Studying abroad in Barcelona has been one of the best experiences of my life. As a vegetarian, though, finding good-quality, healthy food, especially plant-based meals that fit a college student’s budget, took some trial and error.
So I made it my goal to find the best vegetarian food in Barcelona out of all of the restaurants for students and anyone else who wants a casual, affordable meal. My criteria were simple: somewhere relatively close, not too expensive, cute enough to bring friends, healthy-ish, and, most importantly, genuinely good.
After plenty of exploring, these are the vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Barcelona that stood out to me.
1. Snob Barcelona: Falafel Bowls Near El Born
Snob Barcelona was one of the first meals I had in the city, and it is still one of the best.
I went with my roommate and a friend. The drinks were delicious, the place was cute, and the food lived up to it. I ordered the falafel bowl, while my roommate got a chicken bowl. She is now just as obsessed with Snob as I am.
The falafel bowl was fresh, filling, and full of flavor. It is a particularly good choice if you are eating with a mixed group of vegetarians and meat-eaters, since everyone can find something they want without settling for an afterthought on the menu.
2. Plant Shack: A Fully Plant-Based Lunch in Eixample
Plant Shack is easy to underestimate from the outside, but trust me: the food is delicious, and the entire menu is plant-based.
I ordered the vegan BLT. The sauce was amazing, the sandwich was much more filling than I expected, and I finished it already planning when I could come back. That is usually a good sign.
If you want a quick vegan lunch in Barcelona without having to study every ingredient on the menu, Plant Shack makes the choice easy.
3. CocoVail Beer Hall: Vegan and Vegetarian Food for Mixed Groups
Most people know CocoVail’s offerings for craft beer, sports, burgers, and chicken wings, so I was surprised by how many vegetarian and vegan options I found.
I tried the tofu poke bowl, which was really good. I especially liked being able to choose my own toppings. I also tried the vegan nuggets and would order them again. I have not made it to the vegan burger yet, but I have heard good things, so it is next on my list.
There are several vegetarian dishes for sharing too, including nachos, mozzarella sticks, fries, and mac and cheese. The Caesar salad can also work for some vegetarians, but it is worth asking about the dressing if you avoid anchovies.
CocoVail is one of the easiest choices when your group includes vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters, especially if you also want to watch a game or have a craft beer together.
4. Generation B: Healthy Vegetarian Bowls in Eixample
Generation B is an actual healthy spot, and I felt good after eating there. It has several vegetarian and vegan dishes, along with options for people with other dietary restrictions.
I ordered the Probiotic Bowl. It was delicious, very filling, and everything tasted fresh. You can also build your own bowl or salad, which is helpful if you are particular about ingredients or simply want to try a different combination.
I will definitely be back to work my way through more of the menu. This is a strong option when you want a proper meal that does not leave you feeling heavy afterward.
5. Quinoa Bar: Affordable Vegan Street Food in Gràcia
Quinoa Bar was the biggest surprise on this list. It is a tiny, easy-to-miss restaurant in Gràcia with only a handful of tables, and I almost walked right past it.
I ordered the seitan döner kebab wrap and could watch it being made from my seat. It arrived hot, packed with flavor, and honestly, it was stunning. At the time of my visit, the wrap and a bottle of water came to just over €11.
I went in with fairly low expectations and left wanting to try the rest of the menu. Quinoa is cheap, quick, and insanely delicious, which is exactly what I want from vegetarian food as a student.
6. Gallo Santo: Vegan Mexican Food and Taco Tuesday in Gràcia
I was greeted by a dog when I walked into Gallo Santo, so the place earned extra points immediately.
The server was lovely and the food came out quickly. I visited the Gràcia location for its Taco Tuesday deal, when tacos were €2.50 each. The waiter even gave me an extra taco so I could try every variety included in the special. They were all delicious.
It was a fun, affordable meal, and plenty of other things on the menu caught my eye. If you are looking for vegan Mexican food in Barcelona, especially a casual dinner with friends, I would happily go back.
Finding Good Vegetarian Food in Barcelona
Before moving here, I worried that finding satisfying vegetarian food in Barcelona would be difficult. It took some exploring, but that has not been my experience at all. The city has everything from healthy bowls and vegan sandwiches to seitan kebabs and plant-based tacos.
These are not supposed to be the only good vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona. They are the places I personally tried, enjoyed, and would recommend to another student. That personal test matters more to me than a giant list of restaurants I have never visited.
And if you are eating with a group where everyone wants something different, CocoVail is an easy meeting point. You can order a tofu poke bowl or vegan burger while your friends get wings, then stay for craft beer, sports, or a board game.
Menus, prices, and promotions can change, so check with each restaurant before visiting, especially if you have allergies or follow a strict vegan diet.