It was my first night in Mannheim after arriving on the train from Berlin - as a vegan I was sad to leave Berlin, not sure if I would find more good vegan food in Germany. I searched for vegan friendly food and Pizzeria Caravella popped up, had good reviews, and in several places it was mentioned they served options for vegans!
My mother and myself hopped on the streetcar and made our way to the restaurant around 9 pm on Sunday evening. We were one of two other tables, all dining outside on the warm summer night. We were seen to right away, lighting a candle for our table, getting our drink orders, and making us feel quite at ease after a long day of travel.
The prices were incredibly reasonable (best prices for dinner we found during our entire stay in Mannheim/Heidelberg). There were SO MANY vegan options, and they were well labeled so even my non-German speaking self could identify what I wanted. They modified my order at my request to add basil to my vegan cheese pizza, and my mom ordered gnocchi bolognese.
Our food came out quickly, and as the server set down my pizza she told me "he (the chef) told me to tell you this is the best pizza in Mannheim". And he was not kidding! This was the best vegan pizza I have ever had, and I have had vegan pizza all over California, in Los Angeles, in San Francisco, and in Portland and New York. All of these places are known for their vegan food but this pizza was the best. The basil looked like it had just been picked, the cheese was better than any vegan cheese for pizza I've had in the US, and the crust was thin and crispy but soft. My mom adored her gnocchi and though very full we were both sad when our meals were gone.
The server and chef were incredibly kind the entire time and made us feel right at home and well taken care of.
As I return to the US I will now fondly dream of a pizza far far away in Mannheim... read more
