Slowly but surely the vegan food scene has been growing in Pittsburgh. What once started out as a few scattered restaurants offering some vegan items on their menus, has developed into a variety of vegan-friendly options! Whether you choose to follow the vegan lifestyle completely, or are just curious to try some healthy, well-prepared cuisine, Pittsburgh has a lot of places for you to try out. While not every restaurant is completely vegan, we can appreciate that some are willing to go above and beyond when it comes to including vegan items on their menus. Consider showing your support for any of these local vegan restaurants the next time you’re up for trying out a new spot!
Onion Maiden
Whether you want vegan baked goods, soup, or salads, this place has got you covered!
639 E. Warrington Ave. | Allentown | onionmaiden.com
Nestled into the business district of Allentown is Onion Maiden, a local favorite when it comes to vegan restaurants. Everything on their diverse menu is vegan, from the lentil chili, veggie dogs, dumplings, and tater tots with vegan cheese. They are also known to have some amazing baked goods, if you have a sweet tooth. Consider picking up one of their sweet iced teas to compliment your order of vegan donuts, cookies, or the popular Obi-Wan Cannoli. You certainly won’t regret it!
“Love this place. They have so many good and unique things to try. They will have pop up menus throughout the year, mainly on the weekends. My favorites are the Chickrib (vegetarian mcrib) and the spicy chick sandwich.” -Yelp Review
Apteka
Vegan restaurant that’s a must-visit for out of town vegans and local Pittsburghers alike!
4606 Penn Ave. | Bloomfield | aptekapgh.com
Whether you come for the vegan food, the friendly atmosphere, or the out of this world pierogies, you won’t be disappointed by a visit to Apteka! While their pierogies are well known as some of the best in Pittsburgh, they also offer a variety of tasty Eastern European food that’s meant to be shared among friends and family. Stop in and linger in their cozy dining room, or if the weather permits, have a meal outside on their patio. Their vegan staples are always available on the menu, but consider trying out one of their seasonal specials as well!
“Food here was amazing! It's pretty irrelevant that it's vegan because it's great without the labels... but I definitely would recommend if you are vegan or if you have yet to try much Eastern European food or if you like new things and flavor.” -Yelp Review
B-52 Café
Cute café with a full vegan-friendly menu right in Lawrenceville!
5202 Butler St. | Lawrenceville | b52pgh.com
Another long time favorite vegan restaurant in Pittsburgh is the B52 Café in Lawrenceville. This spot is loved by both vegans and non-vegans alike for its ability to have a delicious menu that is somehow all vegan friendly! That means that you can enjoy a seitan shawarma, cashew cheese toast, the kofta cheese melt, and even cauliflower wings while you visit. You can’t go wrong with their falafel salad, chickpea stew, or lentil soup either! Come with friends and family and order a couple of plates to try. You may not even believe you’re eating vegan!
“B52 Café offers a unique spin on a familiar format, serving up gorgeous Mediterranean food alongside coffee shop staples. This is one of those places that is almost undetectably vegan. This is a great place for a mixed group of eaters.” -Yelp Review
Reed and Co.
You’ll keep coming back for more once you try the vegan fare and cold pressed juices at this Pittsburgh eatery
4113 Butler St. | Lawrenceville | reedandcopgh.com
If you’re looking for amazing vegan fare that gets right to the point, this Lawrenceville staple could be just what you need! Their menu is full of 100% plant-based goodness like the carrot lox bagel, the famous “impossible” burger done up just the way you like it, acai bowls, and even an amazing selection of cold pressed raw juice. If you still have room for dessert, you’ll have to try the chocolate pistachio cookie or the popular chocolate cake.
While the hot food menu items can change according to the seasons, the grab and go carryout items are typically kept in stock--but only as long as supplies last! Which typically isn’t very long because this spot is a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike.
“This place is amazing!!!!!! My vegan heart is just all green with love! I have to say this is my new favorite restaurant and my go to whenever I'm in the area.” -Yelp Review
Kaibur Coffee
Cute cafe that serves vegan and vegetarian food, as well as a great cup of coffee!
3138 Dobson St. | Polish Hill | kaiburcoffee.com
Sometimes you just need to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. That’s exactly what you can do at Kaibur Coffee in Polish Hill. This little spot is well known in the vegan community, but might not be on everyone else’s radar just yet. But we’re here to change that! Choose from their wonderful menu that’s full of vegan items such as the vegan ham sandwich, breakfast rice bowl, vegan Reuben, and the seitan steak sandwich. If you happen to come on a vegan donut day (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) you’ve got to try out one of their popular creations made in house! And of course, order a delicious coffee to go along with that.
“I tried the vegan breakfast sandwich and the vegan Reuben and really enjoyed both of them. I always appreciate when restaurants have vegan options for me and non vegan options for my family/friends.” -Yelp Review
Condado Tacos
This popular taco spot has had vegan friendly dishes from the beginning
971 Liberty Ave. | Downtown | condadotacos.com
While Condado Tacos might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of vegan restaurants in Pittsburgh, it definitely has some great menu options for vegans and vegetarians. This would be the perfect spot to go if you have both meat eaters and non-meat eaters in your group and are looking for some delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. You can’t go wrong with veggie chorizo, Korean bbq pulled jackfruit, or portobellos and guacamole when it comes to tacos! And don’t forget to enjoy their delicious tomato salsa or side of guacamole with warm, fresh chips while you’re there.
“Ran into this spot accidentally and they were really good! They have vegan and vegetarian options as well. The staff was extremely polite. A hidden gem.” -Yelp Review
If you’re a vegan in Pittsburgh, or just looking to up your plant intake, consider checking out some of these top notch restaurants! What’s your favorite vegan restaurant in Pittsburgh?
