As the demand for plant-based dining continues to rise, European chefs have embraced vegan cuisine with creativity and flair. Vegan recipes have found a place in the menus of top restaurants across Europe, with innovative dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients, as well as the versatility of vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins. From the streets of Barcelona to the fine dining establishments of Paris, European restaurants are showcasing how flavorful and satisfying vegan food can be. Below are some popular vegan recipes you’re likely to find at European restaurants, each with a unique twist on traditional and modern dishes.
1. Vegan Paella (Spain)
Cuisine: Spanish (Mediterranean)
Why it’s popular: Spain’s iconic dish, paella, is traditionally made with seafood or meat, but many restaurants in Spain, especially in Barcelona and Valencia, have embraced the vegan version. Vegan paella uses a mix of seasonal vegetables, artichokes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and beans, along with the signature saffron rice, making it a rich, colorful, and flavorful dish. The balance of spices and herbs ensures that every bite is packed with authenticity, proving that paella can be just as delicious without animal products.
What makes it special: The use of seasonal vegetables, saffron, and sometimes plant-based chorizo or tofu, brings a fresh twist to this traditional Mediterranean dish.
2. Vegan Risotto (Italy)
Cuisine: Italian (Mediterranean)
Why it’s popular: Risotto is a quintessential Italian comfort food, and vegan versions are gaining popularity throughout Italy. A classic vegan risotto recipe might feature seasonal ingredients like wild mushrooms, pumpkin, or asparagus, paired with the richness of vegetable stock and a splash of white wine. The creamy texture traditionally comes from butter and cheese, but vegan versions use plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk to achieve that velvety consistency.
What makes it special: The delicate balance of flavors and textures in a vegan risotto, from earthy mushrooms to creamy plant-based sauces, makes it a hearty and satisfying meal.
3. Vegan Moussaka (Greece)
Cuisine: Greek (Mediterranean)
Why it’s popular: Moussaka is a traditional Greek casserole made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce. In vegan versions, the ground meat is replaced with lentils or chickpeas, while the béchamel sauce is made with almond or soy milk, and vegan butter or olive oil. The dish is baked until golden brown and bubbling, offering a hearty and comforting meal with Mediterranean flavors. Vegan moussaka is popular in many Greek restaurants, particularly in Athens, where plant-based dining has seen a rise in recent years.
What makes it special: The use of lentils or chickpeas instead of meat adds protein and texture, while the rich, dairy-free béchamel offers a creamy finish that complements the eggplant layers.
4. Vegan Croissant (France)
Cuisine: French (Pastry)
Why it’s popular: France, known for its rich and buttery pastries, has embraced the vegan trend with the creation of vegan croissants. These buttery, flaky pastries are traditionally made with a lot of butter, but vegan versions use plant-based margarine or oils that mimic the texture and flavor of the original. Vegan croissants are widely available in Parisian bakeries and cafés, often filled with fruit jams, chocolate, or even savory options like vegan cheese and herbs.
What makes it special: The flaky texture and buttery flavor of the croissant, achieved without dairy, prove that plant-based baking can be just as delicious and indulgent as its traditional counterparts.
5. Vegan “Fish” and Chips (UK)
Cuisine: British (Comfort Food)
Why it’s popular: Vegan “fish” and chips is a popular dish in the UK, especially in London, where the plant-based movement has flourished. Instead of battered fish, the “fish” is typically made from ingredients like banana blossoms, tofu, or tempeh, seasoned with seaweed to capture the flavor of the sea. The dish is served with crispy, golden fries and often accompanied by vegan tartar sauce or mushy peas. This vegan version provides the comfort of the classic British pub food, without the need for animal products.
What makes it special: The use of plant-based ingredients like banana blossoms, which mimic the texture of fish, combined with a perfect crispy batter, brings a satisfying twist to the classic comfort dish.
6. Vegan Schnitzel (Austria/Germany)
Cuisine: Austrian/German (Comfort Food)
Why it’s popular: The iconic Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet, is being reinvented across Austria and Germany with vegan alternatives. Vegan schnitzels are often made from seitan (wheat gluten) or soy protein, which provide a meaty texture. The schnitzel is coated in breadcrumbs, fried until golden, and typically served with potato salad, lingonberry jam, or a fresh salad. Vegan schnitzels have gained popularity in places like Vienna, where plant-based food has become a trend even at traditional eateries.
What makes it special: The crispy, golden breading and juicy, tender texture of the vegan schnitzel make it a hearty and satisfying dish that still respects the roots of the classic Austrian favorite.
7. Vegan Tarte Tatin (France)
Cuisine: French (Dessert)
Why it’s popular: The French classic Tarte Tatin—a caramelized upside-down apple tart—is traditionally made with butter, but many French patisseries now offer a vegan version that swaps butter for plant-based margarine or oils. The caramelization of the apples gives the dessert a deep, rich flavor, while the flaky, buttery crust (made vegan) provides the perfect balance. Vegan tarte tatin is often served warm, with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or dairy-free vanilla ice cream, making it a popular choice in Parisian restaurants.
What makes it special: The sweet caramelized apples combined with a crispy, buttery vegan pastry create a decadent dessert that’s just as luxurious as the original.
8. Vegan Ceviche (Spain)
Cuisine: Spanish (Mediterranean)
Why it’s popular: Ceviche, traditionally made with fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, has found a creative vegan twist in Spanish cuisine. Vegan ceviche uses ingredients like marinated tofu, jackfruit, or hearts of palm to mimic the texture of fish. These ingredients are mixed with lime or lemon juice, onions, cilantro, and chilies to create a refreshing, vibrant dish. Served as a starter or tapas-style, vegan ceviche is a popular dish in Spanish restaurants, particularly in coastal cities like Barcelona.
What makes it special: The use of plant-based ingredients like jackfruit or tofu offers a refreshing alternative to the fish-based ceviche, while still maintaining the tangy, zesty flavors of the original.
9. Vegan French Onion Soup (France)
Cuisine: French (Soup)
Why it’s popular: French onion soup is a beloved French classic, known for its rich, savory broth and melted cheese topping. Vegan versions of this dish use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and dairy-free cheese to maintain the soup’s heartiness and comfort. The caramelized onions, cooked slowly to bring out their sweetness, form the backbone of this dish, and a crusty, toasted baguette is often added to provide texture.
What makes it special: The deep, caramelized onion flavor and the savory broth are just as satisfying in a vegan version, and the melted dairy-free cheese adds the final touch.
10. Vegan Tiramisu (Italy)
Cuisine: Italian (Dessert)
Why it’s popular: The traditional Italian dessert tiramisu, made with mascarpone cheese, eggs, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, has been expertly reimagined in vegan form. Vegan tiramisu uses alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream for the mascarpone, and a rich coffee-soaked biscuit base. The dish is layered with sweetness and served chilled, making it the perfect end to any meal. Many Italian restaurants in major cities like Rome and Milan now feature vegan tiramisu on their menus.
What makes it special: The rich, creamy texture of vegan tiramisu, paired with the indulgent coffee flavor, makes this plant-based dessert every bit as decadent as the traditional version.
The Rise of Vegan Fine Dining in Europe
Vegan cuisine in European restaurants has come a long way, with innovative recipes that capture the essence of traditional dishes while offering new, plant-based alternatives. From the vegan paella of Spain to the vegan risotto of Italy, these dishes celebrate the bounty of fresh, seasonal ingredients, proving that plant-based food can be just as luxurious, satisfying, and flavorful as any other type of cuisine. With more and more European restaurants embracing veganism, it’s clear that the future of dining is plant-based—and it’s incredibly delicious.