Last Updated on April 10, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 7, 2019
Only a few years ago, it was hard to find vegetarian food in Italy. However, with 7-10% of the population estimated to live meat-free lifestyles, vegetarians are a demographic that Italian restaurants can no longer afford to ignore. With our complete vegetarian guide to Rome, you’ll be sure to eat well whether you’re eating in one of the specialist vegetarian restaurants in Rome or a mainstream one.
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Traditional Vegetarian Food
You don’t have to find specialist vegetarian restaurants in Rome to eat vegetarian food. Many traditional Italian dishes are already vegetarian, and you’ll find them on the menus of a large number of restaurants.
Here are a few options to keep an eye out for:
- pasta con sugo di pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce)
- spaghetti aglio, olio, peperoncino (spaghetti with garlic, oil and chile pepper)
- minestrone
- carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes)
- caponata (sweet and sour stewed vegetables)
- penne all’arrabbiata (pasta quills with spicy sauce)
- carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes; one of our favorite 5 Roman street food bites)
- pasta alla norma (pasta with aubergine, tomato and basil)
Italian Cheese
For dishes made with cheese, you have to be careful. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, for example, is never vegetarian, so make sure to have no cheese on your pasta.
Mozzarella, can be, but it’s better to check first. Ricotta is always vegetarian, which is great news if you like cannelloni or ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach.
Most restaurants will mark vegetarian dishes on the menu or you can just ask. Many of them are happy to adapt dishes which are easily adaptable too.
There are also some wonderful specialist vegetarian restaurants in Rome to suit all occasions! Here are five of our favorites that we hope you enjoy too.
1. Il Margutta
Il Margutta has been a Roman institution since 1979, making it one if the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Rome. It’s famous for its fashionable and artsy atmosphere, containing, as it does, an art gallery as well as the restaurant. Located centrally, a stone’s through from the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo, it’s also a great location for Rome’s recent fashions: brunch and apericena.
The menu changes according to the season but features both classic dishes such as cavatelli a cima di rapa (pasta with turnip greens) and cappellacci farciti di ricotta e castagne (pasta stuffed with ricotta and chestnuts).
2. Mater Terrae
Situated on the top floor of the five-star Hotel Raphael near Piazza Navona, Mater Terrae has a terrace with views to rival any in Rome. The space was designed by American architect Richard Meier and speaks of luxury, and wins the prize for the poshest vegetarian restaurant in Rome.
The cuisine, using only organic ingredients, is modern and innovative, and with prices to match, it’s perfect for a special romantic dinner. And did we mention the views?
The dishes, conceived by Swiss chef Pietro Leeman, all have romantic names such as “Il cielo di Bramante” (Bramante’s sky: a potato millefeuille with tomatoes, stracciatella, mayonnaise and olive oil crackers.)
3. La Sciuscella
Situated in Trastevere, La Sciuscella brings you down to earth again. A café-style, no-nonsense restaurant, it’s popular with a local crowd. With prices averaging 22 per-head, it’s also friendly on your pocket.
Fortunately, this delightful spot is open for both lunch and dinner. Try such dishes as their signature sciuscelle (bread balls with a tomato and mint broth) and ristotto ai Carciofi (artichoke risotto). Their honey and cinnamon tiramisù is an interesting dessert choice.
4. Flower Burger
Part of an Italian chain of veggie burger restaurants, Flower Burger has a wide range of chickpea, seitan or tofu patties in a bun. The restaurant has a modern, trendy interior with green as its dominant color.
The Rome branch is situated conveniently near the Vatican. Their signature Flower Burger consists of a black bun, with a bean and seitan patty, salad, bean sprouts, tomato relish, vegetarian cheddar, and proprietary magik sauce.
5. Da Michele
Da Michele is not specifically vegetarian, but is one of the best places to eat pizza in Rome, and so should not be missed. Their pizza marinara is the vegetarian choice: tomato sauce and garlic on the thinnest pizza base with a thick, cloud-like crust.
Already established as one of the premier pizzerias in Naples, Da Michele now has two branches in Rome, including one close to the Trevi fountain.
Insider Tip: Be warned: you may have to queue, as they don’t take reservations, but the fact that many locals happily stand in line for up to an hour tells you something about their pizza.
Want to Make Authentic Roman Food Yourself?
Ever dreamed of cooking authentic Roman pizza and tiramisu? Now’s your chance! Book a spot on our popular, vegetarian-friendly Rome Pizza Making Class. In this immersive class, you’ll step into a cozy kitchen in the heart of Trastevere with a local chef and learn to make pizza the Italian way. Start with a glass of prosecco or a spritz, then create your own pie and prepare classic tiramisù before gathering around the table for a relaxed meal with wine, beer, and great conversation. This is a night you’ll talk about long after the last slice!
Featured Review: Rome Pizza Making Class
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The entire experience was amazing! Gian was an incredible instructor/host. The atmosphere was relaxed, we all had a lot of fun and many laughs. It was a small enough group that we were not rushed and were able to fully enjoy the experience. I highly recommend doing this when in Rome.”
– Michelle on Tripadvisor
Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome FAQs
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Rome?
Yes, Rome has a strong vegetarian dining scene, with everything from long-standing vegetarian institutions to modern plant-based eateries. Restaurants like Il Margutta and Mater Terrae offer creative, high-quality vegetarian menus, while many traditional restaurants also include excellent meat-free options.
What are the best vegetarian dishes to try in Rome?
Rome has plenty of naturally meat-free dishes. Popular options include pasta al pomodoro, cacio e pepe (if made with vegetarian cheese, not Pecorino Romano), carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes), and pasta alla norma. These classics make it easy to eat well as a vegetarian across the city.
Is it easy to eat vegetarian at traditional Roman restaurants?
Yes, but it requires a little awareness. Many Roman menus include vegetarian-friendly dishes or can adapt recipes on request. However, some ingredients, like Parmigiano Reggiano, are not strictly vegetarian, so it’s worth asking your server if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Where can you find vegetarian restaurants in Rome?
Vegetarian restaurants are spread throughout the city, with several located in central areas and popular neighborhoods like Trastevere. You’ll also find options near major landmarks such as Piazza Navona and the Vatican, making it easy to plan meals while sightseeing.
Are vegetarian restaurants in Rome expensive?
Prices vary widely depending on the type of restaurant. Casual vegetarian spots offer affordable meals comparable to standard trattorias, while upscale restaurants like Mater Terrae provide a more refined (and pricier) dining experience. This range makes it possible to enjoy vegetarian dining in Rome on almost any budget.
