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From juicy seitan steaks to creamy cheese boards, Lisbon’s vegan food scene is full of surprises.
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There are more vegan restaurants in Lisbon that you can shake a stick at. No, really. Lisbon might just be one of the most underrated vegan cities in Europe. While most tourists are chasing custard tarts and grilled sardines, a growing number of ethical travellers are discovering a different side of the city. One that smells like seared mushrooms, baked lasagna, and smoky paprika…
There are too many to choose from, but somehow we managed! Here are five of the best vegan restaurants in Lisbon right now, each one totally different, but equally worth your time (and appetite).
1. AO 26
If you only visit one place on this list, make it AO 26.
This spot has earned a reputation as one of the best vegan restaurants in Lisbon, and for good reason. The food is bold and rich, from perfectly grilled seitan steaks to a fully vegan version of the famous francesinha sandwich—complete with melty cheese and layers of plant-based meat, all swimming in a spiced tomato-beer sauce. Yum.
The setting is warm and modern, and the place is always packed. Book ahead if you don’t want to hover awkwardly by the door, watching plates go by and giving you food before you’ve even had a chance to order.
It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Creative, filling, indulgent food that’s sure to impress, whether you’re vegan or not!
2. The Food Temple
Hidden in the winding alleyways of Mouraria, The Food Temple is tiny, candlelit, and ridiculously charming.
It doesn’t follow a fixed menu. Instead, it changes daily based on fresh ingredients and global inspiration. One night it might be a Moroccan-style tagine with soft apricots and toasted almonds. Another night, a Portuguese bean stew, fragrant with garlic and bay leaf.
You’ll eat outside on stone steps, surrounded by strangers who feel like dinner guests. It’s intimate, slow, and best enjoyed with a glass of red wine and no real plans for the rest of the evening.
3. O Botanista
Bright, green, and full of plants! We’re talking both in the food and on the walls. O Botanista is the kind of place that makes you want to chill there all afternoon.
The vibe is stylish but not too serious. The menu is a mix of light and hearty: rainbow bowls, sweet potato burgers, and one of the best vegan cheese boards in town. Their house-made cashew cheeses are SO good. I don’t want to hear another word about vegan cheese being like rubber. Taste this, and let’s speak.
If you’re browsing vegan restaurants in Lisbon that cater to diverse tastes, this is a solid choice. It’s inclusive, balanced, and everything looks as good as it tastes.
Oh, and did we mention? You know this one’s a winner, because the genius behind it is Catarina Gonçalves of Ao 26. She’s teamed up with André Baptista to present effortlessly plant-based food. As they put it, “Nothing comes from animals but we do not even need to say it’s vegan.”
4. Princesa do Castelo
Tucked into the Alfama district, this family-run restaurant is an absolute gem.
You’ll find comfort food here. Lasagna, curry, soups, and daily specials are cooked with care and served without fuss. There’s nothing flashy about it. Just good, honest meals at prices that won’t make your bank account cry, which can be a rarity in Europe’s top cities these days.
The staff are kind, the vibe is laid-back, and the food comes out fast. Of all the vegan restaurants in Lisbon, it’s the kind of place that can easily become your favorite.
5. Vegan Junkies
Loud music. Big portions. Even bigger burgers.
Vegan Junkies is where you go when you want something messy and fun. The kind of meal that involves both hands and lots of napkins. Look, if you’re scouting vegan restaurants in Lisbon for a first date, this ain’t it. Expect loaded fries, towering burgers, local IPAs, and a menu full of things you probably didn’t know you were craving until they showed up on your table. With burger names like Big Kahuna and The Notorious B.I.G, and a variety of “Massive Attack’os” including homemade chorizo, you know you’re in for a treat.
It’s not health food. It’s not supposed to be! It’s comfort food for the hungry and the hungover, and it delivers.
Vegan restaurants in Lisbon: the final bite
Lisbon has range. From sleek cafés to alleyway gems, the vegan food here is as varied as the city itself. Whether you’re after bold Portuguese flavors or international twists, there’s something here that’ll make you rethink what plant-based food can be.
And honestly? We’re just scraping the surface. You might want to extend your trip…
