From vegan pierogies and donuts to vegetarian brunches, Pittsburgh’s plant-based eats will have your mouth watering. TABLE contributor Natalie Bencivenga went vegan because of her love for animals and the environment, and has followed a plant-based diet for 13 years. You will find us eagerly trying each of her favorites in the coming months. See you there!
Pittsburgh Plant-Based Eats
APTEKA
4606 Penn Ave, Bloomfield
This 2023 James Beard finalist is one of the crown jewels of the Pittsburgh culinary scene––and for good reason. The all-vegan Eastern European-inspired menu has magic written all over it, from inventive plant-based schnitzel to delectable pierogies filled with sunchokes … but the potato salad with cucumber pickles, fried onions, and dill is the best-kept secret on the menu.
Allegro Bakery
2034 Murray Ave, Squirrel Hill
Step into one of the best vegan bakeries in the country and leave with a treasure trove of goodies––including my favorite, raspberry cruffins. And if the carrot cake is on the menu? Run, don’t walk! Looking for something savory? Try the seitan salad or the breakfast sandwich with homemade chickpea “egg” that will have your taste buds dancing! Be sure to follow them on Instagram as they often have weekly specials.
ShadoBeni
1534 Brighton Rd, North Side
This Black-owned and operated, Trinidadian-inspired, all-vegan restaurant will have your mouth watering with their creative and delightful cuisine that keeps the sun shining all year long. Their legendary oyster mushroom sandwich made with mango pepper sauce and topped with spicy slaw is heaven on a plate. Order two. Trust me!
The Zenith
86 South 26th St, South Side
The first vegetarian brunch spot in the city nestled inside an antique store and art gallery has a rotating menu of delicious vegan and vegetarian items, including the must-have peanut noodle salad. And don’t forget their selection of vegan cakes by the slice for when you need a little something sweet after a delightful savory brunch.
Moodz Co.
2210 East Carson St, South Side
This new kid on the block, a plant-based juice bar and café, has tongues wagging over the delicious comfort food menu. Pop in for breakfast to try the Beyond Breakfast Wrap with plant-based sausages and hash browns, or try the hot honey “chkn” sandwich for lunch! They’ve got loaded fries galore, as well as lighter options like the Quinoa Rainbow Bowl. Whatever your mood, there’s something for you!
Kaibur Coffee & Cafe
3138 Dobson St, Polish Hill
Two words: vegan donuts. Need I say more? Swing by for a cozy latte, some incredible donuts, and try a breakfast sandwich––or two! The vegan bac’n, egg and cheez is sure to put a smile on your face.
Two chefs at APTEKA prepare their plant-based dishes for the day.
Vibrant Sunshine Juicery Cafe
103 Delafield Rd, Aspinwall
Ever wonder what a spinach-artichoke dip sandwich would taste like? Try heaven. This mostly vegan cafe is sure to tantalize your taste buds with inventive sandwiches, fresh pressed juices from its sister-company, the Pittsburgh Juice Co., and so much more. Pro tip: Try the Tofu Lettuce and Tomato sandwich.
Antonio’s Pizzeria
758 Brookline Rd, Brookline
Be still my heart when it comes to vegan pizza. Antonio’s is my favorite because of their huge vegan menu, which includes vegan pepperoni rolls, fried tofu sandwiches, specialty pies and so much more. Come in hungry, leave so satisfied.
Sweet Alchemy Bake Shop
945 Fifth Ave, New Kensington
New Kensington is evolving, and in the heart of its business district is the little bakeshop that could––and does––serve up delectable vegan treats like cookie sandwiches stuffed with vegan buttercream and their signature pop tarts in an array of flavors including brown sugar cinnamon, mixed berry, and my favorite, blueberry lemon.
EYV (Eat Your Veggies)
424 East Ohio St, North Side
This vegetable-forward restaurant aims to please no matter what your palate requires. All menu items can be made vegetarian and several can be made vegan like the fan favorite, Cabbage Pastrami Sandwich.
Jak’s Bakery
4310 Main St, Bloomfield
The newest spot to offer vegan goodies is rooted in Bulgarian techniques and ingredients. The menu includes mouthwatering savory hand pies like tutmanik with sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and garlic. In the mood for something sweet? Jak’s has several vegan options, but the pogacha––a layered walnut pastry soaked in syrup, like baklava but more cakelike––had me going back for seconds.
Story by Natalie Bencivenga / Photography by Laura Petrilla
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