Vegetarian Restaurants In Rome I Love - And You Will, Too!

Elyssa Bernard

By Elyssa Bernard

Updated January 19, 2025 with new restaurants and an easier-to-read format

Wondering where to find the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Rome?

In the nearly 25 years I've lived in Rome, I've tried more than my share of restaurants (research!), and plenty of them have been vegetarian friendly, if not completely vegetarian or vegan.

spaghetti with tomato and pesto saucesTagliatelle with tomato sauce, basil sauce and almonds at Marzapane (this restaurant no longer exists but I do love the photo and it's vegetarian so I hope you don't mind!)

It's easier now than never before to find eat well as a vegan or vegetarian in Rome.

You are no longer just limited to spaghetti and tomato sauce or salads.

Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Rome

First, I want to explain to you how to navigate the menu at a restaurant in Rome.

I am including things to be aware of where you may not realize a dish could contain meat or fish.

Following that is my curated list of the best places to eat vegan/vegetarian in Rome.

Roman cuisine already offers lots of vegetarian (and vegan) options

No time to read the whole page?

Here are my 3 favorite places to eat vegetarian or vegan in Rome:

And my quick tips for eating vegetarian / vegan in a Roman trattoria:

  • Look for the "contorni" or side dishes - they are usually vegetarian
  • Look for a vegetable buffet - you won't find this in all Rome restaurants, but some have them and they typically offer a huge selection of vegetables and vegetarian items
  • If you are not 100% sure if something is vegetarian, ask. Many Italian foods can have a little bit of meat or fish "for flavor" and you might not know it's in there if you don't ask.

One of the things I love about Roman cuisine is that it's already full of things that are perfect for vegetarians, even vegans.

So even if you eat at a regular Roman trattoria, you don't need to feel too restricted.

dar bruttone - grilled vegetablesVegetables are a huge staple of contemporary Roman cuisine. Grilled veggies like these are easy to find in many Roman trattorias.

I was vegetarian for several years recently, and found myself always able to find plenty to eat when going out with others (who were not vegetarian), to just about any Rome restaurant, bar or pizzeria.

We didn't need to look for specific vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

There was never an occasion when my friends or husband would say, oh, we can't go THERE because Elyssa doesn't eat meat.

Meaty Rome restaurants

It can be tricky when you go out with serious carnivores, such as to one of Rome's oldest restaurants, Checchino, which is famous for their use of offal pretty much throughout their menu.

And yet, I saw some things a vegetarian could eat there - vegetables and cheese.

For vegans, this place would have been a bit stickier to navigate.

Another difficult place for vegetarians, especially vegans, is Santo Palato, a recently-opened, much-lauded Roman trattoria serving up traditional Roman food that's mostly focused on pork and offal.

I had a Roman artichoke, and cacio e pepe pasta (a typical Roman dish that has cheese but no meat).

Even in situations like that, if you don't like cheese or are vegan, you could simply order a few of the contorni, or side dishes, which are usually vegetable based. 

How to Eat Vegetarian Food in Rome Restaurants and Bars

If you visit a Roman trattoria, take a look at the vegetable bar, or the contorni (side dish) option on the menu, and you'll find that it is often comprised almost entirely of vegetarian, if not vegan dishes, like cooked vegetables, beans, and potatoes.

piatto romano - grilled eggplantOne of my favorite restaurants in Rome is Piatto Romano in Testaccio, and while their menu is full of traditional Roman dishes that contain meat (or fish), their selection of vegetables is outstanding.

There is almost always a vegan or vegetarian pasta choice.

Of the four traditional Roman pastas, one has only cheese (cacio e pepe, which is sheep's milk cheese and black pepper).

For vegan pasta, you'll often find fettuccine with funghi porcini (porcini mushrooms), penne arrabbiata (short pasta with a spicy tomato sauce), or some version of a simple basil-tomato sauce.

And at most (but not all) Roman restaurants, you can usually just ask them to make you a simple dish with just tomato and basil, or as my dad loves, with aglio, olio e peperoncino (garlic, olive oil and hot peppers. Simple is good!)

pennestri - spaghetti pomodoroThis delicious and simple dish of spaghetti with slow-cooked tomatoes and breadcrumbs at Trattoria Pennestri is an excellent vegan choice.

Some common vegetarian items you will often find on the menu in Roman trattorias include:

  • Eggplant parmesan
  • Scamorza (a kind of grilled, melty cheese)
  • Caprese (tomato and buffalo-milk mozzarella, in season, i.e. summer)
  • Eggs (not that common but you can also ask for them)

Vegan dishes you will often find on Rome menus include:

  • Bruschetta with olive oil or tomatoes
  • Grilled funghi porcini (in season)
  • Grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchine, peppers)
  • Spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce
bruschetta with tomatoes and olive oilA simple bruschetta with fresh tomatoes (in season), drizzled with olive oil, is a delicious option for vegans, and available at almost any Rome trattoria.

I would not expect to start seeing a flurry of "Vegetarian" menu headings anytime soon at traditional Rome trattorias.

Which is not to say you cannot eat there as you would at dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

You will just have to be selective.

italy food customsItaly food customs
roman cuisineRoman cuisine
Rome food mythsRome food myths

Foods to be careful of in Rome if you are vegan/vegetarian

Roman cuisine today is in part based on Ancient Roman cuisine.

Just as the Ancient Romans did, today, to flavor food and give it saltiness, one of two common ingredients are often used (never together): anchovies and pork.

These are often incorporated into Roman dishes in small amounts and chopped up.

So you will have to either know it's there, or ask to make sure it's NOT there.

It's important not to ask if something "has meat", but rather to ask if it's vegetarian.

For many Italians, the word carne, or meat, implies beef or lamb.

I've been told by many a barman that a ham-and-cheese tramezzino (little half-sandwich on white bread that you will find at bars/cafe's all over Rome) does not have meat.

rome-lunch-tramezzini2-small.jpeg"Tramezzini" are a great little mid-day snack (or even a good option for a quick lunch). You can usually see the ingredients clearly. Almost all of them contain mayonnaise, and while there is usually a pretty good selection for vegetarians, it may be difficult to find a vegan option of these.

Likewise, I've been told by many Italian restaurant waiters that something does not have meat only to find out there are small bits of anchovy in there.

When confronted, the response from the not-understanding waiter: "Well, just a little, you know, for flavor."

Which is fine if you are like me and love anchovies.

But not fine if you hate fish or are vegetarian.

So the correct question to ask is "is it completely vegetarian?"

You can ask in English.

If you want to ask in Italian, say this: "Il piatto è completamente vegetariano?"

Here are some places meat or fish is "slipped" into the food in Roman restaurants:

  • Supplì - Classic Roman breaded-and-fried rice balls. Supplì are mostly made with rice, tomato sauce and cheese. But many places also serve a "classic" version that has some form of meat (beef, or chicken innards). 
  • Fiori di zucca - Fried zucchini flowers. They are nearly always filled with mozzarella (more rarely with ricotta) and 1-2 anchovies "for salt". One place I know of that offers this dish on the menu specifically without anchovies is Pizzeria Emma.
  • Mixed fried things as appetizer - You often find a fritto misto on a menu where fried things are served, especially at pizzerias. It should be clear if the dish is JUST mixed vegetables or if there are meaty things involved (like fried zucchini flowers, fried cod, and stuffed olives). But if you are not sure, you should ask because once a platter of fried things arrives, it's not easy to tell what's inside.
  • Vignarola - this seasonal spring dish of sautéed artichokes, fava beans and peas can be served vegetarian, but is often "flavored" with guanciale (pork jowls), so always ask.
  • Many minestre (soups), especially if beans are involved - just as with split pea soup or chili, people add meat/pork for flavor, so too do Italians often flavor soups and stews, either with pork or shellfish.
  • Pastries - For a long time I thought I was "safe" having my morning cappucino e cornetto (like a croissant). But it turns out the pastries are often made with lard (strutto). By law, bars/cafés have to place a list of ingredients used in their food, someplace visible. So I checked one day and saw strutto all over the place. You will need to check the ingredients list, or go someplace that serves vegan pastries. Although lately, many cafés offer "vegan" croissants.

If it's not clear or you are not sure, ask.

Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

When I used to go out with vegetarian friends in Rome or other parts of Italy, they used to be pretty restricted to pizza Margherita or spaghetti cacao e Pepe (or spaghetti with plain tomato basil sauce).

In recent years, the city has filled up with restaurants catering to you.

Besides new (specifically) vegetarian restaurants in Rome popping up right and left, many more traditional Rome restaurants are now offering some form of more interesting vegetarian and vegan options on their menus. 

When it comes to recommending specific vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Rome, I have to actually NARROW down the list here, and include the places I know best, and in the most central or at least accessible neighborhoods of Rome.

Here are my favorites:

Romeow Cat Bistrot

I am a cat-lover so it's no surprise I would love this spot.

Romeow Cat Bistrot is, as it sounds, a place where cats can hang out and mingle with the guests, and that also happens to serve only vegan food.

vegan sweet potato at romeow cat bistrotWe loved this sweet potato dressed with vegan sour cream, seed, nuts and herbs. Romeow Cat Bistrot is definitely one of the most creative vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

The menu changes with the season, but everything I've ever tried here has been delicious.

It also happens to be an excellent wi-fi café and perfect work space if you need one.

cat at Romeow Cat BistrotThere are plenty of kitties to adore while you enjoy your vegan meal at Romeow Cat Bistrot.

Il Margutta

Il Margutta Vegetarian Food & Art is probably the most famous of the specifically vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

il Margutta vegetarian restaurantMostly known for their fabulous lunch or brunch buffet, Il Margutta has a gourmet chef, and at night, the menu becomes even more interesting. Photo credit - Il Margutta

Il Margutta is easily one of the most elegant places to eat vegetarian in Rome (it's not fancy, just a bit upscale).

I love it at lunchtime, but it's also a great option for a slightly upscale, even romantic dinner.

Their chef is gifted at creating delicious dishes that even omnivores love.

Bonus - the whole place doubles as a modern art gallery, so you have the pleasure of being immersed in a beautiful setting while you eat.

Ops!

ops brunch buffetWe love the varied, fresh and delicious vegetarian buffet at Ops!, which is one of our favorite vegetarian restaurants in Rome for brunch.

Ops! is a 100% vegetarian (and almost totally vegan) casual restaurant not far from Via Veneto or Termini. 

Alessandro and I come here often with Roman friends for brunch.

And none of these friends is vegetarian.

We just love the atmosphere, the brunch special, and the fantastic food.

Try some of their vegan desserts too.

Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City
Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City
Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things to Do in Rome: Beyond the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps (Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy Book 2)
Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things to Do in Rome: Beyond the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps (Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy Book 2)
Frommer's EasyGuide to Rome, Florence and Venice
Frommer's EasyGuide to Rome, Florence and Venice
Food Wine Rome (Terroir Guides)
Food Wine Rome (Terroir Guides)

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Rifugio Romano

Rifugio Romano, just steps from the Termini Train station, combines traditional Roman cuisine with delicious vegan food.

You'll also find a well-priced and vegan-friendly wine list.

 🤙 Roaming in Rome? 📱

Get yourself an Italian eSIM for calls, messages and data when traveling here.

Save on data charges with plans from just 19€ from Holafly - our recommended eSIM provider - click here to find out more. 

Flower Burger

Flower Burger in the trendy Prati neighbourhood is a great place to go when you want a casual veggie burger.

But these are not wood-tasting veggie burgers - there's a great selection of different quality vegetarian and vegan burgers.

Pro tip - try the vegan ceci (chickpea) burgers, my favorite!

flower burger romeFlower Burger offers a large variety of veggie and vegan burgers, and a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Photo - Sian Lloyd

🤤 Learn the secrets of classic Italian dishes 🤤

Experience the essence of Italian culinary tradition with an expert-led pasta and tiramisu-making class in the heart of Rome.

Click here to find out more

AGRODOLCE ROMA

In the center of Rome (less than 10 minutes on foot from the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Pantheon), tucked away on an unassuming side street you'll this relatively new restaurant.

While not exclusively vegetarian, Agrodolce offers a traditional menu full of veggie options and are more than happy to customise their dishes to suit your tastes. 

Tiramisu at Agrodolce RomaOne of our favorite things on the menu at Agrodolce is their made-to-order tiramisu - you'll thank us later!

Disclosure: Agrodolce is an official Romewise sponsor but as with everything we recommend we only endorse businesses, services and products that we have tried ourselves and whole-heartedly believe in.

Romewise-EB-Agrodolce-Ravioli-October-2024You can't go wrong with one of Agrodolce's traditional pastas such as delicious Ravioli with spinach and ricotta cheese plus fresh cherry tomato and mozzarella!

We also love the decour and ambiance at Agrodolce; the owners have made a lot of efforts to make their restaurant standout with vintage tableware and other unique touches. 

Status Quo

This vegan restaurant is one of Warren's go to spots in Ostia Lido when looking for a healthier lunch or dinner, any time of year.

The menu at Status Quo changes regularly with seasonal produce and all wines are organic and/or natural.

WarrenGeorgeStatusQuoOstiaAperitivoOctober2023Unsure where to start? Order the mixed anitpasti which will come as a range of seasonal specials, and most likely a small measure of their smoothie of the day!

Ready to plan your trip?

Book your train

Planning to travel between cities in Italy and other parts of Europe?

Use Trainline to see all the different options available across the different rail companies.

Book now

Find your hotel

Find your perfect place to stay in Rome.

Use Booking.com to choose between hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments in neighborhoods throughout the Eternal City.

Hotel search

Buy your TurboPass

Purchase the convenient Turbopass and visit all of Rome's top attractions including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican.

With one handy pass, it's all included.

Buy TurboPass

Ginger

Ever since Ginger came upon the Rome dining scene, hip Romans have been flocking here for the healthy-food menu, the bright, cheery atmosphere, and the "something new and different" factor.

It's also pretty nice to know you are eating at a restaurant that adheres to a strong sustainability philosophy.

Ginger has something for everyone, including those avoiding gluten.

Near the Spanish Steps: 

Near the Pantheon:

Orto

Orto is a relative newcomer in the vegetarian restaurants in Rome scene. There's a casual, warm, cozy atmosphere with a creative menu full of fresh vegetarian, vegan and bio ingredients.

It's one of the nicest vegetarian restaurants in Rome to enjoy an inexpensive vegetarian lunch, brunch or dinner.

Even my Roman carnivore friends love it.

Check out the all-you-can-eat lunch during the week (9€) and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (15€).

Ecru

Not far from the Vatican, Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona, Ecru Raw is perfectly located to enjoy raw, biological, vegetarian food in a lovely, serene setting.

Look for smoothies, vegan cheeses, soups, natural wines and much more.

Ciao Checca

Ciao Checca is a great option for eating healthy, right in the center of Rome near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. 

ciao checcaCiao Checca is one of my favorite health-food places to eat in the center of Rome.

Omnivores, vegans, and those with gluten-intolerance will all feel at home here.

Re-Bio

When Fa-bio first opened, I remember it was one of the best places to grab a healthy, organic quick lunch near the Vatican.

It has since closed, reopened, and rebranded itself as Re-bio, and it's better than ever.

There are now tables and you can even reserve.

This is one of the best spots near the Vatican Museums to enjoy a healthy if not vegetarian or vegan breakfast, lunch or casual dinner (weekends only).

Duecento Gradi

Duecento Gradi is a small sandwich shop near the Vatican with a huge menu offering choices for everyone, including specific vegetarian and vegan menus.

vegetarian restaurants in rome duecento gradi

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.

Drinks, Aperitivo, and Cafés

Here are a few options for places to drink (and eat) vegetarian in Rome:

Freni e Frizioni

The aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni is 100% vegetarian (and vegan friendly.)

With a single-drink purchase, you can help yourself to the buffet table, which has a huge selection of salads, pastas, legumes, dips and so much more.

Freni e frizioniFreni e Frizioni offers a superb vegetarian aperitivo spread, and is a favorite with many Rome vegetarians and carnivores alike! Photo - Livia Hengel

According to Sophie Medina, "My favorite time to come here is during the summer, where you can take your drink and plate of food and sit outside in a very casual and laid back environment."

Bibliothè

Bibliothè is an Indian restaurant run by an American & Italian couple Trina & Enzo on a little side street near Largo Torre Argentina.

The food is homemade and organic and the desserts are divine.

BibliotheBibliothè is one of the best ethnic-food vegetarian restaurants in Rome, and has a lovely, calming atmosphere. Photo - Livia Hengel

According to my vegetarian friend Linda Martinez, who runs the Beehive Hostel and Beehive Bagels:

"Their Ayurvedic tea is a delicious way to end the meal or just stop by for tea and some cake in the afternoon. For lunch, they have their "curry in a hurry" which is a fast track sampler of different menu items of the day on one platter."

Dessert Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

I think it goes without saying most desserts are vegetarian.

If you're looking for vegan desserts, start with those at some of the dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

One of my favorites is Romeow Cat Bistrot (above).

Here are a couple of other excellent spots:

Grezzo

For vegan dessert at its best, head to Grezzo, a chocolatier in Monti neighborhood offering raw, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free (yes you read that right!) desserts, gelato, truffles, cookies, and more.

It's not inexpensive, but you get quality for the price. 

  • Address: Via Urbana, 130
  • Phone: +39 06 483 443
  • Hours: Monday - Thursday: 12 - 1 PM, 1:30 - 8 PM | Friday - Saturday: 12 - 1 PM, 1:30 - 11 PM | Sunday: 12 - 11 PM

Il Gelatone Gelato

There are now lots of great gelato spots in Rome, and some of them offer lactose-free, sugar-free, vegan choices, and more. 

il gelatone gelatoThere's a huge selection of flavors at Il Gelatone, and this includes a large section of vegan flavors too!

Il Gelatone is one of the best gelaterias in Rome to find vegan gelato flavors. Let your taste buds go crazy!

The Happy Cow

The Happy Cow is a great resource for finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants also around the world.

They also list shops, hotels, and any place you could buy food, so you have a complete resource for vegetarian eating wherever you travel.

Vegetarian Food Tours in Rome

The best way to enjoy a food tour in Rome as a vegetarian is to book the general food tour you want, and just let them know your restrictions.

Roman food tours have become so popular that there are now many different options, from pizza-specific, to kid-friendly, to market-exploring, and much more.

Many Rome food tours can be modified to accommodate vegetarians and vegans, so make sure to inform the company when you book.

Map of Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

There are even more vegetarian restaurants in Rome than those I've listed on this page.

This should be a great start though.

Click here to visit a Google map with all the vegetarian restaurants in Rome I have listed on this page.

It opens in a new window.

pin vegetarian restaurants in rome
pin vegetarian restaurants in rome

Romewise's Top Travel Resources

Ready to book your trip to Rome? Take a look at these helpful links to companies we use and trust:

More Resources >

Within this post there are some affiliate links for products and services. For more details about our affiliate policy click here.

Get your 100% free Rome trip planner now!

Simply sign-up today for our free newsletter and get the Romewise Quick Start guide to Rome:

Click here to get started

We are committed to respecting your data. Click for our Privacy Policy.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

Please come over to the private Romewise Facebook group and join in the conversation.

You will often find me there, happy to answer your questions / comments!

You will also meet other Rome lovers and experts, too.

What are you waiting for?

Come join in the fun!