The cuisine of Poland may not be famous for being particularly vegetarian-friendly, but with the recent trend popularising healthy eating, restaurants promoting plant-based diets are popping up like mushrooms after a heavy rain, as the Polish saying goes. With a great array of choices, vegan and vegetarians alike can surely find something catered to their tastes in Gdańsk with our guide to the best addresses in town.
The first and by far the most popular vegan restaurant in the city, Avocado Vegan Bistro has won over the hearts of vegetarians and meat-lovers alike – so much so that the owners decided to open a second location last year. The menu in each place changes daily to feature fresh, seasonal ingredients, though it usually includes a mix of ‘veganised’ Polish classics as well as dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. Those with a sweet tooth will not leave this place disappointed, as the wide selection of cakes, tarts and other desserts on offer will surely satisfy their cravings.
With a lunch menu including a soup, a main dish and a dessert available for only 18 zł (around €4.50), Feed My Soul Bistro is dedicated to proving that a plant-based lifestyle does not have to wreck your budget. The lunch menu changes daily and includes, for example, pickle soup, Thai curry and brownies made with adzuki beans; or tomato soup, savoury tart with sweet potatoes and beans and carrot cake. The bistro also offers burgers and sweet and savoury crepes.
Perfect for those who want to eat a healthy meal, but don’t want to leave their bed, GugaFood operates primarily as a takeout company, with menu options posted daily on their Facebook page. However, those who enjoy eating out can head to their café GugaSweet or newly opened GugaSpicy. Both places are vegan, gluten-free and feature minimalist, yet cosy décor.
A relatively fresh addition to the Gdańsk’s restaurant scene, Vege Port Pizza has you covered whenever you feel the need for some Italian comfort food. However, those looking for healthier options can also find something in the seasonal menu which changes daily.
Positioning itself as offering creative vegetarian cuisine, Food Art Company’s menu changes every day, depending on the availability of seasonal ingredients. This tiny restaurant is the brainchild of Marzena Imiłkowski, who has worked with one of the most recognisable Polish chef’s Maciej Kuroń in Warsaw’s Studio Buffo, where she was a manager prior to moving to Gdańsk. With a very home kitchen-like vibe, the place invites its guests to slow down, enjoy a healthy meal and even have a little chat with the owner.
Those who want to take a break from local specialities should head over to Hummusland. Located in the quickly gentrifying neighbourhood of Dolny Brzeszcz, this small restaurants is known for its large portions and low prices. Customers can choose from a variety of different flavours of hummus, including natural, tomato, pepper, or beetroot as well as falafel or tabbouleh.
Even though it is not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, Mandu offers plenty of meat-free options. Loved by locals and tourists alike, this iconic restaurant dedicated to pierogi dumplings is a great place when you want to satisfy that craving for Polish cuisine. Choose from traditional options like pierogi ruskie stuffed with white cheese, potatoes and onion, to more adventurous ones like carrots and peanut butter or tofu with spicy peppers paste, served with vegan mayo.
Potatoes fans brace yourselves as you have found your shrine. PyraBar puts the almighty potato on the culinary pedestal and turns it into a number of traditional dishes, from potato pancakes to baked potatoes to fries and local version of gnocchi. Some of the dishes include meaty toppings, but there are definitely enough veggie-friendly options to choose from.
