The 8 Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Tehran

Vegetarians usually face a bit of a challenge when dining out in Iran, as Persian cuisine is heavily based around meat. But healthy eating and the benefits of a veggie diet have reached the boundaries of Iran, with a number of such restaurants in the capital city. Here are eight of the best vegetarian eateries in Tehran, where you can try traditional dishes without having to sacrifice your diet.

1. Zamin

Restaurant, Vegan, Iraqi

Persian for “earth”, Zamin is perhaps the only 100% vegan eatery in Tehran. With only a handful of tables, this log cabin-esque restaurant has an extensive menu of plant-based burgers, pizza, sushi, kabob, and even traditional Persian stews – a standout is the ghormeh sabzi, a tasty recipe of various herbs and kidney beans. The small grocery section by the cashier is equipped with gluten-free crackers, quinoa, and other vegan pantry items.

2. Ananda Vegetarian Restaurant

Restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Iraqi

This enchanting haunt has been delivering flavorful meat-free dishes for over a decade, proving that vegetarianism can be both healthy and delicious. Set in a tranquil zen garden in the Pasdaran neighborhood, Ananda offers a veggie take on traditional Persian dishes like stuffed peppers and grape leaves. A handful of yummy vegan options and an equally pleasing café menu make this a worthwhile stop, even for meat-eaters.

3. Banyan Tree

Situated on the bustling Shariati Street, what Banyan Tree lacks in peaceful ambiance, it more than makes up for in its dishes. The kitchen prides itself on never using frozen or canned ingredients, and choosing only wholegrain pastas and bread and brown rice. Be sure to try its vegan-friendly version of the sinfully delicious Persian comfort food, fesenjoon, a sweet-and-sour stew made with pomegranate molasses, crushed walnuts, and – in this case – tofu.
Tehran Province, Tehran, District 3. T: +98 21 2263 1017

5. Pure Vegetarian Cuisine

Restaurant, Vegetarian, Vegan, Iraqi

Found among the bountiful cafés in the A.S.P. Towers, this lovely little restaurant has French-inspired interiors, friendly English-speaking staff, and a cozy vibe that keeps customers returning. Dishes from the vegetarian and vegan menu are not only tastefully presented but also perfectly seasoned. Breakfast options are available, while those who visit on a Wednesday night will be treated to some live music as well.

6. Tilit

Restaurant, Halal, Vegetarian, Iraqi

Not a vegetarian restaurant per se, Tilit is the only place in town, however, that offers a veggie alternative to one of Iran’s most-beloved national dishes – dizi, a traditional stew of beans, potatoes, and lamb, cooked in a clay pot. Served in true Iranian fashion, with various pickled vegetables, yogurt, fresh herbs, and bread, the food is perfect for a pit stop after a day exploring downtown Tehran. It’s recommended to call a day in advance for the tofu-substituted dizi.

7. Khoshbin

Restaurant, Kebab, Healthy, Middle Eastern

Don’t head to Khoshbin (aka Hassan Rashti) if you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely meal. With a quick table turnover, this understated restaurant is an institution among Iranians, who come for the authentic Gilaki cuisine (from the northern Gilan region). Alongside the kabobs marinated in pomegranate molasses are typical northern dishes such as smoked white fish, mirzâ ghâsemi (smoked eggplant with egg), and bâghlâ ghâtogh (lima beans with egg), making it ideal for pescetarians and ovo-lacto vegetarians.

8. Charmy’s Pasta

Charmy’s is a cozy vegetarian joint, serving up an array of creamy pasta dishes in a snug setting with an open kitchen, making it feel like you’re eating in a friend’s home. Using only fresh ingredients, Charmy’s has mastered the various sauces of its simple yet tasty pasta dishes. The grilled eggplant is a favorite here, as is the virgin grape juice mojito.
2/1 Alborz 1 Alley Hafez St, District 6, Tehran. T: +98 21 66 49 85 10
http://instagram.com/p/wTVu6WmcHH/?taken-by=pastacharmys

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.