Madrid is one city that doesn’t disappoint when it comes to history, culture, and of course sensational vegan food. Whether you’re looking to explore its stimulating art scene, stroll through beautiful parks and lively flea markets, or enjoy a night out on the town, Madrid has it all. From traditional Spanish tapas to plant-based pasta and pizza, there is something for everyone. To make your visit to Spain’s historic capital easier and ensure you’re enjoying the very best plant-based delights that the city can provide, our Senior Digital Communications Manager at ProVeg Spain, Veronica, has put together this list of her seven favorite vegan restaurants in Madrid. Enjoy!
Distrito Vegano Invernadero: something for everyone
This popular vegan spot started as a small tavern in the heart of Lavapiés in 2016, but has now grown into a renowned restaurant serving up typical tapas and signature dishes from around the world, all 100% plant-based. For brunch, we love the Choco Banana Waffles with whipped cream, white chocolate sauce, banana and muesli, and the English-style Scrambled Eggs on Toast, served with cherry tomatoes and plant-based bacon. Distrito Vegano is also open late, so if you’re visiting in the evening, try a selection of their vegan tapas such as the ‘Calamari’ made from oyster mushrooms with aioli, or the Chorizo in Cava, homemade plant-based chorizo in Cava sauce served with chimichurri and sourdough bread. Of course, dessert is a must: try the Tiramisu or Pistachio Crème Brûlée – you won’t be disappointed!
Bite Me: the best doughnuts in town
If, like me, you have a sweet tooth, then you absolutely have to visit Bite Me. This quirky café sells specialty coffee, doughnuts (named halos), and American-style bagels. All the classic doughnuts such as chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon are delicious, but we recommend trying the weekly changing speciality doughnuts – current options include White Chocolate Pistachio and Onion Maple Bacon. Bite Me is located near Matadero Madrid, making it the perfect stop for breakfast or an afternoon snack while soaking up all the cultural sights in the city.
Pizzi Dixie: pizza lovers assemble
If you’re a fan of Italian food, Pizzi Dixie is the place for you in Madrid. This popular trattoria is located in the heart of the Malasaña district, and their pizzas are not to be missed. With thin and crispy bases, creamy vegan mozzarella and gorgonzola, and toppings such as pistachio pesto, plant-based bacon and vegan tuna, it’s a haven for pizza lovers everywhere. For dessert, you can’t skip their Ferrero cake with hazelnut ice cream: it’s an absolute must!
Frutas Prohibidas: food alchemy at its finest
Have you ever tasted plant-based food that was so realistic you questioned if it was actually animal-free? That’s exactly what you can expect at Frutas Prohibidas! If you thought that opting for a plant-based diet meant giving up eggs, think again. This innovative all-day-brunch restaurant uses incredible food alchemy to create eggs – minus the chicken – and the result is almost scarily realistic! Their iconic dish is the Classic Eggs Benedict, served on sourdough brioche with hollandaise sauce, avocado cream, hummus and crispy plant-based bacon, but also on the menu are their epic toasted brioche Sandos loaded with scrambled egg and a variety of delicious sauces and toppings. If you prefer to go sweet instead of savory, try one of their beautiful pancake stacks, loaded with fresh fruit, cream, and syrups!
La Huerta Funky Castizo: a modern twist on traditional tapas
As its name suggests, the food you’ll find at La Huerta Funky Castizo puts a modern and inventive twist on traditional dishes. The Bimi Bravas with chickpea cream and the Grilled Artichokes are two dishes you cannot miss, as they are the perfect combination of classic Spanish food and plant-based innovation. Located in the center of Madrid, it’s a great pit-stop after exploring all the city has to offer.
Bonus fact: Clara Lago, one of our favorite vegan Spanish actresses, is a co-founder of this restaurant.
Choose Ristorante: Sicilian classics and fresh pasta
Although this is the second Italian restaurant we recommend, you won’t regret visiting both on your trip to Madrid. And if you appreciate good fresh pasta, Choose Ristorante is exactly the place you’ve been looking for. The restaurant specializes in Sicilian cuisine and features thoughtful and varied dishes such as a grazing board featuring the best regional specialties such as caponata, peperonata and panelle, and a variety of three artisanal cheeses, three cured meats, plus dried fruit and jam. While fresh pasta usually contains egg, Choose’s menu is 100% animal-free, and features Italian favorites like Carbonara, Tagliatelle with Pistachio and Salmon, Gnocchi with Gorgonzola, Courgette and Shrimp, and Paccheri with Mushrooms, Truffle and Sausage. Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, so treat yourself to the Sicilian Pistachio Cake with Hazelnut Sauce and be transported to plant-based heaven.
El Viva: tacos, burgers and tapas
El Viva is the reinvention of Viva Burger, a reputable burger restaurant in Madrid that recently revamped and expanded its menu to offer a wider variety of dishes. It is located in the central neighborhood of La Latina, making it perfect for a pit-stop on a day of sightseeing, and provides the opportunity to try plant-based versions of traditional tapas. We recommend the Gildas or ‘Boquerones’ in vinegar. Also on the menu are a selection of burgers and tacos, as well as tempting desserts. For the sunworshippers, it also has a terrace open all year round, so you can soak up the Mediterranean rays while enjoying your plant-based delights.
Madrid: a must-visit for foodies
There are plenty of plant-based eateries and vegan options to explore across the city of Madrid: these seven eateries represent just a small taster of what’s on offer in the city. So if you’re looking for a travel destination that offers innovative and delicious animal-free gastronomy with plenty of culture to explore, book a trip today! You won’t regret it.
For more plant-based travel recommendations, check out our guides to Berlin, Budapest, London, and Amsterdam.
Victoria Smith
International Digital Communications Specialist
