From vegetarian dishes that look like artwork to simple vegan pizzas, you’ll find plenty to keep you full in Italy’s delicious capital. As more plant-based restaurants pop up around the city, the range of options will continue to grow. But for now, here are five of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Rome:
1. Écru
Écru is a beautiful spot close to the Tiber River. Filled with plants and sunlight, this little restaurant is nourishing in every way. Besides having one of the most extensive vegan menus in Rome, it’s also the place to go for gluten-free raw dishes. Seasonality is a big focus at Écru and all ingredients are fresh and organic.
On the menu, you’ll find sprouted buckwheat sandwiches, pressed juices, smoothies, salads, and raw cakes. And raw vegan cheese, made with fermented dried nuts, is a speciality at Écru. None of the food is exposed to temperatures over 40 degrees during preparation, so the nutritional content doesn’t change. And there’s a selection of kombucha drinks to sip.
Écru’s prices are relatively high. But its extensive and varied menu makes it one of the best places to eat for vegetarians in Rome. Also, the restaurant is located within walking distance of the Pantheon and Basilica di Santa Maria. So after a morning of sight-seeing, you can refuel with a freshly pressed green juice. Via Acciaioli, 13, 00186 Rome.
2. 100% Bio
If you’re looking for a relaxed vegan restaurant in Rome, don’t miss out on 100% Bio. It’s a bit of a trek to get there from the city centre, but it’s worth the journey. Eating at 100% Bio is also the perfect excuse to explore the Trattoria neighbourhood, which is famous for its market and traditional restaurants.
100% Bio uses all certified organic ingredients and fresh, seasonal produce. The restaurant is known for its vegan buffet, that’s packed with over 30 colourful bowls. Expect curries, stir fries, fresh salads, pasta, and dips. Just fill a plate and weigh it before you eat. 100% Bio charges according to the weight of each plate.
There’s also a selection of organic vegan beers, and biodynamic wine. And if only have time to squeeze in breakfast, you can grab vegan muffins and croissants in the mornings. The staff at 100% Bio are friendly and helpful, so no need to panic if you don’t speak Italian. Piazza di Porta San Paolo 6a, Rome.
3. Il Margutta
If you like your food and drink to imitate art, then you’ll probably fall in love with Il Margutta Vegetarian Food & Art. One of the most elegant vegetarian restaurants in Rome, dining in Il Margutta is a special experience. Inside, the attention to detail is impeccable. Plants tumble from artistically placed pots around the bar and contemporary paintings cover the walls. The servers here are exceptionally polite and attentive, but the atmosphere is still relaxed.
Il Margutta puts a big focus on seasonality and 70% of ingredients come from organic, local producers. Dishes range from Italian vegetable dishes with a twist, like Courgette Parmigiana, to the Citrus Crispy Seitan. There’s an overall emphasis on nutritional value, but if calories are your main concern, order from the menu’s ‘Light and Detox’ section. Vegans will also find lots of options.
Dinner is served in the restaurant from 7pm – 11.30pm and the Bio Bar offers cocktails, smoothies, and small plates during the day. Via Margutta, 118 – 00187, Rome.
4. So What?!?
So What?!? is one of the best places to eat in Rome for veggies – or anyone who likes relaxed, colourful restaurants with an edge. If you’re looking for Italian vegan food with a creative twist, don’t miss the chance to have lunch or dinner here. Dishes range from “Meatballs that Grandmother Never Ever Made You” to “Rollerball Cake”, so there’s nothing boring about the menu.
A 100% vegan restaurant, So What?!? makes plant-based eating truly fun. The restaurant is run by Alessandra and Paolo, who have a background in social activism. They set up So What?!? in 2013 with the primary purpose of serving good food in an informal setting. There’s no fuss here, just wholesome vegan food.
5. Flower Burger
If you’re in the mood for something quick and easy, head to Flower Burger. Flower Burger serves a variety of colourful vegan burgers that look beautiful and taste even better. Tofungo, Flower Burger, and Cheesy Cecio are three of the most popular burgers but new creations are regularly added to the menu.
Credit: Flower Burger
There are Flower Burgers in a few Italian cities, but the Rome branch is located quite close to the Vatican. So when you work up an appetite exploring some of Rome’s most significant buildings, this is a great place to stop and eat. Via Dei Gracchi 87, 00192, Rome
Vegan Pizza, Rome
If you’re worried about finding vegan pizza in Rome, don’t be. It’s surprisingly common. Lots of authentic Rome restaurants and cosy pizzerias offer at least one vegan option. Pizzeria Florida on Via Florida usually has some vegan pizzas to choose from. It’s sold by the slice and is takeaway only. Or for a sit-down dinner, try Madre Terra – a beautiful vegan restaurant that serves pizzas topped with lots of fresh veggies.
Vegan Gelato, Rome
If you visit Rome during summer, you’re probably going to indulge in the cold, creamy deliciousness that is gelato. And if you’re vegan, you don’t have to miss out. Tropical Ice is a small gelateria that sells vegan cones, a selection of vegan gelato flavours, and even vegan cream.
Want to know more about the best vegetarian restaurants in Rome?
- Happy Cow Rome is a brilliant resource for all things veggie in the city.
- You’ll find that lots of traditional Italian restaurants have vegetable-based dishes and meat-free pasta options. So you won’t always have to go a vegetarian restaurant.
- You might also like: 5 Scenic Running Routes in Rome
