Just 30 minutes by train from the capital city of Amsterdam, Utrecht is known for its historic center, canals, and vibrant university culture. Like its capital, this Dutch city is extremely vegan-friendly, with options across the city and even some fully plant-based spots, offering everything from healthy bowls to tempting pastries and saucy burgers. To make your visit to Utrecht easier, our Digital Communications Manager, Victoria Smith, has put together this list of her seven favorite vegan-friendly places to eat. Enjoy!
Vegitalian: Italian cuisine with a vegetarian twist
This modern Italian restaurant is on a mission to offer conscious, planet-friendly food in an accessible way. Serving meat-free delights from morning til night, there’s something for everyone at Vegitalian – plant-based pastries for breakfast, savory loaded bowls and toasts for lunch, and an evening menu packed with Italian classics such as ravioli, pizza, and even tiramisu. While plant-based ravioli can often be a meager affair, Vegitalian excels in the pasta department, ensuring every morsel is packed with delicious flavor and sauce, so we recommend giving it a go!
Broei: Plant-based at its best
Originally a coffee shop with cinnamon rolls and a daily special, this plant-based eatery expanded to become a vibrant, fully fledged restaurant. Rooted in sustainability and a commitment to supporting local producers, Broei sources many ingredients from the Netherlands and champions sustainable farming methods. With breakfast delights such as loaded banana bread and pancakes, flavor-packed sandwiches and bowls for lunch, and an extensive small-plates menu for late-night diners, there is something delicious at every hour. And, of course, Broei still offers its original fluffy cinnamon rolls, so make sure to save some space!
KLUTS: Plant-based bakery classics
Nestled in the city center with a stunning view of the iconic Dom Church, KLUTS serves an array of delicious plant-based cakes and pastries baked fresh in their tiny kitchen. Here, you can tuck into old-school classics, such as apple crumble and chocolate brownies, or experiment with new flavor combinations, such as pandan coconut cake. Pair your cake with a freshly brewed coffee to fuel yourself for another sightseeing session.
Copper Branch: Power bowls and comfort food
With locations across the Netherlands, France, Canada, and the United States, Copper Branch is something of an institution in the plant-based restaurant scene. From power bowls packed with wholefood ingredients to comforting burgers and superfood smoothies, there’s something for every preference. Fancy something sweet? Tap into the matcha trend with vibrant green cakes and drinks, or indulge in decadent pecan brownies.
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.
Gys: Wholesome dishes, high-tea heaven
Championing plant-based, organic, and gluten-free delights, Gys is all about vibrant and fresh food. With its predominantly plant-based offerings, the menu caters to a diverse range of tastes – from fluffy blueberry pancakes to Spanish ‘chorizo’ orzo, and small plates such as Dutch tomatoes with almond ricotta, and Caesar salad with miso dressing and no-waste croutons. Gys also offers a high-tea experience featuring sweet and savory delights from the menu and unlimited loose-leaf or fresh tea. This is an experience you won’t want to miss!
An An: Authentic Vietnamese flavors
Known for being vegan-friendly, Vietnamese food is a great choice for groups of mixed eaters. Anan Saigon Streetfood’s extensive menu features plenty of plant-based options, from noodle soups to banh mi. Whether you prefer to keep it simple with tofu and vegetables, or love trying plant-based versions of meats such as duck and chicken, Anan has something for every taste. With fun decor and deliciously authentic flavors, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced a trip to Ho Chi Minh City without the long-haul flight. It’s a win-win!
Cupp: A community café to fuel your day
With locations in the city center and on the outskirts of Utrecht, Cupp is a fun community café that’s easy for a drop-in. While not fully vegetarian or vegan, its plant-based options are carefully considered and provide diners with a decent breakfast or lunch to fuel their workday. Tuck into a dairy-free pastry on your way to the office, or stop in for a Kimchi Toastie loaded with spring onion, vegan cheese, and spicy kimchi, or a loaded Hummus Bowl with falafels and beet sauce. With a focus on speciality coffee, Cupp also offers workshops, so if you’re an aspiring latte-art connoisseur or interested in the roasting process, there’s something for you!
Utrecht: a must-visit for foodies
There are plenty of plant-based eateries and vegan options to explore across Utrecht, and these seven represent just a small taste of what’s on offer. If you’re looking for a picturesque travel destination that offers everything from affordable eats to small plates and a sweet treat to finish off, book a trip to Utrecht today. You won’t regret it!
For more plant-based travel recommendations, check out our guides to Shanghai, Rio, Prague, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, London, Madrid, New York, Cape Town, Chiang Mai, Barcelona and Amsterdam.
Victoria Smith
International Digital Communications Manager
