A culture with food at its heart located in the perfect climate for growing seasonal produce, there is no reason that Barcelona shouldn’t be a hotspot for vegetarian cuisine. However, up until recently the request for a vegetarian option in Spanish restaurants would result in meat-free diners receiving any combination of seafood options. Now Barcelona is embracing vegetarian cuisine, making it easy to find dishes in many of the city’s restaurants made from purely vegetarian, and often soley vegan, ingredients.
Vegetatian options are easily found in the city’s many markets and restaurants (Photo: Turol Jones via Flickr, CC BY 2.0)
Converting with the worldwide wave of vegetarianism, Barcelona is responding to the so-called trend of plant-based diets. The vegetarian scene in Barcelona is not marked with one-off endeavours, or restaurateurs cashing in on vegetarianism; a number of the best vegetarian restaurants in the city have been established for decades, with a passion to break Catalunya’s tradition of using meat in almost-every dish. Chefs and health conscious businesses have cultivated their passion and grown their skills for many years, now their patience and commitment is being rewarded. Below we’ve selected eight of the best vegetarian eateries in the city with great vegan options too, including restaurants that offer takeaway options and those with vary styles of meal and prices.
Bio Center
Bio Center is one of the original veggie-style restaurants in Barcelona; a pioneer of the diet before it was cool. Opening in 1980, it’s now closing in on its 40th year and given their experience it’s safe to say they definitely know how to do things. The menu offers a filling selection of dishes whilst catering to different diners: quick menu del dias that include a self-service soup and salad bar, and four main meals options to follow, takeaway dishes for those on the go, and an a la carte menu with a range of burgers, salads, and curries for those who like to dine like the locals: in no hurry and savouring all the flavours. With a lot going on and so many regulars, the restaurant’s staff are friendly and helpful, keen to walk you through the menu and make sure those new to the restaurant understand the various menus and ways to order, and receive, your food.
Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 25, 08001
Hearty, traditional, family meals with a healthy and natural focus. (Photo: Teresa Carles Healthy Foods)
Teresa Carles
Located near El Raval’s university district, Teresa Carles welcomes guests with its buzzing atmosphere. Particularly popular over lunchtime, friendly waiters guide diners through the menu, made up of bold Catalan flavours. The menu del dia is a great value option for those eating between midday and 5pm during the week. These weekly-changing dishes are scheduled for the month, with ingredient selection based on seasonal produce. The menu includes a soup or salad-style starter followed by a main dish with a base of either vegetables, cereals/rice, legumes or pasta: stuffed or simple. This user-friendly menu is a friend of people with all sorts of dietary requirement. Elsewhere on the a la carte menu you’ll find sharing dishes, burgers, design-your-own salads and main meals. The drinks menu is just as enticing as the food, with Teresa’s juicery brand serving cold press juices, plant-based mylks and plant based blended waters. This variety is built from chef Teresa’s almost 40-years in the industry; her success is creating hearty family meals traditional to Catalan life with a healthy and natural focus.
Carrer de Jovellanos, 2, 08001
Vegetalia
Vegetalia’s roots are found in their eco-food production enterprise. Now running for 30 years, they have grown into a popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant, sourcing fresh produce from their land in Mas Monserrat. All the Vegetailia proteins and produce are crafted into their Catalan inspired recipes: pica pica sharing plates for starters and the Vegetable paella are both filling choices, full of flavour. As with anywhere in Barcelona the menu del dia is a great value option, at Vegetalia you can mix and match courses depending how hungry you are, but the fruit packed cakes and brownies are recommended for those wanting to end the meal on a sweet note.
Placa Fossar de les Moreres
Quinoa is veggie cafe great for lunch or afternoon snack. (Photo: Roisin McAuley)
Quinoa Bar Vegetarià
Quinoa is a friendly cafe-style eatery found with premises in both the characterful streets of Gracia and the busy city centre of Eixample, near to Universitat. Inside a few stools at the bar and collection of tables make up the intimate atmosphere. A highlight of the Quinoa are their delicious how-are-these-really-vegan cakes, the banana cake and carrot cake are great way to end your meal or to accompany you coffee, served a scoop of often hard-to-find vegan ice cream. The savoury offerings are made in the form of mixed salads, sandwiches, quiches, hummus and many other dishes, all of vegetable origins, to highlight Quinoa’s commitment to healthy eating and its moral conscious.
Travessera de Gràcia, 203, 08012
Carrer d’Aragó, 209, 08011
Floripa
One of the newer vegan retaurants in Barcelona, Floripa’s bright, loud and trendy interior screams as loudly as the flavours of its cocktails and food. In the city’s central Eixample district, Floripa stands out against a lot of competition for its variety in both its dishes and drinks. The restaurant creates a vegan take on classic dishes from all over the world: burgers, curries and tacos all appear on the restaurant’s menu with brunch options available on Saturday and Sunday. Open from the early evening from Tuesday to Thursday and all day Friday to Sunday, Floripa is a great choice for a lazy weekend brunch, hearty vegan dinner or to relax with a one of their delicious cocktails and a light snack.
Carrer d’Aribau, 92, 08036
Sopa
Based in the Poble Nou barrio of Barcelona, Sopa is the type of restaurant that every area should have. A filling selection of soups, salads and main dishes make up their daily menu, including vegan options, and offering items to take away. The changing menu means Sopa is always a satisfying lunch choice as it delivers homely meals that are often neglected by those curating vegetarian menu ideas. At the heart of Sopa is its focus on sustainable gastronomy with ecological origins and supporting small local providers; it’s more than just a restaurant with its Yoga Space and shop selling clothes and home products.
Carrer de Roc Boronat, 114, 08018
Cosy sangria bar and veggie restaurant BarCelonta is a great find by the beach. (Photo: BarCeloneta Sangria Bar)
BarCeloneta Sangria Bar
Located just off Barceloneta’s bustling beach, BarCeloneta Sangria Bar is a convient choice for those looking to fill their stomachs after an exhausting day on the beach. The menu here features vegan paella and patatas bravas, ensuring vegans don’t miss out on getting to taste these Spanish classics whilst in Barcelona. To accompany the veggie menu, the restaurant also offers the opportunity to try different styles of sangria, created from fresh fruit, spices and specially selected cavas or wines.
Carrer de Sevilla, 70, 08003
Dolce Pizza y Los Veganos
If you find yourself near Park Güell or simply out exploring the city’s trendy Gracia area, then Dolce Pizza y Los Veganos will appeal to you if you are looking for a break from Spanish cusine. This pizza joint caters vegetarians, vegans and those on low-gluten diets, and the dishes aren’t limited to pizzas, the chefs also offer a selections of pastas, salads and sandwiches, many of which feature a creative meat alternative made from tofu or lentils.
Carrer d’Hipòlit Lázaro, 34, 08025