How to eat vegetarian in Lisbon

A guide for vegetarian and vegan travelers

Gone are the days when eating a vegetarian or vegan dish at a restaurant in Lisbon was a real nightmare. Although it's not not the most veggie friendly city in the world, the options are already starting to become more and more numerous and delicious. From snack bars, cafés health lounges to restaurants and all-you can eat buffets, this list gives you the best there is on the city's streets at low to medium prices, including places where you can include your friends who can not give up eating meat.

1. Guacamole (€)

If you like Mexican food, this restaurant is for you! With several locations in Lisbon, the one in Cais do Sodré is the most central and spacious. Because it is customisable, the menu appeals to vegetarians, vegans and even meat eaters. There are wooden tables in the main room but also sofas with a more private feel.

We recommend the tacos, in which it is possible to choose the filling, the salsa and to remove or add ingredients. For drinks, it's worth sharing a jar of their original Margarita, since it is cheaper than buying the individual glasses.

2. The Food Temple (€)

In a back alley of the typical Mouraria area, this cozy restaurant has the cheapest menu on the whole list. The environment is very typical, with a tiled interior and small tables outside.

There are a few options that vary depending on the day, but it is mostly a menu of vegetarian tapas, which includes quinoa salad with pistachios, stewed eggplant, among other dishes.

3. Foodprintz (€)

Foodprintz is in Rato, on the way to the famous Marquês de Pombal square. The environment is a mix between modern and boho, and the interior is composed of tables in various shapes and chairs of different colours.

The menu works for both vegetarians and vegans. The food on offer changes according to the time of the year and the offer is varied, ranging from toasts to cakes, soups and main dishes, but also drinks such as lemonade. We highly recommend the healthy fruit juices.

4. Aloha Café (€)

Here you'll find all kinds of tasty and healthy food, including açai, pancakes, toast, and natural juices. It is worth trying the vegan brunch, which is offered at an affordable price.

The restaurant is in the trendy Príncipe Real area and the space is small, but the atmosphere is quite cozy.

5. Hamburgueria do Bairro (€)

A classic of Lisbon's burger joints, this restaurant has locations in several areas, such as the Príncipe Real or Parque das Nações, and the atmosphere is modern. The value for money ratio is the most appealing factor in this hamburger chain.

Although the menu is not exclusively vegetarian or vegan, there is a good variety of options for both, with unusual names such as Vegeta and Bá-Bá-Lu. The chips with spices, accompanied with the garlic sauce are something not to be missed. For drinks, lemonade or cold tea are the most popular.

6. Os Tibetanos (€)

On the central Avenida da Liberdade, this classic of vegetarian food has a cuisine inspired by diverse cultures, not just the Tibetan. Its environment is differentiated by the interior and exterior spaces, which is more intimate and includes candlelit tables.

The dishes are creative and well-done, always with an oriental touch. We recommend the mango or passion fruit lassi to drink, and as far as food goes we recommend the vegetable crepes, samosas, or mango curry with tofu. If there is still room for dessert, the vegan banana pie is to drool for!

7. Fortuna Café (€)

Near the picturesque village of Sintra, there is this small, rustic and cozy café where even the sweets are (a bit more) healthy!

Apart from all that traditional cafes have to offer, such as espresso and teas (there is also the bio version of it all!), There are several fruit juices, some main dishes for vegetarians or vegans, and toasts. For the sweet tooths, there is a wide variety of pastries with normal, vegan and gluten-free versions, which include muffins and slices of cake - we recommend the beetroot and almond tart.

And best of all? The prices are very reasonable.

8. Ao 26 Vegan Food Project (€)

Close to Lisbon's Faculdade de Belas Artes in Chiado, this restaurant is perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. It's small and comfortable and the environment is calm and welcoming, however it has quite a lot of affluence, so we recommend booking a table.

On the menu, you can choose between the dish of the day or whatever is on the menu, but the options are quite diverse, colourful and tasty. We recommend the vegetable tempura as a starter, and the mushroom risotto or the beetroot hamburger as a main course. For drinks you have several options, including a large number of craft beers, fruit juices, wine and lemonade.

9. Miss Saigon (€)

Miss Saigon is in Parque das Nações and there are also vegan and gluten-free options, however you can only count on this restaurant for lunch. The space is small and cozy, the decor is simple and fun. We recommend you book a table in advance or go early so you can find a place to sit.

The menu varies daily, but if you don't know what to order, the tasting dish is a little more expensive at €15, but you can try a small portion of three different dishes and you have everything included - main course, dessert and coffee. Don't miss the mango curry, seitan bites and sugarless brownie.

10. Terra (€€)

Located in a trendy area of Lisbon called Príncipe Real, Terra was one of the first vegetarian/vegan restaurants to become popular in the city. It consists of an all-you-can-eat buffetprepared with fresh ingredients, and dessert is included.

You can admire the tiles in the indoor dining room, or soak up the sun on the bright terrace, where the tables are covered with parasols.

11. Eight - The Health Lounge (€€)

The first health lounge opened in Lisbon last year and features healthy and vegan products such as smoothies, toasts, salads, soups and paninis. We recommend the original wellness shots - concentrated shot glases full of vitamins that can help your metabolism or immune system.

It is located in the typical area of Mouraria and it undoubtedly has a modern/industrial style atmosphere with tables and counters to sit and enjoy this healthy food.

12. Pois Café (€€)

Located near the Sé, one of the most picturesque areas of the city of Lisbon, this cozy cafe full of sofas and books has meals and snacks. The whole menu isn't vegetarian or vegan dedicated, but there are options like vegetarian bolognese tagliatelle, tapas, homemade granola, fruits and salads.

The distinguishing factor are the Austrian specialties, such as the delicious Kracherl lemonade, which includes blueberries, sparkling water and lemon juice.

13. PSI (€€)

In Santo António dos Capuchos, this vegetarian and vegan restaurant accepts pets but does not sell alcohol. It is not an easy parking area, but the atmosphere inside is quiet, surrounded by trees, and the music is laid-back.

The culinary inspirations come from every corner of the world, but are especially oriental. We recommend the spinach and cottage cheese lasagna for beginners in the world of veggies, but also the Lebanese roll and the seitan with vegetables. For the sweet toothed fellows, trying the vegan cheesecake for dessert is a must!

14. Juicy (€€)

At Juicy you have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. It is located in Baixa, on one of the parallel streets to Rua da Prata, so it is great if you want to take a break from a cultural tour of the city. The space in itself is small and decorated in shades of pink and green, modern and creative, inviting you to meet up with friends in such a laid-back environment.

One of the highlights of this menu is undoubtedly the natural fruit juices and freshly made smoothies, with delicious blends and fun names like Yellow Submarine, Beat It and Smooth Criminal. To eat you have some sweeter options, such as chia pudding, but also salty, as is the case of their classic flatbread made with organic flour, in which you can choose one from the menu or create your own recipe for the filling. For more alcoholic options you have a delicious acai sangria.

15. Jardim dos Sentidos (€€)

The last location of this article is situated near Avenida da Liberdade, next to Rua da Alegria. There are vegetarian, vegan and even a buffet options. If you want to spend a little extra on a special day, there is the option including a massage and a two-course meal for a slightly higher price.

The decor of the space is very clearly of Moroccan inspiration, with a relaxed atmosphere, and one of the advantages is that the space is quite beautiful and well decorated, being in an actual garden.

In the menu, what stands out the most is information about allergens, such as lactose or gluten. There are appetizers, such as shiitake mushroom ceviche, main dishes such as seitan gochujang, portobello mushroom lasagna and to finish, a lime or chocolate tart with apricot. There are also various beverages, including teas and natural juices.

An there you have the restaurants and cafes with the most delicious veggie options so you can enjoy your vacation without having to worry about where to grab a bite. And speaking of which... there's no need to worry about where to sleep either! You can search the best Hostelsclub.com hostels in Lisbon below and get ready for the most comfortable stay: