In 2025, Lisbon was ranked fifth on Happy Cow’s list of top 10 vegan-friendly cities. As a self-declared foodie, our Head of Digital Engagement, Eileen, was excited to dive into Lisbon’s plant-based culinary scene, while exploring the city’s colorful architecture. To make your visit easier, Eileen compiled this list of her five favorite plant-based eateries. Enjoy!
Vegan Nata: plant-based twist on a Portuguese classic
Hunting down the perfect pastel de nata is something of a rite of passage when visiting Lisbon. So finding a plant-based version of this traditional Portuguese custard tart is a treat – more so when they’re this good! Vegan Nata is a fully plant-based café that should be at the top of everyone’s list. If you’re eating plant-based, are lactose intolerant, or can’t eat eggs, this is the place to go. Situated in the Chiado neighborhood, in the city center, Vegan Nata serves arguably the best plant-based pastel de nata in Lisbon. On a sunny day, eat your pastel de nata right outside the café with a bica (a coffee similar to an espresso), or take it to go and enjoy it at the nearby Tejo River. Keep an eye on their Instagram page, as they often have pop-ups in other places around the city. Fun fact: Vegan Nata is even V-Label certified by our colleagues at ProVeg Portugal!
A Minha Avó: traditional Portuguese cuisine
If you’re looking for plant-based versions of traditional Portuguese dishes, A Minha Avó is a must-visit. The restaurant’s name translates to ‘my grandmother’, and the comfort food served at this simple yet elegant eatery certainly reflects this.
I tried their plant-based version of one of the most popular Portuguese dishes, bitoque com ovo (steak and egg). The steak, made from homemade seitan, is topped with a fried ‘egg’ and a delicious sauce that blends wine, mustard, olive oil, and garlic. In classic Portuguese style, it’s served with French fries and white rice. Both the steak and egg tasted convincing, and it was a fantastic traditional-style experience! I also tried the rolo de ‘carne’ recheado com ‘alheira’, a lentil meatloaf stuffed with a vegan version of the traditional Portuguese sausage, ‘alheira’, served with arugula and crushed baked potatoes, which was very satisfying. For dessert, I had the bolo bolacha, a traditional cookie cake with butter cream, which was deliciously rich and sweet.
Kong Food: an upmarket dinner spot
Located on the first floor of a historic building in the city center, Kong is a fully plant-based restaurant that specializes in traditional Portuguese food. A life-sized gorilla statue greets you at the entrance to the stylish and minimally decorated dining area. With a mission to enhance the well-being of animals and people, Kong places a strong emphasis on producing foods in-house – from plant-based cheeses and freshly baked breads to house-made ice creams.
I tried another Portuguese classic – a plant-based version of Francesinha, a sandwich filled with portobello mushrooms, organic seitan sausages, and caramelized onions, topped with melted plant-based cheese. The sandwich is then immersed in ‘Kong sauce’ at your table, and served with French fries. What makes this dish special is the combination of the sauce with the hearty sandwich filling. I also tried the oven-baked seitan ribs, prepared ‘the old-fashioned way’, and served with a red-wine sauce, mashed potatoes, and grilled bimi, which was very satisfying. Kong has a classy atmosphere, so definitely check it out if you’re looking for an upmarket dinner spot.
Delicious plant-based recipes
Check out our recipe database for easy and delicious recipe inspiration!
Gal: plant-based food and speciality coffee
If you want to escape the crowds in Lisbon’s city center, check out the Gal café for a hearty plant-based breakfast or lunch. Located close to the Anjos subway station in a residential neighborhood, Gal provides a respite from the hustle and bustle.
I popped in there for breakfast, and tried a selection of their classic dishes: homemade granola with yogurt, fresh fruit, and peanut butter; followed by scrambled tofu on toast with tomatoes; and a salmon bagel with cashew cream cheese, avocado, pickled cucumbers, and rocket. I rounded this off with coffee and a plant-based pastel de nata, which had a caramel flavor. Everything I tried was delicious and satisfying – this spot is definitely worth a try!
The Green Affair: affordable and healthy lunch deals
The Green Affair is a fully plant-based restaurant with three Lisbon outlets: Chiado, Saldanha, and Parque das Nações. I visited the Chiado branch to take advantage of their affordable lunch deal, which they offer every day between noon and 3pm Lisbon time. For €11,95, you can tuck into a starter and a main course, accompanied by a drink, which is a great deal, especially if you’re on a tight budget but still want delicious food.
To begin, I chose the soup of the day, which was a creamy and rich pumpkin blend. Other starter options included guacamole and tortilla chips, and sourdough bread with various spreads. For mains, I had rigatoni with a creamy cashew and dried tomato sauce, which was scrumptious, washed down with a refreshing homemade lemonade. The mains included in the lunch deal change daily, so check the menu beforehand to see if there’s something you fancy. If you want to perk yourself up after the meal, you can get an espresso for just 65 cents. As someone who loves a good deal, I recommend giving this spot a try!
Try the Veggie Challenge!
Join the ProVeg Veggie Challenge and try eating more plant-based for 30 days. It’s better for your health, better for the planet and better for animals. Get a healthy start with your personal Challenge. We’ll help you along the way with free tips, recipes and support.
Lisbon: a must-visit for foodies
There are plenty of plant-based and vegan eateries to explore across Lisbon, and these five represent just a small taste of what’s on offer. If you’re looking for a fun and vibrant travel destination that offers everything from affordable eats to traditional dishes, and a sweet treat to finish off, consider adding Lisbon to your travel bucket list. I’m sure it won’t be the last time you visit!
For more plant-based travel recommendations, check out our guides to Utrecht, Barcelona, Shanghai, Rio, Prague, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, London, Madrid, New York, Cape Town, Chiang Mai and Amsterdam.
Eileen Valy
International Senior Digital Communications Manager
