Barcelona is famous for its diverse architecture, sandy beaches, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Tourist highlights include Antoni Gaudí’s art, the city’s Catalan culture, and the Gothic quarters. Just as vibrant as its atmosphere, however, is the vegan food scene, which reflects Barcelona’s history and culture. Our Youth Board member, Marielle Williamson, shares her top recommendations for places to eat plant-based in this vibrant city.
Mad Mad Vegan: Comfort food at its best
A fully vegan restaurant, Mad Mad Vegan serves comfort food such as burgers, fries, tacos, and sandwiches, along with gluten-free options and a range of cocktails. Located at Carrer d’ Aribau, the eatery is a short walk from the famous Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Família, and is a perfect pitstop while sightseeing. I would recommend sharing the loaded nacho fries, while the club sandwich and the ‘Mad Chick’ burger are hearty meals for one. The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is vibey, and the portions are generous and delicious.
Gocce di Latte: Artisanal Gelato
Gocce Di Latte is a small, artisanal gelateria in the old town, where it has two outlets: a main one that is not fully vegan, and another a short walk away, that is 100% plant-based and has gluten-free options. Their homemade gelato is available in a range of unique flavors, which makes choosing difficult. However, my favorites were pistachio, hazelnut, and spicy dark chocolate – and there are crepes too. The prices are reasonable, and the location is open until midnight – ideal for an after-dinner dessert or a late-night treat.
Veganashi: Vegan Sushi
Vegan sushi might not be synonymous with Barcelona, but Veganashi will change your mind. Located near the Catalonian Museum, this restaurant fuses traditional Japanese flavors with modern plant-based ingredients such as watermelon, oyster mushrooms, and sweet potato. Everything is house-made as well, from the mayo and tofu, to the eggplant ‘eel’. The presentation is beautiful, the menu original, and the overall experience relaxed and pleasant.
Bubita Sangria Bar: Tapas and Drinks
Located in the trendy El Born area, Bubita is the city’s first 100% vegan tapas and sangria bar, serving fresh, local cuisine. The playful menu features plant-based takes on Spanish classics such as croquetas, paella, patatas bravas, and more. The comprehensive sangria menu is incredible – think rosé wine, vermouth, and berries, or red wine, vermouth, orange, and spices. El Born has indoor and outdoor plaza seating, and the staff are super friendly.
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.
Honest Greens: Planet-friendly breakfasts
While not fully vegan, Honest Greens is an organic, gluten-free chain committed to plant-forward sustainability. Their plant-based breakfast menu includes options such as overnight oats, açai bowls, breakfast burritos, and tamales, which are all packed with healthy, fresh ingredients. The ambience at all three outlets is relaxing and casual, and the plant-based dessert menu offers sweet treats such as mocha brownies and red velvet cupcakes.
Vegan Tulsi: Asian comfort food with a Mediterranean twist
Blending Mediterranean, Ayurvedic, and Asian-inspired plant-based cuisine, Vegan Tulsi is located on a pedestrian-only street near attractions such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, reasonable pricing, and friendly staff. While everything I tried was delicious, I was won over by the curries and dosas, and the Catalonian dish, escalivada (smoky roasted vegetables).
Wild Food Barcelona: Upscale, seasonal ingredients
Slightly upscale, Wild Food is a sophisticated restaurant that serves tapas and hearty main dishes with a Mediterranean twist. From burgers with roasted potatoes to creamy risottos and seitan salad bowls, the plant-based menu reflects the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability. It also provides eco-friendly packaging for to-go orders.
These restaurants represent just a slice of Barcelona’s vegan scene. Whether you’re craving comfort food, dessert, or traditional Spanish cuisine, the city’s plant-based options are as diverse and intriguing as Barcelona itself. Safe travels!
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 and Amsterdam.
Marielle Williamson
Youth Board Member
