The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Cádiz, Spain

Known for having one of the most innovative and exciting kitchens in Cádiz, Arsenio Manila is not exclusively a vegetarian restaurant but nevertheless has plenty of choice for non meat-eaters. Popular dishes include the quinoa salad and the ‘Oriental Wok’ stir fry, both of which are prepared with fresh ingredients and unique twists. The restaurant is situated just metres from the clean sands of Playa Victoria, Cádiz’s most popular beach.

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a few cocktails as well as some excellent vegetarian food, La Isleta de la Vina is your place. Situated in the old fishing quarter of La Viña, it offers several meat-free dishes such as hummus and falafel, vegetable pie and vegetables stuffed with cous-cous. Given that it’s open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll also have ample opportunity to sample the superb cocktails, especially the mojito and the piña colada.

With its cool exposed brickwork and oak-beamed ceilings, Rosario Uno boasts one of the most stylish dining areas in Cádiz. The kitchen is not exclusively vegetarian, but there is a special meat-free section of the menu on which you’ll find more veggie dishes than in most Cádiz restaurants. Standout platos are the vegetarian paella and veggie burgers, while meat-free tapas are also available. Prices here a little higher than elsewhere in the centre, but customers nevertheless praise the cost-quality relationship.

Restaurante Candelaria is an Italian eatery located on Plaza Candeleria, one of the old town’s most charming squares (and home to a strikingly beautiful building). It offers one of the most extensive vegetarian menus in Cádiz, with an abundance of meat-free pizzas, pastas and salads to choose from. Many locals say Candeleria does the best pizza in town, so try the classic margherita or the ‘Cabra Y Pesto’ (goats cheese and pesto), both of which are delicious.

A good selection of homemade vegetarian meals is available at Ultramar&nos, a trendy gastrobar located in the north-east corner of old Cádiz. The vegetable curry or lasagne make for a hearty lunch or dinner, whilst the plates of assorted hummus and cheese are perfect for snacking or sharing. Professional, friendly waiters and a highly-praised price-quality relationship make eating here even more of a pleasure.

La Mentirosa is a tapas bar situated just over the road from the beautiful Genoves Park. It offers an imaginative and quirky menu, with excellent non-meat dishes such as the homemade hummus – served with carrot sticks – and the mushroom croquetas. For a decadent dessert, try the Death by Chocolate cake. Be sure to ask the staff what’s on that day, as some of the vegetarian and vegan options may not be listed anywhere.

Frityes is a take-away joint rather than a sit-down restaurant but it deserves a place in this article for doing what many customers say are the best chips they’ve ever had. Chips, in fact, are all this place serves: they come in generously-sized cardboard cones and to accompany them you can choose from a huge variety of sauces, many of which are vegetarian and/or vegan. Courageous veggies may want to try the Hot Shock, but be warned – it has quite a kick to it.