Turin: What is the vegan capital of Italy?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 Eurispes survey, approximately 2.3% of the Italian population follows a vegan lifestyle, signaling a steady and vibrant plant-based movement. This has led many to ask: what is the vegan capital of Italy? While the title is unofficial, one northern city frequently stands out among the rest.

Quick Summary

Turin is often hailed as Italy's vegan capital, driven by strong municipal support and a diverse culinary scene. Other cities like Rome and Milan also boast impressive and growing selections of plant-based restaurants and traditional vegan dishes.

Key Points

Turin's Reputation: Turin is widely considered Italy's unofficial vegan capital due to a supportive municipal push and a dense, innovative vegan culinary scene.
Diverse Dining Options: From casual vegan burgers at Flower Burger to upscale fine dining at Mezzaluna and Soul Kitchen, Turin offers a wide variety of plant-based experiences.
Rome's Traditional Vegan Twist: Rome features many excellent vegan options, including restaurants like Rifugio Romano that specialize in plant-based takes on classic Roman dishes.
Milan's High-End Scene: Milan showcases an elegant, creative side of veganism, including Europe's first Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant, Joia, which offers a large vegan menu.
Naturally Vegan Classics: Many traditional Italian dishes, such as Pizza Marinara and Pasta e Ceci, are naturally vegan or can be easily adapted, making plant-based eating easier across the country.
Growing Movement: The vegan and vegetarian population in Italy is stable and growing, with an increasing number of options appearing in major cities and smaller towns.

Why Turin is Considered Italy's Vegan Capital

Turin (Torino), a city known for its rich history and stunning architecture, has in recent years earned a reputation as Italy's most progressive city for plant-based living. This transformation was partly fueled by a push from former Mayor Chiara Appendino to promote sustainable, vegetarian-friendly eating, an initiative that put the city squarely on the map for eco-conscious diners.

Unlike southern Italy, where animal products are a deeply ingrained part of the culinary tradition, Turin's forward-thinking mindset has fostered a thriving community of dedicated vegan establishments. The city's commitment goes beyond just catering to vegans; it actively celebrates and promotes the lifestyle. This is evident in the sheer number and variety of vegan restaurants, which offer everything from fine dining to colorful fast food.

Turin's Vegan Culinary Highlights

Mezzaluna: An institution in the city, established in 1994, Mezzaluna offers traditional and creative vegan dishes in a historic setting.
Soul Kitchen: For those seeking a higher-end experience, Soul Kitchen provides an upscale, innovative plant-based menu.
Flower Burger: A popular choice for casual dining, this fast-food chain is famous for its vibrant, naturally colored vegan burgers.
L'Orto già Salsamentario: A testament to Turin's evolution, this eatery transformed from a historical sausage factory into a plant-based haven, focusing on sustainable, local ingredients.

The Rise of Veganism Across Italy

While Turin might hold the crown, it is by no means the only vegan-friendly city in Italy. The country's history of cucina povera (peasant cooking), which relies heavily on legumes, grains, and vegetables, means many traditional dishes are naturally vegan or easily adapted. Major cities like Rome and Milan have developed their own distinct and impressive vegan scenes.

Rome: Tradition Reimagined

Rifugio Romano: This classic trattoria has gained fame for offering a massive, dedicated vegan menu that features plant-based versions of Roman classics like carbonara and amatriciana.
Romeow Cat Bistrot: Combining vegan dining with a cat lounge, this unique spot highlights the city's whimsical side.

Milan: Chic and Creative Conscious Dining

Joia: Europe's first Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant, Joia now features a menu that is largely vegan or can be made so, reflecting Milan's elegant and creative culinary identity.
Linfa: A fully vegan restaurant that presents beautifully plated dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavors and an eco-conscious ethos.

Navigating Italy's Vegan Scene: A City Comparison

When planning a vegan-friendly trip to Italy, understanding the nuances of each city can enhance your experience. Here's a quick comparison of the top vegan destinations.


Feature	Turin	Rome	Milan
Variety of Options	Extremely high, from fine dining to casual burgers.	Extensive options, especially noted for traditional Roman classics made vegan.	High, with a focus on innovative and upscale vegan cuisine.
Cost	A wide range of prices, generally very accessible options available.	Mid-range to high, with many excellent but pricey vegan specialty restaurants.	Tends toward the pricier side, especially for innovative fine dining.
Traditional Vegan Dishes	Embraces Piedmontese culinary roots with plant-based twists, like Mezzaluna's dishes.	Excels at creating faithful vegan versions of traditional Roman fare, like cacio e pepe and carbonara.	More focused on creative, modern plant-based Italian and international cuisine.
Overall Vibe	Relaxed and progressive, with a deep-seated commitment to sustainable eating.	Ancient history meets modern, thriving vegan menus, from trattorias to innovative bistros.	Elegant, chic, and creative, mirroring the city's fashion and design heritage.

Naturally Vegan Italian Dishes to Discover

Even in cities less known for their vegan scene, many Italian dishes are naturally plant-based. Here are some examples to look for on any menu:

Pasta e Fagioli: A hearty and rustic soup made with pasta and beans.
Pizza Marinara: The original Neapolitan pizza, topped with only tomato, garlic, and oregano. Always check that the dough is vegan.
Bruschetta al Pomodoro: Toasted bread with garlic, olive oil, and fresh tomato. Ask for it without any cheese or animal fats.
Caponata: A Sicilian sweet-and-sour dish of eggplant, capers, and olives, served as an appetizer.
Farinata: A savory, thin pancake made from chickpea flour, originating from Liguria and often sold by the slice.

How to Communicate Your Needs in Italy

While veganism is growing, not all establishments are fully knowledgeable. Learning a few key phrases can make your dining experience much smoother:

“Sono vegano/a” (I am vegan).
“Senza formaggio, per favore” (Without cheese, please).
“Senza carne, pesce, latte, né uova” (Without meat, fish, milk, or eggs).
“Il pane contiene strutto?” (Does the bread contain lard?).
“Contiene burro o formaggio?” (Does it contain butter or cheese?).

Conclusion: The Unofficial Vegan Capital

While no city has an official title, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that Turin is the top contender for Italy's vegan capital. Its progressive attitude, high concentration of vegan-only restaurants, and dedicated municipal support have cultivated an unparalleled plant-based culinary scene. However, this doesn't diminish the incredible options found in other vibrant cities like Rome and Milan, where innovative chefs are reimagining classic Italian fare. For any vegan traveling to Italy, a world of plant-based discovery awaits, blending rich history with modern, ethical dining.

Find a wealth of additional vegan travel guides and information to aid your Italian adventure at Vegan Travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is surprisingly easy to find vegan food in Italy. While many traditional dishes feature animal products, Italy's focus on fresh, seasonal vegetables, legumes, and pasta means many dishes are naturally vegan or can be easily modified. Major cities, in particular, have a large and growing number of dedicated vegan restaurants and cafes.

For the highest concentration and variety of dedicated vegan restaurants, Turin is often cited as the best city for vegan food. However, Rome offers excellent veganized versions of traditional classics, and Milan excels in creative, upscale plant-based dining.

Yes, many traditional Italian dishes are naturally vegan. Examples include Pizza Marinara (tomato, garlic, oregano), Pasta e Fagioli (pasta and bean soup), Panzanella (bread and tomato salad), and Caponata (eggplant appetizer).

The easiest way is to use key Italian phrases like “Sono vegano/a” (I am vegan) and “Senza formaggio, per favore” (Without cheese, please). When ordering pasta, be sure to ask if the fresh pasta contains eggs and confirm the sauce has no dairy or meat. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate simple requests.

Dried pasta (pasta secca) is traditionally made with just semolina flour and water, making it naturally vegan. However, fresh pasta (pasta fresca) often contains egg. When in doubt, it is best to ask the restaurant or stick to dried varieties.

Yes, vegan gelato is widely available. Many gelaterias offer a variety of sorbetto (sorbet) flavors, which are dairy-free. Some also offer specific vegan options, such as creamy gelato made with rice or nut milk.

Italy's vegan movement is growing steadily, with a stable population of around 2.3% of the country identifying as vegan as of 2024. Ethical concerns and health reasons are key drivers. This has led to a significant increase in vegan product sales and the expansion of plant-based options in restaurants.