With an ever-changing menu, I know that no matter what vegan dish I order from Primary it’s always going to be exciting and delicious. Many of the dishes have kept me up at night from the french toast to the cheesesteak and the jackfruit medianoche.Chef Mark has always been hospitable and attentive, and you can tell how much passion he has for his plates and his community. This restaurant is truly a gem in Philly and the team behind its magic deserve all the success. If you’re looking for a place to try, you cannot go wrong by visiting Primary.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe Ellis
Well developed, and thought out plant based food that even omnivores loved! Hosted a event and the service was top notch. Everyone was extremely friendly and attentive!
Best food I've ever eaten and I'm not even vegan!! Run don't walk. Order the corn orzo, it will change your
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Masa Ball Soup, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi, Cornbread
carol petraitis
The food is inventive and beyond delicious. The atmosphere is equally lovely. Waitstaff is super knowledgeable, fun without being intrusive. We had two teenagers with us who loved the food and felt so welcomed. Chef Mark is a treasure.
Service is slow and owner is rude. Food is decent but overpriced compared to other plant based restaurants in the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Sticky Seitan Flappers, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi
Kate G.
WOW. Everything was so spot on. My partner and I were visiting from New York and were looking forward to trying this place. We almost didn't come because we noticed the prices have jumped since some of the yelp menu photos were taken. I'm so happy we decided to come in! We got the masa ball soup, the Caesar salad, yeuben sandwich, and the roasted Brussels. The menu is extremely creative, good sized portions, and the chef(s) hit flavors in ways you don't find just anywhere. Come here! Tell your friends!
Kevin C
This is some seriously elevated vegan food and the serving sizes are so generous. I just had dinner there and am already thinking about my next meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
True L.
Ordered sopes de tinga. Very good. I'm not a vegan but try to eat a vegan or plant based meal at least once a week and I'm so glad I found this place because the food is delicious. Service was great and it's a very chill spot for lunch.
The Tasty
My husband and I love it here! The menu is ever changing and always has a great mix of approachable and creative dishes. Portions are large and we always have leftovers. The cheesesteak is maybe the best I have ever had, and I don’t usually go for them! It is somehow perfect for both a casual meal or a fancy date night- truly the best of both worlds.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sticky Seitan Flappers, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi
Daniel M.
This is a great find. The food is really delicious and if you are a Vegan or just lactose intolerant this place is amazing. The menu is a mix of many different flavors. For apps, the corn bread was crunchy with great texture inside. The masa ball soup sounded incredible, but the broth was really strong which some liked and some not. The masa balls were the only real disappointment. Need to find a way to make them more fluffy and less uncooked dough, even try matzah flour in the balls with Mexican twist, the potato appetizer was just fine. However, the entrees were good, the pastrami sandwich was the most loved, ignore the tofu skin, description, and just enjoy the delicious crunch. The potato salad was awesome just as if it was full of creamy yogurt and mayo. Brussels sprouts were also delicious. The gnocchi was perfect consistency, but was under flavored. A sweet corn or tomato preparation would make this amazing. Then the desserts were amazing. The brownie was soft chewy and so chocolaty and the ice cream was to die for. We had a couple other flavors of ice cream and really enjoyed them too. Finally it was one of the best service experiences I have ever had. Got seated quickly super friendly, good advice and food was perfectly timed. The person bringing out the food was great even offering up extra napkins. They could use a slightly better quality paper or cloth napkin. The restaurant is hip and cozy. A really great experience. Will be back soon.
This is a little corner gem in Fishtown. You don't need to be vegan to love it as much as I do - it's just great FOOD. The vibe is casual and unassuming but cozy. The service is friendly and you can tell the servers share a passion for amazing food. Now...the food: it's amazing! There's a good mix of light dishes and heavier comfort food type dishes, and I'm always impressed by how inventive they are. The flavors are just perfect, and I've not had anything there I didn't love. You can tell they source quality seasonal ingredients - beautiful, colorful meals. If you haven't been, just go - you won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shamar Hall
Aura, flavor and service are always amazing! In the picture is the cauliflower pakora, potato croquettes, and primary
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Radhey P.
Primary Plant Based - the steak was cut very nicely, the cheese made the sandwich cohesive, the bread was soft and crispy. It was so good, but I was also a bit *medicated* so might be exaggerating 9.5/10 This is actually my highest rated vegan cheesesteak. Yall killed it. Other than that we got these tandoori wings I think n they were bangin. The reuben was also delicious. Love this spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michele K
I love this restaurant. I know that every time I have dinner here that I’ll have delicious, thoughtfully and inventively created dishes. It is obvious that the chef cares deeply about ingredients, which are always fresh and seasonal, and that he is passionate about making great vegan food.The staff is wonderful and down to earth—friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere that is a little quirky and fun. My most recent experience, we had the Barn Cat Potato Croquettes, Caesar Salad, Brussels Sprouts Bulgogi, and Pan Fried Gnocchi. Everything was incredible, but the clear standout from this meal was the Brussels Sprouts. The dish had all the flavor components of its meat-based cousin—the sweet, the savory, the garlicky, the pungent—all caramelized and partnered with creamy kimchi mashed potatoes. It was AMAZING. This place always keeps me coming back ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Philly Roast Yuba Sandwich, Mushroom & Eggplant Umami Burger, Brownie a La Mode, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi, Caesar Salad
Annie
One of the best vegan restaurants in Philly. If we're comparing this place to Vedge, Primary is more comfort food but they do it amazingly well ("cheese steak" and gnocchi). Don't miss out on this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Philly Roast Yuba Sandwich, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi
With an ever-changing menu, I know that no matter what vegan dish I order from Primary it’s always going to be exciting and delicious. Many of the dishes have kept me up at night from the french toast to the cheesesteak and the jackfruit medianoche.Chef Mark has always been hospitable and attentive, and you can tell how much passion he has for his plates and his community. This restaurant is truly a gem in Philly and the team behind its magic deserve all the success. If you’re looking for a place to try, you cannot go wrong by visiting Primary.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Well developed, and thought out plant based food that even omnivores loved! Hosted a event and the service was top notch. Everyone was extremely friendly and attentive!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesesteak, Sticky Seitan Flappers, Brussels Sprouts, Philly Roast Yuba Sandwich
Best food I've ever eaten and I'm not even vegan!! Run don't walk. Order the corn orzo, it will change your
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Masa Ball Soup, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi, Cornbread
The food is inventive and beyond delicious. The atmosphere is equally lovely. Waitstaff is super knowledgeable, fun without being intrusive. We had two teenagers with us who loved the food and felt so welcomed. Chef Mark is a treasure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sprouts, Cheesesteak, Cornbread, Brussels Sprouts
Service is slow and owner is rude. Food is decent but overpriced compared to other plant based restaurants in the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Sticky Seitan Flappers, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi
WOW. Everything was so spot on. My partner and I were visiting from New York and were looking forward to trying this place. We almost didn't come because we noticed the prices have jumped since some of the yelp menu photos were taken. I'm so happy we decided to come in! We got the masa ball soup, the Caesar salad, yeuben sandwich, and the roasted Brussels. The menu is extremely creative, good sized portions, and the chef(s) hit flavors in ways you don't find just anywhere. Come here! Tell your friends!
This is some seriously elevated vegan food and the serving sizes are so generous. I just had dinner there and am already thinking about my next meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ordered sopes de tinga. Very good. I'm not a vegan but try to eat a vegan or plant based meal at least once a week and I'm so glad I found this place because the food is delicious. Service was great and it's a very chill spot for lunch.
My husband and I love it here! The menu is ever changing and always has a great mix of approachable and creative dishes. Portions are large and we always have leftovers. The cheesesteak is maybe the best I have ever had, and I don’t usually go for them! It is somehow perfect for both a casual meal or a fancy date night- truly the best of both worlds.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sticky Seitan Flappers, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi
This is a great find. The food is really delicious and if you are a Vegan or just lactose intolerant this place is amazing. The menu is a mix of many different flavors. For apps, the corn bread was crunchy with great texture inside. The masa ball soup sounded incredible, but the broth was really strong which some liked and some not. The masa balls were the only real disappointment. Need to find a way to make them more fluffy and less uncooked dough, even try matzah flour in the balls with Mexican twist, the potato appetizer was just fine. However, the entrees were good, the pastrami sandwich was the most loved, ignore the tofu skin, description, and just enjoy the delicious crunch. The potato salad was awesome just as if it was full of creamy yogurt and mayo. Brussels sprouts were also delicious. The gnocchi was perfect consistency, but was under flavored. A sweet corn or tomato preparation would make this amazing. Then the desserts were amazing. The brownie was soft chewy and so chocolaty and the ice cream was to die for. We had a couple other flavors of ice cream and really enjoyed them too. Finally it was one of the best service experiences I have ever had. Got seated quickly super friendly, good advice and food was perfectly timed. The person bringing out the food was great even offering up extra napkins. They could use a slightly better quality paper or cloth napkin. The restaurant is hip and cozy. A really great experience. Will be back soon.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a little corner gem in Fishtown. You don't need to be vegan to love it as much as I do - it's just great FOOD. The vibe is casual and unassuming but cozy. The service is friendly and you can tell the servers share a passion for amazing food. Now...the food: it's amazing! There's a good mix of light dishes and heavier comfort food type dishes, and I'm always impressed by how inventive they are. The flavors are just perfect, and I've not had anything there I didn't love. You can tell they source quality seasonal ingredients - beautiful, colorful meals. If you haven't been, just go - you won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aura, flavor and service are always amazing! In the picture is the cauliflower pakora, potato croquettes, and primary
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Primary Plant Based - the steak was cut very nicely, the cheese made the sandwich cohesive, the bread was soft and crispy. It was so good, but I was also a bit *medicated* so might be exaggerating 9.5/10 This is actually my highest rated vegan cheesesteak. Yall killed it. Other than that we got these tandoori wings I think n they were bangin. The reuben was also delicious. Love this spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this restaurant. I know that every time I have dinner here that I’ll have delicious, thoughtfully and inventively created dishes. It is obvious that the chef cares deeply about ingredients, which are always fresh and seasonal, and that he is passionate about making great vegan food.The staff is wonderful and down to earth—friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere that is a little quirky and fun. My most recent experience, we had the Barn Cat Potato Croquettes, Caesar Salad, Brussels Sprouts Bulgogi, and Pan Fried Gnocchi. Everything was incredible, but the clear standout from this meal was the Brussels Sprouts. The dish had all the flavor components of its meat-based cousin—the sweet, the savory, the garlicky, the pungent—all caramelized and partnered with creamy kimchi mashed potatoes. It was AMAZING. This place always keeps me coming back ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Philly Roast Yuba Sandwich, Mushroom & Eggplant Umami Burger, Brownie a La Mode, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi, Caesar Salad
One of the best vegan restaurants in Philly. If we're comparing this place to Vedge, Primary is more comfort food but they do it amazingly well ("cheese steak" and gnocchi). Don't miss out on this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Philly Roast Yuba Sandwich, Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi