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
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
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
Brande Plotnick
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
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
Leanne M
I am so blessed and happy to have this place here in my neighborhood. I love Primary. They have a seasonal rotating menu and every dish is delicious and well portioned. I literally dream about the orecchiette I had in July. The service is always phenomenal as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rhy
Went here with my boyfriend for our anniversary, and I picked it because of all the beautiful pictures of gnocchi in the reviews. It's a little out of our budget but we wanted to treat ourselves.When we ordered our mains, I asked for gnochhi with the eggplant sauce omitted. Our waitress (who was lovely) came back and said the kitchen said no, that they put a lot of thought into the composition of their dishes and they wouldn't serve it without the sauce.The last time I was told that, it was at an omnivore restaurant that wouldn't remove cheese on an otherwise vegan dish so I would have been able to eat it. I wasn't expecting a vegan restaurant to be so exclusionary.I know it sounds silly, and I hate giving a small vegan restaurant a bad review, but I was really looking forward to the gnocchi and it wasn't like the dish was already prepped and they couldn't take the sauce off - that I would understand. They just didn't want to.We had already ordered all of our appetizers and there were no other mains I could have. I'm autistic and I can't eat certain foods (like eggplant). So I just sat there watching my bf eat. I wish it said "no menu modifications" on the menu so I would've known not to go.Honestly just a huge bummer :( a waste of money and time and totally ruined a big day for us :(EDIT: In response to the owner's comments.The server wasn't made aware of my unhappiness because it wasn't her fault or decision. I made a request and it was denied, I wasn't about to increase her workload and ask her to keep going back to ask the kitchen on a Friday night I can see she's very busy on.The foods you listed were mostly for my bf, I did enjoy the corn bisque and sopes which was why I still gave the food an individual high rating. He wanted to leave immediately knowing how sad I was, but I knew he'd been looking forward to dessert so we stayed so he could get it. I regret that now you're listing everything we got to try and disprove what I'm saying about a bad experience.And the pumpkin gnocchi sounded very good, I would have ordered it if I could eat pumpkin.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Valentina De Fanti
Love Primary! All my faves. Caesar salad, wings (flappers) and lots of delicious options. Always vegan and amazing.Great service. Unlike a lot of places in this country, they don’t make you feel rushed to eat, tip, and get out. In fact one time we stayed too long because we thought they closed later, and they didn’t say anything… certainly should have haha. But it was very sweet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sticky Seitan Flappers, Sandwich, Caesar Salad
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
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
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 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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
I am so blessed and happy to have this place here in my neighborhood. I love Primary. They have a seasonal rotating menu and every dish is delicious and well portioned. I literally dream about the orecchiette I had in July. The service is always phenomenal as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went here with my boyfriend for our anniversary, and I picked it because of all the beautiful pictures of gnocchi in the reviews. It's a little out of our budget but we wanted to treat ourselves.When we ordered our mains, I asked for gnochhi with the eggplant sauce omitted. Our waitress (who was lovely) came back and said the kitchen said no, that they put a lot of thought into the composition of their dishes and they wouldn't serve it without the sauce.The last time I was told that, it was at an omnivore restaurant that wouldn't remove cheese on an otherwise vegan dish so I would have been able to eat it. I wasn't expecting a vegan restaurant to be so exclusionary.I know it sounds silly, and I hate giving a small vegan restaurant a bad review, but I was really looking forward to the gnocchi and it wasn't like the dish was already prepped and they couldn't take the sauce off - that I would understand. They just didn't want to.We had already ordered all of our appetizers and there were no other mains I could have. I'm autistic and I can't eat certain foods (like eggplant). So I just sat there watching my bf eat. I wish it said "no menu modifications" on the menu so I would've known not to go.Honestly just a huge bummer :( a waste of money and time and totally ruined a big day for us :(EDIT: In response to the owner's comments.The server wasn't made aware of my unhappiness because it wasn't her fault or decision. I made a request and it was denied, I wasn't about to increase her workload and ask her to keep going back to ask the kitchen on a Friday night I can see she's very busy on.The foods you listed were mostly for my bf, I did enjoy the corn bisque and sopes which was why I still gave the food an individual high rating. He wanted to leave immediately knowing how sad I was, but I knew he'd been looking forward to dessert so we stayed so he could get it. I regret that now you're listing everything we got to try and disprove what I'm saying about a bad experience.And the pumpkin gnocchi sounded very good, I would have ordered it if I could eat pumpkin.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Love Primary! All my faves. Caesar salad, wings (flappers) and lots of delicious options. Always vegan and amazing.Great service. Unlike a lot of places in this country, they don’t make you feel rushed to eat, tip, and get out. In fact one time we stayed too long because we thought they closed later, and they didn’t say anything… certainly should have haha. But it was very sweet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sticky Seitan Flappers, Sandwich, Caesar Salad