Vegan Food in Rome, Your Foodie Guide

Almost 10% of Italians identify as either vegan or vegetarian.
Most choose these lifestyles out of respect for the environment and animal welfare. About 20% cite health reasons, while others are simply curious and eager to try something new. Whatever the motivation, veganism is on the rise in Italy – and with it, the availability of vegan food in Rome.

As more Italians and international travelers opt for plant-based choices, the city’s vegan food scene continues to grow. And yes, it goes far beyond tofu.

 

The best vegan food in Rome: delicious and healthy

The good news is that there is no need to give up on Italy’s signature foods: carbs. In fact, there are many different toppings and sauces 100% vegan that go with pasta, pizza, and even gnocchi. For example, the simple yet tasty pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino with garlic, olive oil, and pepper. Just as delicious are the ravioli stuffed with potato cream and topped with truffle. In the fall, some restaurants love to use pumpkin, the seasonal ingredient par excellence. So, some menus include the carbonara with pumpkin, a dish of pasta with eggs, onions, and extra virgin olive oil.

Another vegan food from the tradition are the Roman artichokes. This traditional recipe is as old as time and the perfect way to get introduced to vegan food in Rome. With garlic, pepper, and olive oil, these artichokes are the perfect spring dish. Perfect for vegan foodies is also the scrocchiarella, a type of local pizza. It’s crispy and thin and its simplest version includes salt, rosemary, and olive oil. But you can choose different toppings such as cherry tomatoes, basil, or caramelized onions.

But the best vegan food in Rome isn’t just salty. It’s also sweet. Like the grattachecca, the refreshing grated ice mixed with fruit and herbs. There are also ice cream parlors and bakeries that focus on vegan recipes, sustainable and delicious. Here’s the proof.

 

Vegan Food in Rome: a guide to local spots

So, where can you find the best vegan food in the capital? Let’s take a look at some of the best options for travelers:

 

1. Aromaticus

Aromaticus is a cozy, plant-filled bistro where nature takes center stage – quite literally. Known for making greenery part of their identity, they offer a menu focused on delicious, plant-based cuisine. Dishes are fresh, seasonal, colorful, and full of flavor, hearty enough to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike.
This place has two locations, one in the Monti district and one in Trastevere, note that Aromaticus Monti is closed during dinner hours.

• Address: Via Urbana 134 (Monti) and Via Natale del Grande 6/7 (Trastevere)
• Website: https://www.aromaticus-roma.com/

 

2. Ma Va’?

In the list of the best vegan food in Rome, there has to be Ma Va’?, which features seasonal menus and artisanal beers. It proposes Mediterranean and local recipes, which can also be gluten-free. Close to the Vatican, this is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing.

• Address: Via Euclide Turba 6/8
• Website: https://www.menudigitale.io/vegan-ma-va

 

| Keep reading: how to pick the right food tour in Rome |

 

3. Romeow Cat Bistrot

Romeow Cat Bistrot features two of the most loved things in the world: healthy food and cats. In fact, here visitors will find adorable cats to pet and a full vegan menu with options such as stuffed mini cakes, tortellini with truffle, and vegan cheeses.

• Address: Via Francesco Negri 15
• Website: https://www.romeowcatbistrot.com/

 

4. Nativa

Nativa is another great option for vegan foodies traveling to the capital. It makes its own vegan sausage, 100% homemade. Other beloved ingredients are legumes, seitan, and hummus. Then, depending on the season, you will find the perfect vellutata.

• Address: Via Umberto Moricca 100
• Website: https://www.leggimenu.it/menu/7ps43dil81

 

5. Grezzo Raw Chocolate

Grezzo is the perfect choice for anyone with a sweet tooth. While chocolate is the protagonist, the recipes of this location also include dried fruits, plant-based ingredients, and fresh fruits. Sweet and sustainable.

• Address: Via Urbana 130
• Website: https://grezzorawchocolate.com/

 

6. Margutta

Margutta was the first vegetarian restaurant to open in Rome, back in 1979. Its menu changes with the seasons, featuring fresh produce sourced directly from its own zero-kilometer vegetable garden. The result is a rich and diverse selection of dishes that celebrate natural flavors. But Margutta isn’t just about great food, it’s also a feast for the eyes. The restaurant doubles as an art gallery, offering guests a unique dining experience surrounded by creativity and beauty.

• Address: Via Margutta 118
• Website: https://ilmargutta.bio/

 

7. Rifugio Romano

For those who want to enjoy traditional Roman cuisine without giving up a vegan lifestyle, Rifugio Romano is the perfect choice.
Set in a cozy, authentic Roman tavern atmosphere, this restaurant offers classic local dishes reimagined in delicious vegan versions, so you can experience the flavors of Rome without compromise.

• Address: Via Volturno 39/41
• Website: https://rifugioromano.com/

 

8. Mater Terrae

Mater Terrae is perched on the rooftop of the stunning Hotel Raphael, offering breathtaking views of the
Chiostro del Bramante, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, and Piazza Venezia.
It’s an excellent place to start – even if you’re not vegan. The creative and flavorful dishes are sure to surprise and impress, making it a memorable dining experience for all.

• Address: Largo Febo 2
• Website: https://www.biohotelraphael.com/raphel-hotel-restaurant-in-rome.htm

 

9. Flower Burger

Flower Burger is the place to try burgers with local ingredients. The choices include vegetables and legumes. The signature of this restaurant is the colored bread, like the yellow one made with turmeric or the pink one, made with cherry extract. Visitors also swear by the vegan mayonnaise, saucy and healthy.

• Address: Via Alessandria, 21 and via dei Gracchi, 87
• Website: https://www.flowerburger.it/negozi/

 

So, Rome offers both delicious and healthy food. From appetizers all the way to desserts, vegans are welcome here.

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Are you a foodie? No reason to be embarrassed. It’s much better to come to the capital to try the best vegan food in Rome. And, with the custom food tours of  You Local Rome, you won’t have to give up on anything. Every crumb counts.