Once upon a while, being a vegan or vegetarian in Italy meant eating cheese-less pizzas and awkward ordering situations. It’s now easier than ever to eat meatless in Italy’s most popular cities. Venice is no exception. There are more plant-based options available and chefs are being creative in accommodating alternative diets. It’s not just about quinoa salads and kale smoothies. Healthy eating is becoming more accessible while traveling around Italy. This means that visitors don’t need to sacrifice on nutrition or taste. If you are self-catering, it is possible to eat vegetarian in Italy while keeping costs down by focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Check out our guide on seasonal eating in Italy. )
International cuisine is becoming more popular, with many of them focusing on vegetables and less meat. You can find everything from Middle Eastern to Indian dishes in Venice at places such as Frary’s and La Zucca. Traditional Italian cuisine is not extinct. There are many options for vegetarian and vegan pizzas and pastas. It is just a matter of knowing where to look.
La Zucca
This cozy little haven proves that vegetarians don’t need to sacrifice when traveling. The classic menu is complemented by the oak panelled interiors. There are only thirty five seats, so the ambience is classically intimate. The menu isn’t all vegetarian but there are enough meatless options to make it seem like it. Their menu features a lot of vegetable options. As the name implies, they specialize in pumpkin-based dishes like a dreamy pumpkin flan or warming soup. There are a variety of authentic pasta-based dishes available that can be prepared for vegetarians. These include a creamy tagliatelle made with artichokes, pecorino and another one with tomatoes and eggplant. This is a great place for vegetarians looking to enjoy a traditional Italian atmosphere. For help in choosing the right wine pairing, check out our guide to the top Italian wines.
La Zucca, the charming little town
Pizzeria L’Angelo
Pizzeria L’Angelo offers a variety of delicious options for vegetarians and vegans. Although the store does not offer sit-down service, it is ideal for those who prefer to eat on-the-go. Pizzeria L’Angelo offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian pizzas. They also offer a selection of vegan sandwiches, which are clearly marked. The ‘normale’ size of the pizza should be sufficient for most people. However, we could easily finish a large one – they are so good! This is a great place to grab a bite to eat before you head out on a day of sightseeing. Sandwiches start at EUR3 and are suitable for those who don’t want to spend too much on eating out. You don’t need to worry about where your food is taken, considering the ban on eating on certain Italian streets.
Delicious vegetarian pizzas can be found at Pizzeria L’Angelo
Frary’s
You’re tired of eating pizza and pasta, but you want to try something new during your stay in Venice. Frary’s is a great place to have a break. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and the staff is always willing to adapt other menu items. You can try their famous homemade falafel served with hummus, or the delicious vine leaf dolmades, which come with a side dish of creamy tzatziki. Frary’s is known for its healthy and nutritious food. It’s also not as expensive as other restaurants in Venice. The intimate atmosphere of the restaurant is a major drawback. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with oriental-inspired wall art. The plates are also in keeping with the classic tablecloth theme. It’s located in San Polo, right next to the famous Frari church. This is a great place for a satisfying dinner after a long day exploring the city by foot.
Find falafel, hummus and more at Frary’s
Ghimel Garden
Ghimel Garden, a Jewish restaurant in Venice’s Cannaregio district is home to a warm and welcoming family. It’s a kosher establishment, so it caters to vegetarians and vegans. There is also a separate menu that only serves meat-free dishes. You can choose from potato gnocchi or eggplant & zucchini concha as well as gazpacho, and other vegetarian versions of classic dishes. There are many options for vegetarians, such as mushroom-topped pizzas and a variety of cheeses. This restaurant is perfect for a relaxing meal in a cozy environment. It focuses on home-cooked comforts which makes it a great place to go after a long day of walking. The dessert menu features everything you need, including pannacotta, fresh fruit, and tiramisu. This restaurant is a great choice for both health-conscious and indulgent foodies. Their tempting selection of cocktails is also available for purchase. You can also make your own cocktails by looking at our top cocktails for summer.
Soak up the laid back atmosphere at Ghimel Garden
Fiumefreddo bio
Fiumefreddo bio is a charming vegetarian restaurant located in the peaceful square of Campo drio la Chiesa. The menu features freshly prepared, organic food, with many options for vegans. The charm of this place is not only the delicious food, but also the cozy atmosphere. It’s more like visiting a neighbor’s home for dinner than a restaurant. They offer a wide range of organic and healthy dishes, as all their food is freshly prepared on site. You can find vegan burgers and quinoa meatballs. There are also many other variations on classic Italian-style dishes. You can also get vegan wine. Although you may think that the wine is grape-based, it is actually made from animal products. This will be a welcome relief for anyone who wants to enjoy La dolce Vita while they are in Italy. Fiumefreddo Bio offers authentic Italian cuisine, even though it focuses on vegetarian food. This eatery is a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian food, whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to find a new spot.
Filling organic fare at Fiumefreddo Bio
La Tecia Vegana
La Tecia Vegana is 100 percent vegan. They have a mission to revive classic dishes in order to fit a plant-based diet. This spot won the creative cuisine award in Venice for vegan and vegetarian dining. Their innovative dishes include ‘fakefish’ and purple “gnocchi di pesto viola”. They also offer some of the most popular vegan dishes, such as burgers and tofu salads. The restaurant’s design is very much in line with their innovative take on classic dishes. It has a red awning outside, and has the atmosphere of an Italian restaurant inside. There are many gluten-free options available. La Tecia Vegana is a pleasant exception to the rule that vegans are usually forced to choose one dessert option, if any, on a dessert menu. There are many vegan options, such as raw cashew pistachio cakes and cannoli.
Creative vegan food at La Tecia Vegana
La Cocaeta
Cocaeta can be found in Venice’s top spots for crepes. This shop is a take-away, and has no tables or chairs. It’s a great spot to grab a quick snack on the go. This really depends on the fillings you choose, as they can be very generously stuffed! Crepes’ base is vegan and contains no animal products. There are also meat options, so don’t think you have to choose. There are many filling choices, both sweet and savory. There can be long lines at peak times, and even off-peak, because this is a one-man business that makes all crepes from scratch. These crepes will be worth it if you aren’t in a rush. There are many choices, including chocolate and banana or mushroom and spinach. But you have so many options, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild. You can even have ricotta and chocolate! Cocaeta is closed during normal business hours. The schedule varies according to the day of week. It’s worth visiting their Facebook page to plan ahead.
Sweet vegan crepes at La Coaceta
Here’s the scoop on vegan gelato
Vegetarians will not be disappointed by Italian desserts. Vegans may have some difficulties. gelato is one of Italy’s most famous desserts. It is often made with milk and is considered the Italian equivalent to ice cream. Gelato, which literally means “something frozen”, is made at a slower speed than regular ice cream. This results in thicker gelato. Ice-cream can be stored for a longer time, but it is more solidly frozen and has a higher fat level. Gelato, on the other side, is quickly frozen in small batches. This makes gelato fresher and more delicious. Many gelaterias have started to cater to vegans. Suso Gelatoteca is a great place to get delicious gelato in Venice. There are many delicious flavours of vegan gelato available. Another great place to visit for vegan gelato in Venice is Gelateria al Sole, in Dorsoduro, and Gelato Fantasy San Marco. After all the wonderful vegetarian options, make sure you have enough room! You can also find more gelato options on your travels by checking out our guide to where to find the best gelato from Italy.
