Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Ovo
International
Italian
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Bakery
Firenze ristorante vegetariano. Vegetarian restaurant est. since 1981. Menu offers a variety of choices, and a case is filled with the day's cakes and desserts. Uses tofu and seitan, legumes, rice, and vegetables in the dishes. In the city center and with a courtyard. Open Mon-Fri 12:30-14:30, Tue-Sun 19:30-22:30, Sun 12:30-14:30. Closes August month.
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- Outdoor seating
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Last update on 17 Aug 2023 by Uncolored
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80 Reviews
First Review by arnevet
veg.dan
Points +124
okay. - Edit
I wanted to go to another eatery round the corner but it was closed. Was happy to find this place which seemed quiet compared to reports from most reviewers. Long ordering system and food portions were huge so I regretted ordering an entree and main. Food was okay but didn't taste as good as it sounded on the menu. Unimaginative if you will. Struggled to eat it all because it was a lot but also because I became bored with eating it. After I ordered it got crazy busy, lots of locals. Not much English spoken just so you know. Cakes looked really good but had no room...
Read morePros: portion, price
Cons: boring food
Guest
mojri
Points +27
Nice place - Edit
Nice atmosphere, funny owner. Only cash is accepted. They did not speak much English, but enough for us. Food was good and prices were ok. Self service was at first difficult to understand.
Read moreGuest
veganmamma
Points +24
great place - Edit
We ate here 1 night while in Florence. Italians eat dinner late, so it didn't open until 7:30. We were lucky to get there early since it filled up quickly. Well worth the wait. The chef/owner was very nice and gave my daughter a free dessert.
Read moreGuest
AlyssaMiller
Points +48
Not as vegan friendly as advertised - Edit
This restaurant is not in the center of the city, it is actually about half a mile away from the main tourist area.
Read moreFor vegetarians, I guess the food would be okay. Honestly, there vegetarian options are usually some form of pasta, vegetables and cheese. That is available everywhere in Florence. It is the standard vegetarian option all over the city.
But, I am vegan. I was not impressed by the options. I got pasta and veggies once. There were no beans or anything for protein. I am living in Florence for 9 weeks. I can make pasta and veggies myself. Most normal restaurants will make that also when I explain that I am vegan. Sometimes the vegan option will have seitan. Honestly, the best vegan option I have was seitan with mushrooms and plain rice. If you like to cook, you will be disappointed that food is very simple and not that original.
Maybe it is better for vegetarians, because the majority of the meals have cheese and the vegan options were very limited. Again though, if you are in Italy, every restaurant has a meal of vegetables, pasta and cheese. So I don't understand why this place is so popular.
Pros: okay food
Cons: few vegan options, not original
wyrd
Just a few words on the vegetarian/vegan options that you can get in Italian NON-vegetarian restaurants. Beware of the seemingly veg options, as most of the restaurants make large use of bouillon cubes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouillon_cube) even when they cook dishes without meat.
Read moreSomething similar is true for bread (lard is used to make many types of bread) .
If you want to be 100% sure about what you eat, go to a veg restaurant.
Guest
TofuCelt
Points +229
Okay - Edit
This restaraunt is a bit of a track outside the centre of Florence. However, it is a fairly straight-forward and easy route to get to from the Doumo. When we arrived at the restaraunt, the large crowd outside of it looked like a positive. We went in to enquire and were told that we'd have to wait 40 minutes before we got a place. Even though we were starving, we decided to wait. Finally, we were called and shown to our table, which was basically seating at one of the large tables sitting beside complete strangers. After you are shown to your seats, you must then go up and place your order at the cash register and pay for it there and then. Then you go to the kitchen counter to collect your order and bring it to your table. I suppose it depends on your taste, but for me, considering the huge price you pay for a meal here, it is a bit of a disappointment that your food is not served to you at your own table. On the positive side, the proportions are a fairly okay size, but lack imagination, like boring foods like pastas, etc. The taste was fairly basic in all of the four dishes we tried. In fact, they were so monotonous they got boring to eat in the end. The staff here are also one of the grumpiest staff I have ever come across in a vegetarian restaraunt. Not a smile on anyone's face. The best thing about this restaraunt is that, unlike other restaraunts in Florence, it opens quite late. This restaraunt is okay but nothing to scream about. I could not understand why a crowd gathered outside this place. Vegetarianism is not an excuse to have boring foods.
Read morePros: Opens late
Cons: Bland food, Very Expensive, Service
Guest
Signal
Points +61
A reliable place to go - Edit
Like the other reviewers, we were initially confused by the process, getting in line/in the crowd to make an order and pay the man sitting on the till at the back, then waiting with a receipt to get the food from the kitchen staff.
Read moreBut once we understood we felt very comfortable and returned there a few times for good value vegan food, including interesting desserts! Plenty of space and good atmosphere.
Pros: Variety of food, Value
Cons: Initially confusing
Guest
ali.seiter
Points +124
Best Vegetarian/Vegan in Florence - Edit
Easily my favorite vegetarian restaurant in Florence, Il Vegetariano is a beloved longstanding establishment with two indoor dining rooms and one outdoor patio in the back. I waited in line for the restaurant to open at 12:30 with three local Florentines who were clearly regulars at the restaurant based upon the warm "Ciaos!" and cheek-kissing that ensued when the waitress opened the front door.
Read moreThe service is a bit confusing. You write down what you want from the menu on a pad of paper, hand it to the man behind the counter, pay, take a tray, and stand in line at the salad bar for your food which you take back to a table already complete with a basket full of whole grain bread, eat, and leave your dirty plates for the waiters. Even though I had read about these daunting instructions beforehand, I still found myself a bit naive in the whole process (perhaps because of my terrible grasp of the Italian language, though the staff does speak English).
My favorite aspect of Il Vegetariano is that the menu changes everyday and is clearly marked with vegan selections, plus they have a quite extensive salad bar. The vegan entree on the day I sampled the restaurant was an indian-inspired plate of red lentil dahl, basmati rice, and stewed vegetables. Delicious. The only downside was that the rice was white, not brown, so I left it uneaten on the plate and replaced it with the whole grain bread. I also started with a salad from the bar, which boasts a wide array of raw vegetables (carrots, cherry tomatoes, arugula, mixed greens, etc.), and cooked vegetables (steamed cauliflower, roasted eggplant, onions, peppers, zucchini, etc.), plus you can opt for a dollop of tangy tofu dressing which I happily partook in.
I look forward to my next eating experience at Il Vegetariano.
See pictures and more restaurant reviews at my blog: http://farmersmarketvegan.wordpress.com/
Pros: Fantastic food., Excellent salad bar., Fast fast service.
Cons: Complicated serving situation., Not all whole-grain., Only two vegan options on menu.
Guest
Zmeika
Points +281
Mess....never again - Edit
Never seen such a mess in my life! I went there on Sunday night for a diner with my bf. When we arrived all of the tables were occupied, so we joined the queue. We asked the waiter about the rules, and he told us just to wait our turn....After 40 min (!) of waiting between the tables we finally understood that the had to write our names in the special list that makes the queue....and the waiter did not say anything about that! We saw people who arrived after us and then, got their dinner and the table.
Read moreFinally, we ordered our meals. Nothing special. Like home made food. Nothing Wow. Just the only thing - yes, they have a choice of 3 vegan desserts.
Our troubles with this resto did not finish. While eating we were interrupted by an italian woman who explained us that it is her table! I mean....it is a self service, there was NO sign that the table was reserved or occupied....Then the waiter came and asked us to move...to another empty table....So we moved. You can imagine that at this moment I was not even happy to spend my time waiting for this "delicious food", but ok, lets give them a chance! But what a pity! I found a black long hair in my salad....Indeed, baked potatoes were too salty and meal was not even warm...We didn't finish this dinner, we left.
Cons: Organisation, Quality of food, MESS
Guest
Joyatri
Points +524
Bring your appetite - Edit
We arrived at dinner right before they opened. A line was forming, but there seemed to be fairly rapid turnover all evening, so we didn't think it would be a problem getting a table if you came later. The dining area is spacious, with several rooms and outdoor seating.
Read moreItems on the chalkboard menu were clearly marked "vegan." About half were vegan. You can select your own vegetables for the salad. We found that the cooked vegetables in the salad bar were not very appetizing when served cold. We'd stick with non-cooked veggies if we go back. They put a huge dollop of salad cream on your salad. I wish I'd known as I would have prefered to do without it and use the oil and vinegar that are on the dining tables to dress my salad.
The portions are very generous and the dishes are quite tasty and hearty. We made the mistake of ordering too much food. So, no room for dessert :(
Pros: Good value, Lots of choice, Good food
Cons: Tasteless cooked veggies in salad
Guest
snowy
Points +21
soooo good - Edit
the ordering system is slightly confusing but the staff are friendly and willing to help you out. the food is great. you can choose your own salad ingredients which is awesome and the tofu based dressing is delicious. large selection of mains that are delish and reasonably priced. we paid 17 euro each for a big salad, a pasta main, a large and delicious dessert and a drink. lot's to choose from and is very popular so be patient. the outside sitting area is lovely and highly recommended on a warm day.
Read morePros: great food, large selection, cheap
Guest
earthdave
Points +128
Satisfying - Edit
We went back a second time as it was so great! Lineups before they open and full throughout the dinner period.
Read moreWe shared dishes each time and liked all of them. Hearty dishes, big servings, reasonable prices.
And lots of desserts (if you have any space left) of which over half are vegan. The pear-apple tart was great.
Pros: Tasty, big servings, fast and reasonable prices
Cons: busy- go early!, Not all dishes outstanding
Guest
Jonathan Smith
Points +170
Really very good - Edit
This place is really very good. The system for ordering food is esoteric, but the locals help out which makes for a convivial experience. Good savories accompanied by massive salads with lovely dressings. Lots of vegan choice, but strangely no soya milk. Amazing gooey creamy vegan puddings.
Read morePros: Convivial atmosphere, Huge portions, Wholefood bias
Cons: Easy to eat too much, Doesn't open on time
Guest
Vesanto
Points +46
Good food, inexpensive - Edit
We had to wait outside with an enthusiastic and growing crowd until this restaurant opened for dinner at 7:30 pm. It took a little while for us to figure out the ordering system which involved figuring out your order from the posted board, writing it down yourself on a pad from the order desk, paying, and then picking up the food order. The food was excellent and the restaurant was packed. By not having servers, they keep prices low.
Read morePros: Good food, Inexpensive
Guest
Veronica01
Points +168
Vegan friendly and great salad bar - Edit
With most restaurants in Italy charging cover charges just to sit and being sketchy on what does or not dot have cheese, milk or eggs in it, it was nice to have Il Vegetariano.
Read moreThe food is a set menu and a full salad bar and you just order at the cash register and then pick up your items to go back to your table. Everything is reasonably priced, and if you order 3-4 things for 2 people you will be stuffed.
They had a lot of vegan desserts which I applaud as that's rare, but I have to say the peach pie was disappointing because the peaches were sour. It looked nicer than it tasted.
There is also a ton of room, and 2 eating areas so I can't see it being crowded if you come at 7 when they open.
We recommend this place and will be back when visiting Florence.
Pros: good food, good price, awesome salad bar
Cons: not all vegan
Guest
macrocpa
Points +69
Easy to know - Edit
All items are listed on a blackboard, which are marked as to vegan, and/or gluten free. You order, pay, seat yourself, and then you get your food. Wife's owner is Irish, which helps w/English translation. A pleasant, comfortable place for a vegan to eat.
Read morePros: decent food, freshly prepared, Open Sunday
Cons: Cooking heavily salted and seasoned
Guest
Hanna Louise
Points +92
Delicious - Edit
A reasonably priced self-serve restaurant (average less than $10 per person for dinner and drink). It looked closed from the outside but we opened the door and found a cozy, informal little restaurant. You choose from a menu with many clearly marked vegan and gluten-free (senza glutine) options. Order and pay at the counter (the cashier spoke fluent English), then grab a tray and utensils to bring to the queue at the opposite counter, where you hand your order to a man who will immediately serve pre-prepared but fresh and tasty food. They even have some tasty vegan pastries.
Read morePros: very good food, very good prices, many clearly marked vegan options
Guest
aadams1217
Points +134
Fantastic - Edit
Low-key restaurant that lets you decide how long you want to stay. Self-service and friendly atmosphere. Most staff speak English.
Read moreGreat food. Half the menu is vegetarian and the other half is vegan. Same with desserts. Great prices considering the other inflated prices of Florence restaurants.
Guest
woylielover
Points +43
Nice but chaotic - Edit
We found out about this place from the tourist office (big surprise!) and went there twice. First time was alright because there was an English-speaking woman on staff who explained all the dishes on the blackboard menu. Second time was hard as it's all in Italian and often unfamiliar dishes. Salads were very nice - got by with pointing to what we wanted. The system of ordering and collecting food (it's cafeteria-style setup) is quite chaotic and space allocated for this is inadequate.
Read morePros: Food, Friendly staff, Value for money
Cons: Chaotic ordering, Italian language only
Guest
faincut
Points +92
Great place for a good inexpensive healthy meal - Edit
I am writing this review after eating there once. I had a simple pasta, but I saw the variaty items on the menu and it seems that there is a lot to choose from. Prices are reasonable, and it is self service: you choose your meal and take it from the kitchen and find yourself a place to sit. On the table you have bread and olive oil. I also tasted some interesting things such as: BIO COLA. This place is great for Vegans and Vegetarians who look for good food in Florence!
Read morePros: Price, Healthy Food, Vegan
Cons: Location
Guest
pradipd
Points +347
One of the Best - Edit
My wife and I just got back from dinner here. It is away from the Center, but only a 10 min walk from the station and very easy to find. I was pleasantly surprised with the interiors and the food. I was expecting more of a hostel or canteen type of place. But, even though it is primarily a self service place, it has the look and feel of a more upscale place, but with very reasonable prices. We had three first courses between us (all substantial portions), a 1/4l carfe of wine and a soda, all for 20 Euros. You cannot beat this in Florence, for food that was very flavorful.
Read morePros: Flavorful, Value
Guest
gr8vegan
Points +2369
Such a great Veggie hub of Florence! - Edit
This review pretty much says it all "You go in grab a table by putting down your jacket. Go to the front grab a note pad and write down the selections from the in Italian menu. Pay at the table. Grab a tray and wait in line for your food. Everything we tried was good - even when we were guessing."
Read moreAll the vegan items are clearly marked. The one thing we learned is ONE item from the first or second WILL MAKE YOU FULL. We ordered 2 each and were STUFFED after the first! The cool thing about this place is that its a free for all. People are waiting outside for them to open the door at 7:30 and rush to the counter and fill out their orders. Community tables so you can just grab any open chair at any table and converse with everyone. Such a great experience!!!! You MUST GO!
Pros: vegan clearly marked, community tables, great food & liquor
Guest
Birgit
Points +1806
Hard to find - Edit
You need to know how to find the restaurant,as it has no visible house number.When my daughter and I went in October,about 20 people were waiting in front of the restaurant and they opened 20 minutes after their posted opening time,only after one of the waiting guests rang the bell and complained.We liked the atmosphere,there was plenty of room for everybody to sit.It was a little bit overwhelming to look at the menu(in Italian).Everybody had to order at the counter and pay right away.So if you could not decide on dessert you had to come back later.The food was overly salted and for our taste a little too over cooked.But on the other side,everything was ready after you ordered as they prepared everything in advance.Nice crowd of people and very nice owner.While we were eating the chef was standing in the doorway smoking,but you'll have to understand it's Italy.My daughter went back a couple weeks later and she liked the food a lot.They have a varying menu.Make sure you ask about the great dessert they are offering.
Read moreGuest
Deano
Points +123
Good - but avoid the rush - Edit
This excellent cafe is hidden away on one of the back streets of the city - a vegetarian refuge from the hustle of the heaving streets of Florence. However, if you arrive at a busy time - such as opening time - you are likely to be bruised and battered in the rush to the front of the queue. And then you'll be crushed as hungry diners crowd around the menu board and then order at the counter.
Read moreOn the plus side, this is a very friendly and cosy place. The food is really enjoyable and it's good value - though they serve all your hot food at the same time so it'll go cold unless you wolf it down. If you've not been here before then the unusual ordering system will be explained to you by the staff or one of the happy-to-oblige regulars.
Pros: Good value, Good food, Vegan options
Cons: Sometimes like a rugby scrum
Guest
gigi1033
Points +65
Great Find - Edit
Vegetarian but vegan friendly. Desserts are ovo-veg with several vegan option. Manager speaks English and is very friendly. Great food, seitan, scallop potatoes, salad bar.
Read moreWe didn't see that it was takeout =(
Pros: Yummy
Guest
stephaniebain
Points +42
Good, simple cuisine. - Edit
The self-serve restaurant has very simple, healthy cuisine. Vegan choices are marked as such. A couple of vegan dessert choices. Worth stopping in, but I wouldn't prioritize it over other vegetarian restaurants (Il Sedano Allegro, for example).
Read moreGuest
arnevet
Points +16
Only for take away - Edit
The food is OK, but not more than that. small variety and no pasta. The atmosphere is not that of a restaurant at all, and is not welcoming to sit there.
Read moreGuest
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