Berlin is a bustling bohemian hub that welcomes all kinds of people, and caters to all kinds of diets. Vegan and vegetarian food is easy to find in the German capital, with most restaurants and cafes taking care to provide a range of choices to those who live a vegan lifestyle. Some even go the extra mile and provide completely vegan menus. Here are some local favourites for animal-free dining.
Comfort food at Brammibal’s Donuts
In full view of the picturesque Landwehr Canal, Brammibal’s Donuts has been providing completely plant-based treats to Kreuzberg’s hungry masses since the popularity of their product forced them to evolve from a quaint street stall to a true brick-and-mortar location. Now with multiple locations across the city, they offer a range of awesome donuts, like the sweet-and-savoury Salted Caramel Hazelnut, or their light and airy Banana Peanut Fudge. They also have an eclectic vegan brunch and lunch menu including grilled cheese sandwiches, french toast, and heaving breakfast plates loaded with goodies.
Relax, shop and eat at Valladares Feinkost
Tucked away on a serene side street in the quiet district of Moabit, Valladares Feinkost is a triple threat – an entirely vegan cafe, a restaurant, and a mini grocery store all rolled into one. They offer creative dishes like BBQ pulled jackfruit burgers and seitan kebabs so expertly crafted that meat-eaters would hardly know the difference. Other comforting favourites like hot dogs and burritos are also on the menu, along with the usual cafe fare of cakes, coffees and bagels.
Ice cream and brunch at geh Veg
Another vegan paradise in the heart of Moabit, geh Veg offers up soy-based ice cream to hungry locals along with an exciting selection of bagels, smoothies, and colourful breakfast plates loaded with tempeh, sweet potato, and flavoursome vegan spreads like tomato-basil butter. The iced coffee is a wonderful treat in this small cafe, foregoing typical ice cubes for two scoops of their vegan ice cream. Is there any better way to treat yourself on a sunny Sunday morning?
Out of this world vegan burgers at Réger Burger
The neverending quest to find a truly amazing vegan burger ends here. The folks at Réger Burger have developed some mouth-watering delights that will win over even the most carnivorous customer. The humorously named No Girlfriend Burger boasts a black bean patty, creamy vegan cheese sauce and crunchy nachos, while the Tempting Tempeh puts a plant-based twist on a typical American-style street food favourite. But be prepared to do some searching – this place is mobile! Tour dates for the food truck can be found on their website; they pop up at all of Berlin’s trendiest street food markets including Street Food Auf Achse at Kulturbrauerei, or the delightful Green Market Berlin.
'Dope ass toasts' at Two Planets
All the trendsetters in the hip-and-happening neighbourhood of Neukölln flock to Two Planets for stellar coffee, delectable treats and their self-proclaimed 'dope ass toasts' – locally baked bread topped with vegan delights like creamy avocado or sticky soy mushrooms. Describing themselves as 'vegan-friendly' (the Australian-owned cafe will serve up cow’s milk in your coffee if you’d prefer), all the food on offer is completely free from animal products.
Authentic pizza at La Stella Nera
Pizza isn’t a typical staple of most vegan diets, but this cosy joint is doing it right. Just off the hectic and eclectic Hermannstrasse, La Stella Nera provides a truly authentic taste of Italy, from antipasti and pastas to Neapolitan-style pizzas and tiramisu, and it’s all 100% plant-based (yes, even the cheese). The quality is up there with anything you’d find in Rome, and all the pizzas are cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
Go east at 1990 Vegan Living
Occupying the corner across from Friedrichshain’s lively Boxhagener Platz, 1990 Vegan Living brings a plant-based twist to the Vietnamese cuisine Berlin loves. The restaurant’s beautiful decor and exciting dishes will make you feel like you’re on the streets of Hanoi – even if you’re just taking a break from wandering around the local antique markets or trendy secondhand stores.
Plant-based fast food at Swing Kitchen
This popular Austrian food chain has now opened locations in Berlin, dishing out junk food classics with a healthier, plant-based twist. You’ll find all the fast food staples like cheeseburgers, nuggets, fries, and sodas along with some decadent and delicious desserts. You’ll also be doing the world a favour, because these joints take pride in being as environmentally friendly as possible.
A slice of heaven at Lia’s Kitchen
Nestled on a scenic street in Berlin’s start-up district on the border of Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, Lia's Kitchen provides a homely feel along with some seriously good salads and hefty veggie burgers. If you thought being vegan would mean no more blue cheese dressing, think again – this dreamy lunch spot has you covered. Along with their lunch and dinner options, Lia’s also serves up fruit and vegetable-packed smoothies served in massive beer glasses (because why not?) to give you an extra boost of healthy goodness.
Vegan fine dining at Lucky Leek
On the higher end of the vegan spectrum, Lucky Leek has crafted an exquisite menu of incredibly inventive dishes like nori-sesame balls with oyster mushroom ceviche for a truly exceptional dining experience.
This article was originally published in August 2017. It was updated in May 2019.
https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/pocket-berlin-6
