Since most of our team resides in Medellin and we love going out to eat (maybe a little bit too much), we’ve compiled our top 7 vegan and vegetarian restaurants that you should definitely visit in beautiful Medellín. Just remember to invite us too!
Just a couple of years ago, being vegan or vegetarian in Medellín was an adventurous enterprise that only the brave ones used to embark on; yes, we know what you are thinking about, Colombia, a country with such a great diversity that includes exotic and abundant fruits and vegetables, must be vegan or vegetarian friendly – well, not really back then. Just 5 years ago you could count the number of vegetarian restaurants in one hand, and being vegan was unthinkable, people would not even understand what you meant by that.
The reality now however is that there is a growing number of places, shops, markets, where you can get all types of products friendly with those that have a different type of diet. It is becoming a trend and for a good reason, to include healthier options on the menu, with more options for vegans and vegetarians.
Here is our selection of the top 7 rerstaurants in the city (not in order of preference):
#1: Saludpan / Laureles
Saludpan is an institution in Laureles and for good reason. To start, the menu del dia is especially hearty, and if you occasionally eat white meat, there is always a chicken or fish option to choose as well. If you’re not into the menu del dia, everything on the menu is fresh, delicious, and filling. The prices are reasonable and you can shop before or after you eat from a wide variety of bulk spices, organic products, and imported specialities. It’s a vegetarian and vegan paradise! Plus, they have a small market on saturdays with fresh vegetables – we’re talking kale, a variety of lettuces, fresh greens, finger potatoes, and so much more.
Where: Cq. 4 #70 – 84
Schedule: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 – 20:00
#2: Kai / Poblado
Where: Cra. 40 #21
Schedule: Monday to Friday from 12:00- 15:00 ; 18:30-23:00 /Saturdays from 12:00-15:00 ; 16:30 – 23:00
# 3: Govindas / El Centro
An unassuming, but pleasant surprise is probably the best way to describe Govinda’s vegetarian restaurant and cultural center. Located at the heart of Medellín, it is a great place to have lunch or a sweet snack in the afternoon. Even better, their menu features traditional dishes from India.
Where: Cl. 51 #52-17
Schedule: Every day from 8:00 to 18:00
#4: Espíritu Libre / Los Almendros
If you want a creative spin on vegetarian food, this is the place. With an always changing, always different collection of delicious bites, even your non-veggie friends will be clamoring to go back. The place itself is cozy and feels like you’re eating your mom’s homecooking, made with love and with special care applied to each detail. The owners of the restaurant are a friendly Paisa couple interested traditional medicine and practices, which they apply to the menu.
Where: Cl 32D #No.76-15
Schedule: Monday to Friday from 11:00 – 20:00 / Saturdays from 9:00 – 20:00
#5: Vegarden / La villa de aburra
Lasagna is the go to here, just like grandma used to make. The place is cozy, they have inside and outside tables, next to a park. They have products for sale for vegans or vegetarians, so you will have access to whatever you need, so be sure to arrive hungry! It is one of our favorite in the area. If you think traditional Paisa dishes are too much and unhealthy, go for a vegan “Tamal” at Vegarden, it will be love at first bite!
Where: Cl. 32B #81-41
Schedule: Monday to Thursday from 11:30 – 20:30 / Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 – 21:30
#6: Betty’s Bowls / Poblado
This place is run by two sisters, and they offer spectacular, fresh food. The bowls are big and full of creative, healthy ingredients, meaning you won’t walk away hungry or feeling heavy. As a bonus, everything is served in compostable containers. Also, don’t miss out on the coffee! The lovely owners will explain where the coffee comes from and how it is best prepared.
Where: Tv. Inferior #7A – 77
Schedule: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 – 18:00 / Sundays from 8:00 – 14:00
#7: Vegetarian Restaurant
Off the beaten path, but so worth it if you want to check out a new part of town. Located right next to a butcher shop oddly enough, it’s one of the more creative, reasonably priced vegetarian places in town. The great part about the menu del dia here is that you can choose between two options, more traditional or slightly more fancy. The cheaper option is a more traditional menu del dia with soup, main dish and juice, while the second option features 4 or 5 courses of slightly more creative fair. Either way, you cannot go wrong and we think you’ll leave very happy and satisfied.
Where: Carrera 51D, close to RutaN
