Last updated on January 16th, 2025
As a vegan or vegetarian in Florence you may be concerned about finding a restaurant that fits your dietary restrictions but fret not! I have been eating my way around Florence since 2012 – and plenty of my meals have been vegan and vegetarian.
And, I’ll also:
- let you in on the best kept secret to eating vegan and vegetarian in Italy
- share tips for eating vegan and vegetarian in Italy
- share my favorite vegan and vegetarian dishes here
- give you helpful vocabulary to navigate dining out in Italy
Vegan and Vegetarian in Italy Info: If you are a vegan or vegetarian, learn more in How to Eat Vegan in Italy and How to Eat Vegetarian in Italy.
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Map Of Vegetarian And Vegan Restaurants In Florence
Vegetarian And Vegan Restaurants In Florence Quick Guide
| Name | Type Of Restaurant | Address (Neighborhood) | Best For |
| Il Vegetariano | Vegetarian with vegan options | Via delle Ruote, 30 r (San Lorenzo) | Dining with the locals |
| Brac | Vegetarian with vegan options | Via dei Vagellai, 18/R (Santa Croce) | Book lovers |
| RUTH’S | Vegetarian with vegan options | Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 2a (Sant’Ambrogio) | Kosher vegetarian food |
| La Pépinière Ristorante Biologico | Organic, vegan and gluten-Free | Borgo S. Frediano, 169-red | Vegan Haute cuisine in Florence |
| Nirvana | Vegan | Via Il Prato, 4/b (Santa Maria Novella) | Vegan meat alternatives |
| Carduccio | Organic vegetarian with vegan options | Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti, 10 R (Santo Spirito) | Light lunch |
| 5ecinque | Organic Vegetarian with vegan options | Piazza della Passera, 1 (Santo Spirito) | Farm to table dinner |
| Pasticceria Gualtieri | Vegan and gluten-free pastry | Via Senese, 18/red | Vegan pastry in Florence |
| SHAKE | Regular restaurant with vegan and gluten-free menu | Via dei Neri, 56 (Santo Croce), Via del Corso, 30r (Historic District), Via Camillo Cavour, 67/69R (San Lorenzo), Via degli Avelli, 2/red (Santa Maria Novella) | Vegan brunch in Florence; combine with a study session |
| Raw Vegan Firenze | Vegan and Gluten-Free | Via Sant’Agostino, 11B (Santo Spirito) | “Greenest” food choices |
| Su Guan – Chinese Veg | Vegetarian with vegan options | Via della Scala, 22/R (Santa Maria Novella) | Vegetarian chinese food in Florence |
| Santo Falafel | Vegetarian with vegan options | Via Sant’Agostino, 28r (Santo Spirito) | Vegan and vegetarian takeout / Falafel |
| Base V Juicery | Vegetarian with vegan options | Via dei Neri, 46r (Historic District) | Snack break after Uffizi museum |
| L’OV Osteria Vegetariana | Vegetarian with vegan options | Piazza del Carmine, 4R | Dinner before a night out on the town |
| Veg & Veg | Vegetarian with vegan options | Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 4/1° piano | Vegans and vegetarians dining with people without dietary restrictions |
Tired of eating out at restaurants? Make your own Italian picnic!
The Best Kept Secret To Eating Vegan And Vegetarian In Italy
The best piece of advice I have for you as a longtime resident in Italy? Eat at regular restaurants! As a vegan or vegetarian in Italy there is no need to seek out specific vegan or vegetarian restaurants because guess what? Many of the historic Italian dishes were developed to be vegan and vegetarian!
Italy is historically a very poor country and thus, developed a method for eating based on la cucina povera, the concept of making healthy, wholesome meals out of seasonal, local ingredients at low cost.
Italian cuisine naturally embodies a plant-based diet that reflects the seasons, local produce and plenty of legumes, starches and whole grains. It’s no wonder the Mediterranean diet is good for you!
Venice Travelers: You may be interested in Eating Vegan In Venice, Italy – My Top Five Vegan Friendly Restaurants.
My Favorite Traditional Florentine Restaurants To Eat At As A Vegetarian Or Vegan
- Da Rocco: Best for a quick meal/takeout in Florence
- Trattoria Carmine: Best for families
- Trattoria Casalinga: Best for traditional Tuscan menu
- Trattoria Sabatino: Best budget friendly
- Trattoria Sostanza: Best for ordering a variety of seasonal side dishes
- Trattoria Sergio Cozzi: Best for lunch
- Trattoria Cammillo: Best for splurge dinner
You can read more about these restaurants in Where Locals Eat in Florence and Restaurants to Try on Your First Visit to Florence.
Vegan And Vegetarian Dishes To Try In Florence
It’s really not necessary in my experience to seek out specific vegan and vegetarian restaurants while in Florence because so much of the regional food is plant-based, born la cucina povera.
Below is a list of common Tuscan foods and dishes that you will easily find at any regular trattoria, osteria or restaurant in Florence.
Vegan Food To Try In Florence At Any Restaurant
- cecina/farinata – a thin chickpea flatbread
- schiacciata – a flatbread made with olive oil and flour
- schiacciata all’uva – a sweet focaccia made with grapes in the fall
- taralli – small round crackers, great for snacks
- bruschetta – grilled bread topped with tomatoes, olive oil and garlic
- crostini con fagioli – toasted bread topped with olive oil and white beans
- ribollita – a hearty bread and mixed vegetable soup
- pappa al pomodoro – a bread and tomato soup
- panzanella – bread salad with summer vegetables
- farinata con cavolo nero – polenta and bean stew with kale
- vellutata – a pureed vegetable soup (vegetables depend on the season)
- pasta e lenticchie – pasta and lentils
- pasta e fagioli – pasta and beans
- spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino – spaghetti with garlic, oil and red pepper flakes
- polenta fritta/alla griglia/con funghi – fried/grilled polenta with mushrooms
- gnocchi
- minestra di ceci/fagioli – chickpea or bean soup
- minestra di orzo – barley soup
- minestrone – hearty vegetable soup
- acquacotta – a vegetable broth soup with bread (Tuscany)
- insalata di lenticchie – lentil salad
- zuppa di lenticchie – lentil soup
- fagioli all’uccelletto – white beans stewed with tomatoes (Tuscany)
- gelato – stay away from cream flavors that may have eggs in them.
- sorbetto
- pici all’aglione – hand rolled spaghetti with tomato garlic sauce
- pizza marinara – pizza made without cheese (great dairy-free option!)
Vegetarian Food To Try In Florence At Any Restaurant
- coccoli – balls of deep-fried pizza dough – order with just stracchino cheese (no prosciutto)
- sformato – a vegetable flan
- pasta fresca – fresh pasta typically made with eggs
- ravioli – be sure it’s filled with cheese and spinach, not meat
- parmigiana di melanzana – eggplant parmesan
- pomodori con riso – cooked stuffed tomatoes served with potatoes
- risotto – a creamy rice first course
- pasta pesto – pasta with pesto
- pizza – any kind made without meat toppings
Watch Out: Watch out for foods that may have hidden anchovies such as in salads and Tuscan salsa verde or Italian salsa verde (green sauces made with anchovies). Vegans need to be careful of pesto which is commonly prepared with parmesan cheese.
Eating in Italy: 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
More Veg Please: Check out my list of Vegetarian Dishes to Try in Italy.
Il Vegetariano
Via delle Ruote, 30 r
Best For: Dining with the locals
Il Vegetariano was the first vegetarian restaurant open in Florence in 1981 and is still going strong with a loyal local following. This casual, no table service trattoria offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes with vegan and gluten-free dishes as well, adhering to the season’s bountiful produce.
I like Il Vegetariano best because you can always find classic Italian dishes with a vegetarian spin or find something completely new and innovative. If you want a vegetarian lasagne, no problem. Looking for something a bit more creative such as a bean stew with Asian flavors? You might find that too!
Nice To Know: Reservations are welcome and the menu changes daily.
Brac
Via dei Vagellai, 18/R
Best For: Book lovers
Brac is a one of a kind restaurant in Florence combining a love for coffee, vegetarian food, art, books and culture all into one. Although not strictly vegan, this vegetarian restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh pasta, risotti, salads, cheese boards, snacks and desserts at all hours of the day. They work to make all their food with local ingredients with seasonal and daily menu changes.
Come in for a pastry and coffee for breakfast, have a full lunch or book a table for dinner, staying for their evening event (often with book readings, presentations, exhibitions).
Good To Know: Brac also has a great takeout menu and offers outdoor seating.
Ruth’s
Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 2a
Best For: Kosher food in Florence
Ruth’s is Florence’s vegetarian Kosher restaurant located just next to the Sant’Ambrogio food market. Unlike other vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Florence, Ruth’s has more of a Middle Eastern flair than Italian (which is actually refreshing after days of pasta and pizza in Italy). It’s one of my picks for International Food in Florence.
Good To Know: Everyone is welcome, not just those of Jewish faith.
La Pépinière Ristorante Biologico
Borgo S. Frediano, 169-red
Best For: Vegan Haute cuisine in Florence
La Pépinière Ristorante Biologico is my top pick for vegans in Florence looking for a “Haute cuisine” experience. The restaurant prides itself on creative food prep and presentation with 100% vegan, organic and gluten-free food.
The dishes are small but they are carefully crafted to be fulfilling and keep you satisfied. Their desserts are also very good.
Keep In Mind: La Pépinière Ristorante Biologico is just open for dinner, starting at 6:30 pm (no lunch).
Nirvana
Via Il Prato, 4/b
Best For: Vegan meat alternatives
Nirvana is the best place to get vegan food in the Santa Maria Novella area most well known for their vegan carbonara. They also have a ton of vegan protein options as secondi or second courses.
Carduccio
Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti, 10 R
Best For: Light lunch
Carduccio is my top pick for eating a light vegetarian or vegan lunch in Florence Oltarno. Located on a quiet side street just opposite Palazzo Pitti, this hole in the wall serves daily juices, smoothies, salads, soups and amazing dessert specials.
Their farm to table philosophy makes eating at Carduccio always new and different. They even have a small gastronomia or market store to buy local produce and artisan food products, perfect to bring home as gifts or souvenirs. At Christmas time you can order some of the best innovative artisan panettone and pandoro in Florence.
Snack Time: Carduccio is also my top pick for stopping in for a quick snack after touring the Pitti Palace or a healthy option for vegan and vegetarian breakfast in Florence.
5ecinque
Piazza della Passera, 1
Best For: Farm to table vegetarian dinner in Florence
5 e Cinque is my favorite spot to eat in Florence for a vegetarian farm to table dinner. It’s also a place I will take non-vegetarians because it doesn’t feel like a typical vegetarian restaurant with meatless burgers. Instead, they rely on what is local and in season to prepare typical Mediterranean food with Italian flavors.
The restaurant’s name comes from the famous street food sandwich from Tuscany, il cinque e cinque, made with a chickpea flatbread. They have several variations, all of which I think are better than the original recipe from Livorno.
Good To Know: 5ecinque is located in Piazza della Passera, one of the cutest locations in Florence for some of the best gelato, aperitivo and schiacciata as well.
Pasticceria Gualtieri
Via Senese, 18/red
Pasticceria Gualtieri is a favorite pastry shop in Florence among locals for their cakes, cookies and of course, coffee beverages and pastry. Although not strictly gluten-free or vegan, they have made a point to invest in these two avenues, making it one of the best places for pastry and breakfast in Florence for vegans.
Croissants, butter cookies, and yellow and chocolate cake are their most popular items. For people following multiple diets, consider the senza sette torta or the “without seven cake” made without gluten, eggs, sugar, butter, yeast, milk and margarine (I personally have never tried this). They also have a gluten-free Iris cake that is absolutely one of the best cakes I have ever had flavored with Iris flower essence.
Shake Cafe
Four Locations in Via dei Neri, 56 (Santo Croce), Via del Corso, 30r (Historic District), Via Camillo Cavour, 67/69R (San Lorenzo), Via degli Avelli, 2/red (Santa Maria Novella)
Best For: Vegan brunch and students
Shake Cafe is the hotspot in Florence for students with a huge menu catering to all kinds of dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan.
Each location is slightly different in terms of the seating arrangement and food choices. For vegans and other special diets, I particularly recommend the Shake in Via Camillo Cavour, which has the widest selection for vegans.
Shake is not only good for brunch but also for coffee, a sandwich, salad, wrap or any kind of snack throughout the day. They also welcome you to study and work with ample space to spread out and stay for hours (especially location in Via Cavour).
Raw Vegan Firenze
Via Sant’Agostino, 11B
Best For: “Greenest” vegan food in Florence
Raw Vegan Firenze is definitely the “healthiest” or “greenest” option for vegans in Florence with a daily menu emphasizing ‘cleansing’ foods that are not only good for the body but for the soul. Find items such as smoothies, juices, power juice ‘shots’, poke bowls, burgers, wraps, salads and even vegan and gluten-free pizza. For more on eating gluten-free in Florence, check out Where to Eat Gluten-Free in Florence.
Tip: I highly suggest you pre-book your table online if you are sitting down for a meal. If you are ordering a smoothie or juice, just step up to the counter (although you may need to wait a bit).
Su Guan – Chinese Veg
Via della Scala, 22/R
Best For: Vegetarian and Vegan Chinese food in Florence
Su Guan is my top recommendation for eating vegetarian and vegan chinese food in Florence. You can go to most Chinese restaurants and eat vegetarian food but vegan food is more difficult to find as there might be added fish sauces or other non-vegan condiments in the recipes. Here, you don’t have to worry about that.
This family run Chinese restaurant is super reliable and affordable, you can’t go wrong and it’s a nice change from all the traditional Italian food you are probably eating.
Santo Falafel
Via Sant’Agostino, 28r
Best For: Vegan and vegetarian takeout / Falafel
Santo Falafel is a vegetarian middle-eastern fast food restaurant with plenty of vegan options. All their food is made in to-go containers or bowls made of paper so whether you choose to dine in or take your food to go, it’s more of a takeout vibe.
They are most famous, as their name implies, for their falafel but I think the hummus bowls and other spreads are some of the best in Florence.
Base V Juicery
Via dei Neri, 46r
Best For: A snack break
Base V Juicery is my top pick to stop in for a vegetarian or vegan snack after a visit to the exhausting Uffizi museum. Located in Via dei Neri, on the backend of the exit of the Uffizi, this juice bar and restaurant is a sure bet to recharge after a morning or afternoon at the museum.
I always get the cold pressed juices but you can also choose from a wide range of smoothies, bowls, wraps, toasts and soups.
L’OV Osteria Vegetariana
Piazza del Carmine, 4R
Best For: Dinner before a night out on the town
L’OV Osteria Vegetariana is managed by the same owners as Quinoa, one of my top picks for eating gluten-free in Florence, but with a vegetarian menu instead of gluten-free.
I always suggest L’OV Osteria Vegetariana to people who want to grab a bite before heading out on the town because of its location in Piazza del Carmine. Located in one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city, expect this restaurant to be filled with locals, most of whom live in the area and will most likely be finishing their evening with a digestivo or after-dinner drink at one of the many bars in Via San Frediano or Piazza Santo Spirito. And as far as the food goes, it’s delicious!
Veg & Veg
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 4/1° piano
Best For: Vegans and vegetarians eating with people without dietary restrictions
Veg & Veg is my top pick for vegetarians and vegans eating with others who don’t follow the same diet as they do.
With its unique formula on the upper floor of the Mercato Centrale, each person orders at a different food stand and then you all eat together at communal tables in the middle of the large open market space. Others can choose from traditional Italian food (homemade pasta, pizza, truffle dishes, Southern Italian specials, etc.) while you can get a vegan burger.
Not in the mood for a burger? They also have rice bowls, salads, fruit bowls and juices!
Tips For Eating Vegetarian And Vegan In Florence
Although I am not a vegetarian or vegan, my natural tendency is to eat a plant-based diet. I often eat vegetarian when I am eating out at restaurants in Florence. Follow these top tips for eating vegetarian and vegan in Florence, even if you aren’t at a specific vegetarian restaurant:
- Many regular restaurants in Florence have plenty of vegetarian options on their menu. Florentine and Tuscan food is based on la cucina povera, embodying a plant-based diet.
- If you are at a regular restaurant, look at the appetizers and first courses, and side dishes to find the best vegetarian and vegan options.
- If you don’t find a vegetarian or vegan option, don’t be afraid to ask your server for a suggestion.
- Feel free to make a whole meal out of side dishes and appetizers without ordering a first or second course.
- If you don’t feel like sitting down for a meal, check out my street food guide in Florence to learn more about the local street food, including vegetarian and vegan options like cecina.
- Shopping at markets in Florence for snacks is one of my top tips for being a vegetarian or vegan in any city in Italy. The local Mercato Centrale or Sant’Ambrogio Market have a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and appropriate snacks to fit in your bag for later.
- Grocery stores in Italy also have plenty of vegan and vegetarian options in terms of both ingredients for cooking your own meal and for keeping snacks on hand. My favorite items are nuts and seeds which can be found next to the vegetables and fruits.
Look the Part: Check out these 5 Items Not to Wear When Dining Out in Italy and What to Wear to Dinner in Italy.
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
Helpful Vocabulary For Vegetarians And Vegans In Florence
| 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? |
| Sono vegetariano/a | soh-noh veh-jeh-tah-ree-ah-noh/nah | I am vegetarian (male/female) |
| Siamo vegetariani | see-ah-moh veh-jeh-tah-ree-ah-nee | We are vegetarians |
| Non mangio carne | nohn mahn-joh cahr-neh | I don’t eat meat |
| È possibile fare un piatto vegetariano? | eh pohs-see-bee-leh fah-reh oon pee-aht-toh veh-jeh-tah-ree-ah-noh | Is it possible to order something vegetarian? |
| 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 |
Spending Time in Florence? Make the most of your time eating and drinking in bella Firenze!:
Best Pizza in Florence
Best Gelato In Florence
Best Dairy-Free Gelato in Florence
Best Coffee In Florence
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence
The Best Cheap Eats in Tuscany
Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Florence
Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
Where to Have Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Where to Eat on Your First Visit to Florence
My Favorite Places to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence
Where to Have Brunch in Florence
Coolest Bars in Florence
International Restaurants in Florence
My Favorite Wine Bars (Enoteche) in Florence
Wines to Try in Tuscany
Where to Find Florence’s Best Schiacciata
Florence’s Best Panini
Food Markets in Florence
Where to Find Florence’s Best Pastries
Best Bakeries in Florence
Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
Where to Have Apericena in Florence
Where to Get Takeout in Florence
Where Locals Eat in Florence
Florentine Food Souvenirs
Where to Buy Specialty Food Items and Gifts in Florence
Where to Eat with Kids in Florence
Where to Get a Quick Bite with Kids in Florence
Traditional Tuscan Food
