Vegetarian & Vegan Bologna: Survival Guide & Best Restaurants (2026)
Bologna is nicknamed La Grassa (The Fat) because of its love affair with pork. Mortadella, prosciutto, and meat ragù are everywhere.
Read here our Ultimate Food Guide for all you need to know about food in Bologna!
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you might be panicking. Will you be stuck eating plain side salads for three days?
Absolutely not!
While the city loves its meat, it also loves fresh produce. In fact, some of the most famous Bolognese dishes are naturally vegetarian. Plus, as a progressive university city, Bologna has one of the best vegan scenes in Italy.
Here is your survival guide on what to order in traditional trattorias and the best dedicated plant-based restaurants in town.
Traditional Dishes You Can Eat (Naturally Vegetarian)
You don’t always need to go to a “Vegan Restaurant” to eat well. Most classic Osterias serve these meat-free staples:
1. Tortelloni Burro e Salvia
Do not confuse Tortellini (meat-filled, tiny) with Tortelloni (larger, cheese-filled).
- What is it? Large pasta parcels filled with ricotta cheese and spinach, served in simple melted butter and sage.
- Diet: Vegetarian (Contains dairy/egg).
2. Friggione
This is a hidden gem of Bolognese cuisine.
- What is it? A rich, slow-cooked dipping sauce made of white onions and tomatoes. It is simmered for hours until it becomes sweet and jammy. It’s usually served as a side dish or with bread (Tigelle).
- Diet: Vegan (Usually—just check they didn’t use lard/strutto, though olive oil is standard now).
3. Tigelle with Squacquerone
- What is it? Small, round, warm breads served with a soft, spreadable cheese called Squacquerone.
- Diet: Vegetarian.
4. Passatelli (Ask for Veggie Broth!)
- What is it? Thick “worms” of pasta made from breadcrumbs, eggs, and parmesan.
- Diet: Vegetarian (if served in vegetable broth or dry with truffle cream).
Cook it yourself: Want to learn how to make these dishes without the meat? Join a cooking class and request the vegetarian menu. Book here your Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines (Vegetarian Friendly)!
Best Dedicated Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants
When you want a break from cheese and carbs, head to these spots.
1. Botanica Lab (The Fine Dining Choice)
Location: Via Battibecco This is widely considered the best plant-based restaurant in Bologna.
- The Vibe: Chic, modern, and minimalist.
- The Food: Incredible vegan pastas, cheesecakes made from cashews, and creative vegetable dishes. You won’t miss the meat here.
- Reservation: Essential.
2. Fram (The Lunch Spot)
Location: Via Rialto A cozy bistro that serves 100% plant-based organic food.
- The Food: Great soups, veggie burgers, and homemade cakes. It feels like eating in a friend’s living room.
3. Clorofilla (The Historic Veggie Spot)
Location: Strada Maggiore One of the first vegetarian restaurants in Bologna.
- The Food: Massive salads, lasagna made with seitan ragù, and plenty of options for both vegans and vegetarians.
4. Zazie (The Quick Fix)
Location: Various locations (Via D’Azeglio, Via Malcontenti) Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch.
- The Food: Fresh smoothies, customized salads, and yogurt bowls. You pick the ingredients, they mix it up.
What about Gelato?
Good news: Fruit sorbets (Sorbetti) in Italy are almost always vegan (just fruit, water, sugar). However, for creamy vegan flavors (like Chocolate or Pistachio made with rice/almond milk), head to:
- Stefino (Via San Vitale) – The king of organic, vegan gelato.
- Galliera 49 – Incredible vegan options.
Read our full Ultimate Gelato Guide for more details!
Shopping for Supplies
If you are staying in an apartment and want to cook:
- Mercato delle Erbe: Buy fresh produce directly from the farmers in the central courtyard.
- NaturaSì: This is Italy’s main organic supermarket chain. They sell tofu, seitan, oat milk, and vegan snacks.
Summary: You Will Eat Well.
Bologna is inclusive. Whether you are strictly vegan or just vegetarian, you can still experience the “foodie capital.”
- The Golden Rule: In traditional restaurants, explicitly ask: “È vegetariano?” (Is it vegetarian?) and check for Strutto (Lard) in breads.
Hungry for more Bologna?
Don’t miss our specific deep-dives into the city’s best bites:
- Dessert First: The Ultimate Gelato Guide
- Need a Caffeine Fix? Best Coffee & Historic Cafes in Bologna
- Dietary Restrictions? Read our guide for Gluten-Free Bologna
- Drink Like a Local: The Best Aperitivo Bars & Rules
Buon Appetito!
