Guide to Eating Vegan in Barcelona

You will discover Barcelona's vegan scene offers far more than basic salads and veggie paella. From cozy cafes in El Raval to high-end dining in Eixample, the city's plant-based options can fit any budget and craving. Whether you're hunting for dairy-free versions of traditional Spanish tapas or seeking fresh local produce at neighborhood markets, Barcelona's vegan-friendly spots continue to multiply each year. Let's explore how to navigate this Mediterranean city's evolving plant-based landscape.

Key Points

• Barcelona offers 894+ vegan-friendly spots across neighborhoods like Gothic Quarter, El Raval, and Gràcia, with 60 fully-vegan restaurants.
• Traditional Spanish dishes like paella, croquettes, and tapas are widely available in vegan versions throughout the city.
• Dedicated vegan stores like V Market and traditional markets like La Boqueria provide extensive plant-based ingredients and products.
• Popular vegan restaurants include Eqvilibrivm Café for breakfast, Monchito for tacos, and Rasoterra for zero-waste tasting menus.
• The city hosts annual vegan events like VegFest Barcelona and features a rapidly growing plant-based food scene.

Best Plant-Based Neighborhoods to Explore

Wondering where to find Barcelona's best vegan eats? Head to the Gothic Quarter for affordable options like Vegetalia's shared plates and Cat Bar's craft beers.

El Raval packs a punch with Flax & Kale's health-focused dishes and Teresa Carles' customizable menu. Don't miss their famous vegan spelt croissant for breakfast.

Savor wholesome flavors at El Raval's Flax & Kale and Teresa Carles, where health-conscious dining meets personalized plant-based menus.

You'll find plenty of plant-based gems in Gràcia, from La Besnéta's vegan pastries to Bistrot Rasoterra's farm-to-table fare.

Eixample offers upscale choices like Roots and Rolls' vegan sushi, while Blu Bar serves classic Spanish favorites.

For a mix of traditional and modern, explore El Born's Teresa Carles and Bubita Sangria Bar.

Each neighborhood brings its own vegan flair, with options ranging from quick bites to full dining experiences.

Must-Try Traditional Spanish Dishes Gone Vegan

Barcelona's culinary scene offers plenty of plant-based versions of traditional Spanish favorites.

You'll discover vegan paella loaded with seasonal vegetables and plant-based seafood at spots like Bubita Sangria Bar, where they master the authentic bomba rice and saffron-infused broth. Don't miss the mushroom croquettes, which cleverly replace traditional béchamel with mushroom filling.

For lighter fare, try the gazpacho or its creamier cousin, salmorejo – just skip the traditional egg and ham toppings. These cold soups are naturally rich in vitamins and perfect for warm days.

Pan con tomate and escalivada make perfect lunch options, while patatas bravas and pimientos de padrón work great as shareable tapas. Barcelona's vegan tapas scene has exploded in recent years, with new restaurants opening regularly.

For heartier meals, explore the Asturian fabada with vegan chorizo or the chickpea-rich cocido madrileño, both offering filling alternatives to their meat-based counterparts.

Local Markets and Shopping for Vegan Ingredients

Whether you're new to vegan shopping in Barcelona or a seasoned plant-based cook, the city's markets and specialty stores make finding ingredients surprisingly simple.

You'll find dedicated vegan stores like V Market and Ecocentre where you won't need to check labels for animal derivatives. These shops stock everything from dairy-free cheeses to plant-based seafood alternatives. When visiting V Market, you can explore their bulk frozen products, which is a unique offering in the city.

For budget-friendly options, head to traditional markets like La Boqueria or Santa Caterina, where you can buy fresh produce, exotic fruits, and Mediterranean spices.

Health food chains Veritas and Biospace offer extensive vegan selections, including bulk items and cruelty-free cosmetics.

Don't miss local producers like Farmers Veggies Butchers for plant-based chorizo and Väcka for artisanal nut cheeses.

For convenience, many stores now stock frozen vegan ready-meals, including popular Heura products.

Top-Rated Vegan Restaurants and Cafes

Looking for plant-based dining in Barcelona? You'll discover options ranging from casual burger joints to upscale tasting menus.

Start your day at Eqvilibrivm Café with their fully plant-based English breakfast, or try Asante Café's vegan eggs Benedict in a pet-friendly setting. Those seeking a sweet brunch can indulge in delicious pancakes at Morgentau.

For international flavors, head to Monchito for Europe's first vegan taco bar, or sample Roots & Rolls' Japanese-Southeast Asian fusion.

Craving comfort food? Cat Bar serves hearty nut-based burgers with craft beers, while Mad Mad Vegan specializes in smash burgers.

Don't skip dessert – La Besnéta offers artisanal pastries and seasonal cakes, while Gocce Di Latte serves dairy-free gelato.

For special occasions, try Rasoterra's zero-waste tasting menus or Moments' Michelin-starred Catalan cuisine with vegan options.

Barcelona's Growing Vegan Food Scene and Events

Over the past few years, the vegan scene in Barcelona has exploded with growth, boasting a 173% increase in plant-based businesses since 2022.

You'll now find over 894 vegan-friendly spots across the city, including 60 fully vegan restaurants.

Barcelona ranks among Europe's top destinations for plant-based dining and sustainable food culture.

The city's lively vegan culture comes alive at annual events like Vegan Fest and VegFest Barcelona, where you can enjoy cooking demos and sample new products. Many restaurants showcase creative takes on Pan con Tomate, the classic Catalan dish of tomato-rubbed bread with garlic and olive oil.

For everyday shopping, head to specialty stores like La Veganeria del Born for plant-based meats and cheeses, or stock up at V Market and Vegacelona grocery chains.

Keep an eye out for exciting pop-ups like KOOL and The Veggie Burger Warriors, which regularly introduce temporary plant-based menus.

Even mainstream restaurants and hotels increasingly cater to vegan diets, with dedicated options at traditional markets like La Boqueria.

The Wrap Up

You will discover Barcelona's vegan scene offers something for every budget and taste. From market-fresh produce to innovative restaurant dishes, you can enjoy plant-based versions of traditional Spanish cuisine without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on social media for pop-up events and food festivals, and don't forget to explore neighborhood cafes for daily specials. With careful planning, eating vegan in Barcelona is both delicious and affordable.