Delicious! Worth checking out. It's very local so either get there right when it opens or have a reservation. Prices are affordable. If you are looking for something different. Menu changes daily. Vegan options. A nice change of pace for those of us who also eat meat but want to finally limit it. Also the way it works is that you order ahead and pay and then the food is brought to your table. Service isn't exactly warm but they are quick and efficient with your meals. read more

Il Vegetariano - Veggie leek lasagna and a pesto orichette pasta with walnuts. - Vegetarian Near Me - Florence, FI

We're always very excited to try a 100% vegetarian restaurant knowing we can eat anything we want on the menu and we were excited to learn that Il Vegetariano existed. It's a bit of a walk outside of the center of Florence but we'd thought we'd see what the Italian vegetarian focus experience was like. It was serviceable, but not as great as we'd hoped. The concept is interesting...the menu changes every day depending on the whims of that days chef, so our experience could have been informed a bit by just what we experienced that day, and might have been completely different on another day. An issue sometimes with all vegetarian restaurants is they specialize in the concept of being vegetarianism, without necessarily specializing in a particular kind of food which can lead to a mish-mash of disconnected offerings which is what we found on the menu here. The night we were there, for example you could get Italian, Indian, and strudel main dishes...all vegetarian, but otherwise not specializing in any particular type of food. We also didn't have a reservation. They were nice enough to seat us, but the restaurant was not at all full in any of its rooms (at any point when we were there) and the person who seated us, made a point of telling us they prefer reservations and then seated us at probably the least desirable table in the restaurant, right next to the cash register and right across from the salads display case which was the most trafficked area of the restaurant with people ordering their food hovering right over our table. We definitely felt like we were being unnecessarily punished with this table, especially when there were plenty of other places we could have sat and the overall demeanor of the person who seated us made us feel like she felt like she was doing us a big favor and she had her limits. So kind of a bummer of an introduction to the place. You order by writing down what you want on a slip of paper they provide you with, and then bringing that to the cashier to pay. That's fine, but it's not exactly "service" like you might get at any other sit down restaurant with servers and a wait staff. The food came extremely quickly...at the same time as the wine...It's hard to complain about quick service, but at most other places we experience in Italy (and the rest of the world for that matter) you get your wine first and can enjoy it a bit before the food shows up. We felt rushed. Also, and I'm sure I'm coming off as awfully picky, but you can see the high scores I typically give in my other reviews so...but the chairs were really uncomfortable to sit on. I typically don't think about the chairs at restaurants...these chairs made me think about them. My wife and I shared a lasagna and a greens-filled calzone-like pastry for our mains. Both of these portions were super-large...we appreciate generosity in portions, but these were just too large for us to be able to finish...both, especially the lasagna were really rich and heavy dishes too. They checked the box for being vegetarian but didn't excel to star dishes in terms of flavor or presentation that we'd want again. The desserts looked amazing but by the time we had eaten as much as we could of the mains, we just didn't want anything else or to hang around. We had many vegetarian-friendly meals at many restaurants in the cities we visited in Italy on this trip. This one was easily the most disappointing. If we lived in town we might come by to try the desserts or to see if it's a completely different experience with an unnecessary reservation and different chef...but otherwise, it wasn't really worth the walk out of the center of Florence to eat here. read more

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We didn't realize that they opened at 7:30 for dinner. We arrived about 20 minutes before that time and had to decide if we should wait (at the end of a long travel day) or not. We decided to wait and we were happy that we did. We didn't have a reservation (Wednesday evening in March), but many people did. They seated us in the back garden which was very nice. When they give you the menu, they also give you a small note pad where you write your order. Then you take the pad to the cashier inside where you pay. And then you hand your order to the person at the counter and return to your table. Our food arrived very quickly. We were two women and we ordered 3 dishes but we weren't able to finish everything. We had the leek and cabbage lasagna which was very good. The fusilli amatriciana was delicious. And the mixed plate with chick peas, onions, sweet potatoes, and cornbread with olives was also excellent. read more

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Excellent food, staff and atmosphere!! Loved the options and the fresh food. The garden was very beautiful and appropriate to enjoy the good food. read more

Long ago, kiddos, before anyone knew what the word vegan meant, this is the sort of "food" one might have expected from the maybe one or two vegetarian restaurants that existed in any city. Could be a shock to the system for some new vegans that it was once like this. I don't have anything against brown rice or green beans. But the dish I ended up with, after my daughter flatly rejected it, the brown rice with arugula pesto and green beans, was not the sort of dish any restaurant should serve to customers. Afterwards, my stomach was not right and my stomach is iron clad. The dish I had ordered, the fusilli with Calabrian peppers (I just tasted bell peppers) and breadcrumbs, was edible, but not acceptable. The quiche with asparagus, which was more like a slice of vegetable pie from a health food restaurant in Northern England that closed in 1983, was abominable. It was anti-quiche. This ancient vegetarian establishment is attractive looking, so two stars, rather than one. read more

This place is so wonderful. It was the second vegetarian restaurant we tried in Florence, after a really disappointing experience at a much trendier, more expensive, and less welcoming spot closer to the river -- and by far our favorite. The food is seasonal and well-seasoned (unlike, ahem, the meal we ate at the other place) and the portions are really generous. We had a fantastic radicchio lasagna and a few other veg-forward dishes and everything was great. The service was excellent and we were eating 15 minutes after we arrived. I wish I could be come a regular here! read more

The seitan roast "arrosto de seitan" was one of the best vegan dishes I've ever had. So much flavor, hearty and so comforting. A nice break from the pasta and soup that make up the only vegan options elsewhere. Also had some fruit crumble pie that was excellent. Adorable atmosphere with a magical outdoor garden. Wonderful service, employees give helpful recommendations for the all-Italian menu. This is a MUST for any vegans or vegetarians visiting Florence -- even your carnivore friends will be very very pleased here. read more

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This was in my neighbourhood, and I went there for a lunch and then the following night for dinner. The menu is only in Italian but the staff is only too kind and happy to translate for you and explain the system. The prices are very reasonable, the food fresh and delicious and for a solo traveler like me, the seating system was a blessing. You just seat yourself at any empty table you find or ask people if you can share their table. I loved the concept and the idea! read more

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This place is WONDERFUL. Everybody was super nice and very accommodating. The food was incredible. From the service to the flavour there really wasn't anything else we could've asked for or wanted. Our new favourite spot in Florence! read more

The food was delicious and fresh. The presentation was simple but everything was very tasty and healthy. Prices were very reasonable. Four of us ate for €35 and were pleased. The process of ordering and picking up the food was a little confusing, but here are some tips: first order with the man at the cash register, and then give the people behind the counter your ticket and wait for the food. Get your own bread, silverware, plates, glasses, tray. All of the employees speak English well and can translate the menu for you. Overall, a tasty and cute little spot. It's also a nice change of pace from pizza and pasta if you're feeling bored of those. read more

I wish I had enough words for how much I loved this place. My "kill a cow and eat it raw" husband and I ended up here two nights in a row. Seriously, it was THAT good! Neither one of us speaks any Italian and the entire menu was in Italian. The staff was SO amazing at helping us decide what to order. We got a penne type of pasta and the mixed platter (4 different choices from the menu). We also ordered a side of tofunese (tofu mayo - OMG AMAZING). I can't recommend anything because their menu changes DAILY. Order anything. I bet you will love it (even if you're not a vegetarian!!!) We LOVED everything about our experience night one. When looking for a dinner place on night 2 in Florence, we got tired reading reviews and planning routes. We decided we'd just go back and order a full dish of our favorites from the mixed platter. SURPRISE! It was a brand new menu! We had new items and they were amazing. My favorite part of this place was the family atmosphere. They immediately recognized us on night 2. We were there past closing time and felt horrible about it (that's our American mentality!) but the family was hanging out around the table drinking wine and eating dinner themselves. Honestly, it made me feel so welcome. If we stayed in Florence longer, we would have gone back for night 3. GO HERE!!! Whether you love tofu or steak. You WILL leave happy!!! read more

Good food! Tons of locals. The staff helped us through the menu that was all in italian. Yummy stuff, better than american vegan food. Much more authentic feel. read more

Obviously I found a veg resto in Florence. After days of pasta my friend and I needed some veggies in our lives stat. We were one of the first people to arrive as they hadn't even opened yet. When we were finally let in I was little confused. There is a front seating section but then there is a hallway that leads to the back. There are no waiters here. You go up to the counter, place your order ... there is a wall menu to order off of. We went with the salad bar and a curry cous cous dish. Most of the dishes were vegan friendly. The salad bar is on point and full of fresh and delicious veggies. We both got smalls but don't fret, they filled up that plate like it was the last supper. The dressing is really what makes the salad. It's easily mayo and mustard but its damn good. And be careful ... the dark liquid on the table is not balsamic so don't mix it with your olive oil because its soy sauce!! Good portions, great food, and good service. I couldn't get over how busy this place was and they had just opened their doors and the resto was full. They have a great little outdoor patio that looked so cute and comfy. Next time I'm back I'll be eating out there for sure! If you need a cleanse day and just need leafy greens head to this spot!! read more

Very good meal - one of our best in Florence. If you're looking for something unique and off the beaten path then Il Vegetariano is for you! Tip: Ordering is a bit of a maze - when you first enter the place, head to the left down the stairs. On the right there is a tiny one-person counter with the menu behind. The gentleman behind the small counter had good english and gracefully went through the entire menu, which was a plus. You order and pay with the man at the little counter and then turn around, grab a tray and give your paper to the man behind the counter who loads your tray with the fabulous food that you've ordered. Food was very good. The portions are huge, so you really only need one entree per two people. We missed the boat on that one and tried three for the two of us. There was a baked penne with cream sauce and pesto that was the clear winner of the evening. Second place went to a whole-wheat pasta with sauteed radicchio, and finally the roasted eggplant, brie torta. The staff was super friendly and helpful. read more

A friend recommended we try this place during our stay in Florence. My husband and I ate here on our first night, and the meal really set a positive tone for the rest of our stay. As other reviewers have commented, the ordering process is a little different than usual, but just go early so you aren't surrounded by tons of people and it will be fine! When we went, the lady at the register spoke perfect English, so the whole thing was actually kind of fun! I would also say that while it's hard not to order everything on the menu, try to have some restraint because the portions are huge. But if you want delicious, home cooked meals that don't represent your traditional Italian fare, this is a must try restaurant. As far as a must order item - get the salad with tofu dressing. It's delicious! read more

This small vegetarian restaurant is located in a not so touristic area of Florence but still only about 10 minutes walk from the dome. It only opens at lunch time and dinner time and seemed to be mostly frequented by locals when I was there. I really liked the relaxed, canteen-like atmosphere in this restaurant. The idea of a vegetarian only restaurant is great and the choice of dishes from appetisers to main dishes to desserts is good. Keep in mind though that the menu is only written in Italian. Prices are not the cheapest but still okay. I got my food rather quickly although there were plenty people in the restaurant and the staff was friendly and helpful even though my Italian was pretty bad. Don't be confused when you enter the restaurant: You have to cross the room and will then find another room on the right. In the back you can find the menu written on chalkboards and a small table where you order and already pay for your food. You then go to the counter, give them the piece of paper with your order and wait for your food. Take a tray and cutlery, look for a table to sit down and enjoy your food :). read more

This place was such a nice surprise! I was staying nearby and as a vegetarian this obviously appealed to me. It opens at 7:30pm and there was a line of locals down the sidewalk waiting for it to open. Ordering is a bit strange. Walk to the back of the restaurant and order/pay from the man at the little desk on the right. Then, take the ticket he gives you directly across from him to the counter and hand it to the person working to get your food. There will be free bread baskets sitting there for you to grab. The restaurant is open seating so feel free to sit anywhere there is an opening even if the table is already occupied. I had the mushroom pasta. One of the best meals I had in Florence (and I only ordered it because it's the only thing I figured out in Italian, haha!). There is a really neat-looking salad bar that costs extra. Also incredible desserts in a glass case - be sure to order these from the man at the desk. read more

First I was surprised because it's shared tables (great for solo travelers!) and you wueue to buy and pick you plate. God vibe, good food, and I met interesting people there. read more

(Warning: this review is from 3 years ago. Take from it what you will.) While visiting the city my sister in law, a vegetarian, was eager to find a place where she could let her palate run wild without fear of encountering any rogue bits of animal product in her meal. I admit, being a proud omnivore myself, I had my reservations before coming here but it was recommended by some of the locals and we were hungry for lunch. Man oh MAN. The food was so good we came back two more times after our first visit before departing for Rome. The variety of plates, ingredients, flavors, so simple and good. They let the freshness speak for itself- with a menu that changed based on what was available from the nearby market. Everyone loved it, especially my very relieved sister in law. Service was handled by a kindly bearded gentleman who spoke enough English for us to communicate sufficiently. Cozy setting with wooden furniture. Easily among the best dining experiences we had in Italy. read more

Run from the tourist traps and cover charges and rude service. Eat where the Florentines eat. Pick your food and eat at long tables with who knows sitting next to you. The dishes are creative and delicious. The portions are filling. Located on v ruote off v san gallo not far from the duomo. Its in a residential zone but near stores and schools. The selection is superb and inexpensive. I have never found a comparable restaurant in either the usa, italy, austria or london. Highly recommend. read more

Il vegetariano was the first vegetarian restaurants in Florence. It is a classic, and one of the go-to choices when we want to eat out. It is self-service in the sense that there are no servers; you order and pay, then get your food at the counter. Choose between 4-5 first corses (with at least half vegan friendly) which are pretty hefty portions. The same with the second courses. Unless you are splitting with someone, you should probably not get both a first and a second corse. The second corses are a like a complete meal anyway (like a seitan specialty served with rice and salad). Getting a full plate of pasta, plus rice can be a bit much, but to each his own. I usually opt for a first, and a small salad; you can choose which raw or cooked vegetables you want on the salad, plus the amazing tofu based dressing which they plop right on top. This way I can also have room for dessert (even if I have to force myself)! The only downfall of this charming and rustic restaurant is that because of it's popularity, you could risk getting some cold food. Don't get me wrong, the food is prepared fresh, but also in a huge quantity, so if you arrive at the later end of service, you might run into some tepid pasta. This has happened to me twice here, but will not derail me from returning. Just try to get in at the opening hours for hot food, and a good table. It will always have a special place in my heart because of the fresh fruit crumble, oh and my first date with my husband was here. read more

A late post but better late than never... If you are a vegetarian and in Florence, then you should come check this place out. My husband and I were in Florence for a couple days back in December 2014 and we pretty much went there for dinner everyday! The place may be a little bit hard to locate because it's in what appears to be a residential neighborhood. As for the food, their portions are pretty big and food tastes good too. If I remember correctly, their menu changes everyday so we were able try something new each day we went there. read more

Love this place! It is one of my go to restaurants when I am in the mood for comforting and good vegan food. There are always vegan options and the buffet-style concept means I always pile up my plate to the brim. The salad and vegan dressing is excellent and the pasta and rice dishes are simple, but have good flavors. I have never been disappointed here. Highly recommend this restaurant! read more

This is a wonderful restaurant but it requires patience as the crowds make it akward to order. The bearded man at the counter will translate the ever-changing menu. It changes three times while we were in line. I'd suggest one of you jumping the queue to read the menu then coming back to the line. Don't order three dishes if you want dessert - the dishes are huge. Get one dish each and you can always go back for more or for desserts. We left stuffed and €25 got us three dishes and a half lithe do descent dry house wine. Bread no charge. We'd go back. I am an omnivore. My wife is ovo-lacto-pescaterian. PS guys, this place is full of beautiful, healthy young women. read more

Food was, overall pretty good. Some things are hit and miss but it's good to know that there's a decent vegetarian option in a pretty central location. NOTE: the hours on Yelp may not be accurate. I think we went on a Wednesday at 11a.m. and were disappointed to see that they don't open until 12p.m. read more

Totally awesome vegetarian place. Loved the couscous dish. It was great to go to a 100% vegetarian place! The place is nice and cosy too.

So good! A little off the beaten path for tourists like ourselves, but once we saw the amazing backyard and the full menu of outstanding vegetarian food and organic wines, we were really glad we came. Tried the pasta, a zucchini quiche and a seitan dish. We left stuffed and so happy! read more

SO MANY different types of Vegetarian foods here!!!!! It was so good!!!! I am vegetarian so there aren't that many strictly vegetarian places in italy but when we came across this place I was so happy!!! The owners were very nice and I remembered how good the desert was too! read more

As good as it gets. Went two nights in a row. The salad bar is amazing and the tofu dressing fabulous. A meal in itself. We liked everything about this place. Pretty crowed from the time it opens (7:30 pm when we were there). Get a table (or part of a table) and then go to the back to order, pay and pick-up. read more

This place is an absolute gem. It's a total hole in the wall that only the locals seem to know about. We ate every single bite of what we ordered. All the ingredients are fresh and the menu changes daily depending on what the chef received that morning. All products are natural and healthy. Ordering is a bit tricky. Find a seat first then go to the back of the restaurant to order. Enjoy! read more

We are tourists, speak no Italian.. but the staff was very patient and helpful. It's a self service restaurant, so you go find a table (leave a jacket to reserve), go order, grab a tray, hand the person behind the food counter your order ticket, and they give you your food. It's very good and they even have some vegan options (vegan desserts as well). We are there for dinner on our first night in Florence, then returned the second night for dessert. I can't remember what we had for dinner (one was a pasta and the other was some kind of corn casserole). Both meals were delicious! And plenty of food! Very good prices. Maybe 7 or 8€ each. Also ordered the house red wine. For dessert we had the cheesecake (SO GOOD) and my girlfriend had a dark chocolate and fruit pie (very rich- she loved it). I'd be a regular if I lived nearby. read more

Prices are good and so is the food. Has a sort of home-style charm, both in the seating and the food. I would definitely return.

I Have been to Il Vegetariano several times during the last five years. The food is delicious , but the portions are large. They have a wide range of delectable desserts, and they sell just their house wine, which is OK. Their Lasagna is great. It is good to order half portions. It is a self serve restaurant, with a nice Florentine garden in the back. This is an excellent restaurant in Florence and a Godsend for vegetarians. I strongly recommend this to vegetarians and non vegetarians alike. Vembar K Ranganathan, Irvington, NY 10633, USA read more

The hostess wasn't very nice but maybe she just was having a rough day. We were confused on how to order and get our food. It's kind of half restaurant half cafeteria. I got the vegan polenta with porcini mushrooms atop and a side of beans that didn't look good but they tasted fantastic! B had veggie lasagna which was too heavy on the cheese. It was nice to sit outside in their covered patio. read more

How Berkeley can you be? From the counter staff to the frumpy, sweater wearing, granola eating, birkenstock wearing 30-something and older female clientele. Some of the fusion combinations are decent, some don't work. Same for the desserts. We ended up trading plates until each found something they liked. Portion sizes are huge. read more

I go to this restaurant every time I go to Florence. It is and it isn't typical tuscan food. It is down home, delicious, well prepared, reasonable and the atmosphere is family style. If you are a vegetarian - try it. Their salads are like nothing I have ever had before and I always have one with their tofu salad dressing - so good. I have tried their desserts -they are okay but the entrees & salads can't be beat for well prepared vegetables & grains. The only thing is the menu IS in Italian, sometimes the person running the register speaks good English, sometimes not so great. But just go prepared - knowing Italian in Italy is always a boon, especially if you are a vegetarian, which I am and have been for 36 years - so finding a place like this was fantastic. I found it on Happy Cow.com - vegetarian restaurants worldwide - just found one for Amsterdam which I am going to visit on Wednesday (5/1/13). read more