Vegan Food in Lisbon: Our Ultimate Guide

Portugal is known for its fish, seafood, pork, and cheese. But vegetables? Not so much. Until a couple of years ago, your best hope of finding a vegetable was to order a soup or an omelet. But now a big movement is brewing, with an emphasis on plant-based diets. Now in Lisbon, there’s many appealing vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, and and many have a few vegan options. For visitors who want to stay completely clear of animal products, here are the 4 best spots for vegan food in Lisbon.

People at a restaurant in Portugal cheering wine glasses and drinking Portuguese beers.
Veganism arrived in Lisbon only a short while ago. But when it landed on the dining scene, it did so in a big way.

Looking for more vegetarian food recommendations? You won’t want to miss where to get the best vegetarian food in Lisbon!

Ao 26 – Vegan Food Project

A pioneer on the scene for vegan food in Lisbon, Ao 26 (“to 26” on its street in Chiado) continues to serve reliable international and Portuguese-inspired cuisine. Expect a “bifana” (normally a beef sandwich) of seitan and various vegan sandwiches on typical bolo do caco (coconut bread) at lunchtime and heartier hot fare at dinner.

There are vegan staples like lentil burgers and seitan steaks, but also delectables like mushroom, spinach, asparagus, and walnut risotto, and a gluten-free polenta with pumpkin puree and mushroom ragout.

mushroom risotto with onion and hebs
There’s nothing more cozy and comforting than a vegetarian mushroom risotto. Photo credit: Kolforn

O Botanista

Plants are a primary element in the decor at O Botanista near Cais do Sodré, and also the only ingredient on the plate. The owners are the same people behind Ao 26, so it’s obvious that the quality will be high. Here they are especially devoted to unprocessed foods, and a majority of the menu-items are made in house. It’s worth a trip for the vegan desserts alone.

plates of sweet and savory vegan food with garnishes.
We can’t get enough of O Botanista’s fresh, unprocessed, colorful dishes. Photo Credit: O Botanista

Cafe Galeria House of Wonders

A standby in beach town Cascais, House of Wonders is regularly wonderful. On the ground floor, you can sample your way through a lavish vegan buffet. Upstairs, you have a choice of composed plates and natural juices, which you can take up to savor on the sunny rooftop terrace.

colorful painted rooftop under a canopy with tables and chairs set up.
Enjoy delicious vegetarian food in this colorful seeting at House of Wonders! Photo Credit: House of Wonders

Organi Chiado

Organi Chiado is one of Lisbon’s best-known plant-based restaurants. This cozy, modern spot features organic ingredients in colorful dishes. You’ll love their vibrant Buddha bowls, hearty vegan burgers, and comforting plant-based takes on classic dishes. But don’t skip the desserts; Organi Chiado’s refined sugar-free treats are especially popular!

vegan food on a square white plate.
The colorful and delicious vegan food at Organi Chiado will be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike! Photo Credit: Organi Chiado

Taste the Best Food in Lisbon on Tour

Join us on our Lisbon Food & Wine Tour for a curated selection of the best bites and drinks Lisbon has to offer. We cut through the tourist menus and overwhelming options and guide you to the best bars, tascas, and pastry shops in the neighborhood. Get ready to discover the most incredible wines, cocktails, petiscos, and even make some new friends along the way in this colorful and cultural corner of the city. We don’t recommend this tour for vegans, but it is perfect for vegetarians–just let us know when you book!

group of people sitting a table and watching flaming food in a clay pan.
Photo Credit: Giulia Verdinelli

Featured Review: Lisbon Food & Wine Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Our wonderful guide Eva walked us through some absolutely great food places. We experienced authentic local food and wine. You would probably not visit these places otherwise. She also shared quite a bit Portugese history and how the food and city connect to the past. I can highly recommend this tour. Be open minded and taste everything.”
 – Vesa on Tripadvisor

Vegan Food in Lisbon FAQs

Is Lisbon good for vegans?

Yes, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vegan-friendly capitals. In recent years, the city has seen a surge in fully vegan restaurants, plant-based cafés, and traditional eateries offering creative vegan options. From vegan versions of Portuguese classics to global plant-based cuisine, Lisbon makes it easy to eat well without animal products.

Are there traditional Portuguese vegan dishes?

While Portuguese cuisine is traditionally seafood- and meat-heavy, several dishes are naturally vegan or easy to veganize. Look for vegetable-rich soups like caldo verde (sometimes made vegan), chickpea and bean stews, grilled vegetables, and rice dishes. Many vegan restaurants in Lisbon also reinterpret classics like bacalhau and pastéis de nata using plant-based ingredients.

Is it easy to find vegan options in Lisbon restaurants?

Yes. There are many delicious vegan restaurants in Lisbon, and even non-vegan restaurants in Lisbon increasingly offer plant-based choices. Many menus clearly label vegan dishes as well.

What is the best area in Lisbon for vegan food?

Some of the best neighborhoods for vegan dining include Chiado, Príncipe Real, and Bairro Alto, where you’ll find a high concentration of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafés, and bakeries. These central areas are also convenient for sightseeing, so you can easily plan meals between attractions.

Do I need reservations for vegan restaurants in Lisbon?

It depends on the restaurant and time of year. Popular vegan spots and small eateries can fill up quickly, especially at dinner or during peak travel seasons. Booking ahead is recommended for well-known restaurants, but casual vegan cafés and lunch spots are often easy to visit without a reservation.

4 Comment

  1. David ward says
    July 2, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    You should add Tiffin Cafe on Rue Conde in Lapa. Fantastic vegetarian food during the day served by a fantastically charming couple. Outstanding choice

    1. Devour Tours says
      July 3, 2019 at 5:50 am

      Thanks for the tip David!

  2. DMarie Comar says
    August 13, 2019 at 1:30 am

    Hello. My family and I are going to Portugal and would love a vegan tour guide. I found one, but cannot find any reviews. Does anyone know of a good, reviewed vegan tour guide that can lead us around Lisbon, Porto and places in between?

    1. Devour Tours says
      August 20, 2019 at 7:21 am

      We aren’t familiar with any but perhaps someone else who sees this comment can chime in!