Where to find Good Vegan Food in Philly

6. Old City Coffee

Highlight: Nice local ambiance with beautiful artwork

What to try: Any of the delicious muffins (vary by season) and their delicious coffee

The Old City neighborhood of Philly is loaded with all sorts of great independent coffee houses. One of the oldest and most popular is Old City Coffee. This is also one of the few that offers vegan pastries to go along with that great cup of joe. Every day Old City Coffee whips up a fresh assortment of homemade muffins. Flavors vary based on seasonal availability, so you can look forward to something new each time you visit.

They also serve a full menu of iced coffee drinks and espresso drinks. Their regular drip coffee is tasty enough to drink black. Sit back relax and enjoy the local ambiance before exploring the great historical attractions, which conveniently, are located just a short stroll away.

7. Waterfront Gourmet Cafe & Deli

Highlight: Located across the street from Dilworth Park (home to a wonderful winter ice rink)

What to try: Oatmeal with berries & granola, Oatmeal Peanut Butter smoothie

If you find yourself looking for a quick bite to eat in Center City, consider stopping by the Waterfront Gourmet Cafe. They offer all sorts of light vegan fare including fresh fruit filled smoothies, oatmeal, and a tofu hummus veggie wrap. Ordering the healthy oatmeal topped with vegan granola and fresh berries, is an excellent way to start your day, giving you long lasting energy to explore throughout the morning hours.

8. Couch Tomato Cafe

Highlight: Award winning vegan Kite Hill cheese used

What to try: Atomic Veggie Sandwich, Vegan Roasted Corn and Potato Salad

For the best vegan sandwiches and salads in the Philly metro area, plan for a stop at the Couch Tomato Cafe. Although they are most well-known for their delicious grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, they do offer vegan sandwiches, as well as salads and several appetizers including garlic knots.

The build-your-own-sandwich option is the way to go as you can customize it with all the veggies and condiments of your choice. You have the option to add Kite Hill vegan cheese as well as a vegan pesto spread. The Atomic Veggie sandwich pictured above is a delicious choice which includes avocado, sundried tomato, kite hill vegan cheese, and spinach. Also all pizzas can be made vegan by substituting Kite Hill cheese.

9. Nirvana Indian Bistro

Highlights: Authentic Indian cuisine

What to try: Veggie Pakora, Veggie samosa, Chana Saag, Alu Gobi, Vegetable Jalfrezi, Yellow Dal, Chana Masala, Papadum

Nirvana is actually located in Lafayette Hill, a western Philly suburb located about 30 min outside of the city. Due to the incredible food offerings and exceptional service, this one is worth going out of your way for. Indian food is always a great choice for vegans as a number of entrees are naturally free of meat and dairy. As one of the most delicious Indian restaurants I’ve ever visited, Nirvana should be tops on your bucket list.

First off, they offer a number of vegan entrees which are all marked on their menu. Second, the buffet line is conveniently separated into a vegetarian/vegan and meat section. Third, the service is over the top fantastic. If you do order from the menu, be sure to try the vegetable pakoras, veggie samosa, Chana Saag, Yellow Dal, Aloo Gobi. Everything is wonderfully flavored here without being too spicy (although you can customize to your desired spice preference). At Nirvana, the spice does not overpower the powerful natural flavors.

10. Corropolese Italian Bakery and Deli

Highlight: Best tomato pie in Philly!

What to try: Plain tomato pie (minus the sprinkled cheese)

Philly is well-known for their delicious pizza, and Corropolese is known as the place to go for the best tomato pie. The long running family business offers several different types of tomato pie including a plain marinara version which is vegan as long as you omit the sprinkled cheese. If you have never tried tomato pie before, you are in for a real treat.

Tomato pie is a pretty simple dish consisting of thick focaccia bread topped with marinara, and cheese and toppings if desired. Unlike piping hot pizza, it is served at room temperature. It’s so filling, savory, and delicious, not to mention totally affordable. A quarter sheet will run you less than 5 dollars! They also make fresh homemade breads daily, a number of which do not contain eggs or dairy. Check with staff to verify suitable selections. This bakery is located about 30 min outside of Philly in Norristown, although the drive is well warranted for the best tomato pie in the city!

A few more great choices

Cafe Ole: Wonderful coffee shop with serves a unique vegan shakshuka, a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of eggs (tofu in the case of this vegan dish) in a delicious savory tomato based sauce.

Etka: Award winning Indian restaurant which serves top notch Indian cuisine in an upscale setting. Offers vegan naan option plus a variety of great appetizers and entrees which are naturally free of dairy. The Alu Gobi is awesome.

Vedge: High end vegan restaurant which has won numerous prestigious awards including a coveted James Beard chef award.

Max Brenner: Serves a selection of amazingly rich hot cocoas which can be made using dairy-free soy milk.

Hip City Veg: Popular vegan fast food joint which serves comfort style foods including burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

Charlie was a Sinner : Trendy vegan cafe and bar with a nice swanky ambiance.

Dizengoff: Trendy cafe serving authentic hummus and pita.