Exploring Spain as a vegetarian can be a delightful culinary adventure. Here are some of my favorite spots in Barcelona and Madrid where I enjoyed delicious vegetarian and vegan meals.
Barcelona
Nina’s Coffee & Brunch
I stopped here almost daily for my coffee, and on my last day, I treated myself to a breakfast of eggs and a side of plantains! Please be sure to stop by Nina’s; it is my favorite breakfast spot in Spain.
Las Ramblas Market
A wonderful market to stroll through in the morning and grab a coffee and pastry from a local vendor. I found a wonderful vendor where I ordered fresh-squeezed dragon fruit juice and a pastry filled with mozzarella and tomato.
Vegan Junk Food Bar
I hope we get one of these in Austin soon! I love a full vegan menu that is so good I have to confirm that my nachos are, in fact, vegan.
Nacho Nacho: Juicy Beef 3.0 crumble, nachos, tomato, guacamole, sour cream, Cheeze, jalapeños, fresh red chillies, spring & crispy onion mix, Chedda Cheese & Hot Spicy Chick sauce
Collonut
If you’re looking for an authentic local tapas experience, visit Collonut! Located away from the touristy areas, this gem is a favorite among locals. When I visited, I asked the waitress to surprise me with some vegetarian options, and she did not disappoint. She served a delightful burrata with bread and a delicious egg and potato quiche. Both dishes were flavorful and perfectly executed, showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine.
Address: C/ de Gelabert, 14, Les Corts, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
Madrid
Mercado de San Anton Food Hall
Mercado de San Anton Food Hall is a haven for food lovers with its wide variety of dining options. My favorite spot was Espiedo for their incredible croquettes, perfectly complemented by a glass of sangria from BODEG6N bar.
The vegetarian croquettes are a must-try, especially the spinach and cheese, and the sun dried tomato, which became my absolute favorite. The veggie empanada was also delicious, but nothing beats the flavor of the sun dried tomato croquette. If you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and indulge in these delightful treats!
Bar Tineo
When visiting Spain, you have to order Paella! I love this cute patio within Plaza Mayor. It offers a wonderful atmosphere with incredible Spanish cuisine. I checked many places on the Plaza, and this one has the best Vegetarian Paella and Sangria!
La Chocolatería San Ginés
There is debate about where churros were invented; either China or Spain. While in Spain, I had to try their churros. La Chocolatería San Ginés was recommended by my Airbnb host. Founded in 1894, it is a must-stop for churros! I was lucky to get a table on the patio and enjoyed my churros along with a cup of melted chocolate to dip. To accompany my churros, I paired it with a coffee. 100% recommended!
Exploring the vegetarian and vegan options in Spain was a fantastic experience. Each city offered unique and delicious choices, making it easy to enjoy the local cuisine while sticking to a vegetarian diet.
