Berlin has gained a reputation for being home to some of the best plant-based dining options in Europe, and that’s no coincidence. From traditional Vietnamese dishes and Persian mezzes to vegan fast food and homemade doughnuts, the German capital is very well provided for in terms of choice for vegans and vegetarians. While some restaurants do indeed offer amazing food and a unique dining experience, some of the best-rated don’t quite live up to the reviews. Also, we will present a guide to our favourite vegan-friendly places in Berlin, along with a couple of places you should skip.
Bamboo Leaf
Bamboo Leaf is a trendy Asian restaurant that serves Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese-inspired dishes in a beautiful setting. We know them for their creative sushi, comforting pho and refreshing cocktails. Outstanding dishes include the Veggie Uramaki and the Futo Veggie Baked Sushi Roll, which are very flavorful and beautifully presented. Also, the menu does have lots of vegetarian and vegan options, but do check in to see if some dishes have fish sauce.
Evin Pizza & Pasta
Evin Pizza & Pasta is your budget Italian option, which is what you should go to. While we do note that the place isn’t fully vegan they still have a good variety of options for the vegan diet. The Cacio e Pepe is a standout in the vegan options, which comes with great taste, though very simple. Also, the Penne Arrabbiata that has been loaded with mushrooms is a very good choice. They have friendly service, large portion sizes and are very budget-friendly, which is what makes this place a favorite among guests.
Meet Me Halfway
This family-owned Persian cafe is a great option for breakfast or lunch. While a little more on the pricey side as compared to some of the other restaurants in the area, the quality really does put that up tick. As for the food, we love the Adas Polo, which is a fragrant lentil rice dish that also goes very well with a side of hummus. Also, don’t miss out on the Meet Me Vegan Mezze Platter, which includes grilled veggies, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, vine leaves, fresh salad and warm bread. Very satisfying and full of that true Middle Eastern flavour.
Ho Lo Asia Restaurant
Although the service may be a little lacklustre at times, the food is what you should be paying attention to. We have the Vegan Glass Noodle Salad, which is a great light starter, and also the Vegan Duck, which is the star of the menu for us. Made from seitan, this dish puts on a rich textural performance and does very well in the flavour department, which has made it the go-to menu item for many of our guests.
Brammibal’s Donuts
No vegan food blog about Berlin is at full capacity until they include Brammibal’s Donuts. This fully vegan bakery specializes in fresh, handmade doughnuts, which they craft daily in a variety of creative flavors. Fans of Tiramisu, White Nougat Pistachio, Banoffee, and the traditional German style Bienenstich filled with vanilla custard are among the many devoted customers. Also, which is combined very well with their great coffee and friendly service, it is the perfect spot for dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Vedang
In the heart of the Mall of Berlin is Vedang, which also happens to be the city’s go-to vegan fast food joint. They have a wide range of options from plant-based döner wraps and burgers to crispy vegan chicken choices, cheesy fries and a unique CBD burger. Also very popular are their vegan kebabs, which they pair with cheesy chips. They do this at a great price point.
Restaurants That May Disappoint
NENI Berlin
Despite its large following and prime location by Monkey Bar, NENI Berlin may not live up to what vegan diners are looking for. We see this in the case of the Spicy Caramelised Aubergine, which has been put forward as a hit but in fact falls flat in terms of flavour; also, the hummus and the rest of the menu, which is put out, are a mixed bag. Added to that high price point and variable service, which we found to be the case, other options offer better value in the city. That said, the bar next door, which is named Monkey Bar, is still an excellent spot for a drink and to take in the city views.
Quy Nguyen Vegan Living
Quy Nguyen Vegan Living, which features attractive decor, is a fully vegan Vietnamese restaurant, but in many cases, the food does not meet the mark. Grains of truth to what we’re told about lack of flavour in the mains like the Bun Cha – while they look great,it just doesn’t pack that taste punch. Also, they only accept cash, which may be an issue for lots of foreign travellers. While the old-fashioned coffee is very good, that may not save this restaurant in terms of making a strong impression for a return visit or recommending it to others.
Final Thoughts
Berlin is home to what may be the most dynamic vegan food scene in Europe, which presents its guests with a wide range of options from authentic Asian and Persian dishes to Italian main staples and rich desserts. At Bamboo Leaf, Meet Me Halfway, Brammibal’s Donuts, Vedang, Evin Pizza Pasta and Ho Lo Asia Restaurant, you get flavor, variety and great value. While at restaurants like NENI Berlin and Quy Nguyen Vegan Living, you may not find everything you are looking for, Berlin’s great choice means you aren’t far from an excellent plant-based meal.
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