7 Hidden Gems in Spain for Unforgettable Vegan Feasts
Spain is a country that dances on the tongue—where the scent of sizzling garlic wafts through narrow cobblestone streets, where the crunch of fresh bread echoes in bustling markets, and where every meal feels like a celebration. But for vegan travelers, Spain can sometimes feel like a culinary puzzle. Sure, there’s paella and patatas bravas, but what about the hidden spots where plant-based magic happens? The places where tradition meets innovation, and every bite tells a story?
Over the years, I’ve wandered Spain’s back alleys, stumbled into unassuming eateries, and discovered vegan treasures that even locals whisper about. These aren’t just restaurants; they’re experiences—where the food is as rich in history as it is in flavor. So, grab your fork (and maybe a napkin for the inevitable drooling), because here are seven hidden gems in Spain where vegan feasts become unforgettable memories.
1. La Encomienda (Seville) – Where Vegan Tapas Steal the Show
Address: Calle Regina, 12, 41003 Sevilla
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 1:30 PM–4:00 PM & 8:30 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Sunday & Monday
Seville is a city of flamenco, orange trees, and late-night tapas crawls. But tucked away in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, La Encomienda is a vegan oasis that redefines Andalusian cuisine. This tiny, family-run spot doesn’t just serve food—it serves love on a plate.
The moment you step inside, the warm glow of candlelight and the hum of conversation wrap around you like a hug. The menu is a love letter to Spanish flavors, reimagined without a trace of animal products. Start with their berenjenas con miel de caña (eggplant with cane honey)—a dish so tender and sweet, it’s like biting into a cloud. Then, dive into their croquetas de jamón vegano, where the "ham" is so convincingly smoky, you’ll double-check the menu.
But the real star? Their tortilla de patatas vegana. Yes, you read that right—a vegan Spanish omelet. The texture is spot-on, the flavor is rich, and the first bite will make you want to hug the chef. Pair it with a glass of local sherry, and you’ve got a meal that’s as soulful as a Sevillian sunset.
Pro Tip: Arrive early. This place is small, and word has spread. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a seat at the counter, where you can watch the magic happen.
2. Rasoterra (Barcelona) – A Vegan Journey Through Catalan Flavors
Address: Carrer del Palau, 5, 08002 Barcelona
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM & 7:30 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Sunday & Monday
Barcelona is a vegan paradise, but Rasoterra is the kind of place that makes you whisper, “How is this even possible?” Nestled in the Gothic Quarter, this intimate restaurant is a symphony of Catalan flavors, all plant-based, all extraordinary.
The chef here is a wizard—turning humble ingredients into masterpieces. Their tasting menu is a journey, starting with pan con tomate (because no Catalan meal is complete without it) and escalating to dishes like calçots with romesco sauce—a spring onion so smoky and sweet, you’ll lick your fingers. The mushroom risotto is creamy without a drop of dairy, and the chocolate fondant is so decadent, you’ll question reality.
What sets Rasoterra apart is its commitment to sustainability. The wine list is organic, the produce is local, and every dish feels like a gift to the planet. The ambiance? Think soft lighting, exposed brick, and the kind of quiet elegance that makes you want to linger for hours.
Pro Tip: Book ahead. This place is tiny, and reservations disappear faster than tapas at a family gathering.
3. Veggie Garden (Madrid) – A Cozy Retreat for Plant-Based Comfort Food
Address: Calle de la Ballesta, 12, 28004 Madrid
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 1:00 PM–12:00 AM
Madrid is a city of grand plazas and late-night energy, but Veggie Garden is a hidden sanctuary where vegan comfort food reigns supreme. This unassuming spot near Gran Vía is a haven for those craving hearty, homestyle dishes without the meat.
The menu is a global tour—from Spanish lentejas estofadas (stewed lentils) to Indian dal makhani, all made with love and a generous hand with spices. Their vegan paella is a must-try, bursting with saffron, artichokes, and a medley of vegetables. And if you’re feeling adventurous, their vegan burgers are juicy, messy, and utterly satisfying.
But the real magic? The desserts. The churros with chocolate are crispy, warm, and dipped in a velvety chocolate sauce that’s 100% plant-based. Pair it with a cup of their horchata, and you’ve got a match made in vegan heaven.
Pro Tip: Come hungry. The portions are generous, and you’ll want to try everything.
4. La Oveja Negra (Valencia) – A Vegan Twist on Valencian Classics
Address: Carrer de Quart, 104, 46001 València
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM & 8:00 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Sunday & Monday
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, but La Oveja Negra (The Black Sheep) is where vegan paella gets its moment in the sun. This charming spot in the Ruzafa district is a celebration of Valencian flavors, all plant-based and all incredible.
The paella de verduras is a masterpiece—saffron-infused rice, crisp-tender vegetables, and a depth of flavor that’ll make you forget seafood ever existed. But don’t stop there. Their fideuà (a noodle-based paella) is just as stellar, and their tigernuts horchata is the perfect sweet finish.
The vibe is cozy and unpretentious, with mismatched chairs and walls covered in local art. It’s the kind of place where you’ll strike up a conversation with the table next to you, bonding over your shared love of vegan all i oli (garlic mayo).
Pro Tip: Ask for the daily specials. The chef loves to experiment, and you might just get a taste of something extraordinary.
5. El Vegano de la Villa (Granada) – A Hidden Courtyard of Vegan Delights
Address: Calle Santa Paula, 15, 18001 Granada
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM & 8:00 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Monday
Granada is famous for its free tapas, but El Vegano de la Villa is where vegan tapas become an art form. Tucked away in a quiet courtyard near the Albayzín, this tiny restaurant is a secret worth shouting about.
The menu is a love letter to Andalusian flavors, all reimagined with plants. Start with their espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), a dish so rich and spiced, it’ll make your taste buds dance. Then, try their vegan tortilla—fluffy, golden, and utterly convincing. And don’t skip the aubergine with pomegranate molasses, a dish that’s sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive.
The setting is pure magic—a hidden courtyard strung with fairy lights, where the scent of jasmine mingles with the aroma of sizzling garlic. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and every bite feels like a revelation.
Pro Tip: Order the tinto de verano (red wine spritzer). It’s the perfect pairing for a warm Granada evening.
6. La Vegana Sisters (San Sebastián) – Basque Country’s Vegan Revolution
Address: Calle de la Brecha, 12, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastián
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM & 8:00 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Sunday & Monday
San Sebastián is a foodie’s paradise, but La Vegana Sisters is where vegan cuisine gets the Basque treatment. This sleek, modern spot in the Old Town is run by two sisters who are redefining pintxos (Basque tapas) with a plant-based twist.
The menu is a masterclass in creativity. Their vegan txalupa (a traditional pintxo) is a work of art—crispy bread topped with smoky eggplant, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of truffle oil. The mushroom croquettes are creamy and rich, and the vegan cheesecake is so smooth, you’ll swear it’s made with dairy.
The vibe is chic and contemporary, with a marble counter and a wine list that’s as impressive as the food. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to try everything—and trust me, you should.
Pro Tip: Sit at the counter. The sisters love to chat, and you’ll get the inside scoop on their latest creations.
7. La Huerta de San Vicente (Málaga) – A Vegan Garden of Eden
Address: Calle de San Vicente, 8, 29012 Málaga
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM & 8:00 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Monday
Málaga is a city of sun, sea, and espetos (sardine skewers), but La Huerta de San Vicente is where vegan food gets the coastal treatment. This hidden gem in the Soho district is a garden of edible delights, where every dish feels like a love letter to the Mediterranean.
The menu is a celebration of local produce. Their gazpacho is the best I’ve ever tasted—cool, tangy, and bursting with flavor. The vegan pescado frito (fried "fish") is a revelation, made with banana blossom and served with a zesty aioli. And the orange and almond cake is a sweet, citrusy dream.
The setting is a lush courtyard, where the scent of herbs mingles with the salty sea breeze. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, sipping on a glass of local wine and soaking in the Andalusian sun.
Pro Tip: Try the vegan boquerones (anchovies). They’re made with marinated carrot, and they’re shockingly convincing.
Final Thoughts: Why These Gems Matter
Spain is a country of culinary traditions, but these hidden vegan gems prove that innovation and tradition can dance together beautifully. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a curious foodie, or just someone who loves a good meal, these spots offer something special—a taste of Spain that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.
So, the next time you find yourself wandering Spain’s streets, skip the tourist traps and seek out these hidden treasures. Your stomach (and your soul) will thank you.