Written on: September 2024
Berlin holds a special place in my heart, not only for its thriving vegan scene but also for the incredible year I spent there. I made lifelong friends and fell in love with the city's vibrant atmosphere.
One of the things I adore about Berlin is its abundance of nature. Nearly one-third of the city is comprised of forests, parks, gardens, waterways, and lakes, ensuring you're always surrounded by greenery and the soothing sounds of nature.
Now, let's dive into the culinary delights! I've curated a list of top spots divided into three categories: pizza and burgers, Asian cuisine, and dessert/cafes.
Full disclaimer: none of these are sponsored, this is my own honest opinion and I fully paid for the meals I'm mentioning.
Pizza and Burgers:
La Stella Nera
This fully vegan Italian restaurant in Neukölln offers a delectable range of antipasti, pizzas, and desserts. Don't miss their mouthwatering tiramisu! Reservations are highly recommended, as La Stella Nera can get quite busy. However, if you aren't lucky enough to snag a table, consider taking your pizza to a nearby park for a truly enjoyable outdoor dining experience.
Salami Social Club
I recently stumbled upon a cute little vegan pizza shop on Frankfurter Allee called Salami Social Club. They've been around for a while, celebrating their 8th anniversary this summer. You can sit inside or outside, and they have 3 different kinds of vegan pizza and a variety of draught beers. I tried the pumpkin pizza and it was amazing!
ZOLA Neapolitanische Pizza
This popular Neapolitan pizza chain has five locations throughout Berlin. While they only offer one vegan option, their vegetarian pizza (without cheese) is absolutely worth trying. For a unique experience, visit the Zola location on Nalepastraße and combine it with a leisurely canoeing trip from the nearby river Canoe Berlin.
Gemello
A newcomer to Berlin's vibrant vegan restaurant scene, Gemello has been making waves with his delicious pizzas at local festivals. If you find yourself in Berlin, I highly recommend visiting his restaurant on Lettestraße. His unique flavour combinations and vegan versions of classic pizzas are sure to impress. I can't wait to go back and try more of his creations!
Vincent Vegan
This popular vegan burger joint started as a food truck in June 2014 and has since expanded to include two locations in Berlin, two in Hamburg, and one in Leipzig. During my latest visit, I tried the Vajoneesy and the Veganizer, with the Veganizer being my personal favourite.
Veg'd
This popular vegan burger spot burst onto the Berlin scene in May 2019 and has since expanded to three additional locations throughout the city. Their menu primarily features a delicious selection of burgers, complemented by a variety of side dishes and a few sweet treats. Veg'd is definitely worth checking out for any vegan burger enthusiast.
Burger World Berlin
This non-vegan restaurant pleasantly surprised me with its extensive vegan menu. From a variety of burgers and salads to homemade sauces and even vegan nachos, there's something for everyone. The friendly staff added to the enjoyable experience!
Asian cuisine:
1990 Vegan Living
This cozy Vietnamese restaurant holds a special place in my heart and was my go-to spot during my year in Berlin. As a 100% vegan establishment, they offer a diverse menu of small dishes and substantial mains. Some of my favourite small dishes include:
- Com Chien: Tofu coated in crispy rice flakes with a tangy raspberry dip
- Goi Xoai: A refreshing mango salad with a zesty lime-ginger dressing
- Dim Sum: Crispy fried dumplings, a classic dim sum delight
- 90's Vings: Marinated seitan served on a sugar cane with a side of mango salad
- Goi Cuon: Fresh and flavorful summer rolls
- Cary: A spicy red curry that pairs perfectly with rice
Their larger dishes are equally delicious, and they offer a variety of drinks and cocktails to complement your meal. Unfortunately, I never made it to dessert, as I always indulged in too much of their savoury offerings!
Secret garden
Nestled above Rewe voll pflanzlich (a must-visit fully vegan supermarket), Secret Garden is more than just a sushi paradise. This hidden gem boasts a 100% vegan menu featuring ramen, bento boxes, curry dishes, and delectable starters like kimchi. It's worth noting that Secret Garden, 1990 Vegan Living, and Cat Tuong (which I'm yet to explore) are all owned by the same passionate individual and share a commitment to providing exceptional vegan cuisine.
Li.Ke Thai Vegan
This spot quickly became a new favourite! We visited for a Friday lunch and it was buzzing, which is always a good sign. We dove headfirst into their menu, and here's what impressed:
- No. 6 Glau Nung (Steamed Dumplings): These were a delicious starter, a perfect way to begin the flavour adventure.
- No. 12 Crazy Crispy (Crispy Fried Dumplings): Exceptional! The name lived up to the experience.
- No. 14 Tau Hu Thod (Crispy Tofu Cubes): While this was my least favourite, the crispy tofu and peanut sauce combo is still a classic combination.
- No. 16 Phad Li.Ke Kimao (Spicy Wok Dish): This stir-fry was bursting with flavour and veggies, although you might want to order some rice on the side to soak up all the deliciousness.
- No. 27 Li.ke Phad Thai: A classic Thai dish, and Li.ke Thai's version didn't disappoint.
- Vegan Spiegelei (Vegan Fried Egg): Yes, you read that right! This innovative dish blew our minds.
We definitely over-ordered for two people, but I couldn't resist trying as much as possible! Li.ke Thai is a must-visit for any vegan craving authentic Thai flavours.
Yumcha Heroes
This cool spot has a laid-back vibe and you can watch the chefs cook your food right in front of you. They have a ton of different Chinese dumplings, both with meat and vegetarian options. We went on a Monday night and it was packed, so it's a good idea to make a reservation. I tried the cucumber salad, which was super refreshing, and the steamed silk tofu, which everyone loved. The Mrs. Shu Mai dumplings weren't my favourite, but I'd definitely go back to try some other vegan options. Yumcha Heroes is a great place to check out if you're looking for delicious Chinese dumplings.
Royals & Rice
This stylish restaurant offers an authentic Asian dining experience, both indoors and in their charming backyard. We visited on a Friday night and found it bustling, so reservations are highly recommended. Catering to both omnivores and vegans, Royals and Rice has something for everyone. We indulged in their delicious edamame, the flavourful Old Berliner Queen Rice Rolls, and a satisfying vegan tofu burger with sweet potato fries. For my next visit, I'll be sure to request extra peanut sauce and explore their extensive cocktail menu.
Iro
This innovative Japanese restaurant offers a fully plant-based menu, and it was a delightful first-time experience for me. I can't wait to return! Here's what we tried:
- No. 2 Edamame: A classic starter, perfectly seasoned.
- No. 4 Pirikara Kyuri (Cucumber Salad): A refreshing and spicy kick to start the meal.
- No. 6 Tofu Sukiyaki: This hearty dish featured braised tofu, vegan chicken, radish, and shimeji mushrooms for a satisfying flavour combination.
- No. 7 Yasai Gyoza (Fried Dumplings): These crispy dumplings filled with tofu and veggies were a delicious treat.
- No. 11 King Trumpet Yakitori: The grilled king trumpet mushrooms in teriyaki sauce were a flavourful highlight.
Everything we tried was absolutely delicious, and I'm eager to explore more of Iro's menu on my next visit!
Dessert places/cafes:
Brammibal's
Donut lovers, rejoice! This beloved bakery has taken Berlin and Hamburg by storm with its incredible donut creations. With seven locations in Berlin, four in Hamburg, and one more on the horizon, Brammibal's is quickly becoming a donut empire. Their flavour combinations are out of this world, and they've recently added soft serve to their menu, taking their sweet treats to new heights. Each month, they introduce a special donut flavor, keeping customers on their toes and excited for the next delicious surprise. September's Italian-inspired theme was a hit, with a new donut creation every day for ten days! If you're looking for a truly unique and indulgent donut experience, Brammibal's is a must-visit. They even offer personalized donut letters for special occasions, making them the perfect choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other celebration.
Zeus pizzeria
This might be a pizza place but since I tried only their tiramisu I'm adding under the dessert category, although they do offer vegan pizza and gluten free too. With over 10 years of experience and multiple awards, they definitely worth a visit.
Balaram Eis
This charming ice cream shop offers a delightful array of flavours, along with refreshing coffee and tea. As a 100% vegan establishment, they've managed to create ice cream that's truly exceptional. We tried the hazelnut, pistachio, and vanilla, and each flavour was a delightful treat. Highly recommended!
Factory Girl
This charming cafe offers a delightful array of vegan and vegetarian dishes in a beautiful setting. Be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as this popular spot can get quite busy. From pastries and pancakes to healthy bowls and their famous Coco Angela bowls, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frea Bakery
A must-visit for those seeking sustainable and delicious treats. This zero-waste bakery offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. While I didn't have the chance to try it this time, it's definitely on my list. For an even more elevated experience, be sure to check out the 100% vegan, zero-waste Frea restaurant, which made it to the Michelin guide!
Bonus: Must-See Attractions in Berlin:
To complement your culinary adventure, explore some of Berlin's iconic landmarks:
- Tiergarten: A sprawling urban park perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
- Berlin Wall Memorial: A poignant reminder of the city's divided past.
- Brandenburg Gate: A historic symbol of unity and reunification.
- Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe: A powerful memorial honouring the victims of the Holocaust.
- Haus der Kulturen der Welt: A cultural centre showcasing diverse art and exhibitions.
- Victory Column: A towering monument offering panoramic views of the city.
- Checkpoint Charlie: A former border crossing between East and West Berlin.
- Berlin Cathedral: A magnificent Baroque cathedral with stunning architecture.
- TV Tower: Enjoy breathtaking views of Berlin from this iconic landmark.
- Charlottenburg Palace and Schlossgarten Charlottenburg: A historic palace complex surrounded by beautiful gardens.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on hours, locations, and menus, please check Google Maps.
I hope you found this vegan guide to Berlin helpful! Share your experiences in the comments below. Let me know if you visit any of these spots, what you ordered, and any other vegan gems you discover in the city. I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Happy exploring,
Nat x
