{"id":14417,"date":"2018-07-27T15:33:36","date_gmt":"2018-07-27T13:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=1099"},"modified":"2023-01-13T17:18:59","modified_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:18:59","slug":"complete-vegan-and-vegetarian-guide-to-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dev.devourtours.com\/blog\/complete-vegan-and-vegetarian-guide-to-madrid\/","title":{"rendered":"Eating Vegetarian & Vegan in Madrid: Best Tapas & Restaurants"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

This article was originally published on June 4, 2014 and was updated most recently on January 13, 2023.<\/em><\/p>\r\n

Fear not: Spain may love its meat, but eating vegetarian or vegan in Madrid is surprisingly easy. The trick lies in knowing where to go and what to order!<\/p>\r\n

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Padr\u00f3n peppers are one of our all-time favorite vegan tapas!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

At first glance, Spain may not seem like the most herbivore-friendly of destinations. With giant legs of ham hanging from the ceilings of traditional bars, and market stalls overflowing with fresh seafood, it can seem like meat-based products are the way to go here.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But look a little closer, and you’ll soon find that eating vegetarian and even vegan in Madrid can be surprisingly simple. From traditional dishes that are naturally plant-based to a growing scene of contemporary vegan restaurants, here’s where to go and what to order while you’re there!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Best Vegan Restaurants in Madrid<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

B13<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Tortilla de patatas<\/a><\/em> without the eggs? Yes, it’s possible\u2014and you’ll find it at B13 (Calle de la Ballesta, 13<\/em>)!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This casual spot in Malasa\u00f1a is the<\/em> go-to place for vegan versions of delicious, traditional Spanish food like croquetas<\/a><\/em> and the aforementioned tortilla<\/em>. Because nobody should have to miss out on some of the most typical foods in Madrid<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n

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Some of the best croquettes out there don’t have a hint of meat or bechamel!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

VEGA<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This is asily one of the best spots for those eating vegan in Madrid. VEGA<\/a>\u00a0has an extensive menu of vegan dishes made with love! From a plant-based twist on traditional arroz negro<\/em> to dishes with international flair (jackfruit al pastor<\/em> tacos, anyone?), there’s something for all tastes at this cozy cafe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

La Encomienda<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’re looking for a trendy, vegan brunch spot,\u00a0La Encomienda<\/a> is it! But no worries if you can’t make it first thing in the morning. Stop by later for a drink and enjoy the free tapa that comes with it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Slice<\/p>\r\nYou don’t have to be a vegan to know that the plant-based cheesecake at La Encomienda is to die for. Photo credit: Anne<\/a>
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Santa y Pura Vegan<\/h3>\r\n

Need to refuel after a morning at one of Madrid’s amazing art museums? Then the super-central Santa y Pura Vegan<\/a> (located by the Reina Sofia and Prado Museums, is a great bet. They serve vegan pizzas, sandwiches, and bites for sharing, along with a drink menu that includes everything from craft beers to kombucha to hard cider.<\/p>\r\n

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Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Madrid<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Reineta Vegetariano<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Reineta<\/a> has achieved the seemingly impossible. It’s a vegetarian restaurant\u00a0so delicious that many of its regulars aren’t even vegetarians!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You can’t go wrong with anything you order here, but definitely try the spiced lentil “meatballs.” Just be sure to save room for dessert: their rich chocolate cake with bitter orange marmalade is the stuff dreams are made of.<\/p>\r\n

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Alb\u00f3ndigas<\/em> don’t need meat to be delicious!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Yerbabuena<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Yerbabuena offers hearty plates of healthy comfort food. Our favorites include the seitan al ajillo<\/em> sandwich with vegan cheese and tomato, vegan nachos and the eggplant moussaka. Bring your appetite; the portions here are very generous!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Local tip<\/strong>: Order their veggie-friendly men\u00fa del d\u00eda<\/a><\/em> for a delicious and filling lunch that won’t break the bank.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Vegetarian\r\n
Yerbabuena’s healthy and colorful dishes are guaranteed to make your taste buds happy. Photo credit: julianaka<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Viva Burger<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you find yourself in the artsy La Latina neighborhood<\/a>, stop by\u00a0Viva Burger<\/a> for lunch. Here, you’ll find goodies such as veggie paella and meatballs in addition to delicious vegan burgers. For something different, don’t miss their fresh-pressed juices and vegan desserts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Vegetarian\r\n
Viva’s hamburgers are so good that even carnivores won’t miss the meat. Photo credit: Deryn Macey<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Shi-Shang<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Falling into the “off-the-beaten-path” category is this all-you-can-eat veggie buffet just off of Gran V\u00eda (Calle de Concepcion Arenal, 3<\/em>). They specialize in vegan and vegetarian Asian dishes, so if you’re looking for something besides typical Spanish tapas, this is the place to be!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Traditional dumplings that are completely vegetarian? Yes, please. Photo credit: Pooja Chaudhary<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

La Hummuser\u00eda<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Specializing in vegetarian Middle Eastern slow food, La Hummuser\u00eda<\/a> is a gem of a restaurant in Chueca. Their five hummuses (from “the Classic” to “the Irresistible”) are the stars of the show, but they also serve salads and veggie tapas on their regularly changing menu.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Classic Middle Eastern hummus. Photo credit: Christopher Alvarenga<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Madrid<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While the following places don’t offer an entirely vegan or vegetarian menu, they do have plenty of options for plant-based or meat-free dishes!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Abonavida<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This vegetarian-friendly caf\u00e9 and store is a true oasis smack dab in the middle of central Madrid. Both the terrace and eclectic seating inside Abonavida<\/a> offer a tranquil escape from the massive crowds of tourists in bustling Callao just around the corner.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Taberna La Chilostra<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Taberna La Chilostra<\/a> is your typical Spanish bar that just happens to have a few vegan options! This is a good choice if you’re looking for something traditional, not trendy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Toast with excellent olive oil and fresh tomato. A Spanish breakfast classic that happens to be 100% vegan!<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Spanish Vocabulary for Eating Vegetarian and Vegan in Madrid<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When you have dietary restrictions, we understand how important it is to communicate your needs when ordering food. In an unfamiliar language, it can seem like an overwhelming task!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To help make your life a little easier, we’ve put together a handy list of Spanish words and phrases that you can use to communicate with bar and restaurant staff.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n