Normally, you would never think of Italy as a place for vegetarians. This is a land known for bistecca, cured meats and all sorts of delicious goodness. In fact if you go to places like Umbria or Emilia-Romagna, people might give you the side-eye if you talk glowingly about your vegan diet.

That being said, the traditional Mediterranean diet is very vegetable based and healthy to boot.

Personally, I tend to eat very little meat – just out of habit more than anything so this list is just as good for me than anyone else. We like to stick to a once a week meat deal, usually out since I hate messing up dinner. Plus you would be surprised how yummy and eclectic some of these options really are.

When you have dishes such as a perfectly-cooked risotto with asparagus, fresh Spring pea soup, creamy pumpkin soup made with coconut milk & curry, fragrant fresh ravioli – need I say more. Plus with wonderful grains such as farro or quinoa for your protein, who really needs meat?

I also added a list of vegan and gluten-free options since they definitely have opened up quite a few options lately in the city, they even have macrobiotic and raw options (newly opened).

Enough about that, before I go stuff myself with pizza {hint to self-never write a blog post about food when you’re hungry!}, I think it’s about time I wrote a post about where vegetarians, vegans or those who are gluten-free can go to get a great meal in Florence. Luckily I live in a pretty dynamic city with all sorts of options, especially in 2016.

So put make a cow happy, slap someone with a head of cavolo nero and indulge in your inner veggie lover!

Libreria Brac

This is one of my favorite places to bring people because its super hidden but very central, they have great—and affordable wine, a nice aperitivo option and good food. I highly recommend asking for their well-priced ‘piatto unico’ which is not only a steal, but also offers three different tasting options for  those who want to enjoy vegan and vegetarian gourmet Italian cuisine. Reservations are recommended and the service can be a bit slow but just having a glass of wine in that courtyard is pretty awesome! Plus — they serve brunch and are open on Sundays! address: Via dei Vagellai 18R, 50122 Firenze, Italy, Phone number +39 055 0944877. website.

Il Vegetariano

 As far as I know, this place has been here quite some time, less of a restaurant and more of a quick-lunch place but they do serve dinner. It does get rave reviews! In fact, I went with a few friends and was impressed with the variety of options and cute atmosphere. Closed Monday, Open Tuesday to Sunday. address: Via delle Ruote 30r, 50129 Firenze, Italy, Phone number +39 055 475030. website.

Cuculia

Really cute library cafe ‘book bar’ located in the oltrarno area of Florence. They host cultural events here, serve a great aperitivo in addition to the very nice restaurant. They specialize in creative, vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Besides serving up organic, bio-dynamic wines their dishes are quite interesting and change seasonally. Plus they serve Moscow mules which makes this girl, very happy – as you all know! Via dei Serragli 3/R, 50124 Firenze, Italy, Phone number +39 055 2776205. website.

Konnubio (vegan-vegetarian-pescatarian)

This place wins with both ambiance and quality and is conveniently near the train station. They offer a variety of Italian food with a special vegan menu and win on the fish front. Lunch entrees around 15 euros. If you eat fish, I highly recommend their sesame-crusted tuna steak. This is the kind of place you never want to skip dessert, I had a caramel semifreddo here recently that was mind-blowing. Dinner doesn’t come cheap but the ambiance makes it worth it. Good for veggies and carnivores alike. address is : Via dei Conti 8R, 50123 Florence, Italy: neighborhood Santa Maria Novella/San lorenzo.

Sweethings Vegan Firenze | Bakery

I recently walked by this pretty bakery on borgo san frediano  143/r and rushed to add it to my list since everything looked pretty amazing in the window. Check out the latest baked goods via their FB page.

Starbene Gluten-Free Bakery

For those looking to indulge in gluten-free delights all in one place, there is just the bakery for you on the popular Via e’Neri in the center of town and specialized in both savory and sweet delights, pastries, cakes, pizza and bread. You can also enjoy their ample “apericena” that lets you chow at their buffet with the price of a drink (8€).  Starbene is open daily until 7pm, address: Via dei Neri, 13/r, 50122 Firenze FI. 

Perché No, Gluten-Free Gelato

Who would have thought that gluten-free cones exist in Florence but luckily one gelateria in the center takes care of all its customers or you can opt naturally for an always “gluten free” coppetta (gelato cup).  address: Via Dei Tavolini 19/R, Florence, Italy 50122. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg3dEYZnXpE/?taken-at=10989415

Ciro & Sons: Gluten-Free Pizza

I have yet to visit myself but friends who are celiac swear by Ciro & Son’s gluten-free pizza, additionally they also serve gluten-free pasta, gluten-free bruschetta and dessert options. They are pioneers in bringing gluten-free options to Florence, but fear not, carbs for celiacs can find their happy home here. If I’m honest, I am more intrigued with its location, being that it was once the residence of the late-Renaissance noble family of Pope Clement VIII Aldobrandini. address: Via del Giglio, 28, 50123 Firenze FI. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcajdm1nCdl/?taken-by=ristoranteciroandsons

Ristorante Quinoa (gluten-free)

This new place is located in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, 1 in the new ZAP area (old casa della creativita). I recently ventured there with my friends and really liked it, lately I have gone quite a few times.  It’s actually a 100% gluten-free restaurant but the veggie options are abundant, great sformatino di vedure, ceviche, Thai options and of course their namesake quinoa. The design is modern and sheek, plus you can eat outdoors!Prices range around 16€ a dish (updated for 2017). Website.

L’OV Osteria Vegetariana

A restaurant dedicated not only to vegetarians, but for everyone at the table to forget their love for meat. From the same owners of Quinoa, you will this adorable restaurant nestled in a quiet corner of Piazza Carmine on the other side of the river. The menu is vast, and contains Tuscan staples such as cavolo nero (a type of kale), a type of vegetarian “peposo” served with polenta, Florentine “ramen” with porcini mushrooms, lasagna with red cabbage, leeks and taleggio and much more (I loved this lasagna dish).

Address: piazza carmine 4r

Il Fresco Senza Glutine (gluten-free)

This is a bakery a little further out near piazza liberta. They sell gluten-free cookies, pastries and pizza and give you a smile while doing so. Viale Spartaco Lavagnini 2, 50129 Florence.

#Raw (Raw Vegan)

#Raw | Via Sant’Agostino, A recent open in Florence this raw vegan tiny caffe is just behind Santo Spirito on via sant’agostino.

Owned by a young couple, one half Swedish, one half Florentine on a quest to provide people on a raw diet with options. They offer morning muesli, vegan panini and their own gelato made with coconut water which is pretty fabulous. They also sell whole coconuts to drink Thailand style and are working on cold-pressed infused juices. :-). I’m a fan!

Dolce Vegan

This place is catered to vegans and known for their sweet desserts. Truth be told, I’ve never been there but I would absolutely stop by for a sweet escape next time I’m in the area.Via San Gallo 32R 50129 Firenze. Neighborhood: Indipendenza.

Universo Vegan (Vegan)

I call this place ‘fast food for vegans’ and it’s smack dab in the historical center to boot. If you plan on sitting inside, there’s isn’t much space but it looks like they offer quite an array of options, from snacks to mains to desserts. I might have spotted a vegan sacher cake on the menu. address: Via Pietrapiana 47, 50121, Florence, Italy. 

Il Carduccio (Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic)

Healthy options have arrived in the oltrarno, lucky for us who need some nice options for days we are on a detox and just plain want to eat some vegetables that aren’t overcooked to death. As they tend to do in Italy.

Il Carduccio is a beautiful small cafe run by Maria and her partner who’s fresh organic vegetables and fruit are delivered direct from a farm every morning. Here you can get a healthy breakfast (including vegan croissants), freshly-squeezed juices, instead for lunch or aperitivo there are options such as a ‘green gazpacho’, zucchini salads, vegetable pudding, flavored water and vegan wine. I have always had a delightful meal here and I dare say they serve the best salad in town.

The perfect healthy go-to in the Oltrarno neighborhood. Prices range from 8€ (salad).  Open 8am-8pm, address: sdrucciolo de pitta 10/r.  Facebook page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BF33ALdxTPq/?taken-by=girlinflorence

Ruth’s (Vegetarian)

Next to the beautiful synagogue, I’ve been to this place many times and always enjoyed it. I highly recommend the falafel plate and the apple cake. Plus the guy who works there is a real character.Via Luigi Carlo Farini 2A
50121 Firenze, Italy, Phone number +39 055 2480888/.

Crepapelle (Vegan/Vegetarian)

A fun and friendly vegan and vegetarian cafe on Via Giampaolo Orsini, 55/A known for their creative crepes. The two owners are passionate about serving up seasonal foods, along with their little dog Pixel. They also have a variety of organic beer and wine. Closed on Monday, open for both lunch and dinner.

BioVeggie (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Yet another spot that I have yet to try, however good friends have vouched for the place for me as wonderful for snacks and gluten-free wine and beer. They offer a delicious sounding tasting plate for 12 euros and their menu boasts items such as curried lentil polpette, vegan burgers, pizzas and salads. Located in the suburbs near the Gavinana shopping center, address: Via Erbosa 12R, 50126, Florence, Italy. 

Veggy Days

In the San Marco/Piazza independenza neighborhood, Veggy days offers healthy options for solo travelers. address: Via San Gallo 75/R, Florence, Italy. Plenty of vegan options in addition to vegetarian and think of it as ‘vegan fast food’ with burgers made of spinach and all sorts of goodies.

Veg & Veg (Central Market) 

For those who might not yet have heard, back in 2014, the central market in San Lorenzo inaugurated their ‘primo piano’ or first floor fancy food court offering an array of Italian options. Naturally they want to cater to everyone, and Veg & Veg is their vegetarian/vegan option offering up vegan/veggie burgers, fruit juices, big salads in ‘taco bowls.’  10am-12am. address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 4. 

Albero Cafe

I’m still pretty shocked that we actually have a decently priced organic juice bar near the Ponte Vecchio but yes, it does exist. While “Shake” (see below) is more well-known, this juice bar is my absolute favorite. In addition to fresh juices, they also have smoothies, fresh sandwiches and salads. The interior is the size of a postage stamp but it’s a pleasant atmosphere. Go here. address:  Borgo S. Jacopo, 7. Open 8am-8pm. 

Il Sedano Allegro

This place has been in the Sant’ambrogio area of Florence near the market. A small place, but people say it is worth visiting so go ahead and make your celery happy! 😉 . Via Farini 1. Phone number +39 055 2344020. Open Monday through Saturday from 12 – midnight. 

La Raccolta

This place serves up really yummy food and has a surprisingly awesome website. They sell organic foods and even offer take-away. Worth trekking over to the viale for sure!

Via Giacomo Leopardi 2R
50121 Firenze
Neighborhood: Santa Croce

Vivanda

Vivanda has long been a favorite of mine. It boasts a pleasant contemporary-bistro atmosphere with organic wines and a screamingly cheap lunch menu (10 euros for good stuff). What I like about them is that they really look for high-quality ingredients and I’ve never had a bad meal here. Highly recommend. They offer vegetarian, vegans and gluten-free dishes. address:  Via Santa Monaca, 7, 50124 Firenze.

Le Fate {Vegan}

Interesting restaurant that apparently serves you more than just vegan food. Your {lunch} or dinner will be aligned with your zodiac star sign + the wine! Nope we are not making this up. They moved locations from the Santa Croce area to nearer to San Marco/independenza. I have been there myself and really enjoyed my meal so I highly recommend. It’s great when you’re looking for something a little different. address: via San Zanobi, 126/r. Phone: +39 055 3841998

5 e Cinque (Vegetarian & Organic)

For a nice dining experience in the Oltrarno, 5 e Cinque is a wonderful option for our vegetarian friends. The location itself cannot be beat, while the inside space is limited, they have adorable two-seater tables outside in the square in the warmer months. The menu is eclectic and tasty (and very small) and changes by the season, they typically have everything from couscous, egg in tomato and fresh pasta, also try the cecina (chickpea pancake) and focaccia with melted cheese. While a little pricier than most vegetarian places and expect small portions, it is a nice experience and you’ll definitely have space for gelato afterwards. Neighborhood: Oltrarno, address: piazza della passera. Reservations recommended +39  055 274 1583. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIdC6pRBoYK/?taken-by=girlinflorence

Un Punto Macrobiotico {Vegetarian}

A cultural center and restaurant, this place has received raved review so far and it is in one of my favorite piazzas in town, a little away from the center but quite nice. Keep in mind you need to sign up to a yearly membership (10€) in order to eat there but I’ve heard the food id quite good. Nearby is also a wonderful outdoor open bar in the center ‘Aurora’. Address: Piazza Tasso 3R, firenze.

Shake Cafe

The healthy version of fast food, Shake Cafe serves up  breakfast, green juices, shakes (hence the name) salads and sandwiches in a cute environment in both piazza santa maria novella and via dello corso 26. I’ve also spotted avocado toast on their menu (though you can also get this at Ditta Artigianale).

Albero Cafe

A small juice bar on Borgo San Jacopo close to the Ponte Vecchio (Oltrarno side), I actually like this place better than Shake Cafe. First, nicer service, second, their organic pressed juices don’t break the bank. You can order from their chalkboard menu or mix up your own concoction. address: Borgo S. Jacopo, 7.

Also don’t forget to read this great post by Cross Pollinate about their own experience in Florence discovering vegetarian food!

**Looking for gluten-free? This is an official list of restaurants etc. that specialize in Gluten free food in and around Florence

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave