Spain is a popular tourist destination. In fact, “in the first six months of [2025], Spain welcomed 44.5 million tourists, which is 4.7 percent more than last year,” reports Ukrainian National News. The country is divided into 17 autonomous regions, and one of the most well-known is Catalonia. That’s thanks in large part to its capital, Barcelona. One of Europe’s most visited cities, Barcelona draws around 32 million tourists each year with its iconic Gaudí architecture, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
But there’s much more to Catalonia than its bustling capital. The provinces of Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida each offer their unique charm. And best of all, no matter where you go in Catalonia, you’ll find plenty of delicious plant-based food to enjoy.
What is the food like in Catalonia?
Like all of Spain’s regions, Catalonia has its distinct cuisine, with unique flavor combinations and traditions. That said, it has plenty in common with the rest of the Mediterranean: it tends to rely heavily on plant-based whole food staples like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, for example, alongside almonds and dried fruits.
One popular dish from the Catalonian mountains, for example, is allioli de codony. Eaten by communities in the Pyrenees, it’s a simple combination of quince, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic. On the coast, of course, you’ll find more seafood-centric dishes, like mandonguilles amb sípia, which is a mix of meatballs, cuttlefish, and a broth made of tomatoes and wine.
Girona in Catalonia | Pexels
Fideuà is one of Catalonia’s most iconic dishes. It’s just like the famous Valencian classic paella, but it’s made with pasta instead of rice. It usually features a mix of cooked fish and tomatoes.
Of course, you can also find Spanish classics across Catalonia, including paella, croquettes, and the tapas favorite, patatas bravas. Alongside these, there’s no shortage of fast food staples, Asian cuisine, and a wide variety of global flavors to suit every palate.
Where to find the best plant-based food in Catalonia
Heading to Catalonia? We’ve rounded up some of the best spots to try delicious vegan food across Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida.
Mad Mad Vegan
1Mad Mad Vegan
Barcelona
Mad Mad Vegan in Barcelona is your go-to spot for a juicy, plant-based burger paired with loaded cheese fries. But don’t miss the signature Mad Tequeños, Venezuelan cheese sticks stuffed with melted cheese and served with fruity jam and aioli. Don’t forget to finish with the indulgent American Brownie.
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Rasoterra
2 Rasoterra
Barcelona
For thoughtfully crafted plant-based cuisine, head to Rasoterra, where every dish is prepared slowly and mindfully using locally sourced ingredients. Standouts include the Catalan-style spinach croquettes, wild garlic bread, and paella-style fregola.
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Roots & Rolls
3 Roots & Rolls
Barcelona
In the mood for sushi? Roots & Rolls is a must-visit. This award-winning spot specializes in plant-based sushi and Asian-inspired dishes, such as Vietnamese rice paper rolls and pad Thai. Don’t miss creative rolls like the Snow White—made with Heüra, sun-dried tomato, caramelized onion, chili, and miso sauce—or the Mangocrusion, featuring avocado, mango, avocado tempura, mango sauce, cashew cheese, sriracha, and black quinoa rice.
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B-12 Restaurant
4B-12 Restaurant
Girona
This vegan bar in the heart of Girona serves up a vibrant fusion of Mediterranean, Japanese, and Moroccan flavors. For a true taste of Catalonia, try tapas like mushroom croquettes, potato and onion omelette, and oven-baked artichoke and spinach pâté.
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Amaranta Restaurant Vegetarià
5 Amaranta Restaurant Vegetarià
Girona
This cozy restaurant is known for its thoughtful, creative, and seasonal vegetarian cuisine, making it arguably the best spot in Girona for a special celebratory plant-based meal. Vegan highlights from the popular daily menu include the tofu meunière and the warm legume salad with tahini sauce.
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Tofu
6 Tofu
Girona
A Girona favorite, this lively spot also blends Catalonian and Asian flavors. You’ll find patatas bravas alongside gyozas, bao buns, ramen, and Hawaiian-style poke bowls. A standout plant-based option is the vegan chicken bao, served with olive sauce, mushrooms, lettuce, and sweet Figueras onion.
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El Vergel
7 El Vergel
Tarragona
After a day exploring Tarragona’s Roman ruins, unwind at El Vergel for a cozy evening of bold, flavor-packed plant-based cuisine. Craving comfort food? Try the potatoes with padrón peppers, smoked mushroom croquettes, vegan chorizo with homemade French fries, or the hearty vegan beef tacos. For something nourishing and whole food-based, try the beet salad with roasted plum, Greek vegan cheese, avocado, and walnuts.
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Berraco
8Berraco
Lleida
Lleida offers beautiful scenery, rich history, and, thanks to Berraco, some seriously satisfying vegan food. Stop by for a classic tapas spread with patatas bravas, nuggets, and nachos, or try the Serrana pizza, topped with spicy serrano peppers and cherry tomatoes. The menu also features a wide range of burgers, salads, and hot dogs, so there’s something for every craving.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
