If you’re a vegan and coming to Rome, you may be wondering how you will survive with all that carbonara and cacio e pepe.
The truth is, you won’t starve but rather, have one of the best culinary experiences ever as a vegan in Rome!
Eating in Rome as a vegan is easy – much of traditional Roman cuisine is actually plant-based. You don’t need to seek out specialty vegan restaurants —authentic Italian cuisine is inherently vegan-friendly, featuring delicious staples made with fresh, simple everyday ingredients.
Let’s take a look at some vegan food to try in Rome (categorized by course) and dive into my favorite places to try them.
Good To Know: In the historic center of Rome, there are not vegan-specific restaurants. While Rome does have some, they are all very far out from the top tourist attractions making them difficult and expensive to get to. But don’t worry – below I will share with you how to eat vegan at any restaurant in Rome and share some of my favorite places to do so within the city center.
Allergies & Dietary Restrictions in Italy: If you’re traveling in Italy and have special dietary needs, be sure to check out:
Eating with Dietary Restrictions in Italy
How to Eat Vegetarian In Italy
How to Eat Vegan in Italy
Eating Gluten-Free in Italy
Eating in Italy While Pregnant
Eating Dairy-Free in Italy
Eating Lactose-Free in Italy
Jump to Section
Map of Where to Eat Vegan in Rome
Quick Guide
| Name | Address (Nearby Attraction) | Best For |
| Esco Sazio | Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 135 (Piazza Navona) | A wholesome and organic meal in a quiet place |
| VEGA FOOD Ristorante Indiano Vegano | Via di Monte Giordano, 1 (Piazza Navona) | Vegan Indian food in Rome |
| Trattoria Da Agusto | P.za de’ Renzi, 15 (Botanical Gardens) | A traditional Roman restaurant experience |
| Rifugio Romano | Via Volturno, 39/41 (Termini train station) | Classic Roman dishes made vegan |
| Origano Campo de’ Fiori | Largo dei Chiavari, 84 (Campo de’ Fiori) | People watching in a central location |
| Panificio Bonci | Via Trionfale, 36 (Vatican City)( | Vegan pizza in Rome |
| Écru | Via Acciaioli, 13 (Castel Sant’Angelo) | Raw vegan food |
Eating in Italy Basics: If you are curious to know more about navigating dining in Italy, you may be interested in
How To Order Food In Italian
Tipping In Italy – When & How Much From A Local
What Is A Coperto? All About Italy’s Cover Charge
A Visitor’s Guide To Eating In Italy
How To Order Food In Italian
Italian Meal Structure
Classic Vegan Dishes To Try In Rome
Below is a short list of some of the most popular vegan foods to try in Rome. You will find several other options beyond these favorites.
Vegan Antipasti (Starters) In Rome
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
- Carciofi alla Romana – Roman-style artichokes cooked with olive oil, garlic, and herbs
- Carciofi alla Giudia – Crispy deep-fried artichokes, a signature of Roman-Jewish cuisine
Vegan Primi (First Courses) In Rome
- Pasta pomodoro – A simple yet classic pasta in tomato sauce. Be sure to specify no cheese and opt for pasta asciutta (dried pasta), as fresh pasta often contains eggs.
- Pasta arrabbiata – A spicy, tangy tomato-based pasta dish beloved for its bold flavors (be sure to ask for it without Pecorino Romano cheese).
- Risotto – Creamy and flavorful, risotto derives its richness from starchy rice. Confirm that the recipe excludes butter or cheese
- Pasta e fagioli/ceci– A hearty bean and pasta soup. Always confirm that it’s prepared without meat or animal stock (may be made with chickpeas)
- Vellutata – a pureed vegetable soup (vegetables depend on the season)
- Pasta e lenticchie – pasta and lentils
- Spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino – spaghetti with garlic, oil and red pepper flakes
- Penne all’arrabbiata – pasta with a spicy tomato sauce
- Orecchiette con cima di rape – pasta with turnip greens
- Gnocchi – ask for it without cheese (served on Thursdays in Rome)
- Minestra di ceci/fagioli – chickpea or bean soup
- Minestra di orzo – barley soup
- Minestrone – hearty vegetable soup
Vegan Contorni (Side Dishes) In Rome
- Patate al forno – Oven-roasted potatoes, a comforting accompaniment to any meal.
- Friarielli (Rapini) – Bitter broccoli rabe or turnip greens sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes
- Radicchio and Cicoria – Bitter greens often served sautéed with olive oil and garlic
- Vignarola – cooked broad beans, artichokes and peas available in the spring
In addition to these classic vegan side dishes, you will always find an assortment of grilled, fried or boiled seasonal vegetables under the contorno section of menus in Rome.
Vegan Desserts In Rome
- Sorbetto – A refreshing and widely available dairy-free gelato available at both restaurants and at gelaterie in Rome
- Macedonia – fruit salad
- Poached pears
Vegan Pizza In Rome
- Pizza marinara – A classic Italian pizza choice made with tomato sauce, garlic, and olive oil. Add vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for variety if at a pizzeria.
- Pizza rossa – A cheese-free vegan pizza topped simply with red pizza sauce that you can get at any bakery in Rome. This makes a great snack or street food treat in Rome.
Curious to know more about Italy’s seasonal foods, dishes, and produce? Check out
Foods to Eat in Italy by Month in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December and by Season in Spring – Summer – Fall – Winter.
Italian Fruits and Vegetables in Season in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.
Italian Nuts
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Rome
These are my favorite family-style restaurants in Rome serving up traditional Roman food from which you can easily find plenty of vegan options.
Esco Sazio
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 135 (Historic Center)
Best For: A wholesome and organic meal in a quiet place
Esco Sazio is a plate that just caught my eye when traveling in Rome on my own.
Its entrance was covered with different boards explaining what each dish is. Upon further inspection, I learned that this organic food and juice joint is perfect for vegans as it has a ton of plant-based options, all made with organic food.
There is no outdoor seating but the location is central and the food leaves you feeling full (as its name esco sazio means).
VEGA FOOD Ristorante Indiano Vegano
Via di Monte Giordano, 1 (Piazza Navona in the Historic District)
Best For: Vegan Indian food in Rome
Vegan Food in Rome is where I send people who need a change from the traditional vegan Italian fare.
At this restaurant, you’ll find vegan and vegetarian Indian specials in a casual atmosphere with wooden tables.
Indoor seating only. Usually not too busy.
Trattoria Da Augusto
P.za de’ Renzi, 15 (Trastevere)
Best For: A traditional Roman restaurant experience
This Roman trattoria is a favorite of mine and you don’t have to worry about finding vegan options.
The trick is to notify them and order of the contorno section of the menu, sticking to plant-based foods or opting for a tomato pasta dish or gnocchi on Thursday (no cheese!).
Rifugio Romano
Via Volturno, 39/41 (Termini train station)
Best For: Classic Roman dishes made vegan
Close to the Termini Station, Rifugio Romano is renowned for its extensive vegan menu, making it one of the best spots to try Roman classics made vegan such as:
- Vegan cacio e pepe
- Spaghetti alla carbonara made with seitan instead of guanciale
- Vegan fried foods
Panificio Bonci
Via Trionfale, 36 (Vatican City)
Best For: Vegan pizza in Rome
Panificio Bonci is famed for its light and airy pizza in teglia sold by the weight available in an array of vegan toppings including marinara and potato (which is what I tried and pictured above).
Be sure to get there early for the best selection. There is no seating, just a couple of high shelves to rest your food on while you eat standing outside.
More Central Option: For a more central pizza alternative, head to Campo de’ Fiori Forno, which also has vegan pizza sold by weight.
Écru
Via Acciaioli, 13 (Castel Sant’Angelo)
Best For: Raw vegan food
This restaurant and cafe makes pastry and a large selection of raw and cooked foods, all vegetarian and vegan including a small market to bring back vegan food souvenirs from Rome. The menu changes seasonally but you will always find sandwiches, salads and interesting:
- Vegan sushi rolls
- Vegetable carpaccio
- Vegan tacos
More Vegan Restaurants in Italy: If you are headed to Florence or Venice next, be sure to read
Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In Florence
Eating Vegan In Venice
Tips for Vegan Dining in Rome
- Communicate clearly when ordering pasta, request pasta senza uova (egg-free) and senza formaggio (without cheese)
- Look for seasonal specials by embracing Rome’s seasonal produce, such as artichokes, zucchini, and tomatoes, which will be prepared using regional recipes
- Even straightforward dishes may include hidden animal products. Always confirm ingredients with your server and notify them that you are vegan.
- Make a whole meal out of side dishes which provide diverse, satisfying vegan options, perfect for mixing and matching.
- Always look for gelato made senza latte, vegano or sorbetto (without milk, vegan or sorbet) to ensure a vegan friendly choice.
Helpful Vocabulary For Eating Vegan In Rome
| Italian | Pronunciation | English Translation |
| Sono vegano/vegana | soh-noh veh-gah-noh/nah | I am vegan (male/female) |
| Siamo vegani | see-ah-moh veh-gah-nee | We are vegans |
| Non mangio prodotti di origine animale | nohn mahn-joh proh-doht-tee dee oh-ree-jee-neh ah-nee-mah-leh | I don’t eat animal products |
| Posso avere la pasta ma senza il formaggio? | poh-soh ah-veh-reh lah pah-stah sehn-zah eel fohr-mahj-jee-oh | May I have the pasta but without the cheese? |
| È possibile fare un piatto vegano? | eh pohs-see-bee-leh fah-reh oon pee-aht-toh veh-gah-noh | Is it possible to order something vegan? |
| Non mangio… | nohn mahn-joh… | I don’t eat… |
| latticini | laht-tee-chee-nee | dairy products |
| latte di soia | laht-teh dee soy-ah | soy milk |
| latte di avena | laht-teh dee ah-veh-nah | oat milk |
| latte di mandorla | laht-teh dee mahn-dohr-lah | almond milk |
| carne | cahr-neh | meat |
| pesce | peh-sheh | fish |
| frutti di mare | froot-tee dee mahr-reh | seafood |
| uova | oo-oh-vah | eggs |
| formaggio | fohr-mahj-jee-oh | cheese |
| burro | boor-roh | butter |
| panna | pahn-nah | cream |
| brodo | broh-doh | broth |
| pollo | pohl-loh | chicken |
| maiale | my-ah-leh | pork |
| manzo | mahn-zoh | beef |
| fagioli | fah-joh-lee | beans |
| lenticchie | lehn-teek-kee-eh | lentils |
| ceci | cheh-chee | chickpeas |
| verdure | vehr-doo-rah | vegetables |
| insalata | een-sah-lah-tah | salad |
Visiting Rome? Don’t Miss
Roman Pasta Dishes + Where to Eat Them
Best Pizza in Rome
Best Gelato in Rome
Rome’s Best Desserts
Where to Eat Carbonara in Rome
Where to Get Coffee in Rome
Aperitivo in Rome
Roman Wine Bars
Where to Eat & Drink in Trastevere
Where to Eat Near the Colosseum
Where to Eat Near the Vatican
Where to Eat Near the Termini Train Station
Where to Eat in the Jewish Quarter
Where to Eat in the Historic Center
Rome Street Food to Try
Where to Get Breakfast in Rome
Bakeries in Rome
Where to Eat Maritozzi in Rome
Where to Eat Pinsa Romana
Where Locals Eat in Rome
Typical Roman Foods
Foods to Try on Your First Visit to Rome
Where to Eat with Kids in Rome
Eating Gluten-Free in Rome
Eating in Rome While Pregnant
Eating Vegan in Rome
My Favorite Gelaterie for Dairy-Free Gelato in Rome
A Roman Picnic
Food Markets in Rome
After-Dinner Drinks in Rome
Food Souvenirs from Rome
Traditional Food of Lazio
