From tried-and-true fan favorites to new restaurants in Pittsburgh, there’s always something cooking that’s vegan-friendly and great for veg-enthusiasts too!

Pittsburgh’s Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

Allegro Bakery

2034 Murray Avenue, Squirrel Hill

As if Allegro Bakery couldn’t be any more amazing, they have donuts! Yes, their inhouse glazed and stuffed donuts pop up occasionally. Make sure you stay connected via Instagram for details: @allegrobakery. In addition, be sure to try their babka every Wednesday and Saturday, made with cardamom, chocolate, and coffee using a brioche dough. If you’re in the mood for something savory, you can’t go wrong with their best-selling seitan melt, which is on the menu every day.

Alta Via Pizzeria

169 Bakery Square Boulevard, East Liberty

There’s vegan pizza — and then there’s Alta Via’s vegan pizza. Made with just the right amount of gooey Miyoko’s vegan mozzarella, grandma-style red sauce, and toppings of your choice on their homemade dough, this is the stuff vegan dreams are made of. Order a side of zucchini sticks, artichokes with lemon aioli, citrus-olive salsa and oregano, and some Castelvetrano olives marinated with rosemary and orange zest, and your table will be the envy of all.

Apteka

4606 Penn Avenue, Garfield

Award-winning for a reason, Apteka consistently keeps Pittsburgh on the culinary map. Even celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian flock there because it’s a place unlike any other in the city. From inventive small plates like placek ziemniaczany — a potato pancake with root vegetables and a chopped pickle salad — to my favorite, barszcz zimowy (a take on borscht), you won’t run out of plates to try.

The pierogies are certainly a must-have, but don’t sleep on the kluski lane — spaetzle-like drop noodles with smoked celeriac, caramelized onion, cabbage, dry dill, chicken mushroom, breadcrumbs, and walnuts. Trust me here: come hungry and stay awhile.

Jak’s Bakery

4310 Main Street, Bloomfield

While not a vegan bakery, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many vegan-friendly options at this locally owned spot in Bloomfield. Looking for something sweet? Try the pogacha (baklava cake), made with layers of housemade sweet yeasted dough with walnuts and sugar, soaked in syrup. For lunch, grab the tutmanik to go. It’s a delightful layered, focaccia-style dough with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a dusting of dried garlic. And …you can’t leave without a vegan country loaf to take home. Hey, sharing is caring, after all.

Kaya

2000 Smallman Street, Strip District

Kaya is a Pittsburgh institution going back more than 30 years. Talk about a trendsetter: Kaya was one of the first places in town to offer not one, not two, but several vegan options on its menu that made you feel like part of the community, not a culinary outsider.

The Caribbean-inspired fare transports you on a gray Pittsburgh day to a sunny beach in the tropics. Take a trip south with the tropical guacamole made with pineapple and mango. Enjoy the rainbow salad with avocado, mango, carrot, cucumber, pickled onion, bell pepper, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, pepitas and more. Indulge in my personal favorite, the crispy tofu with nitsume, spicy mayo, pea shoots, Fresno chile, sesame seeds, and scallions. And there’s always room for carrot and chayote squash paella.

Over Eden

177 40th Street, Lawrenceville

One of the prettiest rooftop lounges in the city, Over Eden, on the top floor of the TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh, makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. Literally. With a view spanning Lawrenceville and into downtown, it’s one of those rare Pittsburgh gems where you can truly appreciate the city’s skyline. While you might go for the view, stay for the food.

I love to enjoy an Aperol spritz during happy hour, along with bites like the dip platter with fresh pita, cut vegetables, hummus, and mujadara. Order that with the crispy Brussels sprouts and truffle fries (hold the Parm), then sit back and enjoy the night. Still hungry? They also serve a vegan “tuna” poke bowl and vegan tiramisu — so all your taste buds are covered.

Pino’s Contemporary Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

6738 Reynolds Street, Point Breeze

Pino’s may be famous now that they were mentioned on the hit show, The Pitt, but to me, they’ll always be this hidden gem nestled in the heart of Point Breeze. This restaurant has seen many transformations and its newest iteration includes a romantic patio which feels like the Italian countryside came to Pittsburgh. We love to start with their beans and greens, made with pepperoncinos, helping to start your meal off with just the right amount of heat. Ask Jen what her favorite wines by the glass are for the night – she’ll never steer you wrong.

You might see Chef Joe himself meander around the restaurant, checking on his patrons to see if they enjoyed the food as much as he enjoyed making it. All their pastas are made in-house and are vegan (no egg) by default. I love the tomato-basil sauce with Bounty mushrooms to add some heartiness. What can I say about Pinos? It was “amore a prima vista!”

Pusadee’s Garden

5319 Butler Street, Lawrenceville

Considered by many to be the most romantic spot in Pittsburgh, Pusadee’s Garden is a space unlike any other. The garden setting is simply magical, but be prepared for a wait if you don’t reserve a table in advance. Eating at the bar is perfect for a casual night out for two. Be sure to start with the stir-fried morning glory, bok choy, bear’s tooth, lion’s mane, and oyster mushrooms.

They’re also known for the khao yum, a 17-ingredient mixed salad served with tamarind dressing. And everyone loves their pumpkin curry with roasted kabocha, cauliflower, broccoli, eggplant, tofu, brussels sprouts, and mushrooms. Just let them know you’re vegan and they’ll help accommodate you with menu options.

Senyai Thai Kitchen

5865 Ellsworth Avenue, Shadyside

Want a meal that feels like a hug? Look no further than Senyai Thai Kitchen on Ellsworth Avenue. This cozy restaurant, with a charming side deck complete with twinkling lights, will have you asking your friends, “Want to go to Senyai’s tonight?” It’s easy to see why this place has become a neighborhood hot spot. From silky tom kha soup with vegetables to the mango and kale salad, there are plenty of vegan-friendly options.

My current favorite is the tamarind rice noodles (no egg) with tofu, chives, and bean sprouts, stir-fried in a tangy tamarind coconut sauce. And when it’s in season, don’t miss the mango coconut rice for dessert. It pairs perfectly with their elegant lemongrass blue tea.

Spirit PGH

242 51st Street, Lawrenceville

The anticipation is high as I await the chance to check out Spirit Pgh’s new rooftop lounge. The restaurant recently underwent a glow-up, and I’m here for it. Home to my favorite vegan Caesar salad in the city, I’m also excited to try the spaghetti with vegan meatballs. I always enjoy the pizzas topped with vegan walnut “Parmesan,” and the seitan wings are perfect for snacking while enjoying a cocktail or NA beverage. With something for everyone, it’s easy to see why Spirit has remained one of Lawrenceville’s cherished gathering spots.

Story by Natalie Bencivenga
Photography by Dave Bryce

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