When travelling to any country, trying a range of delicious local food is a big part of the experience, particularly in a city with such a rich culinary scene like Rome.
For vegetarians and vegans, however, finding suitable food in new countries can be a difficult challenge. Fortunately this is beginning to change, with more and more cities around the world now catering for vegetarian and vegan diets (https://www.travelsupermarket.com/en-gb/holidays/worlds-most-vegetarian-friendly-cities/). Rome is no different.
Eating out in Rome
Although Italian cuisine is renowned for its cured meats (such as Prosciutto crudo or cotto), array of cheeses (Mozzarella, Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano in particular), and fresh egg pasta, this is not all Roman food has to offer.
At its heart Italian cuisine is about fresh flavours, and is far more diverse and adaptable than many non-Italians would think. Finding good vegetarian and vegan fare in Rome is easy if you know where to look.
Veggie-friendly dishes
There are a range of classic Italian dishes that are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, which you will find on many menus across the city. Traditional Italian menus are usually split into a variety of sections (https://toscanaslc.com/blog/guide-to-the-traditional-italian-meal-structure/) – Aperitivo, Antipasti, Primi, Secondi, Contorni, Insalata, Formaggi E Frutta, Dolce, Caffe, and Digestivo.
Within each of these sections, you should be able to find a variety of vegetarian and vegan options (http://www.angloitalianfollowus.com/vegan-travel-guides/rome). Antipasti and Contorni, which are essentially starters and sides, are particularly good often featuring dishes such as Bruschetta (toasted bread topped with tomato, olive oil and basil) and Fiori di Zucca Fritti (fried courgette flower).
The Primi course is also rich in meat and animal-free options, as long as you ask for egg-free pasta and senza formaggio (without cheese). Dishes include classics such as Pasta Pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce), Pasta All’Arrabiata (pasta with a spicy tomato sauce) Pomodori al Riso (Tomato filled with rice) and Pizza Marinara (pizza with just tomato sauce).
While other classic Italian dishes, such as Risotto and Gnocchi are often veggie-friendly, they can be made with ingredients like egg, butter, milk and cream, so be sure to check before ordering.
The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Rome
Thanks to the variety in traditional Italian menus, combined with the range of restaurants in Rome, there are plenty of choices for meat-free diets
Romeow Cat Bistrot. Excellent restaurant with cats that live around you. Prepared and artfully prepared dishes. A serene and local atmosphere for those who have lunch or dinner and for the real protagonists of the location: cats. The prices appear high, but the quality / price ratio is good and the experience really deserves, recommended for those who have no problems with kittens.
Address: Via Francesco Negri, 15, 00154 Roma RM
Orari: Monday: closed, Tuesday: closed, Wednesday 11: 00-23: 30, Thursday 11: 00-23: 30, Friday 11: 00-23: 30 Saturday 11: 00-23: 30 Sunday: 11-23.30
Web: www.romeowcatbistrot.com
Tel: + 39 06 5728 9203
Fiore Cucina Flexiteriana offers a wide range of flexible cuisine. Fiore is a place that is good for vegetarians, vegans but also meat eaters. An experimental view on classic Italian food traditions with a splendid roof terrace.
Address: Via Boncompagni, 31-33, 00187 Roma RM
Opening hours: Open every day from 12.30 to midnight
Web: fiore.roma.it
Tel: +39 06 4202 0400
Il Margutta it is partly vegetarian restaurant and partly contemporary art gallery with an ample menu to choose from in a unique setting and above all boasts a large cellar.
Address: Via Margutta, 118, 00187 Roma RM
Opening hours: : every day from 9 to 23:30
Web: ilmargutta.bio
Tel: +39 329 826 5250
So What?!? It is a contemporary and wholly creative vegan restaurant with fresh menus that vary every day in full Italian style. Wide choice of appetizers, first courses, main courses, side dishes and desserts far from the “veg” fashion of the unique dish.
Address: Via Ettore Giovenale, 56, 00176 Roma RM
Opening hours: : for Dinner (Closed Tuesday) and Lunch only Saturday & Sunday
Web: ilmargutta.bio
Tel: +39 06 3265 0577
La Capra Campa Bistrot offers seasonal organic products, including a range of classic Italian dishes.
Address: Via Dignano d’Istria, 51, 00177 Roma RM
Opening hours: : 5.10am – 11.00pm closed on Sunday
Web: lacapracampa.com
Tel: +39 327 456 8592
Le Bistrot
Well furnished sub-floor room. Discreet vegetarian and vegan food. From appetizers to desserts a varied menu.
Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 160, 00145 Roma RM
Opening Hours: 20:00-23:00 sunday closed
Tel: +39 06 512 8991
Web: ristorantelebistrot.com
Rome is one of the world’s greatest cities and boasts some of the world’s best food, catering for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike.
INFOGRAPHIC TRAVELLING VEGETARIAN
di Conor Bracknell

Iggy Poppins is a Freelance Journalist, Photographer, Videomaker, wiriter and a little bit artist. The nickname was born casually…