In search of a new favorite vegetarian spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top vegetarian eateries around Pittsburgh, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best places for plant-based fare.
1. East End Food Co-op
Topping the list is East End Food Co-Op. Located at 7516 Meade St., the health market is the highest rated vegetarian spot in Pittsburgh, boasting 4.5 stars out of 105 reviews on Yelp.
The market has various departments inside, including fresh produce, bulk items and a cafe. The cafe offers house-made soups, hot entrees, a salad bar, fresh juices, smoothies and more. It uses over 85 organic ingredients, many of them local. (Learn more about the cafe here.)
Yelper Nelson B. wrote, "They have a large selection for any dietary needs you may need, including gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian. Their hot food bar and pastries are very good and it's a nice place to get a take-away meal. The bulk section also has a nice selection of nuts and different types of flours."
2. Onion Maiden
Next up is Allentown's Onion Maiden, situated at 639 E. Warrington Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 95 reviews on Yelp, the vegan Asian fusion spot has proven to be a local favorite.
The heavy metal-themed restaurant offers a full vegan menu with items like the Straight to Hell (rice noodle salad with tofu, lemongrass, peanuts and herbs), the Headbangers Balls (tofu croquettes with lemongrass, ginger, forbidden rice, cilantro chutney, Asian slaw and peanuts) and the Graves at Sea (tater tots with kimchi, soy caramel, nori, togarashi and scallions).
End your meal with some Terrormisu (eddies, matcha, amaretto and coconut). (See the menu here.)
Natasha T., who reviewed it on July 22, said, "Absolutely delicious food and great service! My husband is vegan and I'm vegetarian and we tried a bunch of different things. All of them were terrific. Definite highlights were the tater tots and the peanut butter tart we had for dessert."
3. The Zenith
South Side's The Zenith, located at 86 S. 26th St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the vegetarian eatery four stars out of 180 reviews.
The cafe, which also serves as an art gallery and antiques showcase, offers a weekly menu. Dishes include vegan seitan pepper steak served over rice and smothered in a sauce of green peppers, onions and tomatoes; the vegan and gluten-free black bean salad with bell peppers, tomatoes, corn and scallions in a spicy lime dressing; and vegetable soup. It also offers Sunday brunch and cakes.
Yelper Jay G. said, "Quirky and fantastic blend of vegetarian/vegan homemade delights and a mesmerizing collection of eclectic antiques. Pittsburgh classic that really is a best-kept secret. The menu is limited because of the boutique nature of the establishment."
4. Freshii
Then there's Freshii, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 31 reviews on Yelp. You can find the vegetarian spot, which offers fast food and more, downtown at 501 Grant St. in the Union Trust Building.
The menu offers salads, wraps, bowls, burritos and soups, plus breakfast, juices and smoothies. You'll see options like the Oaxaca bowl (brown rice, kale, avocado, beet slaw, black beans, corn, salsa fresca and crispy wontons), the Khao San burrito (brown rice, spinach, almonds, edamame, veggies and spicy peanut and lemongrass sauce) and the Buffalo salad (romaine, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, carrots, celery, Greek yogurt ranch and buffalo sauce). (See the full menu here.)
Yelper Joe T. wrote, "So glad there is another healthy option in Pittsburgh. The Cali bowl and egg pockets are fast and delicious, and for lunch there are some great salads, bowls and smoothies."
