Vegetarian restaurants in Florence, simple dishes and interesting restaurants in the center of the Florentine city to always have an alternative and dine with taste and low cost in Florence.
A Firenze real gastronomic pilgrimages are made to go and eat the Florentine steak and obviously, the restaurants, especially those in the center, try to meet the demands of tourists. Taking a look at the menus hanging outside the taverns near the most popular churches, the options for non-meat eaters aren't all that great.
In recent years, however, vegan and vegetarian places have become more and more famous, also popular with those who are omnivores, just like me. I really like the cuisine based on fruit, vegetables and spices, because it is creative and healthy at the same time: this is why I love to dine in these restaurants, which are often also very beautiful and refined.
The formulas and options are so many and in the city there are also only veg patisseries. However, I will only tell you about the places that I have personally tried, but I hope to soon be able to expand my circle because in principle, I have always been satisfied. All the premises are located in the historic center area and are easily accessible by public transport or on foot.
A good place to have a healthy breakfast or a tasty snack is Lovelife. Juices, smoothies, fruit salads, yoghurt: everything that comes to mind is there, accompanied by coffee (including American), a newspaper always available to customers and good background music. It is located near the Duomo and it is a place to keep in mind also for light lunches: bamati rice, spelled salads, savory pies, cous cous. In its wake, several smoothies' bars have been opened in the area, but my favorite is still Lovelife.
Not far away, in the parallel street, you will find Rice Miso, bio vegan, vegetarian and macrobiotic bistro. The restaurant will leave you speechless: "a little garden and a little living room" you can read on the website and that's it. The atmosphere is welcoming, the decor is very special and it is a great place for a relaxing break.
I confess that I only had an herbal tea and a slice of cake, but I took a look at the menu and it made me want to come back for dinner. In the meantime, I can tell you that the choice of artisan sweets and biscuits is great and you can also buy organic products, objects and plants. In a small table at the entrance you will find information on courses and events. It's not exactly cheap and the staff seemed a bit cold to me.
One of the best known names is certainly la Brac bookcase, a rich space where art, culture and good food come together. It is located near the Ponte alle Grazie and the only time I had lunch there, I had an unusual salad made with carasau bread: really tasty! The interiors are white and bright and it is a suitable place for slightly chic intellectuals.
Another classic is the Cheerful celery, open since 1990, near Piazza d'Azeglio. The restaurant is furnished almost in ethnic style, in shades of red, also suitable for romantic dinners. On the menu, legumes and seitan are the strong points and I must say that among all, it is perhaps the one that gives the most choice as regards the variety of dishes.
There is also The Vegetarian: oh well the name already says it all! It is the historic veg restaurant in Florence, because it opened its doors already in the 80s. A very rustic setting… like the menu! It changes every day and draws on the Tuscan tradition. You order and pay at the house, but then you serve yourself.
I ate in the first room: wooden plank and onion soup. Needless to say, my dish just wasn't light, even though the taste was really good. I thought it was the fault of the choice not really in favor of digestion, but my lunch companions also found the same heaviness in their dishes.
I conclude with the future neighbor of the Vegetarian, The fairies, vegan and astrological restaurant. The unique dishes are affordable, where you will find combinations of pasta, salads and meatballs, for example. Each one, however, is created based on the foods, which are associated with the different zodiac signs, but be careful! The choice is not linked to one's own star: it is ordered as in a common restaurant, according to one's cravings.
The very nice (and beautiful) owner will then pass between the tables to explain the correlation between what you are eating and your astral picture. Well-kept and truly creative dishes. Great for intimate dinners or groups, but must be booked as it is very popular even in the middle of the week.
Not enough for you? There is always the Central Market of San Lorenzo, where you can find seasonal fruit and vegetables to cook at home or to eat upstairs, perhaps listening to some bands playing live.
