Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Bologna
When you think of Bologna, Italy, you definitely do not think of vegetarian or vegan cuisine. Bologna is the perfect place for meat-eaters to eat their way through the city’s best restaurants. With traditional dishes brimming with meat including tortellini, piadina made with ham, lasagna, and mortadella, searching out vegetarian food can be a challenge for some.
But, never fear, there are plenty of vegetarian restaurants scattered through Bologna. You'll have a variety of terrific places to dine while in the city. Vegan and vegetarian eateries have taken traditional Italian dishes and reimagined them into plant-based sensations. When you visit Bologna, you will not go hungry, instead, you will find a full range of vegan food.
Dine at different vegetarian or vegan restaurants at each meal and find the one you love the best. But, before you sit down to eat, find a luggage storage service to stow your large items and bags for safekeeping. Enjoy your delicious meal without worrying about your things.
Botanica Lab Cucina
What's it like:
Botanica Lab was one of the first plant-based restaurants in Bologna and was a trend-setter that forced traditional eateries to sit up and take notice of those requesting plant-based dishes. At Botanica Lab you will find classic Italian dishes that have been transformed into organic, plant-based works of art. You can even find a wonderful, juicy veggie burger.
Our recommendation:
The menu at Botanica Lab changes with the seasons and their lunch and dinner menus are also different. Specializing in vegan and gluten-free food, you will definitely find something scrumptious to eat. Save plenty of room for a slice of cake or delicious homemade pastry, they will melt in your mouth.
Location:
Via Battibecco 4C, Bologna
Clorofilla
What's it like:
Another of the pioneer vegan restaurants in Bologna, Clorofilla opened its doors in 1984 and has since grown to have one of the most diverse Bolognese vegan menus in the city. The menu boasts salads, pasta, panini, seitan dishes, and even vegan pastries.
Our recommendation:
All ingredients used at Clorofilla are organic and most are locally sourced. Try the lasagna or the mushroom and truffle tagliatelle for a delicious and filling meal. Order one of their organic teas and kick back for a relaxing meal filled with fantastic flavors. If tea is not your thing, try a smoothie, cider, wine, or beer.
Location:
Strada Maggiore 64/C, Bologna
Basilico Food
What's it like:
The best thing about Basilico Food is the menu changes daily and there is even a fantastic dish of the day that will make your mouth water. Offering amazing vegetarian food bursting with flavor, even if you are not a vegetarian or vegan you will find plenty of yummy dishes.
Our recommendation:
The Buddha Bowl is one of their most popular dishes and is made with brown rice, cooked veggies, mixed salad, avocado, legumes, sesame seeds, and a lemon sauce. They also offer catering services and can be found setting up a booth at festivals around Bologna. Grab your friends for a fun-filled lunch at Basilico Food.
Location:
Via Giuseppe, Massarenti, Bologna
Fram Café Bistrot Bio Veg
What's it like:
Fram Café is a Nordic-style Bistrot and one of the most interesting eateries to visit in Bologna. The huge selection of fruits, veggies, cakes, vegan croissants, and even soy cappuccinos is almost mind-boggling. Enjoy lunch or dinner before you do a little shopping to take home some fantastic foodstuffs that are all vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
Our recommendation:
Ingredients are local bio products used to make some of the most wonderful dishes. It is one of the few bio veg cafes in Bologna. Order a fresh salad, their soup of the day, veggie burger, vegetable carpaccio, or one of their savory pies. Save room for a slice of one of their vegan sweet pies. The café also doubles as a trendy coffee shop where you can catch up with friends.
Even though the décor is chic and trendy, Fram Café Bistrot Bio Veg is child-friendly and offers an interesting kids’ menu filled with vegan and vegetarian choices that will make your kiddos want to come back again and again. They will love the delicious food including seasoned potato wedges.
Location:
Via Rialto 22/C, Bologna
Zazie
What's it like:
Check out the juice of the day at Zazie when you visit for a quick breakfast or lunch. Light and flavorful dishes are their specialty. Their juices are refreshing and will make your taste buds sing. Save room for the vegan carrot cake, it is simply delicious.
Our recommendation:
Be sure to check the refrigerated case for fresh-cut vegetables and Greek yogurt parfaits. This trendy spot is the perfect place to stop when you are touring Bologna. We recommend you grab a quick meal and then pick up some fresh snacks to munch on when you get hungry while sightseeing.
Location:
Via Malcontenti 13/A, Bologna
Julienne Cucina
What's it like:
The dynamic dishes that are served at this newer vegetarian restaurant stand out from other vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Bologna. Hang out and dine on fresh foods including an amazing vegetable strudel. Order one of their fresh fruit smoothies for a refreshing treat.
Our recommendation:
They offer specials such as the hearty dinner which includes veggie meatballs, braid with eggplant, chicory with chili, mushrooms, and parmesan. You can even get the Romanian gnocchi with zucchini cream instead of the veggie meatballs. Everything is fresh and enjoyable.
Location:
Via Malolta 16/E, Bologna
Centro Natura
What's it like:
Located in the city center within walking distance of the Piazza Maggiore, Centro Natura offers wonderful vegan and vegetarian delights. It is definitely not your typical restaurant, but more like a health and wellness center where you can meditate and take yoga classes.
Our recommendation:
Centro Natura is a self-serve restaurant that offers great vegan foods that have been prepared with seasonal ingredients creating a wonderful lunch menu. There are special dishes offered for the evening crowd including seitan cutlets, grilled tempeh served with mustard sauce, grilled tofu, and scallops di seitan.
Location:
Via Degli Albari 4/A, Bologna
Berbere Bologna Petroni
What's it like:
You do need to take notice that not everything on the menu at Berbere is vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. If you are not sure what dishes are vegan or veggie or even gluten-free just ask your server and they will be happy to point them out. While it is mainly a pizzeria, other dishes are offered. But, their pizzas are the most popular menu items.
Our recommendation:
Go for pizza! Vegan pizzas are made with all-natural ingredients and the flour used in the crust is made from organic ancient grains. They are made fresh and to order using mostly organic ingredients. It is a true Italian pizza that everyone needs to try at least once. You can pick and choose your toppings to create a true masterpiece that is also healthy food.
Location:
Via Giuseppe Petroni 9, Bologna
Missfagiola Green Lab Bologna
What's it like:
The menu was cultivated with health and wellness in mind. The dishes that come out of the kitchen of Missfagiola Green Lab are colorful, fragrant, and brimming with fresh flavors. The ingredients are mostly locally sourced and therefore are fresh. Every dish is made to order so you should plan on spending some time relaxing while you wait for your food to arrive.
Our recommendation:
There is even a wide selection of tasty, organic vegan snacks, sweet treats, and savory sides. Save plenty of room for a big slice of vegan cheesecake or take a slice to enjoy later. If the weather is nice, ask for one of their outdoor seating so you can enjoy great vegan food, sunshine, and the atmosphere of the busy street near the city center.
Location:
Via S. Felice 116/B, Bologna
Alchemilla
What's it like:
This unique vegan and vegetarian kitchen has created an interesting way to entice even the staunchest non-vegan to come in and give it a try. Local delicacies have been reinvented into fantastic vegetarian or vegan counterparts without losing taste or presentation. Also serving multi-ethnic cuisine, you can take a trip across Europe without ever leaving Bologna.
Our recommendation:
There are a wide array of naturally gluten-free dishes to choose from and you can even order some of their gluten-free snacks and bread to go. Stop by the little shop that is located inside Alchemilla where you can find interesting souvenirs and fantastic foodstuff to take with you and enjoy later.
Location:
Via Mascarella 76A, Bologna
Locanda Celestiale
What's it like:
It can be a bit tricky to find Locanda Celestiale as it is located directly under the Arcades of Via Saragozza. This interesting cocktail bar and restaurant is the perfect place to sit down for a relaxing drink and meal. While offering traditional Bolognese dishes using fresh seafood, they also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Our recommendation:
The vegetarian salad with buffalo cheese is simply amazing or maybe one of their vegetarian pasta dishes will hit the spot. Finish your meal with a fiery shot of vodka and lemon sorbet, it is the perfect ending to any meal when dining in Bologna.
Location:
Via Saragozza 63/A, Bologna
The Yuan Restaurant
What's it like:
While enjoying Italian cuisine in Bologna is a treat when you visit, sometimes you get a craving for something different. Look no further than The Yuan Restaurant which offers authentic Asian food at a reasonable price. They do have a mix of dishes with meats and meat products and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Our recommendation:
The edamame salad made with boiled soy pods is delicious or maybe you are in the mood for the Goma Wakame salad, a seaweed that has been lightly marinated in a spicy sesame sauce. If you are craving a comfort dish, the miso soup is made with tofu, seaweed, and cippolini grass. Pair your meal with the traditional double-leavened bread or sweet bread that comes with sweetened cream.
Location:
Via Galliera 55, Bologna
The Man and The Sea
What's it like:
This Americanized bar and fish restaurant is located in central Bologna that offers flavorful fish dishes as well as appetizing vegetarian dishes for lunch or dinner. The Man and The Sea is not your typical bar, the elegant setting is the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy an afternoon of fun and laughter.
Our recommendation:
Even though they specialize in fresh seafood, there are still vegetarian dishes to choose from. If you have a difficult time finding the veggie dishes on the menu, your server will be happy to point them out. Check out their expansive wine list and their signature cocktails to go with your meal.
Location:
Via Augusto Righi 3/B, Bologna
Vegetarian and vegan food in Bologna
Whether you are looking for a specialty vegan restaurant or just a great eatery with vegan options, there are plenty of choices scattered throughout Bologna. A quick lunch break calls for a restaurant offering fast service and easy dishes such as pizza, pasta, or a club sandwich. Many of these restaurants also offer breakfast to ensure you start your day right.
Several eateries have organic vegan and vegetarian food with good prices and large portions. Gather your family or friends and spend an afternoon or evening dining on delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes including yummy desserts.
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