Bologna Vegan Guide: where to eat plant-based in the city

Bologna is often called the food capital of Italy, famous for its rich cuisine and historic markets.
But what if you're vegan?
Can you enjoy this city’s incredible food scene without compromising your values? The answer is a resounding yes!

In recent years, the vegan scene in Bologna has grown significantly.

From delicious vegan pizza to innovative plant-based pasta, the city is embracing a more sustainable and cruelty-free way of eating.

Whether you’re looking for vegan restaurants in Bologna, cozy vegan cafés, or the best spots for vegan gelato, this guide will help you navigate the city's plant-based offerings.

Veganism in Bologna: an emerging trend

The rise of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants

Italy is often associated with meat-heavy dishes like ragù alla Bolognese, but Bologna is becoming more inclusive for plant-based eaters.

Many restaurants are now offering vegan-friendly alternatives, and some are even fully dedicated to plant-based cuisine.

Both locals and tourists drive the shift.
More Italians are adopting flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan diets, and restaurants are responding with innovative menus.

If you’re worried about whether a vegan can survive in Italy, the answer is yes—and quite deliciously so!

How traditional Italian cuisine adapts to plant-based diets

Italian food is more than just meat and cheese. Traditional dishes like pasta, risotto, polenta, and bruschetta can easily be made vegan.

Many Bolognese chefs are also experimenting with vegan alternatives for classic dishes, using ingredients like seitan, lentils, and cashew-based cheeses.

Want to learn more about vegetarian options in Bologna?
Check out this post about Bologna for vegetarians for more insights.

Best vegan restaurants in Bologna

Bologna has a fantastic selection of vegan restaurants, ranging from casual cafés to fine dining spots.

Here are some of the best places to enjoy plant-based food in the city:

Cafés and bakeries with vegan options

Start your day with a vegan cappuccino and a delicious plant-based pastry at one of these spots:

• UNO Caffé Olistico – a cozy and relaxing café offering organic vegan treats and herbal drinks.
• Botanica Lab Café – a trendy spot for vegan croissants, smoothie bowls, and specialty coffee.
• Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita – a beautiful garden café with organic and plant-based options.
• Zoo Cafè – a unique café serving excellent vegan-friendly pastries and snacks.
• Fram cafe – one of the very few 100% vegan and organic places, which opened 20 years ago

Vegan restaurants in Bologna

For a full meal, these restaurants are must-visits:

• Zenzero Bistrot – a plant-based restaurant with fresh, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
• Missfagiola – a vibrant spot offering vegan street food, burgers, and creative bowls.
• Zem Bistrot – a stylish eatery with a focus on vegan Italian cuisine and natural wines. You can find vegan tortellini and tigelle there.
• Estravagario Bio – a vegan restaurant with an organic and sustainable approach.
• Un’Altro – creative plant-based cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
• Flower Burger – Italy’s first vegan burger chain, offering colorful and delicious burgers.
• Baak - A bookshop with kitchen for lunch and aperitivo

Vegan street food in Bologna

If you’re on the go, grab a quick and tasty bite from these vegan-friendly street food spots:

• Il Rovescio – a fantastic pizzeria and organic eatery offering vegan pizza with creative toppings.
• Missfagiola – Perfect for a quick but nourishing meal, with delicious vegan wraps and sandwiches.
• La Zappa e il Mestolo - Serving burgers, piadine and other street food at Mercato Ritrovato, one of the best Bologna food markets

Vegan Italian dishes you must try in Bologna

Vegan pasta options: tagliatelle, lasagna, tortellini

Bologna is famous for fresh pasta, and while traditional versions contain eggs and meat, many restaurants offer vegan alternatives.

• Vegan Tagliatelle al Ragù – A plant-based twist on the classic, using lentils or soy mince.
• Vegan Lasagna – Layers of pasta with dairy-free béchamel and vegetable-based ragù.
• Vegan Tortellini – Some restaurants now offer homemade pasta stuffed with tofu, spinach, or pumpkin.

Veganized Bolognese sauce

Traditional ragù alla Bolognese is meat-based, but you can find delicious plant-based versions made with:

• Lentils for a rich and hearty texture.
• Mushrooms for an umami-packed sauce.
• Walnuts and tofu for a creamy yet meaty alternative.

Plant-based desserts

Bologna has plenty of vegan-friendly desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some of the best plant-based treats to try:

• Vegan gelato – Many gelaterias offer dairy-free flavors made with almond, soy, or oat milk. Try Sablè or Gelateria Stefino.
• Vegan tiramisu – Made with cashew cream or silken tofu instead of mascarpone.
• Panna Cotta – Made with coconut or almond milk and topped with fruit coulis.

Conclusion: final tips for a great vegan experience in Bologna

So, is Bologna the best Italian city for vegans?

While other cities like Milan and Rome offer plenty of plant-based options, Bologna stands out for its rich culinary tradition and growing vegan-friendly scene.

A great meal deserves a great wine pairing, and Bologna is home to a growing movement of natural wines.

If you're looking to experience organic, biodynamic, and unfiltered wines, join our Bologna wine tasting.

You'll get to know small local producers, taste wines made without animal-derived fining agents, and deepen your appreciation for Emilia-Romagna’s wine culture.

Want to explore Bologna’s vegan food and wine scene?

While our Classic Bologna tour isn’t vegan-friendly, we can organize private vegan food tours or cooking classes for a truly tailored experience.

Buon appetito e cin cin! 🍃🍷

[Photo credits: Botanica Lab]