Traditional Spanish food tends to be very hearty and most of the dishes have mainly meat so, for a vegetarian, traveling to Madrid can become a nightmare unless you know exactly where to go. To be honest, vegetarian restaurants are not as popular in Spain as in other places around the world but it turns out that in the last few years they are starting to pop up, so it’s not as hard as it used to be to have a veggie meal in the capital of Spain. So if you are a vegetarian or have a veggie friend, you can still find great spots in Madrid.
La Isladel Tesoro
This vegetarian restaurant has two venues, both offering creative, high-quality and internationally-inspired dishes including seitan, quail eggs, bulgur, algae, and yucca. They have a daily menu, an eco-menu for just 9€, natural beers and ecologic wine. And the restaurant located in Atocha also offers tapas! I couldn’t ask for more. Address: C. Manuela Malasaña, 3 /C. Atocha, 12.
El Estragón
With a typical Spanish décor, this tavern-restaurant serves up substantial, down-home vegetarian food, including soy meatballs, couscous with roasted vegetables and curry, and even paella with brown rice! Address: Plaza de la Paja, 10.
Yerbabuena
Photo credit: Bienvenido Alarcón
This vegetarian restaurant offers an incredibly varied menu including lasagne, soya burgers, nachos with cheese, salads, pizzas, crepes, etc. They even have a Daily Menu and a children’s menu. But they don’t only serve lunches and dinners, they also serve breakfasts and snacks, including yogurts, juices, fruit, coffees, and sandwiches. It really looks a lot of fun! Address: C. Bordadores 3.
El Granero de Lavapiés
One of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Madrid, El Granero de Lavapiés, offers a simple, home-made menu with options like lasagne, vegan paella, couscous or salads. If you fancy a dessert you can enjoy their tiramisu or their banana smoothies. It can get quite busy, so they recommend you to arrive early. Address: C. Argumosa, 10 (near Reina Sofia Museum).
La Biotika
Dessert at La Biotika, photo credit: Shu-yuan Chen Shobhana
La Biotika is a macrobiotic vegetarian restaurant located in the center of Madrid. A nice and quiet restaurant where you can not only enjoy vegetarian food, but also lots of events and talks about healthy living. On the daily menu, they have soups, salads and both vegetarian and macrobiotic options. They even have an eco-shop where to buy high quality and healthy products.
How about you? Have you ever tried any of these vegetarian restaurants in Madrid?
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Betsy Barnes
Tuesday 24th of July 2012
I came very close to going to Spain in high school, but the trip was canceled due to a government take over. These photos are lovely. I'm still hoping to get there some day :)
Allan
Sunday 22nd of July 2012
Hope to make it there someday.
Monja Blue
Sunday 22nd of July 2012
Never knew there was such a choice, thanks for the info, as usual your pictures are fantastic!
Amber
Sunday 22nd of July 2012
I've never even been to Madrid - but I'd love to try these restaurants if (when!) I get the chance to visit!
Pamela Halligan
Sunday 22nd of July 2012
I've never been out of the country, let alone Madrid, but it's nice to know I'd be able to find vegetarian fare out there. I've been to Spanish restaurants around town, but usually can't find anything meatless on the menu.