With millions of visitors from all corners of the globe flocking to the city every year, Barcelona is no stranger to catering to different tastes. From trendy sushi bars to typical Catalan restaurants serving up the best in fresh ‘mariscos’ (seafood) and ‘carnes’ (meats), the city’s eateries together provide an endless list of delicacies ready to tickle your taste buds. But, if you prefer to pair your wine and Cava with something a little more green, then get ready to discover just a few of the many veggie gems scattered throughout Gaudí’s City. Here we give you a peek at some of our favorite vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona…
Sésamo
You’ll find this popular veggie joint near the Mercat de Sant Antoni. Here you can also pick up some fresh ingredients for your vegetarian recipes, should you decide to cook dinner at home while staying in one of the many Barcelona apartments with a full kitchen.
Sésamo keeps it simple by displaying daily specials on a chalkboard, with your waiter describing all of the dishes as you take your seat, so you know exactly what to expect from your meal. The kitchen is run by a talented Argentine chef who loves to chat with customers before the bar crowd arrives. Our top picks include the delicious mushroom croquettes, the asparagus and cheese lasagna, and the Spanish tart marinated in Guinness. Yum!
How to get there: Carrer de Sant Antoni Abat, 52. Metro: San Antoni (L2)
Juicy Jones
Situated near the Basílica Santa María del Pi in the historical Gothic Quarter, Juicy Jones awaits those looking for a refreshing drink or a full veggie meal. Renowned for its freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices, Juicy Jones offers a tasty menu that won’t put a dent in your wallet. From gazpacho (a tomato-based soup with vegetables that is traditionally served cold), to hummus, to Indian curries, Juicy Jones provides a great selection of dishes for a flavorsome vegetarian experience!
How to get there: Carrer del Cardenal Casañas, 7. Metro station: Liceu (L3)
Biocenter
At Biocenter all of your meals are prepared with 100% natural ingredients and are made with the freshest organically farmed products in Barcelona. You can pick what you’d like to try from the varying daily menus with dishes such as pumpkin lasagna and vegetable cakes, or from the buffet that offers salads, cooked vegetables, and a delicious soup of the day. Your dinner at Biocenter will come accompanied by jazz music and a laid-back atmosphere, giving you the perfect setting for a relaxing dinner in Barcelona.
How to get there: Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 25. Metro: Liceu (L3)
Maoz
Just off the bustling Las Ramblas, you will find a falafel haven called Maoz. Best known as a fast food joint and popular in other parts of Europe as well as the USA, Maoz stands out from the rest by promoting itself as having a ‘Vegolution’. The team at Maoz describes a vegolution as a way to bring people around to the concept of tasty nutrition…without meat. Well, it seems to be working as this place gets very busy around lunchtime with people queuing up to get their hands on one of Maoz’s famous falafels. Also offering fresh juices, fries and a salad bar, Maoz prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients. Vegetarian or not, this is a popular chain that serves up a quick and healthy alternative in the Catalan capital.
How to get there: Carrer de Ferran, 13. Metro: Liceu (L3)
Teresa Carles
Teresa Carles is hidden treasure and a favorite among those enjoying the nightlife in Barcelona. Situated just off the central Plaça de Catalunya, this establishment is so successful that it now produces its own brand of olive oil! With large portions at affordable prices, Teresa Carles offers sophisticated vegetarian dishes, ranging from homemade gazpacho, to an avocado and pumpkin salad, to a risotto so tasty it could easily convert even the most steak-loving carnivore to veggie. With an extensive wine list, complete with past customers’ reviews of the delectable ‘vinos’, this vegetarian eatery is perfect for a delightful dinner before a night on the town.
How to get there: Carrer de Jovellanos, 2. Metro: Universitat (L1) or Catalunya (L1 or L3)