The city dates back to Medieval times so it is steeped in both culture and history. It is most noted as being St. Francis of Assisi’s birthplace a man who holds a great deal of artistic, historical, and religious significance. It is situated roughly 90 miles to the north of Rome and for all practical purposes is a must-see city on any Italian vacation itinerary.

This is especially the case if you are searching for Vegan and Vegetarian cuisine in Assisi and the surrounding cities. We have listed a 5 of those particular restaurants which you should experience and ones that we feel are “can’t-miss” dining experiences while you are there on holiday or for an extended vacation. They are as follows:

1. Ai Cavalieri – Petrignano

Located on Via Matteotti, this restaurant is one that you will absolutely fall in love with due to its location in the valley area of Petrignano just south of Assisi. The faire here is nothing short of excellent and is quite possibly at the top of our list.

2. Ristorante San Francesco – Assisi

Situated on the Via Francesco, the menu is filled with a myriad of excellent choices. Just be aware that it carries a price tag equivalent to the restaurant’s ambience and atmosphere. Their Vegetarian Lasagna made with farro pasta are what most would say is “to die for”, but it will cost you.

3. Alter Ego – Perugia

Located in Perugia, this restaurant has some of the best lunch and dinner faire in this quaint city and is a huge favorite of locals. So be prepared for a crowd and a long wait at dinnertime. But don’t let that discourage you from sampling their cuisine. Situated in a dark alley with a dark entrance, this establishment is very hip by younger Italian standards based on the very young pair of brothers who own the restaurant.

4. Osteria del Gufo – Perugia

Located on the Via della Viola in Perugia, this restaurant features the finest in Vegetarian Bohemian cuisine despite its “hole-in-the-wall” appearance. It will mind you of dining along the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) in Paris and has a fabulous chocolate mousse. However, the dining quarters are very cramped and the restaurant seats only 50 people at most, so dining elbow-to-elbow is commonplace.

5. Piazzetta delle Erbe – Assisi

Those this charming and small trattoria situated on Via S. Gabrielle dell’Addolorata in Assisi provides you with a great atmosphere, its simplicity is what makes the establishment so special. Just beware that the menu is not entirely Vegan or Vegetarian and does feature meat entrees.

Top 5 Popular Assisi Hotels & Restaurants on Venere.com

• Villa di Assisi Hotel & Resort – 4-star Hotel – Restaurant serving traditional, local cuisine
• Hotel La Terrazza - 3-star Hotel – Restaurant offering good food at reasonable price
• La Fortezza Hotel - 2-star Hotel – Restaurant serving a vast choice of traditional Umbrian dishes
• Minerva Hotel Assisi - 2-star Hotel – Restaurant offering both local dishes and international specialties
• Hotel Pallotta - 2-star Hotel – Restaurant offering excellent local specialties in a relaxing atmosphere

Photo of vegetarian lasagna by Ciro Boro

The landscape is dotted with thousands of stone structures, proving how steeped in history the country is. Whether you visit the capital city of Cagliari, explore the Spanish-gothic town of Alghero (founded in medieval times), or you schmooze with the wealthier tourists up in Costa Smerelda. The beaches are some of the most pristine you will find anywhere in Europe and the towns are nothing short of picturesque.

From a traveling standpoint, Sardinia is one of the true ideal destinations that takes you away from it all and has a little something for even the pickiest of tastes. The numerous attractions, entertainment, events, and shopping leave nothing to be desired. And then there is the cuisine, which is a favorite of international travelers everywhere, even those that insist on a vegetarian menu. Unfortunately, there are only a few vegetarian places on the entire island (three to be exact) and they are all in different cities, namely Alghero, Cagliari, and Olbia.

1. Ko De Kap

Located at Via Asfodelo 35 near at Via Garibaldi, and in front of the Piazza Della Pace. The venue here is strictly take-out and it is not 100% vegetarian so you need to be aware of that when perusing the menu. It is an organic restaurant and the menu is international, so not all of the cuisine is Sardinian. Suffice it to say, there are still plenty of vegetarian choices. Additionally, they do offer delivery no matter where you are staying in the city. The beer and wine list is fairly impressive as well.

2. T Restaurant

This is the highest quality restaurant in Cagliari and features a smaller vegetarian menu which is not near as extensive as the regular one. Additionally, all of the produce used is grown fresh on the island and despite the fact that any fish entrée is not vegetarian faire, it is brought in freshly caught from the Mediterranean the day it is to be cooked and served. All of the vegetarian dishes are prepared with a certain Mediterranean flair and the compliment to that savory meal is anyone of the many delectable wines that they offer.

3. Desole Farm House

Located at Su Canale – Monti. The farmhouse is actually situated deep within the lush Galluran countryside and has only been operating since 2003. However, don’t let that stop you, this is the finest Bed and Breakfast that you will find on the island, but with a twist. There is also the restaurant that is attached to the premises. The menu does vary somewhat based on the season, but it features the standard and the vegetarian entrees year round.

Photo of vegetarian antipasto in Oristano, Sardinia, by L I S S I

Therefore to really sample that which is truly Liverpool, you need to focus on the locally-owned eateries rather than the fast food spots and the national chains. This is especially true if your preference is vegetarian. It may seem a uphill task to find a decent restaurant that serves vegetarian delights but listed below are some of the top recommended vegetarian eateries in all of Liverpool.

1. Green Fish Café

Ovo, lacto, and Vegan-friendly restaurant

Breakfast is served until noon. After that the full menu is available. This is one of the busier vegetarian eateries in the city, so be prepared for a wait whenever you decide to come sample the varied menu. The menu includes items baked potatoes, curry, humous, roasted vegetables, salads, soya chili, and much more.

2. Next to Nowhere

English Vegan cuisine

Volunteers from the Merseyside region operate this radical social establishment featuring a kitchen space for providing an all Vegan veggie cuisine. It is also considered a non-profit establishment as well. One thing you will immediately notice is the abundance of political materials on animal rights.

3. Soupernatural

Fast-food, salad bar, and take-out venue that is ovo, lacto, and Vegan-friendly.

This is primarily a breakfast and lunch vegetarian eatery featuring salads, sandwiches and usually 4-5 different soups on the menu. Soya milk is the beverage of choice and despite the take-out venue, there are a few tables inside where you can enjoy your meal if you choose.

4. The Egg Café

Ovo, lacto, Vegan-friendly restaurant

This restaurant usually offers a couple of different soups each day and offers you a casual relaxed setting to enjoy a meal in. There are typically 3 daily specials, one of which is always Vegan, with a Sunday Vegan roast afternoon special.

5. Green Days Café

Ovo, lacto, and Vegan-friendly, but not 100% vegetarian food

The food served is additive and preservative-free and targets the pescatarian tastes as well as the vegetarian. Three fish dishes are featured on the menu with nearly 30 vegetarian dishes so you are bound to find something to satiate your palette.

Photo by D. [SansPretentionAucun e] (•̪●) ✪

However, when it comes to dining, the city is second to none and offers some of the finest local and international cuisine that you will find anywhere in the world. There is also a vast choice of vegetarian restaurants in the city as well, so if that is a culinary necessity, you will have plenty to choose from. Here’s a list of some of the more popular vegetarian eateries in Vienna. Enjoy the savory delights which might make the trip even more memorable.

• Bio Bar von Antun

Bio Bar von Antun restaurant features a very extensive menu that is roughly 90% organic and Vegan alike, as well as being a non-smoking facility. Lunches run about €7-8 ($9.50-11.00), there is a beer and wine list, and the restaurant is open for business from 11:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. 7 days a week.

• Café Kafka

Café Kafka is a vegetarian café that permits smoking, however it has no Vegan options. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.

• Formosa Foods

Formosa Foods is a lacto and Vegan-friendly restaurant which also features Asian, Austrian, and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant also has a small shop attached that sells a variety of Vegan and vegetarian meat substitutes, as well as Vegan desserts.

• Gasthaus Schillinger

Gasthaus Schillinger is a vegan-friendly restaurant featuring an array of international cuisine as well as a lengthy beer and wine menu. There are only a few items that use eggs and milk in the ingredients, and they also offer Vegan cocktails with or without alcohol in the mixes.

• Gesundes

Gesundes is an organic and Vegan-friendly restaurant with lunches that are part Vegan and part vegetarian. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday only from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. with lunches starting at 11:30 a.m.

• Go Veg Diner

Vegan-friendly catering, fast-food, and take-out menus available at Go Veg Diner. Asian and Western cuisine as well as other international faire is available. The hours of business Monday through Saturday are 11:00 a.m until 11:00 p.m and noon until 11:00 p.m. on Sundays.

• Hollerei

Hollerei offers organic Vegan-friendly Austrian cuisine with some vegetables grown in the restaurants own garden, and is open for lunch only, except on Sunday when they open for the dinner hour only. Asian and Mediterranean menus are available. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and Sundays from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

• Kostlich

Kostlich features organic and Vegan-friendly take-out format. This is a smoke-free vegetarian restaurant and serves no alcoholic beverages. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

• Mondscheinstuberl

Mondscheinstuberl Restaurant offers organic and Vegan friendly cuisine featuring some international faire. The prime focus is on Austrian cuisine with a Viennese emphasis. The restaurant is open for business Mondays through Fridays from 11.00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Photo by chotda 

Over the past few years, the Balearic Islands have become a targeted tourist destination just off the Iberian Peninsula of Spain’s coast. This island archipelago is an autonomous community as well as being a province of Spain with the heaviest traffic visiting Formenta, Ibiza, Majorca, and Minorca. Here you will find a diverse array of character and culture, as well as a cuisine that is second to none in the European arena.

This is especially true when it comes to Vegetarian and Vegan menus, of which there is an abundance for you to sample should you be a follower of this lifestyle. Majorca is the most frequented island of the four and it features 4 restaurants and 3 health food stores as well that will equate well with your vegetarian palate. Consider making all of these part of your exploratory itinerary when visiting the island.

Bon Lloc

Located at Calle Sant Feliu, 7, Palma de Mallorca (at Paseo del Borne). The restaurant features an all-Spanish Vegan menu (or Mallorcan Vegan as it were), is the top-rated Vegetarian fare on the island. It is located in quite the out-of-the-way location and is not the easiest of restaurants to track down. However, it is well worth the adventure.

Santacilia

Located at Can Santacilia, Palma de Mallorca (at Placa Mercat). This is an organic juice bar yet it features a daily three-course menu at very modest prices. Be aware though – this is the most popular spot for lunch on the island in the city. Again, this is an establishment that may be a bit challenging to find, but the smaller venue with its gorgeous interior makes this restaurant well worth the trip.

Bens D’Avall

Located at Costa Deia, between Deia and Soller. The menu here is a nice blend of organic, Spanish, Western cuisine, but it is not 100% Vegetarian so you need to exercise caution when ordering. The restaurant features a tasting menu of 11 different vegetarian courses for approximately €68 ($87 USD). The terrace seating available affords you a panorama of the Mediterranean Sea, making your meal that much more of an enjoyable experience.

Restaurante Latakia

Llocated at Torrente 5, Palma de Mallorca between Marques de la Senia and Paseo Maritimo. Although it is not 100% Vegetarian, you will delight at some of the Lebanese and Syrian cuisine featured on the menu that is. There is a take-out menu available and some of the best beers and wines you will find anywhere on the island. There is a standard Vegetarian meal consisting of 8 dishes which includes falafels, humous, and salads.

Here are the listings of 3 health food stores so that you can shop for items to enjoy in your place of lodging:

Biodespensa - Andrea Dorria 50, Palma de Mallorca
Finca Son Barrina – Llubi in the center of Inca, roughly 6km (3.75 miles) away
Herboristeria L’Arxiduc – Arxiduc Lluis Salvador, Deia

Photo of green chili pepper by CoreForce

Dining in Faro and the Algarve region will afford the tourist of a wide array of both local and international cuisine. Since Faro is a coastal city, nearly every menu you encounter has some seafood entrée. Additionally, you should be sure to sample some of the local cakes and desserts which contain locally grown almonds and figs. And by all means, enjoy a glass of Medronho – fig brandy – a great compliment to any meal.

If you have a more selective palate, such as the preference for a Vegan or vegetarian menu, the selection is limited. However, there are three recommended choices for this type of cuisine while visiting Faro and the Algarve region listed below.

1. Acafrao Restaurante Vegetariano

A strictly Vegan restaurant featuring a wide array of choices for every palate, delicious vegetarian dishes are in plentiful abundance on this eatery’s menu. You can also find the Acafrao online and the website features a listing of their menu in English as well as Portuguese. The atmosphere is enjoyable and it is not uncommon for the owner to be seen visiting all the tables. Incidentally, Acafrao is Portuguese for “saffron.”

2. Gengibre E Canela

Lacto-friendly cuisine, with either buffet or take-out formats to enjoy. Lunch and dinner menus are available at this vegetarian restaurant. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is extremely friendly. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday during the lunch and dinner periods. The only drawback is that the restaurant only accepts cash as a form or payment.

3. O Ribatejano

The restaurant is lacto and ovo-friendly, but the menu is not 100% vegetarian. However, there are numerous entrees on the menu for the vegetarian connoisseur. They do accept cash or credit cards and their website is available in both English and Portuguese.

So vegetarians do not fret, there are enough delights to savor in Faro!

“Vegetarian Dinner” picture by D. [SansPretentionAucune] (•??) ?’s

When the Summer Olympic Games were held in Beijing this past August (2008), the Asian-Pacific faction of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was protesting the cruel practices of the Chinese fur farming industry. But there are many vegans and vegetarians who love to travel and are on the look out of pure vegan/vegetarian restaurants even in China.

Vegans and Vegetarians alike visit the various restaurants that cater to their cuisine habits. Some people are quite surprised to find that there are 15 vegetarian restaurants in Beijing. And if you know food histories and origins at all, you should remember that tofu, a high protein and extremely versatile ingredient, originated in China centuries ago.

The following are the three top-rated vegetarian restaurants in the greater Beijing area:

1. Godly Vegetarian Restaurant

Godly Vegetarian Restaurant is the oldest Buddhist vegetarian restaurant in the city, and one restaurant that specialize in traditional Chinese vegetarian favorites. Some of the more well-known vegetarian dishes are:

* King Kong Huo Fang (stewed mock pork)
* mock meatballs
* mock duck
* sweet and sour mock ribs and/or fish

2. Pure Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant

Pure Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant is operated by Tibetan monks . In 2007, Beijing Reader Restaurant Awards voted Pure Lotus as the “Best Vegetarian Fare” in the city of Beijing. Some of the creative-named entrées include “hot tears fill the eyes glazed noodles” and “countenance of mercy, words of love stir-fry.” It is considered to a tasty cuisine crafted with a splash of Zen.

3. Still Thoughts

If it’s a deliciously, relaxing meal that you are craving, Still Thoughts is the vegetarian restaurant that has your name on it. Oftentimes referred to as an “intimate oasis of vegetarian calm”, it is situated in a bustling alley in the heart of Beijing. There are numerous menu favorites, but the following are considered to be the most popular taking entrée sales into consideration:

* faux-chicken hot pot
* shredded veggie-duck pancakes
* spicy mock-pork intestines dry pot

In addition to the top three, a few other Beijing vegetarian restaurants are worth mentioning. It’s just that these other vegetarian restaurants are lacking a little bit in ambience department compared to the above three.

• Cat’s Cradle – Chinese cuisine that is Lacto, Organic, and Vegan-friendly, with a juice bar and Take-out facility

• Baihe Lily Vegetarian – Chinese cuisine that is Lacto and Vegan-friendly

• Bodhi-Sake – Chinese and Vegan-friendly

• Jingfun Café – Chinese, International, and Western menus. This is a Lacto, Ovo, Vegan-friendly restaurant that also features a catering and a take-out menu as well.

• Lotus in Moonlight – features a mix of Chinese and other international cuisines that are all Vegan-friendly

Photo of mushroom soup at Pure Lotus Restaurant, Beiijing, originally posted by gruntzooki

There is that one exception to the rule though and that is the one involving having to follow a certain diet – i.e. vegetarian. Now let’s take that a step further and make traveling in China part of the equation. You’re in the beautiful city of Shanghai and you need to find a vegetarian restaurant. Here’s a list of recommendations for vegetarian restaurants in Shanghai.

• Chong Zheng Natural Vegetarian

Vegan-friendly, Chinese cuisine. Chong Zheng also has an English menu with pictures of the food. The restaurant is a little difficult to find as it is located in an 8th floor high-rise location on Nanjing Road East (not west). Fortunately, there is a direction sign stating “Vegetarian Restaurant 8th Floor.”

• Chunfeng Songyue Lou

Vegan-friendly, Chinese cuisine. This cuisine was actually founded in the Qin Dynasty and features veggie delights in Yuyuan.

• Gong De Lin

Vegan-friendly, Chinese take-out restaurant. This is an 80-year old business that features a “mock-meat” menu plus a lot of cookies and desserts. Despite the fact that the staff speaks very little English, some of the menu items are in English. Be aware that they do use MSG in some foods so be sure to ask.

• Jade Buddha Vegetarian

Vegetarian Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is located at an old traditional-style Buddhist temple so it isn’t hard to find. It is a nice setting and it is also one of the better values, but there is no English menu and most of their staff does not speak English either. A word of caution – the entrance to the restaurant is not clearly marked and they only take cash.

• Jendow Vegetarian

Ovo, Vegan-friendly Buffet in both Chinese and Taiwanese. The restaurant is located next to Longhua Buddist temple and is a Vegetarian buffet-type restaurant. Their hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday, from 11:30am to 2:00pm (lunch) and 5:30 to 11:00pm (dinner).

• L’Arbre de Provence

Chinese and International cuisine, buffet, juice bar, and take-out restaurant all-in-one. This is another restaurant that is difficult to find as it is located on the 4th floor of the metro city shopping mall.

• Lotus

Vegan-friendly, Chinese take-out restaurant. They do not serve alcohol at this facility nor do they allow smoking. On a positive note, they do not use MSG in any of the dishes they serve. Hours of operation are 9:30am to 9:00pm.

• New Age Veggie – Huaihai Zhong

Vegan Chinese restaurant. This is the second branch of the “New Age Veggie” vegetarian restaurants in the city of Shanghai.

• New Age Veggie (Super Brand Mall)

Vegan Chinese restaurant. This ultra-modern restaurant is located inside the Super Brand Mall on the 5th floor. They accept credit cards and are open from 10am to 10pm.

• Ordinary Veggie

Lacto, Vegan-friendly Chinese restaurant. The interior décor and simple elegance of the food presentation are the key features of this Shanghai facility. Although the menu is in Chinese with some pictures, there are a few English subtitles.

Good luck!

Photo of Bamboo and Bok Choy taken in a Shanghai restaurant originally posted by Augapfel

1. De Pelgrim

With its quaint architecture and laid-back atmosphere, De Pelgrim is a great place to relax and unwind.

Situated along the idyllic Aelbrechtskolk, Delfshaven, this rustic restaurant is located right next to the Pelgrimvaderskerk (Pilgrim Father’s Church). Combine a historic building with brewery and thus you have an attraction catering to both culture buffs and beer-lovers alike.

First, a little bit of background information. It turns out this historic building, constructed in the 16th Century, first served as a town hall before Delfshaven was annexed as part of Rotterdam. In fact, much of the interior design of the restaurant boasts an air of nostalgia; the dainty chairs and tables, the candles on the ledge, the sturdy beamed ceiling and of course, the old school beer mugs hanging above the bar.

As for the food, what’s on the menu? This is a great place to drop by just for a drink; some port, wine or perhaps some of the locally brewed beer? The Rotterdam Stoombier is a good choice, boasting a smooth, sweet flavor. Also note that De Pelgrim offers seasonal beers; Pelgrim Witbier (Spring), Pelgrim Zomerbier (Summer), Pelgrim Bock (Autumn) and Pelgrim Winterbier (Winter). For something sweeter, try either the Rode Port (Red Port) or Witte Port (White Port); both have a rich and succulent flavor.

De Pelgrim’s choice of meals ranges from sumptuous snacks to deliciously filling dishes – Duck salad, Bitter Ballen, European style omelets, a selection of cheese dishes. Bitter Ballen, which is a traditional Dutch dish is a must; with its deep fried crumbed exterior you almost expect a crispy crunchy snack until your first bite. Then you realize it is a soft, smooth mushroom mixture that seems to melt in your mouth. As for the cheese selection, try De Hollandse Kassplank. This one is for the cheese connoisseurs, with a selection of five farmhouse cheeses one of which is the delicious locally made Pelgrim cheese.

2. Olijventuin

Be it a wholesome meal or just an afternoon snack, Olijventuin has the perfect meal for every occasion.

Located down Nieuwe Binnenweg (where it joins up with Rochussenstraat), this Mediterranean eatery boasts an idyllic atmosphere. You can sit indoors but there is also the option to sit in the cozy courtyard which has a laid-back feel with its lush plants, beautiful grape vines and exotic fig trees.

You can choose between delicious pizzas and tasty pastas (Gizli Bahce, with its generous doses of spinach, cheese and egg is my favorite). Vegetarians will no doubt will be delighted with the various meat-free dishes on the menu. On that note, the Kizartma, consisting of sumptuous portions of aubergines, fruit of the day, potatoes, yogurt and other miscellaneous vegetable portions, is great for those with big appetites.

When we are feeling just a tad peckish, we usually split a pizza or pasta. Our pizza of choice on most occasions is the Kombe which can be best described as a massive baked pastry, stuffed with mozzarella, vegetables and lamb meat.

There are quite a few drinks I would recommend. Their port is a welcome sight on a cold autumn day. There is also the Turkish Thee (tea), which has a sweet, refined taste. The Turkish Koffie is also noteworthy; a smooth, sweet drink that comes in this charming little cup.

Check out the rest of the menu, along with prices on their website. Also note that they have quite a few specials: all pizzas and pastas are charged at Euro 7 on Mondays and Tuesdays; keep an eye out for the buffet on Saturday which starts from 6 pm.

3. Tapasbar Abrikoos

This charming little spot is excellent if you’re in the mood to try ‘a bit of everything’.

It is located in Historische Delfshaven, along Aelbrechtskolk (across the bridge from De Pelgrim).

If you are simply looking for a tasty snack, there’s plenty of choices on the appetizer list – Koude tapas buffet (Cold Tapas Buffet), Salade de la casa (an interesting mix of walnuts, dried apricots and olive oil) and Carpaccio van ossenhaas met Parmezaanse kaas (a dish with beef tenderloin with Parmesan cheese), just to name a few.

Where main dishes are concerned, I myself am a fan of the set menus, a delightful combination of appetizer, main dish and desserts that is wonderfully filling. Menu A is especially tantalizing. It consists of cold tapas buffet for starters followed by your choice of two hot tapas, fried mushrooms, marinated chicken legs, meat balls with tomato sauce and other tasty choices for your main dish, . The set meals end with a choice of dessert – either Dame Blanche or ice cream or yogurt … all with succulent sauces and creams of course.

There’s plenty of other options on the main menu; Menu B (a wholesome combination promising chicken wings, calamari, goat cheese, mushrooms and so much more) and the Abrikoos Special which offers a variety of combinations perfect for two.

Find out more about this restaurant at their official website.

Photo of  knife and fork originally posted by Jun Acullador

The best site to look at on the internet is Happy Cow’s Vegetarian Guide because it is a global directory of vegetarian cuisine. When you search the listings for Spain alone, there are 40 cities in the index with a total of 203 restaurants listed therein. The next choice is EuroResidentes which specifically targets Spain only.

Though Happy Cow’s showed more listings, EuroResidentes listed restaurants throughout Spain that were actually field tested by culinary experts who do nothing but write reviews of their experiences. Basically, the restaurants listed here are rated as the “better” to the “best of the best.” There are even cautions as to pricing, hours of operation, and so on.

Restaurants were listed from Alicante to Valencia with what was considered the top 12 vegetarian restaurants in all of Spain.

Vegetalia in Barcelona got top billing on the list due primarily because the menu was rated overall as an excellent value for the money, and it was one of the friendlier atmospheres that the reviewer dined in as well as having a tremendous variety of dishes to choose from. Additionally, this was the only restaurant of the 12 that had an adjoining vegetarian shop, making this location of greatest benefit to the consumer.

The Garibolo in Bilbao took the next spot on the list because of their 4-course midday menu that they serve Monday through Saturday. Consequently, as a result of this menu feature, their reasonable price structure, and the atmosphere, the visitor is warned about the crowds and the long wait to finally sit and dine.

Finally, we had a toss-up between the Yerbabuena in Madrid and the Santacilia on the island of Palma de Mallorca. The Yerbabuena stole the show with its atmosphere, menu variety, and pricing. The Santacilia was one of only two vegetarian restaurants on this highly visited island destination but they had atmosphere, selection, and value and that was what probably made it a toss-up between them and the Yerbabuena.

Picture of vegetarian paella originally posted by Noonch

Well, it is quite true. As you enter Jaipur the first thing that strikes you is the peculiar shade of pink on all the walls, shops and homes which has made Jaipur, known as the Pink city.

If you are traveling by road, at Amber you can see numerous elephants with their ‘Mahuts’ (owners who drive them). The elephants and camels are common sights and you will be pleasantly surprised to see a camel cart stopping by your vehicle on a traffic light!

Jaipur is known for elegant forts, ancient temples, precious jewelry, gems, spicy vegetarian food, colorful dances and festivals. There are many vegetarian restaurants that are located in unknown nooks and corner of the city.

• Chokhi Dhani

One of the well known one is ‘Chokhi Dhani’, located just outside the city limits and is created with the ambience of a traditional Rajasthani village in the open grounds of a hotel complex. Buy a ticket and everything is free inside. With a very Indian air about the place, you can enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal with very less spices (lol) while dancers entertain you. Watch dancers perform complex dance moves on a bed of nails and child acrobats do feats without safety ropes!

• LMB

If you are in the old city, eat a meal at LMB which is quite an old restaurant and is known to serve completely vegetarian food without garlic and onions also. Try out their ‘kadhi’, palak paneer, aloo bhaji and naan or go in for the traditional ‘dal-batti’ which is flour dumplings cooked over hot coals an dipped in clarified butter or ghee, served with hot mildly spiced ‘dal’ (lentil).

LMB has an array of Indian sweets to suit all palates and do try out the ‘Kulfi’ or the Indian ice cream with almonds and pistachios. Amazing!

• Niros

Among other restaurants which serve good vegetarian dishes is Niros. Located on the prominent M.I.Road, it has mouthwatering vegetarian dishes. Other than that it also serves Continental, non vegetarian and Chinese, all cooked by expert chefs. It has been serving for the past 50 years and is one of the best restaurants for vegetarian dishes.

Picture of paneer at LMB Jaipur originally posted by Laurel Fan

It’s certainly not typically Dutch, but if you’re on a budget and find yourself needing a bite to eat in the capital city of the Netherlands, look no further than Amsterdam Central Station and the little falafel cart on the center divide of the street.

Don’t be fooled by the size of this tiny kiosk. It has seating for maybe 5 people on a good day and standing room only the rest of the time but for under 5€, you can have some freshly made falafel a la carte, or in a pita sandwich. My favorite choice is the salad box where you are given 3 falafel balls in a small box with lettuce and you are free to add toppings as you wish. Doesn’t really sound like much yet right?

When you order they hand you only the bread and falafel and there is a small help-yourself salad bar where you can pile on as much goodies and condiments as you want. From fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, roasted peppers, couscous salad, marinated mushrooms, onions, and a few different sauces to choose from, you can build your perfect falafel as you like it. You are free to add as much as your pita or box will hold which means you can make yourself a full meal or keep it to a simple mid-day snack.

If you need to take your falafel to go, you can ask them to wrap up your creation for you in foil or if you chose to eat standing (or if you’re lucky, sitting) there, you can continue to add condiments to your meal as you go. Many of the toppings can be eaten as salads on their own and occasionally they offer roasted eggplant which is also very tasty.

Because of the location right in the middle of the busiest intersection, many locals stop here on their way into Amsterdam city center or on their way to Central Station. With the prices so low, you can’t really go wrong either. It’s definitely a tastier alternative to MacDonald’s or another cup of French fries and for vegetarians, this makes an ideal to-go snack or meal. But even if you aren’t vegetarian, the next time you’re around Central Station give it a try—it’s quite delicious and it could be the flavor you remember Dutch culture by.

Picture of falafel originally posted by A Princess

New Delhi, India is usually thought of as a place of Hindus and vegetarian people but it is true to some extent only. There are a lot of places which serve exceptional curries and mouth watering mutton, chicken and innumerable varieties of sea food.

Good Budget vegetarian food

However, in case, you are looking for a good budget vegetarian food, try out Moti Mahal at South extension and Evergreen at Green Park. Moti Mahal has a live singer belting out semi classical songs while you savor the delicacies like mildly spiced mushroom gravies, Palak Paneer (spinach with cottage cheese), Dal makhni and chapatti (bread), biryanis and pulavs, makes one want to come back again and again.

For a real Indian experience

Another don’t miss place is Haldiram, the top name which comes to my mind for vegan and vegetarian food in the capital. It has three branches in Chandani Chowk (old city close to Paharganj), Mathura Road and Lajpat Nagar, while they have a huge outlet on the Delhi – Jaipur Highway. From authentic snacks and savories to hot meals, I would suggest you definitely try it out for a very Indian experience.

Popular fast food on Connaught Place

While traveling in Delhi, Connaught Place is never missed and has a variety of places you could eat vegetarian food for less that $10, especially Nirula’s. This chain has been in existence for the past 25 years with a good ambience, fast service and excellent vegetarian / non vegetarian food. It is basically a popular fast food joint which has pizzas, burgers to Indian meals. So choose what you like from a variety of ice creams and cakes also as few Nirulas outlets have an outstanding bakery too!

Chinese cuisine on Pandara Road

Meandering through Delhi roads will bring you to Pandara Road. Usually all tourist buses bring you here for lunch as has a host of restaurants serving lip smacking Indian dishes. Try out the crisp breads (naan) with tangy onions at Gulati Restaurant or Ichibana for authentic Chinese cuisine. Although all of them are very good and serve an assortment of Continental, Chinese to Indian dishes.

Traditional dishes from South India

Sarvana Bhawan is a South Indian restaurant in Connaught place opposite Janpath market, which serves Idli (rice cake) with Sambhar (mildly spicy lentil curry) Dosa and other mouth watering traditional dishes or food popular down South India i.e. Chennai, Kerala and Karnataka.

Most of the above mentioned restaurants will give you a sumptuous meal within $10 so gorge and be happy!

Photo of New Delhi vegetarian fast food originally posted by Graham Hurst

Being a semi-vegetarian myself, (I eat mostly vegetables, fruit & legumes but also eat dairy products, eggs and seafood) I sometimes had a hard time finding things to order other than the vegetable side dishes at the traditional Roman restaurants where meat & poultry was a large part of every menu.

Luckily, the Italians also love fruits and vegetables and many of the antipasti or appetizers and contorni or side dishes always included such vegetarian items such as sautéed spinach with garlic, grilled vegetables brushed with fresh olive oil, roasted potatoes with rosemary or the always popular insalata caprese which is a simple yet tasty salad composed of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella & basil with olive oil drizzled on top. If you are a vegetarian that does not eat dairy products, you can always ask them to leave out the cheese. Most restaurants also provided fresh pineapple, strawberries and fruit salad for dessert. The Italian restaurants in Rome almost always have some kind of soup, but make sure to inquire about what kind of broth was used for the base as some of the “vegetable” soups could have used beef or chicken stock for the soup’s base.

For the vegetarian traveler with heartier appetites, you may want a restaurant that offers vegetarian options as the “main course.” Luckily for you, with a little help from my Italian friends, I was able to find some excellent vegetarian restaurants conveniently located around the historical center.

One of my favorites was definitely Il Margutta RistoArte” located within short walking distance from the Piazza di Spagna and the fashionable shopping street Via Condotti. This restaurant is beautifully decorated and usually has live entertainment (a singing pianist) in the evenings. My favorite meal there last winter was the polenta served with a savory wild mushroom ragù. The menu is innovative and the presentation gorgeous. They also have a delicious raspberry mille feuille with a delicate custard cream. Il Margutta has 2 different menus which changes with the seasons. There is a vegan menu as well as the vegetarian menu. This restaurant also stocks organic wines and sparkling ciders, which were especially good.

Another great place that is also a short walk from the Spanish Steps is Naturist Club – L’Isola located on the charming Via della Vita. This cozy restaurant and health food store serves homemade vegetarian/macrobiotic and organic fare made of simple yet tasty ingredients. I enjoyed a very satisfying dinner of hearty lentil soup and polpettine vegetali or meatless meatballs with a freshly made tomato sauce seasoned with coriander. They offered some tempting tarts and dolci as well but unfortunately, I was too full from the dinner to try them! I’ll look forward to the dessert the next time I am in Rome.

Other vegetarian or semi-vegetarian restaurants that I did not go to but garnered great reviews from my local Roman friends are listed below.

Enjoy your stay in Rome and don’t forget, you can always find great vegetarian dining as long as you know where to look!

And if you look for an accommodation in Rome offering organic and vegetarian breakfast, check out the Bed and Breakfast Villaggio Olimpico on venere.com.

Photos originally posted by Robyn Lee