Being a vegetarian in Spain can be tricky, you’re sometimes left with little choice but salads, tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette) and some small plates of tapas such as queso Manchego and pimientos dePadrón (fried green peppers). Things in Catalonia are improving however, especially since Barcelona City Hall officially declared the city as a veggie-friendly last year. Nearby Girona is following suit, with some great options.
Veggana Girona
Cafe, Restaurant, Spanish, Vegan, $$$
This cute modern cafe can be found just outside of the old town and caters exclusively to vegans. Think dishes such as falafels, rice and black beans, soy nuggets and seitan skewers. They also serve classic vegan burgers and hummus with bread. The desserts are great too, with homemade vegan ice cream and tarts available. The cafe also has takeaway options and a mini-mart where you can buy hard-to-find vegan ingredients to take home with you. Veggana Girona also doubles up as an exhibition space and holds workshops and seminars.
One of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in the city, Amaranta offers upscale dining in a contemporary restaurant, with beautifully presented dishes. Plates include risotto with crunchy Catalan mushrooms and parmesan; pumpkin lasagne with apple and goat’s cheese; and vegetable moussaka with soy. They also serve a changing daily menu available at lunchtimes. Vegans will also be pleased to find a good selection too.
This restaurant-bar is both 100% vegan and eco-friendly, serving locally-grown and organic ingredients. In its classic red and black interior, dine on tapas plates, pintxos and vegan burgers. They also specialises in Catalan artisanal beers and don’t serve any products considered to be unethical.
Eco-living, raw food, organic, gluten-free, vegan and ecological are just some of the words used to describe this chic wooden-clad restaurant run by eco chef Eva Roca. It’s a great place for breakfast with a range of fresh juices and muesli, or lunch with dishes such as raw pizza, burgers, kale and quinoa salad. Don’t miss out on their delicious homemade cakes, including lemon cheesecake, carrot cake and chocolate and coconut truffles.
This cute little restaurant, decorated with red wood-panelling, odd knick-knacks and curios is not specifically vegetarian, but it does have a good selection of both veggie and vegan dishes, as well as lots of healthy, low fat and low sugar options. Soft music and lighting make it the perfect evening out, whether to share tapas bites with friends or enjoy a romantic evening out.
This Bohemian-style cafe, sitting along the River Onyar, makes for the perfect spot, not only to eat but also to relax and hang out. Sit in one of the cosy cave-like cubby holes or along the cushioned-seated windows and try one of their homemade veggie burgers and fresh fruit juices.
This contemporary cafe offers a great array of tasty veggie, vegan and gluten-free dishes, which taste as good as they look. Try the stuffed cannelloni, roasted tofu or mushroom risotto. They also have a great three-course menu of the day, which is constantly changing.
