The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in La Paz

This long-standing vegetarian and vegan restaurant is a hippy oasis in the central working-class neighborhood of San Pedro. You can tell there is an artist and DJ at the helm, with groovy psychedelic murals decorating the leafy back section. The crowds come for the three-course vegan almuerzo (lunch) of national, fusion and international dishes. An extensive list of teas and fresh juices will set you right any time of day. Come for the friendly, chilled-out vibe and stay for the vegan tucumanas. Recommended by local insider Shaina Brassard

Bolivia has joined the healthy junk-food revolution with this friendly spot in the heart of Sopocachi. Carnivores and herbivores alike join the queue for the tasty quinoa burgers and gluten-free yucca nuggets – it’s comfort food to the max. Soups, salads and paninis make up the rest of the menu with ingredients sourced locally as much as possible. Recommended by local insider Andrea Puente Mancilla

The plates at Bolivia Green Kitchen are piled high with fresh, healthy ingredients – sometimes just what you need when on the road. Expect the usual fare of sandwiches, burgers and salads prepared with thought, care and nutrition in mind. Try the Ceviche Andino, with hearts of palm, sweet potato, corn, toasted beans and coriander. The juices and smoothies are just what the doctor ordered, but if you want a treat, the fruit salad comes drizzled with white chocolate sauce. Recommended by local insider Andrea Puente Mancilla

Deep in the Sopocachi neighborhood, in the business district, this is the place to people-watch and mingle with La Paz workers grabbing lunch. It serves up a vegetarian buffet as part of a weigh-then-pay scheme,so you can choose exactly what you want from the large selection on offer. Everything is handily labeled so you know what you’re getting. If you don’t, that’s also fun, right? Good, clean food with a hallowed, non-dairy dessert always on offer – vegans rejoice. Recommended by local insider Lucas Cosentino

Lupito, named after the owner’s rescue dog, is committed to promoting the rights and care of animals. They do all that and serve up, frankly, banging food. With a daily changing menu of soups, empanadas, rice and veggie dishes, you’re guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy. Located in a converted front room, the vibe is friendly and cosy, and the dishes are very reasonably priced. The mushroom anticuchos, a typical street food dish served on a skewer, are a must-try, as is the selection of cakes. Recommended by local insider Andrea Puente Mancilla

Carla, chef and owner of Aguacate, is a titan in the La Paz vegan food game. One of the first to champion the movement in the city, her food is beloved by meat-eaters and vegans equally – one trip to Aguacate and you’ll see why. The set menu, designed according to the seasons, is filled with animal-friendly classics like seitan nuggets. The chocolate and quinoa brownie topped with an almond, oat and cocoa frosting, is a trip straight to heaven. Recommended by local insider Andrea Puente Mancilla

Are we in London’s Soho, or New York’s Brooklyn? You could easily get confused in Café Vida, as it is trendy with a capital T. Colorful plates are filled with beautiful looking and tasting vegan and vegetarian food. With a strong influence from Andean cuisine, a lot of the ingredients are from the region, and they rustle up dishes to please all palates. The burritos are on another level and come with gluten-free options. Enjoy your smoothie bowl with courtyard views and a sense of joy. Recommended by local insider Lucas Cosentino

A renowned café and cultural space, MagicK is also a prime destination for those craving a healthy and delicious vegetarian feast. This huge former house in the trendy Sopocachi neighborhood boasts a variety of different dining spaces, each with their own unique decor and ambience. MagicK’s extensive vegetarian menu include salads, curries and tofu burgers, while an exquisite sushi platter is an excellent option for pescatarians.