When travelling as a vegan, or even a vegetarian, finding a satisfying meal can sometimes be difficult. Many regional cuisines can often be difficult to tailor to plant-based eating, and vegetarian-focused establishments can sometimes feel inauthentic. This is not the case, however, with the thriving contemporary Roman cuisine. Not only is it very easy to pick up vegetarian meals and brunch in Rome, but many restaurants have opened to tailor for this ethical approach to food. What’s more, they do an excellent job of creating vegan and vegetarian equivalents of Italian classics. This guide will cover some of the places to eat great vegan and vegetarian food in Rome.
Il Margutta
Located on the beautiful, leafy street of its namesake Via Margutta this classy restaurant is also known as the Ristor-Arte. And this place is not only committed to high quality, gourmet style food. It also double functions as an exhibit for the local artistic talent, theatrical performances, animal rights meet-ups and book launches. During the afternoon you can come for buffet style food at reasonable prices. These include 4 nutritional routes: detox, protein, vegan, gluten-free. For great evening dining, tuck into gourmet veggie twists on Italian favourites, with fresh seasonal ingredients.
The fantastic Il Margutta restaurant has been leading the way for vegetarian food in Rome since 1979.
Romeow
For those of us who love to watch videos of cats on YouTube, or just can’t get enough of our furry friends, this may be the place. Serving up cuisine inspired by Mexican and Indian traditions, Romeow is an entirely vegan cafe/bistro with 6 in-house cats. These guys love to come and keep the customer’s company. It also has some great raw food options. Open for breakfast with brownies, muffins and raw pear and caramel tart, you could easily while away a whole day here. Soak up the relaxing atmosphere, enjoy the light yet satisfying food and snuggle with your furry friends.
If you are vegan or vegetarian you probably love animals? Well Romeow is the place to visit for some friendly company from some of our favourite domestic pets!
So what?!
This is a no holds barred restaurant run by Vegan activists and chefs Paolo Petralia and his wife Alessandra Pezzuolo. Welcome to vegan food with a punch. Convinced of the organic and zero food kilometres ethos, the food is packed with flavour to make sure any omnivore won’t remember meat. Here, the aim is to recreate the traditional flavours of Italy and its international neighbours. So look out for pasta and gnocchi, as well as the hazelnut pesto and non-meatballs. Don’t forget a guilt-free cake for dessert!
The innovative and always interesting restaurant So What?!? is a diamond in Rome’s vegan scene.
L’Arancia Blu
Serving both vegetarian and vegan food, this well known Roman eatery likes to make a contemporary twist on the classics. Being both veggie and vegan, you can find a wonderful selection of cheeses and egg-based dishes. These come perfectly alongside the best Italian cuisine has to offer. Like black truffle oil, basil and mint pesto and gluten-free fried courgette flowers on bean paste. There is also a wonderful selection of quality wines from France and Italy, a great selection of craft-beers and smoothies. A fantastic place to eat your heart out, guilt-free.
Eccole!!! Le nostre #pappardelle di #kamut con #pesto di basilico, pinoli e pomodori secchi. E se passate da noi per pranzo? 😉
Posted by Arancia Blu – Ristorante vegetariano e vegano con enoteca on Friday, October 16, 2015
Orto
When you’re feeling hungry and want to fill up, Orto is the place. Serving up huge portions for low prices, with a focus on organic ingredients and wine. During lunchtime you will find a buffet service or a la carte for the evening meal. You can treat yourself to great gourmet food that is loved by locals. During the week, a buffet meal is only €9, which rises to €15 for the weekend, including water. Tempt your taste buds with fennel millefoglie, cauliflower polpettone, a diverse variety of fresh salads and pasta based dishes. And given the colourful interior decor, you will surely leave with your belly full and a bright smile on your face!
The well known and fantastic vegetarian restaurant Orto focuses on a rustic feel and locally produced organic ingredients.
Grezzo
To leave the city with a sweet taste in your mouth, you must not forget to visit Grezzo. A completely raw vegan chocolatier establishment, producing guilt-free Italian classics. Delicacies like truffles, gelato and tiramisu are created to top environmental and animal-welfare standards. It is a dream for vegans and veggies longing to indulge in this sweet part of Roman culture. Although the prices might be considered slightly steep, the ingredients and craftsmanship of the confectionary are of top quality. Being located in the charming neighbourhood of Monti, it is the perfect place to take away your favourite treats for a stroll.
Grezzo is the only vegan patisserie in Rome. And much more than that, their produce is all raw vegan! So you can get in on Rome’s sweet culture without any guilt.
