Eating vegetarian in Italy is rather easy, even if most places serve traditional food, vegetables are widely used and a basic pasta with tomato sauce and basil is something you can find practically everywhere. Most bars have sandwiches with veg and cheese and, unless you are strictly vegan, you won't have any problems.
In Venice there aren't many specifically vegetarian restaurants, but there are some options I consider ideal.
If, instead, you are looking for totally vegan options check out my new Vegan Restaurants and Eateries in Venice post.
Here are my:
15 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VEGETARIANS IN VENICE
+ 2 ON THE LIDO
-VENICE:
Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1254, 30100 Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 296 0360
Beautiful greenhouse with outdoor and indoor seating, located in a glass and iron building. It's possible to snack on toasted sandwiches, sweet and savoury treats, salads and selection of Venetian cicchetti. They also serve freshly squeezed fruit and veg juices and artisan beer.
Address: Dorsoduro, Calle Lunga de San Barnaba, 2727/A, 30100
Phone: +39 041 724 1042
Japanese tea room and b&b, Fujiyama is also a wonderful and cosy eatery in Dorsoduro. Elena, the manager, takes very good care of her guests and is always looking for new combinations of foods. Although not vegetarian, Fujiyama offers salads and cold plates both for vegans and vegetarians (for example, the last time I went there I ha an avocado and mango rice roll. Delicious!). I recommend coming here not just for the food, but for the atmosphere itself. In the afternoon, the back garden in Japanese style is the perfect place to relax enjoying a good cup of tea and a piece of cake.
Address: Dorsoduro, 2104, 30123 Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 524 6244
Closed on Monday
La Tecia Vegana is the only vegan restaurant in Venice. Managed by an Irish man called Thomas, this restaurant is a great place if you love veggies. Located in Santa Marta, La Tecia Vegana is a very easy going place furniture wise, but if we have to discuss food...I must say it's really delicious. And the prices are dirt cheap. I recommend trying the melanzane in saor (aubergines in saor), vegan revisitation of the traditional sarde in saor and their homemade vegan version of Parmesan cheese. Lovely place with lovely people.
Address: Calle Crosera, 3771, 30125 Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 476 4322
Wonderful wine bar in Dorsoduro, serving natural wine and organic food (cold dishes). Just tell Sira that you are vegetarian and she will prepare the most delicious salads for you. Be aware, she loves edible flowers and herbs!
Address: Dorsoduro, F.ta Barbarigo 2344, 30123 Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 524 6042
Closed on Sunday
New eatery and cafeteria (opened since February 2017) serving simple and fresh homemade food with lots of inviting options for vegetarians. Lovely atmosphere, perfect also in the morning or in the afternoon for a piece of cake or savoury bread and a cup of tea/coffee.
Address: F.ta dei Frari, San Polo 2558
Phone: +39 041720050
Lovely Mediterranean restaurant located in front of the Frari's Church. Although not vegetarian, it offers plenty of vegetarian and plant-based options. Delicious food, warm atmosphere, excellent value for money. Highly recommended!
Address: Cannaregio 2535, 30121 Venice
Phone: +39 041 722924
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-10pm; Sunday 12pm-10pm
Cosy vegetarian bistrot and bookshop with a focus on graphic novels and illustrated books. Located in F.ta della Misericordia, it offers a small assortment of homemade vegetarian and vegan cold dishes, like burrata, ricotta and other fresh cheese, hummus, spiced bread, focaccia and delicious cakes and biscuits. Excellent value for money and extremely relaxing location.
Address: Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 524 1570
Closed on Sunday
Not vegetarian, but a great option if you want to eat plant based food. La Zucca is a really cosy restaurant near Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio, with beautiful drawings on the walls and a warm atmosphere. It's a proper restaurant so it is a bit pricier (let's say about 35 euros per person), but the portions are quite generous, the food good and the service excellent.
Address: Rio Terà Farsetti, 1847, 30121 Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 822 4337
Lovely and very easy going ethnic eateries. There are three restaurants, one in Cannaregio and two in Dorsoduro (another Orient in Campo Santa Margherita and an Afrika Experience in Calle Lunga San Barnaba) and the offer is based on vegetables, sauces, and grains. Although not vegetarian, it has plenty of dishes to suit your needs. Excellent prices.
Address: Sestiere Santa Croce, Campo San Giacomo dell' Orio 30100 Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 524 0222
Closed on Sunday
Beautiful wine bar located in Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio offering excellent wine, cheese and cold cuts. A great option is to order a selection of cheese or a fresh mozzarella, served with dried tomatoes... and, of course, ask them for a salad and their grilled vegetables. The setting is amazing, sitting outside in summer is simply lovely and the quality of their products is really excellent. They also offer sandwiches, but since you're here I suggest you get the full cheese experience. Excellent value for money.
Address: Campo dei Gesuiti, Cannaregio, 4878, 30121 Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 5286103
Ai Crociferi is one of the prettiest and most unique eateries in Venice. Located inside a cloister, part of an ex convent, now student and guest accommodation, it has outdoor and indoor seating and is an excellent option from morning to evening. They offer different salads and cheese for vegetarians, the ingredients are organic and most of them from slow food presidia. Love it.
ON THE LIDO....
Address: Via Gran Viale, 28/B, 30126 Lido di Venezia, Venezia VE Phone: +39 041 770618 The only Indian restaurant on the Lido. Not vegetarian, but with lots of options for both vegans and vegetarians and ideal for those who like spices. Positive atmosphere, friendly owner and super nice chef!
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