In recent years, Americans have increasingly been taking summer vacations to explore Europe. Last year alone, the number of American tourists visiting the continent surged 55 percent compared to 2022. While many travelers head to popular destinations like Paris, Dublin, Athens, Lisbon and Amsterdam, Rome, with its timeless appeal, remains a top choice.
Founded in 625 BC, Italy’s capital is rich in history and must-see landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon. But Rome is also home to plenty of delicious food – many of which are vegan. If you’re heading to the Eternal City this summer (or if you’re just planning your dream vacation, dates not yet decided), add these vegan restaurants to your must-try list.
Is Rome a good place for vegans?
When you think of Italian food, cheesy pizza and cured meats come to mind, but in fact many traditional dishes are vegan by default, and if you go to a restaurant in Rome, you’re sure to find a vegan option on the menu.
Pexels
For example, bruschetta is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that is often made with toasted bread, garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes. Another classic is aglio e olio, a pasta dish with garlic and olive oil. You can also enjoy the classic pizza throughout Italy, the marinara, which is topped with just flavorful tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, proving that simplicity can be surprisingly satisfying.
But if you want more options, Rome is also full of restaurants that serve vegan meats and cheeses. Below we’ve picked some of the best. Enjoy!
8 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Rome
Heading to Rome? Check out these 8 vegan-friendly restaurants.
Buddy
1. Buddy
Located in the heart of Rome, Buddy specializes in serving traditional Roman cuisine in a vegan style. Choose from dishes such as the Vegan Carbonara, with plenty of vegan bacon and vegan Pecorino cheese, or Pizza 4, with four different dairy-free cheeses. For dessert, try the Vegan Classic Tiramisu.
Find it here
Ecru
2 Ecru
As a fresh food restaurant, Ecru’s menu changes with the seasons, but you’ll always find natural, wholesome, minimally processed and flavoursome dishes on the menu: some current dishes include zucchini spaghetti with basil pesto, cucumber and avocado tartare and sushi rolls.
Find it here
Romeo Cat Bistro
3 Romeo Cat Bistro
Who doesn’t love dining surrounded by fluffy cats? At this Rome cat cafe, you can dine on delicious seasonal dishes like veggie cheese and jackfruit marinara while watching eight adorable rescue felines sleep, romp and live their best lives.
Find it here
Col Cavolo
4. Col Cavolo
This sweet bistro is 100% vegan. All dishes are lovingly handmade and delicious – the lasagna is a particular standout – and for dessert, you’ll be spoilt for choice with mouthwatering classics like cheesecake, crostata and tiramisu.
Find it here
Flower Burger
5. Flower Burger
If you’re looking for something quick to grab after a busy day of sightseeing, head to Flower Burger. This Italian vegan burger chain has two locations in Rome, but the one on Via Gracchi is closest to the action (it’s less than a 15-minute walk from Castel Sant’Angelo, for example). Choose from vibrant and tasty dishes like the Bloom Burger (a burger with potatoes and green beans in a lilac bun) or the Jungle BBQ (a burger with oats and green beans in a green bun).
Find it here
Il Margutta
6 Il Margutta
This popular, sophisticated vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Rome has a wide range of dairy-free dishes – try the seitan paillard with wild salad and lemon citronette, for example – and be sure to also try Il Margutta’s decadent vegan cheese plate.
Find it here
Stefano Sacchi
7 Rifugio Romano
Rifugio Romano has been fully vegan since March 2023. The menu (described by some Happy Cow reviewers as “amazingly delicious”) features a range of plant-based options, including vegan spaghetti alla carbonara, vegan gnocchi alla sorrentina, and vegan tagliatelle al ragù.
Find it here
Impact Hood
8. Impact Food
Sometimes you just want fast food. If you’re in the mood for something quick, tasty, sustainable and completely vegan, head to Impact Food. This plant-based spot serves up a huge selection of fast food classics like onion rings, crispy tenders, nachos, mozzarella sticks and meaty burgers.
Find it here
Read on for more travel details.
Charlotte is an editor and writer at VegNews, based in sunny Southsea on the south coast of England.
