Welcome! Let's get this started.
or
Finish logging in.
Vegan
Pizza
Italian
Beer/Wine
Delivery
Take-out
Family-owned vegan restaurant with roman style cuisine, seasonal dishes, and pizza. Dishes include carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, gricia, and veganized traditional desserts. Reservations required; book through the restaurant website. LGBTQ+ friendly. Note: Previously veg options only, but fully vegan since 1st March 2023. Open Mon-Sun 11:00-23:00. Closed Mon.
1255 Reviews
First Review by lotustummy
sophandseitan
Points +216
Overrated - Edit
Whilst it’s lovely to support a fully vegan restaurant, I feel like this place is just expecting the hype to keep them going. I’m obviously appreciative that I could have anything from the menu, but everything I had fell flat.
Read moreTo start, my husband and I shared the croquettes and the mushroom bruschetta. The croquettes were nice but the sauce was very bland. The mushroom bruschetta tasted like the mushrooms on toast that I make at home anyway, because the ‘Gorgonzola’ tasted just like a mellow cream cheese. I was really hoping for the blue cheese tang which I just didn’t get.
For main my husband had the mezzamanica alla gricia vegan and I had the carbonara. Neither of the sauces were particularly creamy, more like when you make a cashew cream in a blender that isn’t powerful enough. The mezzamanica was decently seasoned and very smoky, but lukewarm. The carbonara stank of egg. If I knew ordinary carbonara doesn’t actually smell of egg, I’d have been suspicious. They were both decent enough meals, but underwhelming compared to the hype. The portions are also huge! I was looking forward to a tiramisu for dessert but I couldn’t eat anymore.
It took ages for a drinks order to be taken, and then it was never brought over. It wasn’t until our starters arrived that they realised we didn’t have our drinks. When they did bring them over, we had to remind them we’d also asked for water. That’s particularly strange to me as normally places ask if you want water as soon as you sit down and it’s there whilst you peruse the menu.
We then got our main. Except they brought us the wrong dish. Not the end of the world but just annoying because the service was already lacking. When we finished the woman who collected the plates was so sloppy that I’m surprised it didn’t end up in my lap. They they took ages to bring the bill as the three waiters decided to have a chinwag instead of attending to us.
The menu is completely online which isn’t my favourite when I’m having to click through each menu item to see what the individual dishes contain. Some don’t even have descriptions so it’s anybody’s guess as to what they actually contain.
If you want a quiet dinner, I don’t recommend sitting outside. Buskers are loud, lots of backpackers walking by, and very drunk people getting in the way on the waiters. Do yourself a favour and book inside the restaurant.
Pros: Fully vegan, Central location, Reasonable price
Cons: Sloppy service, Slow service
Guest
chatreuse
Points +5405
Didn't live up to the hype - Edit
We went here for dinner on the same night we arrived in Rome, as it was one of the nearest to our hotel and I had listed it as a top priority. Unfortunately, I didn't love it. The menu is extensive, and I wish there was a physical copy as I find that much easier to peruse.
Read moreFor appetisers we got the classic tomato bruschetta, and the bruschetta with mushroom and blue cheese. The waiter had told us the blue cheese tastes exactly like the real stuff, luckily for me it tasted nothing like blue cheese (as I detest that flavour), but more like cream cheese. There wasn't much taste at all, neither did the tomato bruschetta have much taste which is a crying shame because good tomatoes in Italy are so flavoursome.
The mini fried foldover with pizzaiolo sauce had quite a thick breadcrumb/polenta type pastry, but again, hardly any flavour in the sauce.
For mains we got the spaghetti carbonara, and pizza diavolo. The table near us were eating their cacio e pepe and said it was amazing but the carbonara was even better. When it came, I was impressed how eggy it smelt and tasted, but that didn't last long, and the bacon had a jerky texture.
The diavolo pizza (tomato, mozzarella, salami, chilli, mozzarella cream) description had me worried about the spice level, but I forgot that things in Italy aren't really very spicy. It was ok, the crust was nice and airy and crusty, but overall I found it quite doughy and not crisp (maybe from all the cheese) and the salami was of a sausage texture.
For dessert we shared the tiramisu, and it was ok. The biscuit texture was a bit on the al dente side, and there was flavour there, but not exactly coffee or alcohol.
I'm so glad people are loving this vegan restaurant though, it was very busy when we were there, but for me, I didn't.
Updated from previous review on 2023-07-04
Cons: Quite bland
Guest
Si.mo.na.
Points +746
Cucina romana in chiave vegana - Edit
Piatti della tradizione in chiave vegan. Finalmente dopo anni e anni sono riuscita a mangiare una carbonara.
Read moreAssolutamente da provare se passate a Roma, bisogna prenotare in anticipo perché è sempre pieno
Pros: Piatti tradizionali della cucina Romana, Atmosfera , Personale gentile
Guest
AvivaSharon
Points +16
great place with wonderful dishes and service - Edit
I came to the restaurant in 2018 and once I got to know the place, I went back there a few more days. Many vegan dishes and each one is tastier than the other. I have also recommended to friends and family. Thank you for a great place with wonderful service.
Read moreGuest
lesliegunn
Points +261
Literally the best food I’ve ever had - Edit
The zucchini lasagna with squash blossom cream was literally my favorite meal I’ve ever had. They serve first & second courses but pace yourself because the servings were pretty decent and we could have had 2 rather than 3 dishes to share between us! Also allow some time- it was extremely busy and took about an hour and a half for us to have dinner. Definitely need a reservation but definitely worth it!
Read morePros: Delicious food , Large portions , Relaxed environment
Cons: Very busy so make sure to reserve a table
Guest
Steph_de_Bxl
Points +320
Bon mais rien d'extraordinaire - Edit
La carte est intéressante car elle reprend beaucoup de spécialités italiennes mais les plats sont finalement sans surprise et sans recherche (des carrés de tofu nature à peine marinés dans un antipasti par exemple). Bref, il manque ce quelque chose qui en ferait un restaurant d'un cran supérieur. Et puis personnellement, avoir une table toute collante, j'ai du mal...
Read moreGuest
CraigGunnett
Points +202
Does not disappoint - Edit
We had the saltimbocca, zucchini lasagne, and the carbonara. Also a cupola for dessert. Let me tell you, you better be very hungry if you are planning a primi secondi as the portions are not small. Everything was great. The zucchini lasagne was the best food we had in Rome, the saltimbocca was dangerously close to being confused with a non vegan meal, and the carbonara was good as well. Prices were very reasonable with wine, starter, two pastas , a shared secondi, and a dessert for 60 euro. Fantastico!
Read morePros: Lasagne, Authenticity, Price
Cons: Very small tables
Guest
siobhank
Points +500
Authentically Italian, but vegan - Edit
LOVE this place. Their vegan carbonara is to die for, as are their pizzas. A real gem in the centre of Rome and a must-visit if you’re vegan and want to support a family business.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-06-28
Guest
Seatown_vegan
Points +9005
This wasn’t it for me - Edit
There were things that were good but overall it just wasn’t it for me. I enjoyed all 3 of the appetizers I had: Arancini, croquettes and bruschetta. The pasta I got (I don’t remember the name) was not good at all. The noodles seemed undercooked, in my opinion. My dessert was good as well. Everything was good except the most important dish, the pasta. I think I may have just ordered the wrong thing.
Read moreIt was affordable, in my opinion. 2 glasses of wine, 3 appetizers, pasta, and dessert for about 42 euros.
Updated from previous review on 2023-06-26
Guest
BruceLang
Points +116
Beyond amazing - Edit
Home made. Excellent. Tasty.
Read morePros: Menu, Zucchini lasagne, Staff
Guest
Creep
Points +34
Piccolo ma che qualità - Edit
Piatti tipici della tradizione Romana rivisti in chiave Vegana, splendida è lodevole iniziativa
Read morePros: Cibo, Cordialità , Location
Cons: Un po’ piccolo, Meglio prenotare, Spazio ridotto sul tavolo, un po’ scomodo
Guest
VPhili
Points +231
We loved this spot - Edit
We had a pasta dish each, plus shared a pizza.
Read moreThe carbonara was super eggy - I’ve no idea how they managed this without over salting it (my downfall with kala Namak). I know this has mixed reviews, but we really enjoyed the flavour.
The courgette flower lasagne was just delicious. I would absolutely order again in a heartbeat. It was rich, but so flavoursome.
We had the faux sausage pizza. I’m not a massive faux-meat fan, but my husband loves it so I mainly went with his choice. The base and cheeze were great, and overall I still enjoyed this and he loved it.
We will go back when in Rome again!
Pros: 100% vegan, Varied menu
Guest
zabbii
Points +98
Not good… - Edit
I feel really bad saying this but I have zero understanding of why this place has such good reviews. We had the carbonara and is was not good at all. Tasted very(!!) artificial.. I’ve had really good vegan carbonara elsewhere and this was not even close to good..
Read moreSarilein
Good to know
Read moreSeatown_vegan
Ouch! I’m coming to Rome in a few days and planned to come here. Now I’m skeptical. Any chance it was just an off night?
Read morezabbii
@seatown_vegan I have no idea. All the really good reviews have been confusing to me. We might have gotten a weird batch or maybe people were just glad to find a vegan place in Rome so they were happy with whatever they got. I have no idea.. 😕 All I know is the food we got was not good, there’s no confusion about that..
Read moreSeatown_vegan
Appreciate the input!
Read moreSarilein
I haven’t been - so I can’t comment on the food here, but the lasagne at Col Cavolo is worth trying 🤓
Read moreGuest
svalt
Points +86
Great vegan food - Edit
Cozy vegan restaurant with classic Italian dishes and friendly staff. Highly recommend dessert.
Read moreGuest
WendiLilly-Bare
Points +144
Classic Italian - Edit
Went for a dinner and it did not disappoint. We had salad, wine and pasta and it was amazing.
Read moreGuest
Dana1702
Points +730
A must visit - Edit
This restaurant is amazing. The staff is so friendly, they offer a wide range of delicious, traditional dishes and they are all vegan!
Read moreEverything tastes amazing and the restaurant is really comfortable. Just make sure to make a reservation!
You most definitely have to visit this restaurant!
Pros: All vegan, Delicious and green looking dishes, Friendly
Cons: You have to make a reservation
Guest
Squiid
Points +872
INCREDIBLE - Edit
Extensive menu. Need reservations. Got a pasta, potato croquette, and “steak” and potatoes. Best steak I’ve ever had!!! Wow!! Pasta was also incredible and the croquetas wow! 11/10
Read morePros: Steak!!, Friendly staff
Guest
Stefano97
Points +1358
Obligatory stop in Rome - Edit
One of the best places I've ever been. Simply spectacular, and the price is really honest for typical Roman cuisine. Really really well done.
Read moreGuest
SofiaKarlsson
Points +160
Best food I've had in Rome - Edit
Delicious food, tried one of the pizzas and the pasta carbonara and both were amazing, best food I've had in Rome. Lovely staff and fast service, and a cute outdoorsy seating. Removing one star for a slightly bland pannacotta I had for desert. Really busy - recommendations are definitely required, many people were turned away.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-06-04
Pros: Delicious food, Fast service, Lovely atmosphere
Cons: Bland pannacotta
Guest
SaraDei
Points +173
Best vegan restaurant I've ever been - Edit
Rifugio Romano is the best vegan restaurant I've ever been to. Trust me, if you go to Rome you cannot miss it. I say that even though we were seating in the outdoor covered space, which is not as comfortable as the indoor. The food experience was so good that we wanted to go again two days later! Rifugio Romano offers vegan versions of the traditional Roman cuisine plates such as carbonara, amatriciana, saltimbocca alla romana, and so on. When veganising traditional recipes, sometimes it feels like you're having an imitation. Here, it tastes like the real deal. It's generous and hearty, comfort food at its very best. Can't wait to go again!
Read morePros: Vegan version of traditional Roman plates, Generous portions, So tasty
Cons: Small and always busy, needs advanced booking, Outdoor seating not as comfortable
Guest
annalised
Points +422
Wish I could go back! - Edit
I love a fully vegan place, and I love Italian food. So great to find both in this place! We got 2 pasta dishes, wine, and salad. The pasta was well done and good textures, but not super flavorful. (This wouldn’t deter me from going back and trying another fish!) Good portion sizes and good prices in a cozy Italian kitchen style interior. I hope to visit if we’re ever in Rome again!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-06-03
Pros: Fully vegan, Good prices, Cozy
Guest
westmore07
Points +28
fairly priced - Edit
started with the vegan croquettes and got the asparagus lasagna. both items were excellent. had to get the tiramisu to take home too!
Read moreGuest
GennyM
Points +798
A must when you visit Rome, the most authentic italian vegan food you will find! - Edit
Totally vegan, the dishes are all the tipical italian traditional dishes you can never find anywhere in vegan. Everything tastes absolutely amazing for a good price!!!
Read moreGuest
hanny102
Points +95
Excellent authentic Italian cuisine - Edit
We went to dinner here twice during our stay in Rome. The first night we had a salad and pizza. The salad wasn’t very good. The pizza was pretty good. The second night we ordered pasta dishes and Toramisu and it was all amazing.
Read morePros: Tiramisu , Pasta
Cons: Salad
Guest
francesca04
Points +96
Tradizione veg - Edit
Prima volta in questo ristorante, ne avevo sentito tanto parlare e le aspettative non sono state tradite! Piatti che richiamano la tradizionale cucina romana da trattoria, dosi abbondanti e prezzo onestissimo.
Read moreGuest
lauraom01
Points +20
Amazing - Edit
We had a lovely meal. The carbonara is the best vegan carbonara I’ve ever tasted.
Read moreMust book when in Rome
Guest
giuseppe63
Points +41
Vegano senza accorgersene - Edit
Un ambiente dove si viene accolti con simpatia e professionalità. Assolutamente da provare per assaporare la versione Veg dei grandi classici della cucina romana
Read morePros: Servizio , Cibo, Rapporto qualità/prezzo
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 0 times.