The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Chutney’s is unmissable for fans of Indian cuisine (South Indian especially). Located opposite the Robinson Town Centre shopping plaza, about a 15-minute drive from Downtown, it offers a lunch buffet and dinner menu, standouts of which include enormous dosa (rice pancakes) served with coconut, ginger and tomato chutneys. Also try the homemade veggie curries and samosas. Seating is in a modern, canteen-style interior and, if you’re inspired to cook Indian at home, there’s a specialist grocery store right next door.

Does the name of Pittsburgh’s premier meat-free eatery bring to mind legendary metal band Iron Maiden? Good: this all-vegan restaurant describes itself as a “punk rock-fueled, heavy metal-spawned food purveyor.” Its menu is one of the Burgh’s most innovative, with dishes such as Kale ‘em All (kale salad with pickled beet and onion, tahini dressing and croutons) and the Burning Witch (kabocha pumpkin soup with chili) showing how much fun can be had with allotment ingredients. Their on-site ATM comes in handy, as payment is cash-only.

Vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters all have plenty of choice at Square Cafe, a cheerful hangout on East Liberty’s Regent Square. There’s usually a wait for their famous weekend brunch, but it’s worth it just to sample the vegan options, which range from chorizo and cheese to eggs and peanut butter pancakes. They’re best accompanied by one of their signature drinks, such as a vanilla-infused latte or caramel hot chocolate. Seating is on a spacious terrace or in a bright dining room decorated with works by local artists.

Carson’s charmingly creepy Zenith is attached to a curiosities shop so intriguing that customers say the waiting time for a table is too short. It’s also one of Pittsburgh’s best vegan- and veggie-friendly brunch spots, offering a selection of meatless mains, which can be accompanied with sides from the buffet. Take your pick from a colorful array of salads, noodle and pasta dishes, and enjoy a slice of freshly baked cake or fruit for dessert. Bring cash, as there’s a mark-up on card payments.

Condado Tacos is a build-your-own eatery in Downtown, with a decent selection of vegan and veggie options. Write your name on the order form, specify the kind of shell, sauces and toppings you want, then choose your meat-free protein from the following: Thai chili tofu, scrambled eggs, roasted portobello mushrooms, rice and black beans, and barbecue-pulled jackfruit. Like any self-respecting Mexican joint, Condado also does a mean margarita, as well as a great selection of tequilas and beers. Enjoy along with the edgy, street art-inspired decor.

Vegetarians and vegans are spoilt for choice at the Forge, a classy craft cocktail specialist in Lawrenceville. Treat yourself to one of the best meatless pizzas in Pittsburgh – a classic margherita with a crunchily charred crust courtesy of the brick oven – or eat your way through the simple yet powerfully flavored small plates (try the pan-fried brussels sprouts with feta and pine nuts or pan-seared tofu with avocado, coriander and lime). Finish off with the vegan cheese board and wash the whole lot down with cocktails made from Pennsylvania’s finest liquors.

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