Best Vegan Bites in The Golden Triangle
By Layla Joseph
Vegan style dishes are more popular than they once were. Many restaurants Downtown make it possible to get your greens while also enjoying a great meal. DNA has compiled our top seven choices for plant-based bites in the Golden Triangle.
Kaya: Vibrant colors fuel the food and the decor at Kaya, allowing customers to enjoy their meal and the atmosphere that surrounds them. Open for more than 20 years, the restaurant has been serving the people of Pittsburgh dishes that encapsulate heritage from around the world. With various menu options that are plant-based, Kaya welcomes different dietary needs with open arms.
We recommend Avocado Banh Mi: this taco contains your favorite vegetables incorporated with togarashi, a japanese spice blend, and is garnished with cilantro. Carrots, cucumbers, radishes and jalapeno are laid on a tortilla and topped with yuzu mayo.
SoFresh: When you find yourself around PPG Place, stop into SoFresh and experience fresh plant-based food done differently. Enjoy refreshing cold drinks and a salad or warm bowl with fresh ingredients and house-made sauce. Proteins can be added for an additional charge including organic tofu and beyond sausage. Most vegetarian options can easily be made vegan by opting in for vegan mozzarella, allowing a great variety for all the herbivores in PGH.
We recommend Super Food: this warm bowl incorporates brown rice and red quinoa with broccoli, avocado and walnuts topped with balsamic vinaigrette to create a powerful mid-day meal. Satisfy your sweet tooth and grab a gluten and dairy-free chocolate-chip brownie to go.
Bae Bae’s Kitchen: This Korean style kitchen implements local, organic ingredients with food that is prepared daily. The kitchen serves a variety of traditional dishes with plant-based options. With side dishes like cooked garlic zucchini and seaweed salad, you can enhance any meal while still sticking to your vegan roots.
We recommend Yum Yum Cauliflower: enjoy fried cauliflower bites with your choice of sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onion. For a little kick, the Asian Buffalo sauce will bring the heat.
Con Alma: Located on Penn Avenue, Con Alma is food served “with soul.” This local restaurant has meals and ambience inspired by jazz and showcases live music Tuesday through Sunday nights Downtown. According to their website, any vegetarian dishes can be made vegan upon request. The Downtown location features plant-based options on the menu, but if you take the trip to Ellsworth you can experience a menu full of vegan eats.
We recommend the watermelon salad: watermelon and fennel mixed with parsley, lemon and garnished with sea-salt and cracked pepper. Still feeling hungry? Try esquites: grilled corn with queso fresco, spicy mayo, ancho mixed with cilantro and radish, topped with lime and crema.
Corner Mercantile: Visit Corner Mercantile and try menu items made in-house from scratch. The restaurant on Wood Street hosts a versatile menu that includes freshly prepared soups, salads, baked goods and entrees. Get there before 10 a.m. for breakfast and try one of their plant-based dishes to start your day on the right foot.
We recommend Chile Lime Roasted Vegetable Salad: also gluten-free, this salad is full of mixed greens and spinach balanced with flavors from tangy pickled red onion, corn, red peppers, zucchini and grape tomatoes, dressed in a home-made honey sriracha lime dressing.
Millie’s Homemade: Millie's Homemade features a wide variety of ice cream, gelato and sorbet. Whether you would like a pint to share at home or a cone for yourself, Millie’s dishes out dairy-free gelato with locally sourced ingredients. With 11 different locations around the greater Pittsburgh area, getting a sweet vegan treat has never been more accessible.
We recommend Rocky Ride Dairy-Free Gelato: this chocolate gelato is also gluten free and contains a mixture of pretzels, chips and marshmallow ripple. If you want something more refreshing, try the Dairy-Free Pina Colada.
Sree’s: This eatery on Penn Avenue specializes in creating balanced meals out of fresh, natural ingredients. Founded over 20 years ago, Sree and his wife have brought cuisine from their heritage to your plate in Pittsburgh. With a weekly menu on rotation, it is possible to try something new whenever you dine. The pair pride themselves on creating dishes that are full of flavor and lack artificial ingredients.
We recommend Grape Leaves with mixed vegetables on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a fresh and filling bite to eat.
