Last Updated on June 12, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 14, 2019
Our guide to vegan restaurants in Rome shows you that eating vegan doesn’t mean eating second best. Even though it’s difficult to eat traditional Italian food as a vegan, there’s no need to worry. Our guide to vegan restaurants in Rome will show you what to eat and where to eat it—without feeling like you’re missing out!
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Rome’s Growing Vegan Scene
It’s quite difficult to eat traditional Italian food as a vegan. Traditional dishes which are vegan are few and far between, and are spread out amongst regional cuisines, making them difficult to find everywhere. Here’s what we mean:
- Neapolitan spaghetti with tomato sauce and tuscan ribollita (bread and vegetable soup) are both vegan, but often served with parmesan cheese on top.
- Some pizzas can be vegan, such as marinara (tomato sauce and garlic toppings).
- Some risottos are vegan, although they usually have butter or cheese added as part of the cooking process, so check before ordering.
- You have to be careful with some kinds of bread as well, such as piadina or focaccia as these are often made with strutto (lard).
- Of course, fresh pasta is off the menu, as it’s made with eggs.
Luckily, the Italian vegan community is growing rapidly, and so restaurants in Rome are responding to the demand, and marking vegan dishes on their menus. This can leave you with a limited choice though. However, there is a growing number of vegetarian restaurants in Rome which also provide a wide range of dishes, both traditional and modern, catering for the vegan community.
Many of these also happen to be trendy, quirky, hangouts popular among the fashionable young Roman set, so they are also interesting places to visit even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan. There is also a small number of restaurants which are exclusively vegan. Here are some of our favorite vegan/vegan friendly restaurants in Rome!
Romeow Cat Bistro
Romeow Cat Bistro is the cutest vegan restaurant in Rome because it’s also full of cats. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all in the company of a cohort of furry friends. It’s 100% vegan and the evening menu also contains a selection of raw food.
Noted for their exquisite presentation, their dishes include such delicacies as soya fettuccine with coconut milk, ginger, kale and olives, and jackfruit marinara with sweet potato, olives and a parsley emulsion. And did I say there are cats? Located in the southern part of Rome, it’s a short walk from the Garbatella Metro (Line B).
📍 Address: Via Francesco Negri, 15
100% Bio
100% Bio boasts that all its products are 100% organic. It’s a great place to get a vegan cappuccino served with a vegan croissant! At lunch time, they have a buffet with a large range of vegan (but not totally) food. In the evening, they offer an aperitivo with a large range of food and vegan beers and wines. (Here’s more places for aperitivo in Rome!)
It’s a nice place to fill up after visiting the nearby Baths of Caracalla or the Testaccio district, and is just a stone’s throw from Piramide Metro (Line B).
📍 Address: Piazza di Porta S. Paolo, 6/a
Rifugio Romano
Rifugio Romano has become one of the city’s best-known destinations for plant-based Roman cuisine. This family-run trattoria was created as a welcoming rifugio (refuge) where everyone could enjoy traditional Italian hospitality, whether you’re vegan or not.
Now it’s become particularly famous for its vegan versions of Roman classics like carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia, alongside vegan pizzas, antipasti, and desserts. Its creative approach has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors, vegans and non-vegans. It’s conveniently located just steps from Termini Station, making it an easy stop during a busy sightseeing day!
📍 Address: Via Volturno, 39/41
Explore Rome’s Cuisine With Us!
Say goodbye to the crowds in central Rome and step into the everyday life of real Romans on our Ultimate Rome Food Tour with Testaccio Market. You’ll taste the city’s most emblematic dishes in this proud, non-touristy neighborhood that’s fiercely held onto its roots. Along the way, meet some of our best friends (Testaccio’s small business owners!) and learn about the passion they have for their family-run market stalls, pastry shops, and trattorias. This tour is adaptable for vegetarians–just let us know when you book!
Featured Review: Ultimate Rome Food Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “What an incredible experience we had. The food was fantastic and our tour guide, Chiara T, was the best. Highly recommend her and the tour.”
– Carol
Complete Vegan Guide to Rome FAQs
Is Rome a vegan-friendly city?
Yes, Rome has become increasingly vegan-friendly in recent years. Alongside dedicated vegan restaurants, many traditional Roman eateries offer plant-based options, and visitors can find vegan pizzas, pastas, gelato, pastries, and international cuisine throughout the city.
What traditional Roman foods are vegan?
Several classic Roman and Italian dishes are naturally vegan or can be easily adapted. Popular options include bruschetta al pomodoro, pizza marinara, vegetable-based antipasti, fried artichokes, and egg-free pasta dishes made with tomato-based sauces and seasonal vegetables.
Where can you find the best vegan restaurants in Rome?
Many of Rome’s top vegan restaurants are located in neighborhoods such as Trastevere, Monti, Testaccio, and Prati. These areas offer everything from vegan versions of Roman classics to innovative plant-based fine dining and casual cafés.
Can vegans eat well in Rome without speaking Italian?
Absolutely. Many restaurants in central Rome clearly label vegan dishes on their menus, and staff at tourist-friendly establishments are generally familiar with dietary requirements. Learning a few phrases such as “sono vegano/a” (I am vegan) can still be helpful when dining at smaller local restaurants.
What vegan foods should first-time visitors try in Rome?
First-time vegan visitors should look for pizza marinara, suppli made without cheese, fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia) from one of the best restaurants in Rome’s Jewish Quarter, seasonal vegetable dishes, vegan gelato, and egg-free pasta with vegan sauces. These dishes offer a delicious introduction to both Roman cuisine and the city’s growing vegan food scene.
