Top 5 vegan restaurants in Italy

Veganism has blossomed into a global culinary force: bold, inventive, and deeply purposeful. Rooted in the choice to avoid all animal-derived ingredients, it’s a lifestyle that champions compassion, sustainability, and health. It’s no longer defined by what’s missing, but by the extraordinary creativity it brings to the table: vibrant flavours, refined techniques, and a new benchmark for modern dining. Across the globe, plant-based restaurants are redefining indulgence, crafting exclusive, luxurious flavours that are turning heads and tempting even the most devoted sceptic

Vegan dish

Envisioning a luxurious Italian retreat but wondering if plant-based dining can rival the elegance of your private villa for rent in Italy? Think again.
Long celebrated for its cheese-laden pastas and cured meats, Italy is now at the forefront of a plant-based revolution, redefining its culinary heritage with rich, refined, and unforgettable vegan creations. From North to South, chefs are reimagining traditional dishes with bold creativity and premium ingredients, proving that indulgence and ethics can share the same plate. In fact, Italy is fast becoming one of the most vegan-friendly destinations in the world, offering countless opportunities to savour top-tier classics, lovingly transformed into exquisite, animal-free versions. Below are five exceptional vegan restaurants across some of the best regions of Italy, each presenting a distinctive expression of plant-based fine dining, where culinary artistry meets regional sophistication.

Joia, Milano
You simply can’t talk about vegan fine dining in Italy without starting with Joia in Milan. As the first vegetarian restaurant in Europe to earn a Michelin star, it’s a true icon of plant-based haute cuisine. Here, every dish is a sensory journey, elegant, unexpected, and masterfully crafted to turn seasonal ingredients into pure culinary poetry. Joia isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

Joia, Milan

Le Carrube, Ostuni, Puglia
 Tucked away in the serene countryside near Ostuni, Ristorante Le Carrube offers a luxurious vegetarian dining experience where sustainability meets elegance. While the whitewashed masseria and ancient olive trees set the scene, it’s the food that truly captivates. Traditional Apulian dishes are reimagined through slow-cooked legumes, handmade pastas, and garden-fresh vegetables, each plate rich in soul and creativity. Ingredients are hyper-local, often picked just steps from the kitchen, blending authenticity with innovation. Dine beneath stone arches or under the stars and savour a journey rooted in the land.
  This hidden gem fills up quickly; a reservation is recommended.

La Carrube, Puglia

Brac, Florence 
In the heart of Florence, Libreria Brac it’s a sensory journey through literature, contemporary art, and exquisite vegan cuisine. Housed within an art bookshop and gallery, every meal is served amid curated exhibitions and shelves lined with rare, inspiring volumes. The plant-based dishes are vibrant, seasonal, and elegantly plated, a celebration of texture, colour, and pure flavour. The atmosphere is serene yet sophisticated, offering a space to savour both ideas and flavours. An extraordinary cultural and culinary gem, Libreria Brac invites you to feed both body and mind.

Brac, Florence

L'OV Osteria Vegetariana, Florence
In the Oltrarno district, in Florence, L’OV Osteria Vegetariana is a refined sanctuary where vegetarian cuisine meets gourmet creativity. Though rooted in a vegetarian philosophy, the menu boasts an abundance of rich, inventive vegan options, crafted with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes like vegan eggplant parmigiana or Beyond Meat burgers are vibrant, delicious, and beautifully plated. The location creates an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication, made all the more striking by its arched marble ceilings, lush greenery, and soft lighting. A high-end plant-based dining experience, perfect for those seeking elegant flavours in an unforgettable space.

L'OV Osteria Vegetariana, Florence

Rifugio Romano, Rome 
Rifugio Romano is a sleek, upscale spot in Rome where classic Roman dishes meet gourmet vegan creativity. Expect rich, flavorful plant-based takes on favourites like carbonara and hearty seitan steaks, all served in a stylish, welcoming setting. The menu dazzles with velvety cashew creams, house-made vegan cheeses, and perfectly balanced spices, elevating every bite to an indulgent experience. It’s the perfect place to enjoy refined vegan dining right in the heart of the Eternal City, where tradition and innovation come together seamlessly.

Rifugio Romano, Rome

Whether you're envisioning a chic dining experience or seeking the privacy of an upscale retreat, Home in Italy seamlessly blends refined living with effortless elegance. With bespoke services and a dedicated team focused on perfecting every detail, your villa stay is thoughtfully curated around your personal style. Our top-tier concierge service is entirely customised to your needs, be it securing sought-after restaurant reservations or arranging a private chef to craft gourmet vegan meals in the comfort of your villa. Every moment is designed to exceed expectations. Get in touch with our team to begin planning your tailor-made Italian escape.