From tapas to paella, pinchos to tortilla española (Spanish omelette), Spanish cuisine is renowned worldwide. But if there is one food that the majority of Spaniards seem to take most pride in it’s jamón serrano/ ibérico (special cured ham). It is no secret that Spain is, generally-speaking, a meat-loving country, but their love of jamón goes to whole new levels, as I discovered after living in the carnivorous capital Madrid for a year. Although I have never been vegan and haven’t been a strict vegetarian since I was 14, having a vegan-turned-vegetarian best friend meant that I was nearly always searching for veggie options, too. So, after a lot of hunting, a lot of receiving literally just a LEAF or finding there is in fact meat in the dish, being asked why vegetarians don’t eat jamón- I mean come on, it’s jamón!- my guapamole (see what I did there- ‘guapa’ and guacamole, the best salsa ever) Emily and I bring you our top list of restaurants with vegetarian and/or vegan options in Madrid!
Vega (Calle de la Luna 9, Metro Noviciado or Callao)
Vega is a top pick for vegans or anyone who loves homemade, organic meals. It has a great selection of soups, salads, veggie kebabs, and delicious desserts. It also offers gluten-free options and is good value for money. But remember to come early as it gets busy fairly quickly!
Naif (Calle San Joaquin 16, Metro Tribunal)
Situated in Malasaña, the most alternative and, arguably, most lively district in Madrid, Naif is a personal favourite as someone who enjoys vegetarian and meat dishes alike. Top recommendations are the hummus starter served with special nachos and the Vegetariana hamburger. There’s also a great menu of the day which offers one or two courses with a drink and dessert or coffee for under 15 euros. Random fact: the bathroom has two toilets and the walls are covered top to bottom with super cool graffiti!
La Bicicleta Café (Plaza de San Ildefonso 9, Metro Tribunal)
Also located in the Malasaña area, this quirky café is a bit more expensive than Naif but also has a great atmosphere, aptly decorated with real bicycles and cool posters on the walls, as well as a good few options for veggies. Its coffee also deserves special mention.
Shi-Shang (Concepción Arenal 3, Metro Gran Vía)
Vegetarian, healthy and diverse, this restaurant is situated just off Gran Vía (the main shopping street in Madrid) and offers an affordable all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet with a wide range of Asian dishes. Think vegetables, tofu, veggie sushi, spring rolls and meat-that’s-not-meat paired with impressive hospitality!
B
13 (Calle de la Ballesta 13, Metro Gran Vía)
B13 is a relatively recent fast food vegan/ vegetarian restaurant also located on Gran Vía which offers generous portions of veganised traditional Spanish dishes at great prices! Set up by a friend of a friend, I can say it is a great choice for vegans, vegetarians and other foodies in Madrid.
Goiko Grill (Maria de Molina 16, Metro Gregorio Marañón)
This burger chain has many stores scattered around the city but I can safely say that the best, both for customer service and food, is the one in the Salamanca district. Whilst not specifically Vegan/Vegetarian, Goiko has some pretty amazing burgers, all of which have vegan alternatives!
Greek and Shop (Corredera Alta de San Pablo 9, Metro Tribunal)
A stone’s throw away from Naif, Greek and Shop is an authentic Greek restaurant/food store with some incredibly tasty, albeit slightly expensive for the portion size, vegetarian Greek dishes. The veggie falafel is my guilty pleasure!
Shukran (Calle Alcala 62, Metro Príncipe de Vergara or Goya)
Located in the rather expensive Salamanca district, Shukran has great mediterranean, notably Lebanese, food with a huge range of vegetarian options and an amazing atmosphere.
Viva Burger (Costanilla de San Andrés 16, Metro La Latina)
An all-vegan restaurant with beautiful decor and a range of yummy fresh vegan burgers, salad buffets and a large selection of fruit juices. A bit off the beaten track but with great food, atmosphere and hospitality, Viva Burger is not to be missed!
Recommendation for a great website for vegan and vegetarian restaurants: HappyCow (http://www.happycow.net)
