jars of lemons, blue tiling, and plenty of photographs of one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. Choose from fresh and fragrant share plates, like the tender sauteed broccoli rabe and the quinoa salad, and dine family-style. The veggie plate comes stacked with fennel, zucchini, mushrooms, and artichokes. End your meal with a shot of their famous limoncello.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

White Dog Cafe - University City

$$$$

Contemporary American

University City

4.6

4870 reviews

Opening its doors way back in 1983, the White Dog Cafe has become a firm favorite for healthy fare made from locally sourced ingredients. They also focus on running an eco-friendly operation and have a rather extensive information on their website about their sustainable practices. The sprawling University City location features quirky dining spaces, each with unusual themes and features. Book a table in the solarium for conservatory chic, or in the living room to admire the Warhol-esque surroundings. White Dog Cafe has a separate vegetarian menu and many plates, including a generous selection of vegan dishes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Effie's Restaurant

$$$$

Greek

Center City

3.9

727 reviews

If you're on the hunt for earthy, home-cooked authentic Greek cuisine, then Effies is the spot. This wonderful yet underrated vegan-friendly restaurant offers a delectable array of Greek vegan delights including an olive, red pepper, and garlic hummus trio, wonderfully crisp Greek salads, and some of the best zucchini chips in town. If you want to sample a little bit of everything, then we recommend their Thessaloniki plate, which comes with dolmades and roasted peppers. Just ask your server for the vegan version.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Amada PHL

$$$$

Spanish

Old City

4.7

8038 reviews

Chef Jose Garces offers his take on traditional Spanish tapas by incorporating some of his American and Ecuadorian roots into the mix. This trendy restaurant has a rather electric atmosphere, and the open kitchen adds to the buzz of the main dining room. If you prefer things a little quieter, then book a table in the second dining room. Amada has over 60 tapas dishes, a few of which are vegan-friendly. A lunch favorite is the ensalada verde with asparagus, favas, avocado, and green beans, while the roasted cauliflower with pickled mustard seeds is a good choice for an evening meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Marathon - 19th & Spruce

$$$$

American

Rittenhouse Square

4.6

620 reviews

With a tagline of "serving the neighborhood" and ties to urban farming and the Eat Local movement, Marathon strives to support sustainable food practices and that community feel. The 19th and Spruce location is bright and airy, with high ceilings and a huge glass window. Salad lovers can get their fix with the baby kale and quinoa bowl that overflows with grilled asparagus, zucchini, portobello mushrooms, carrots, red onion, oven-dried tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. The monster green smoothie is also a must at Marathon — arguably one of the best vegan restaurants in the city.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Buddakan - Philadelphia

$$$$

Asian

Old City

4.7

10246 reviews

Once a simple post office, the space is now a glittering uber-stylish vegan restaurant complete with water features, onyx, and a giant golden Buddha. The food is every bit as impressive as the decor, with a selection of vegan-friendly dishes to choose from. Pair the edamame bean dumplings and truffled shallot broth with Chinese eggplant and wasabi mashed potatoes, and you’ll be leaving with a full belly and big smile.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Pumpkin BYOB

$$$$

Contemporary American

Rittenhouse Square

4.7

2305 reviews

Pumpkin, sometimes called Pumpkin BYOB or Pumpkin Philly, is a well-known food hot spot located in South Street. Opened way back in 2004, this eatery is rather unusual in that it is cash-only and has no liquor license. Don't let this put you off as you can BYOB. While the main dishes don't appear particularly vegan-friendly, you can ask the chefs to tweak them, and the appetizers do not disappoint. Try the parsnip and apple soup as well as their grilled cauliflower with smoked hummus pistachio dukkah and sorrel.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bud & Marilyn's

$$$$

American

Center City

4.6

4658 reviews

With its chintzy walls, retro decor, and rather garish floral seats, Bud and Marilyn’s has become somewhat of a hipster hangout. This eatery has an unusual menu — think old-fashioned American favorites with a fresh new twist. While the vegan menu features just salads and grilled veg, these aren't your average lettuce and tomato combos. The B&M wedge salad comes with crisp iceberg lettuce, Thai basil goddess, avocado, nueske’s bacon (yep, it’s vegan), and crispy onions. Or try the grilled heirloom carrots with sunchokes, ginger-tahini dressing, mizuna, mint, and crunchy seed mix.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Love

$$$$

American

Rittenhouse Square

4.8

5604 reviews

Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr are the dynamic duo behind The Love’s delectable offerings. As Philadelphia natives, they’ve created a 100-seat sanctuary that teeters between fine-dining and elegant-chic fare. Dishes here are daring: Take the butternut squash & honey crisp apple soup, which features coffee bean crème, crunchy oats, and pepitas. We suggest loading up on vegan-friendly side dishes such as the torched broccoli with house hot sauce, the cider-braised mustard greens, and the fried brussel sprouts.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Zama

$$$$

Japanese

Rittenhouse Square

4.7

2034 reviews

Located in the pretty streets of Rittenhouse Row, Zama offers traditional Japanese cuisine with a huge selection of vegetable dishes. The small and cozy interior, complete with wood tables and minimalist design, will transport you from Philly to Tokyo. Here you can feast on cucumber, shiitake, ume-shiso, avocado, and futomaki, as well as miso, edamame, and house tofu with a wild mushroom sauce. The sake menu is also rather extensive, and we really recommend sampling some of this fermented wine with your vegan dishes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Talula's Daily - Secret Supper Club

$$$$

Contemporary American

Washington Square

4.8

672 reviews

Tallulah's Daily is an unusual blend of an all-day cafe, local deli, and what they call an "intimate dining spot." Don't let the super casual interior fool you, as this best vegan restaurant packs a mighty punch when it comes to its offerings. The menu changes on a monthly basis, and the restaurant only uses locally sourced and sustainable food for their creations. Vegan options are not plentiful; however, call in advance and the staff will be happy to cook up a vegan meal to your tastes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Restaurants with Vegan Options