Our review of some of the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona. Also we will explain some vegan phrases in Catalan and Spanish and show some of the best local vegan dishes to sample when visiting Barcelona.

If you are vegan and traveling to Barcelona you may be wondering if there is a good supply of vegan restaurants. The good news is yes, and in this article we will show you some of the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona to enjoy a meal or a takeaway.

Catalan cuisine is influenced by the Mediterranean diet, as well as the historical and cultural interactions with other regions and countries. Some of the most typical ingredients in Catalan dishes are olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, nuts, bread, cheese, and wine.

However, Catalan cuisine is also known for its use of meat, fish, and dairy products, which can pose a challenge for vegan travelers. Fortunately, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan and progressive city that has embraced veganism and vegetarianism in recent years. There are many vegan-friendly restaurants, cafes, and markets that offer delicious plant-based options for every taste and budget.

In this article, we will explore and share some of the local dishes from Barcelona and Catalonia that are suitable for vegans, or can be easily veganized. We will also provide some tips on how to order vegan food in Catalan and Spanish. If you are looking for a great vegan restaurant, we have highlighted some of the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona. Let’s start with some traditional local vegan friendly dishes that you can try in most restaurants.

Escalivada

Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish that consists of roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, onion, bell pepper, and tomato. The vegetables are usually cooked over a wood fire, giving them a smoky flavor and a soft texture. Escalivada can be eaten as a salad, a side dish, or a topping for bread.

Escalivada is naturally vegan and gluten-free, and it is a great way to enjoy the fresh and seasonal produce of Catalonia. You can find escalivada in many restaurants and tapas bars, or you can make your own at home with a simple recipe.

Pa amb tomàquet

A Barcelona staple and vegan freindly dish is Pa amb tomàquet, or bread with tomato. This is one of the most iconic and simple dishes of Catalan cuisine. It consists of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and tomato, and drizzled with olive oil and salt. Pa amb tomàquet is usually served as a snack, a breakfast, or an accompaniment to other dishes.

Pa amb tomàquet is also vegan and gluten-free, as long as you choose a bread that does not contain eggs or dairy. You can also add some vegan cheese, ham, or sausage for extra flavor and protein. Pa amb tomàquet is a staple in many Catalan homes and restaurants, and it is a must-try for any vegan visitor.

Samfaina

This dish is a Catalan version of ratatouille, a French dish of stewed vegetables. This dish is made with onion, garlic, eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomato, cooked slowly in olive oil until they become soft and tender. Samfaina can be eaten as a main course, a side dish, or a sauce for pasta, rice, or potatoes.

Samfaina is another vegan and gluten-free dish that showcases the Mediterranean flavors of Catalonia. You can find samfaina in some restaurants and supermarkets, or you can make your own with a simple recipe.

Calçots

A great vegan dish to try are calçots. These are a type of spring onion that are grown and harvested in Catalonia. They are usually grilled over a fire until they are charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are then peeled and dipped in a sauce called romesco, made with roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, bread, vinegar, and oil.

Calçots are a seasonal delicacy that are typically eaten from November to April, especially during the calçotada, a festive occasion where people gather to enjoy calçots and other grilled foods. Calçots and romesco sauce are vegan and gluten-free, and they are a fun and tasty way to experience a Catalan tradition.

Crema catalana (vegan version)

Crema catalana is a dessert that consists of a custard made with milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon or orange zest, topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. This Catalan favourite is similar to crème brûlée, but it has a thinner consistency and a citrus flavor.

This famous dessert is not vegan, but it can be easily veganized by replacing the milk with plant-based milk, the eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba, and the sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. You can also use a blowtorch or a broiler to create the crunchy caramel layer on top. Crema catalana is a delicious and creamy dessert that can satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to order vegan food in Catalan and Spanish

If you want to order vegan food in Barcelona and Catalonia, it is helpful to know some basic words and phrases in Catalan and Spanish, the two official languages of the region. Here are some useful expressions that you can use in restaurants and cafes:

• I am vegan: Sóc vegà/vegana (Catalan) / Soy vegano/vegana (Spanish)
• I do not eat meat, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey: No menjo carn, peix, ous, lactis, ni mel (Catalan) / No como carne, pescado, huevos, lácteos, ni miel (Spanish)
• Does this contain …?: Això conté …? (Catalan) / ¿Esto contiene …? (Spanish)
• Can you make this without …?: Pots fer això sense …? (Catalan) / ¿Puedes hacer esto sin …? (Spanish)
• Can you recommend something vegan?: Em pots recomanar alguna cosa vegana? (Catalan) / ¿Me puedes recomendar algo vegano? (Spanish)
• Thank you: Gràcies (Catalan) / Gracias (Spanish)

Where to find the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona offers a variety of culinary experiences, from traditional Catalan cuisine to exotic fusion dishes. But what if you are looking for vegan options? Don’t worry, Barcelona has plenty of vegan restaurants that will satisfy your taste buds and your ethical values. Here are some of the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona, grouped by different cuisine choices

Asian Vegan Restaurants in Barcelona

If you are craving for some spicy, savory, or sweet Asian flavors, you can find several vegan restaurants that serve dishes from different regions of Asia, such as India, Thailand, Japan, or China. Some of the best ones are:

• Vrutal: A modern restaurant that specializes in vegan burgers, wraps, and bowls with Asian-inspired sauces and toppings. You can choose from different types of patties, such as tofu, seitan, lentil, or chickpea, and customize your burger with ingredients like avocado, pineapple, kimchi, or vegan cheese. Some of the best dishes are the cauliflower wings, the chili “cheese” fries, and the peanut butter brownie. Vrutal
• Desoriente: Trendy restaurant that offers a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines, with dishes like sushi, noodles, curries, salads, and tapas. You can also enjoy a variety of desserts, such as cheesecake, tiramisu, or chocolate cake. Some of the best dishes are the vegan paella, the pad thai, and the mango sticky rice. Desoriente
• Veggie Garden: Here you can enjoy vegan dishes from Nepal, India, and Tibet, with a colorful and cozy atmosphere. You can find dishes like momos, samosas, dal, curry, biryani, and thali, as well as smoothies, juices, and teas. Some of the best dishes are the vegetable momos, the chana masala, and the carrot halwa. Veggie Garden

Mediterranean Vegan Restaurants in Barcelona

If you are looking for some fresh, healthy, and delicious Mediterranean food, you can find several vegan restaurants that offer dishes from Spain, Italy, Greece, or Morocco. Some of the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona are:

• Rasoterra: A vegetarian bistro that uses organic and local ingredients to create dishes that are inspired by the Mediterranean and other cuisines. You can find dishes like hummus, falafel, couscous, pasta, pizza, and burgers, as well as desserts, wines, and cocktails. Some of the best dishes are the mushroom croquettes, the spinach and ricotta cannelloni, and the chocolate cake. Rasoterra
• La Trocadero: This is a vegan fast food joint that serves burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, and salads, with a variety of sauces and toppings. You can also enjoy some desserts, such as cookies, muffins, or ice cream. Some of the best dishes are the classic burger, the seitan dog, and the nachos. La Trocadero
• Sésamo: This restaurant is a vegetarian and vegan tapas bar that offers a creative and seasonal menu, with dishes like gazpacho, tortilla, croquettes, patatas bravas, and empanadas. You can also enjoy some desserts, such as crème brûlée, apple pie, or chocolate mousse. Some of the best dishes are the mushroom and truffle risotto, the artichoke and almond cream, and the lemon tart. Sésamo

International Vegan Restaurants in Barcelona

In Barcelona there are some great international vegan restaurants. You can sample vegan dishes from different parts of the world. There are several vegan restaurants that offer dishes from Mexico, Brazil, Peru, or Ethiopia. Some of the best ones are:

• Cat Bar: A vegan pub that serves burgers, pizzas, salads, and tapas, with a variety of beers and wines. You can also enjoy some live music and art exhibitions. Some of the best dishes are the black bean burger, the mushroom pizza, and the hummus. Cat Bar
• Abyssinia: An Ethiopian restaurant that caters for vegans. They serve dishes that are made with injera, a sourdough flatbread, and various stews, salads, and dips. You can eat with your hands and share the food with your friends. Some of the best dishes are the misir wot, the gomen, and the shiro. Abyssinia

Conclusion

Vegan travelers visiting Barcelona will find a great selection of vegan restaurants in and around Barcelona. Furthermore, Barcelona restaurants are excellent at catering for vegans and will have many vegan options available. It is essential to make it clear when dinning out in Barcelona that you are vegan, so the restaurant will be able to explain the vegan options available.

It is no secret that in Spain, the Spanish people enjoy eating meat. However, like many other countries, there is a growing number of people turning vegan. In turn, more vegan only restaurants and takeaways are opening each year in towns and cities throughout Spain. As and when we here of any new vegan restaurants opening, we will add them to our list of the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona.