Dietary notes, most Italian pesto contains Parmesan (not vegetarian due to animal rennet). Many Italian cheeses use animal rennet, always ask. Roman cuisine naturally includes many vegetarian dishes like cacio e pepe, carbonara (ask for vegetarian version), and pasta pomodoro. Prices in euros first, GBP estimate in brackets using €1 equals roughly £0.85. Updated October 2025.
Rome's vegetarian scene spans from Michelin starred Mater Terrae (€70 plus per person) with rooftop views to casual Il Margutta (€28 weekend buffet, €36 à la carte average), Italy's first vegetarian restaurant since 1979. For fully vegan options try Romeow Cat Bistrot (€12 to 18) or Ops! (€15 to 25). Budget friendly 100% Bio offers lunch buffet by weight. Book ahead for weekend brunch at popular spots. Looking for budget friendly options? Our Central Rome budget dining guide includes several vegetarian friendly spots under €20.
These 6 vegetarian spots are carefully curated, but Rome offers so much more. Our Rome Essentials guide includes vegetarian friendly options at traditional trattorias, plus 20+ restaurants across all cuisines, breakfast spots, aperitivo bars, and a complete 3-day itinerary.
Get the Complete Rome Food Guide, £6.99Is Rome good for vegetarians?
Yes, Rome has excellent vegetarian options. Most traditional restaurants offer multiple vegetarian pasta dishes, and dedicated vegetarian restaurants like Il Margutta and Mater Terrae provide full vegetarian menus.
What Italian dishes are vegetarian?
Cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper pasta), pasta pomodoro (tomato sauce), pizza marinara (tomato and garlic, no cheese), and carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes) are all naturally vegetarian.
Is Parmesan cheese vegetarian in Italy?
No, most Parmesan and Italian cheeses use animal rennet and are not vegetarian. Always ask restaurants if they have vegetarian cheese options or can make dishes without cheese.
Where can vegans eat in Rome?
Romeow Cat Bistrot, Ops!, and Indigeno offer fully vegan menus. Il Margutta and Mater Terrae also provide extensive vegan options. Most restaurants now offer plant milk for coffee.
Yes, most offer multiple vegetarian pasta options. Order cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper), pasta pomodoro, or pizza marinara. Always confirm no meat in sauce or broth. Many places now mark vegetarian items on menus. Armando al Pantheon and other traditional trattorias accommodate vegetarian requests.
100% Bio lunch buffet by weight (€10 to 15) offers excellent value near Piazza di Spagna. Il Margutta weekday lunch buffet €15 includes water and coffee. Many pizzerias offer vegetarian options €8 to 12. Look for pranzo di lavoro (worker's lunch) specials at traditional restaurants.
Fully vegan menus at Romeow Cat Bistrot, Ops!, and Indigeno. Il Margutta and Mater Terrae offer extensive vegan modifications. Most restaurants now provide plant milk for coffee. Always ask about cheese (often contains animal rennet) and confirm no meat stock in pasta broths or risotto.
6 affordable spots with vegetarian friendly options
Morning options from traditional Italian to international
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