The Best Vegan Restaurants in Rome
What’s a vegan foodie to do in a place where the signature dishes are based on eggs, pecorino cheese, cured pork, veal, and organ meats? Good news: in just a few short years, plant-based cuisine has taken hold of Italy—8% of the population considers itself vegetarian or vegan as of 2022. The country’s most adventurous chefs are crafting wildly inventive and delicious vegan offerings.
Consequently, Rome has emerged as a leading vegan-friendly city, offering an ever-growing selection of vegan burger joints, smoothie bars, fusion restaurants, and bakeries. If you can’t imagine a Roman food experience without cheese and meat, think again. Ethical, tasty, and innovative, here’s our guide to the top vegan restaurants in the Eternal City.
The Best 100% Vegan Restaurants in Rome
Romeow Cat Bistrot
Best for Four-Legged Companionship
Tucked away on a stark corner of Ostiense, Romeow Cat Bistrot is a whimsical wonderland. You’ll find well-fed kitties roaming the bi-level boho-style dining area as patrons sample quirky dishes like seitan fajitas or Gragnano spaghetti with macadamia nuts, muntok pepper, and bergamot zest.
The afternoon bistro hour is a delightful interlude, offering a “mood menu” of drink-and-snack combinations of smoothies, health drinks, and desserts like the addictive white cake.
Ma Va’?
Best for Mediterranean-Inspired Cuisine
In posh Prati, just steps away from the Balloon Museum and a short walk from the MAXXI art gallery, Ma Va’? makes an ideal pit stop after hours of museum hopping. Taste the eclectic selection of Mediterranean-inspired antipasti, soups, pasta, and entrees in a homey atmosphere.
Col Cavolo
Best for Vegan Breakfast
“If we’re not out front, we’re cooking for you,” reads the sign at the register. Lucky you! This teeny, colorful vegan bistro near Villa Borghese cannot be beat when you’re looking for a casual bite. Col Cavolo serves Italian-style breakfasts with homemade sweets like crostata or banana nut bread, or soups, burgers, and the famous lasagne. Full bar service includes coffee, tea, fresh-pressed juices, and craft beers.
Ops!
Best Vegan Buffet
Just a block away from Col Cavolo, Ops! is ideal when you’re in a rush or simply in the mood for many choices in an unfussy yet well-appointed setting. The crowd-pleasing buffet-style restaurant lets you pay for your food by weight and has dozens of Italian and internationally inspired options. The pasta is especially well-loved.
Nativa
Best for New Italian
Chic Nativa is a bit out of the way in Baldo degli Ubaldi near Vatican City (about 25 mins from Rome), but its crisp white interiors and creative New Italian and fusion cuisine make the trek worthwhile. Don’t skip the vegetable-and-brown-rice arancini or the spaghetti with pistachio sauce and yellow cherry tomatoes.
Le Bistrot
Best for Roman-Style Vegan Dishes
A haven for vegan foodies since 1987, this cozy, romantic osteria in Garbatella serves Roman-style dishes and innovative New Italian offerings like paccheri pasta with lentil ragù, made with strictly local and seasonal ingredients. The menus change weekly, so be sure to check it out before you stop by. Open only for dinner.
Grezzo Raw Chocolate
Best for Vegan Sweets
Grezzo means raw or unrefined in Italian, but there’s nothing unrefined about this 100% vegan boutique chain, with locations near busy transport hubs like Termini Station and Largo di Torre Argentina. Pick up hot chocolate and gelato to enjoy on the spot or take home chocolate spreads, biscotti, and other desserts.
Rifugio Romano
Best for Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Rifugio Romano is arguably Rome’s quintessential vegan experience, offering an extensive vegan menu highlighting the city’s most famous dishes, pizzas, and excellent “fritti” antipasti. While the vegan cacio e pepe and spaghetti alla carbonara with smoked seitan can’t replicate the originals, they come delectably close. This popular spot is just a few minutes from Termini Station, so reservations are recommended.
Il Margutta Veggy Food & Art
Best for Upscale A La Carte
As one of Rome’s oldest vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, Il Margutta is perfect for impressing your guests. It features upscale a la carte dinner offerings on weekday and Saturday nights; a brunch buffet is available at lunchtime. You can also enjoy art exhibits and musical performances with your meal in this elegant yet inviting space.
Origano Campo de’Fiori
Best for Vegan Pizza
Terrific pizzas and pasta await at this fan-favorite just steps away from Largo di Torre Argentina. Choose from chewy Neapolitan, earthy whole wheat, and crispy Roman pinsa crusts as a base, with vegan meats and cheeses available for toppings.
Buddy Veggy Restaurant Café
Best for Vegan American-Style Brunches
Less than 100m (328ft) from Origano Campo de’ Fiori, Buddy Veggy Restaurant Café caters to every culinary itch, with smoothies, American-style brunches, pizzas, pasta dishes, and fantastic 10-euro aperitivi. It’s a vibrant spot with vintage-inspired interiors and friendly staff.
What to Order 101
There are a number of Italian dishes that are naturally vegan. Order fearlessly!
- Bread: Enjoy fresh-baked options, including focaccia, bruschetta, and biscotti.
- Espresso: Remember, it’s espresso, not eXpresso. Most coffee bars offer soy or nut-milk cappuccinos.
- Panzanella: A refreshing antipasto made from croutons and fresh vegetables.
- Pasta al pomodoro e basilico: A classic favorite of pasta with tomato sauce and fresh basil.
- Pizza rossa: A tangy tomato sauce pizza baked without cheese; ensure no anchovies are added.
- Minestrone: A hearty vegetable soup.
- Fagioli all’ucceletto: Cannellini beans stewed in tomato sauce, typically Roman.
- Carciofi: Don’t miss trying either Roman-style roasted or deep-fried artichokes.
- Wine, beer, and spirits: Never forget to indulge in the local offerings!
