When you think of food in Spain, dishes like calamari, jamón ibérico, and patatas bravas probably come to mind. And yes, you’ll find plenty of those in Madrid. But Madrid has so much more to offer, including restaurants with cuisines from all over the world and lots of great vegetarian options.
As a vegetarian, I’ve often ended up eating mostly potatoes during spontaneous dinners with friends. I don’t mind, but I’ve also discovered many restaurants in Madrid where you can enjoy much more than that. This list includes both Spanish restaurants and international spots with good vegetarian options (while still offering plenty for meat and fish eaters too;)).
13 x Restaurants in Madrid that also have vegetarian options
MarÍa Del RÍo
María del Río is lovely spot for small plates to share in a quieter part of Madrid, close to Casa de Campo and the “river”. (You’ll understand when you see). The menu changes regularly and has lots of interesting combinations, with good vegetarian options as well. The atmosphere feels relaxed and local, perfect for a dinner or lunch, and a glass of wine. Especially during the weekend, try to make a reservation.
Biang Biang Bar
For noodle lovers, this is the place. Expect big bowls filled with thick hand-pulled biang biang noodles and lots of spice. They have a vegetarian option too, and the portions are very generous. The original location is inside Mercado de Vallehermoso in Chamberí, but they also have a restaurant in Chueca.
Watts Cantina
For the best American-style pancakes in Madrid, I always go to Watts Cantina. And clearly I’m not the only one, because especially on weekends there’s often a line outside. If you can, go during the week or earlier in the morning. Besides pancakes, they also do great breakfast and lunch dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and breakfast burritos. Comfort food at its best.
Baba
Baba quickly steals your heart with its hidden little terrace and beautifully decorated indoor space. The menu is full of Middle Eastern inspired plates with lots of spices, fresh herbs and different textures. Plenty of vegetarian dishes to choose from, and perfect for sharing. A very cozy place, during the whole day.
Sahuaro
Maybe my favorite thing here is actually a drink, the mezcalina de jamaica. Refreshing, slightly smoky and so so good. But the food is amazing too. Expect Mexican dishes full of flavor, colorful plates to share and very friendly staff. During the week they also have a lunch menu for under €15. I’d recommend! As good as the food in Mexico? That’s for you to find out.
Mandarosso
Looking for Italian food around La Latina? Mandarosso is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Madrid. The menu has plenty of vegetarian options, from fresh pasta dishes to good salads. Everything I’ve tried here has been full of flavor, and the portions are good too.
La Concha
La Concha on Cava Baja is famous for its vermut, and yes, that counts as vegetarian. But besides drinks, they also serve lots of small plates to share, including a few really good veggie options. The whole street is packed with Spanish bars and restaurants, making it perfect for some bar hopping. Just make sure you do try the vermut here.
Casa Macareno
If you want traditional Spanish food in Madrid, Casa Macareno in Malasaña is always a good idea. The interior is beautiful, with classic tiles covering the walls and a nice atmosphere around the bar. Their patatas bravas are some of my favorites in the city, and they also have great salads and plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes. Order a few plates to share so you can try different things.
Mune
Another great option for Middle Eastern food in Madrid is Mune. They have two locations in the city and serve lots of plates made for sharing. My friends mentioned how good the meat dishes are, but as a vegetarian I’ve also always loved eating here. The dips, pastries filled with cheese and desserts are all very good. And yes, dessert is important.
Bodegas el Maño
A classic Madrid-style taberna with lots of traditional Spanish dishes on the menu. The patatas bravas are excellent, and they also serve delicious eggplant with miel de caña, fresh tomato salad and other vegetarian-friendly options. The interior has that old-school Madrid charm, making it just as nice for a drink as for a full dinner. But honestly, with food it’s even better.
Lamiak
Lamiak is one (actually two) of those places that’s always a good idea. They serve lots of pintxos and small plates, with vegetarian options to easily make a full dinner or lunch out. A great stop for drinks and small plates after wandering around.
La Colmada
La Colmada is small, colorful and perfect for lunch, dinner or just when you want to go for a drink. The menu mixes traditional Spanish flavors with more modern dishes, and there are usually a few very good vegetarian options too. I usually go for some Arzúa cheese with membrillo and a vermut. A nice little snack & drink option. But also the rest of the food is good if you want a full meal.
Casa Cometa
Want a good wine? Casa Cometa. Want a nice sit down dinner in one of Madrid’s restaurants? La Cometa. The menu has a mix dishes that are great for sharing, with some of vegetarian-friendly options. There are some Spanish classics on the menu, as well as some with a twist.
Honestly, I can go on and on. Ask my friends, but it’s try that I have 600+ places saved on my Madrid map. Of course not just restaurants in Madrid, many other things too. So I guess I’ll have to continue writing and sharing some of my favorites. Read out my favorite places for breakfast in Madrid.
Want to read about my favorite restaurants in Oaxaca? Or vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto?
Leave a Reply