Milan is a great destination for vegetarians and vegans looking for delicious and healthy food options.
One great thing about Italian food is that it’s very varied: you can find vegetarian options on most restaurant menus. For example, many traditional dishes don’t include meat: countless pasta or risotto recipes, but also pizza, or “secondi”, such as parmigiana.
But if you’re looking for more specialized vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, Milan offers a wide variety of vegan restaurants and cafes.
So, when you plan your trip, don’t forget to try some of these awesome vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Milan!
Why don’t you also try these gelaterie for some dairy-free vegan gelato?
Vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Milan, for any budget
Fine dining
Joia
This vegan restaurant in Milan’s Porta Venezia district, led by Swiss chef Pietro Leemann, is the first of its kind in Europe to receive a Michelin star, and it’s easy to see why.
The menu features an array of unique and interesting vegan and gluten-free dishes – the mushroom risotto is especially noteworthy, one of to be the best we’ve ever had. For a truly special experience, opt for the zenith menu, featuring eight courses.
The dishes are beautiful, and range from delicate to hearty, satisfying all cravings.
The staff is on par with what you’d expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant: attentive and meticulous, they will explain all dishes and ingredients in detail, and recommend the best wine pairing for your food choice.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is modern and intimate; whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat, Joia is a must-visit for a truly memorable vegan or vegetarian fine dining experience.
You’ll leave feeling satisfied in body, mind, and soul.
Mid-range
La Columbrina
Via Felice Casati, 5 (Porta Venezia)
La Columbrina is a vegan paradise in Milan’s trendy Porta Venezia district.
This restaurant takes a hands-on approach to vegan cuisine, creating everything from scratch, for a vegetarian take on Italian food: you’re gonna love this place.
Their menu is a true celebration of plant-based food. For example, they make a wide variety of homemade cheeses with dried fruits such as cashews, macadamia nuts and almonds – and they’re almost indistinguishable from the dairy-based cheese.
They also make delicious pizza, soups, and plant-based variations of the most classic of the many italian regional dishes.
You can taste the love and care that goes into every dish, the quality and flavors, which are absolutely mouthwatering.
And finally, the owners are so friendly and passionate about their food: they will gladly explain how each dish is made, providing an incredible experience for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Soulgreen
Piazzale Principessa Clotilde (Repubblica – yellow metro line)
If you’re looking for a modern and stylish vegetarian restaurant in Milan, Soulgreen is definitely worth checking out.
The restaurant boasts a sleek design and a cool ambience; the menu is extensive and offers a wide range of options to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
It’s worth mentioning that Soulgreen isn’t exclusively plant-based: all their dishes are meat-free, but they also offer seafood and fish options.
Another plus is that ordering is done via tablet, giving you an idea of what each meal looks like, its size, and all the ingredients, making it easy to decide what to order.
The restaurant also features outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying the Milanese atmosphere while dining.
Fairouz
Via Emilio Cornalia, 12 (Central Station / Repubblica – yellow metro line)
Via Michelangelo Buonarroti, 16 (Buonarroti – red metro line)
This fantastic Lebanese restaurant offers a flavorful menu filled with exclusively vegetarian and vegan dishes. From falafel, legumes and vegetables, you’ll experience a wide variety of flavors.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date or gathering friends for dinner, this is a great place to indulge in plant-based food with a new twist.
If you’re in the mood for trying out multiple options, you should opt for their set menus, which includes a variety of dishes that are built to bea perfect an introduction to Lebanese cuisine (with classic dishes such as baba ganoush, vegetarian shawarma, tabouleh..).
The set menus go from 40€ per person, to more limited ones, at 27€.
Overall, the restaurant offers a wide variety of options, and it is easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices available. Although the portion sizes may seem small, the flavours more than make up for it – plus, it makes it easier to try multiple things.
Regardless, the food is excellent, the service is amazing and overall the prices are more than fair.
Capra e Cavoli
Via Pastrengo, 18 (Isola district)
Capra e Cavoli features an elevated and creative menu in a beautifully decorated space, filled with plants and distinctive furnishings.
The food at Capra e Cavoli is cooked in a simple but elegant way, often creating surprising ingredient pairings, but always with excellent quality. The fact that the menu is small for us is an added value, as it shows that the restaurant focus is on quality rather than quantity.
The menu at Capra e Cavoli is not only delicious, but also healthful. They have a variety of vegetarian options, as well as fish and meat options for those who prefer it.
The wine selection is also noteworthy, plus the ambiance is so cozy and intimate to make this a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Moreover, the Sunday brunch is a must-try, with a wide range of delicious options that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
Budget friendly
Flower Burger
Viale Vittorio Veneto, 10 (Porta Venezia)
Corso Garibaldi, 34 (Brera)
Via Tortona, 12 (Navigli)
Via Lodovico Muratori, 6 (Porta Romana)
Head on down to Flower Burger (you’ll find them in multiple locations) for some of the tastiest vegan burgers you’ll ever try.
The burgers are packed with amazing layers of flavour, and the buns are dyed with natural ingredients like turmeric, beetroot and vegetable charcoal, giving them an eye-catching colorful appearance.
The Jungle BBQ and the Flower Cheddar burgers are truly delightful, and you’ll also get a side of crispy, spiced chips that you won’t be able to resist
The place itself is quite small, so expect to queue for tables but there are also some seats outdoors and you can also order your food to take away.
Whether you’re vegan or not, you have to go here for some of the best burgers you’ll ever taste.
Alhambra
Via S. Gregorio, 17 (Porta Venezia)
Alhambra is a vegan-friendly buffet style restaurant that is perfect for delicious, healthy, and affordable food.
Located in the Porta Venezia district, this restaurant offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.
The counter display is brimming with a variety of colorful and appetizing dishes sold by weight, which means that you can customize your meal to your appetite and budget.
The service is super fast and efficient,and they have a few small tables inside and outside, providing a cozy and intimate setting to chat and unwind.
If you’re on the go, they also have a take-out service (plus, they use recyclable and biodegradable packaging we really appreciated).
Photo by Monika Grabkowska
