ULTIMATE VEGETARIAN FOOD GUIDE TO ROME - WITH MAP
The definitive vegetarian food guide to Rome
Feed Me Fast
The City
We’d like to begin by promising not to use the phrase “When in Rome,” throughout the entirety of this guide. You’re welcome.
Moving on, Rome is one of those cities that you can hear about, read about, learn about – but to really understand the extraordinariness of this place, you need to visit. The city is a gigantic open-air museum with thousands of years of history pulsing through its cobblestoned streets.
Every so often you’ll stop yourself in disbelief at the staggering number of historical sites to gaze in awe at. It is, of course, always busy with tourists but still feels authentically Roman and like nowhere else in the world.
You can’t help but feel wonderstruck by Rome. Especially knowing the city that lies behind its defence walls, which date back to the 4th century BC, was once at the helm of the Roman Empire. Then to top it off you have the Vatican City tucked into the centre of it like the sweet strawberry jam inside a soft, fresh cornetto.
Lastly, even if history isn’t really your thing, you will be wowed by this city. Struck by the sheer magnitude of the ancient achievements of its people that once lived and ruled from here. Examples of which can be found everywhere you walk.
The Food
Yes, the city is beautiful, stunning, a human masterpiece that expands as far as your eyes can see. But just wait until you try the food. Your mind will be blown again. They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, well, it can’t be eaten in a day either. Particularly not with the amount of food on offer for you here.
Italians are known to be traditionalists regarding their food. But can you blame them? If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Their ancestors smashed it out of the park the first time around. Why go changing family recipes now?
There is a tendency to clump the food of Italy into one small, confined box, however it changes from region to region. The tomato and olive inducing, blistering sun of the south makes way for a northern cuisine that leans into the land with meats, cheeses, and creamy sauces.
That floppy pizza with the pillowy crusts you’ve been drooling over is actually from Naples. Rome has its own types of pizza. Firstly, there is Pizza al taglio which has a thicker crust that is somewhat similar to focaccia and served in rectangular slices – a favourite street food for the locals. Secondly, you have Pizza tonda, it’s lighter, crispier, rounder cousin. Both equally important.
You’ll want to make sure you start your day with a quality hot, sharp Italian coffee like the Romans do. Make sure to try the extensive popular street food that’s available and those tasty local delicacies like the Roman suppli (rice balls) and fried artichokes when they’re in season.
Simultaneously avoiding anything labelled “Trippa alla Romana” unless you like the idea of stomach in your stomach.
Embrace our Rome vegetarian food guide to eat well throughout your trip.
**IMPORTANT NOTE **
In Rome, or Italy in general, you might find that many of the meals listed as vegetarian contain cheeses such as pecorino. Usually these are made with animal rennet and if you’re a strict vegetarian, even if it’s listed as veggie, you may want to double check with the waiting staff to be sure.
REMEMBER:
🌱 Vegan options
🍗 Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
Brunch in Rome
Drank a double shot of strong Italian Espresso and raring to go?
You’ll never be bored in Rome with everything there is to see and do. Be sure to carb up on energy with these options.
The Loft 🌱 🍗
If you’re one of those people that doesn’t count a meal as brunch if there is no avocado option, then The Loft is for you. Nevertheless it’s still very Italian in its offerings – think filled panini’s, mounted bruschetta, and creamy pasta. But they also have waffles, pancakes, and bagels if that’s what you’re craving.
It’s a beautiful and modern space too, unlike some of the cosy, rustic, squished trattoria’s you might find yourself squeezing into on hot, wildly sunny days. It’s undoubtedly the perfect place to relax, shielded from the hustle and bustle of energetic Rome.
Mimi E Coco 🍗
This restaurant could easily be dinner vibes but sometimes you want a big feast out on the terrace under the sunshine while watching the city go by. The food is gorgeous at this small trattoria and the menu highlights clearly the vegetarian options (**see earlier note re cheese).
The buffalo mozzarella and melanzane alla parmigiana are real stand outs. The beautiful, simple ingredients would stand up against any fancy pants offering. There really is a lot to love here. The only thing is…everybody loves it. Book ahead of time or expect to queue. A favourite spot on our Rome vegetarian food guide.
Marigold 🌱 🍗
Are you missing your vegetables? Remember those things you ate before all the cheese? You’ve likely been overloading on the creamy carbs at night and need just a few nutrient loaded veggies to pierce through all that heaviness to give you a burst of energy. Maybe swerve another pizza or pasta place for lunch and try Marigold.
Another beautiful brunch spot they serve everything from overnight oats to waffles to fried eggs cooked with sage topped on hot toasted sourdough. But also, some veg heavy lunch options that might chip away at the omnipresent Mozzarella that’s currently clinging to those arteries.
Some Other Spots Worth Shouting About…
Chill spot for pizza. Serving up full size round pizzas or smaller sizes for a light lunch.
As you know we only pick the best so be prepared to see the word queue a lot. Therefore Pane e Salame is no different. Tasty sandwiches and bruschetta await you here.
Dinner in Rome
Where to go after the sun sets over the Tiber River.
The best places to try those renowned Roman dishes.
Cantina & Cucina 🍗
If you want a cosy, traditional, Roman dinner then look no further than Cantina & Cucina. When you imagine the trattorias of Rome from your living room as you hover your finger over the book button on your favourite budget airline this place is what will propel you to press down. They serve all the classics plus some unbelievably tasty curve balls like their fries with cheese and pepper.
Veggie options abound including our own tasting platter which we don’t see too often here in Rome and are eternally grateful for. And if you’re still hungry – why not give the chocolate salami a go for dessert?
Tonnarello 🌱🍗
Not just one of the most popular restaurants in the lively Trastevere neighbourhood, but perhaps in all of Rome. If you did your homework before your big trip, you’ve undoubtedly seen this place pop up on a few lists.
They serve traditional Roman dishes and due to its huge popularity, you guessed it, queues are to be expected. Heartbreakingly you can’t prebook ahead of time either. What’s that saying? “Nothing worth having comes easy.” Tonnarello is no different. If you want some of the best fried artichokes in Rome, indeed you’re just going to have to queue for them. Once again, the menu has veggie friendly highlights depending on where you stand morally on certain cheeses.
Nonna Betta 🍗
You’re in Rome and all people seem to be talking about is Carbonara. There’s nothing worse than being left off the food train. But then you see the light at the end of the tunnel, Nonna Betta.
Originally born in the now demolished Jewish Ghetto it’s an authentic Roman Jewish restaurant that offers both a primi and secondi menu sans meat (watch out for the fish though). Especially worth trying is their veggie alternative to meaty carbonara “Carbonara di zucchini.”
More Deliciousness If You’re Not Satisfied…
If you don’t want to miss out on any Roman dish Rifugio Romano has vegan options for all the favourites. One for the whole gang to enjoy.
A stones’ throw from the Pantheon itself. Small inside with a very relaxing atmosphere. Albeit there isn’t a huge amount on offer for vegetarians but perfect if your priority is to dabble in authentic Roman food.
You’ll need to book well in advance so don’t leave it too late.
CHEAP EASY EATS (SWEET & SAVOURY)
Even on a budget…Rome is first class.
Trapizzino 🍗
So good it was busting to get on our brunch list but so reasonably priced we had to include it here. Delicious pizza pockets with various fillings. They have a few locations. NOT TO BE MISSED.
La Casa Del Caffè Tazza D'oro 🍗
The coffee of your dreams. Iced granita served with whipped cream. Basically do not miss out on this. It is very good. Something from our vegetarian food guide to Rome that you can have everyday.
Pizzarium bonci 🌱 🍗
Considered by some as the best pizza in Rome. Grab a few of slices after visiting Francis at the Vatican.
L' Antico Forno Di Fontana Di Trevi 🍗
Incredible pistachio cornetto and other baked goods. Wash down with a strong coffee afterwards. Touristy but tasty.
Two sizes Tiramisù
When in Ro…just kidding, we wouldn’t do that to you. But you can’t leave Rome without trying tiramisù and this is the best place for it.
Pinsere 🌱 🍗
A little bit further out. But if you’re on a pizza pilgrimage you’ll need to go.
Giolitti 🌱
If you truly love gelato, then you won’t mind queuing for it. The queue moves pretty fast and is worth it for the flavour options alone.
REMEMBER:
🌱 Vegan options
🍗 Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
Food Map of Dreams
Also to complete our Rome vegetarian food guide journey. Here is a handy map with a list of all the restaurants on our list and their locations.
