If you’ve checked out my vegan foodie guide to Venice, then you know that the vegan scene is a little slim in the city of canals (in comparison to many of its other European neighbors). That’s not to say you’ll have to go without giant scoops of creamy vegan gelato and golden croissants as you wander the city’s narrow streets.
You’ll just have to work a little harder to find them! Well, wait a minute, you won’t have to work at all, because I’ve done it for you (you’re welcome)!
One important vegan tip and I will reiterate it below: many options that are vegan aren’t always marked (annoying, I know). I spent an afternoon going in and out of gelato shops and bakeries, asking, “Do you have vegan options,” and found a decent number of places with something, but it was hidden in plain sight!
So, as you’re strolling around Venice on the hunt for vegan gelato and sweets, don’t be shy! You might be surprised and find new treats that I didn’t!
The Best Spots for Vegan Gelato in Venice, Italy
Generally speaking, you will almost always find sorbet at most gelato shops, and maybe one other vegan option, but I found that these two spots had the best vegan options and were well-marked.
Gelato Fantasy
Multiple locations throughout Venice
It’s hard to miss these brightly colored gelato shops, but if, by chance, the neon colors don’t grab your attention, I guarantee that you won’t miss the giant VEGAN sign! No matter which gelato shop you visit, you’ll always be greeted by a diverse lineup of flavors — hazelnut, banana, pistachio, mint, chocolate, and many more.
On top of having an ultra-creamy lineup of gelato flavors, they also have vegan and gluten-free cones — how awesome is that?!
Gelateria Ca’ d’Oro
Strada Nova, 4273/b, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
Not far from the Rialto Bridge is this charming artisanal gelato and sweet shop that caught my attention with its little green vegan signs! The vegan-friendly shop makes all of its own flavors (including the vegan options) with various seasonal ingredients and fresh fruit. In addition to marking the vegan options with a little sign, they also have a full allergen listing with ingredients online, in case you want to double-check or avoid other ingredients. A few of the delicious flavors you might find include dark chocolate, hazelnut, matcha, pistachio, and more.
On top of mouthwatering gelato, they also have vegan crepes, popsicles, and fruit granites (like a slushy made with fresh fruit juice).
More Vegan Eats in Other Italian Cities
A Vegan Foodie’s Guide to Florence: The Best Restaurants, & More
The Best Vegan Guide to Rome: Where to Eat & Explore
Gorgeous Vegan Hotels to Visit in Italy
Where to Find Vegan Pastries & Sweets in Venice
The first spot was recommended by a local who always takes vegan friends and clients there. They are one of the many places that you will have to ask which options are vegan.
Le Café (near Saint Mark’s Square)
Campo Santo Stefano, 2797, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Either before visiting Saint Mark’s Square or after, you should plan a visit to this quaint café. The vegan options are slim, but they offer soy milk for a delicious latte or cappuccino that pairs perfectly with one of their golden croissants.
Teraferma
Rio Terà S. Leonardo, 1382, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
As I wandered past this little café, I overheard a woman asking about her almond milk latte, and thought they might have vegan options! Sure enough, they had quite a few! Just like almost all of the other places, their golden rows of croissants and pastries were not marked. At the time, they had multiple croissant options — wholegrain, traditional, and even one with charcoal.
Mamafè – Salento Bakery
Calle S. Pantalon, 3743, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
In the morning, this rustic little bakeshop is hustling! Don’t be surprised if you walk in and are greeted with a line. When I popped in, I was greeted with a long line and a picked-over bakery case — I doubted there would be anything vegan. Luckily, there was! Depending on the day, you can find vegan croissants and possibly other baked goods, but you’ll have to ask. Nothing is marked.
Panificio Giovanni Volpe
Cl. Ghetto Vecchio, 1143, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
On a quiet street in Cannaregio, you’ll find this lovely vegan-friendly Kosher bakery with several options! When I asked the staff what was vegan, I expected them to say one or two things. Instead, they pointed out multiple rows — so many things that I couldn’t keep track. Some options include fresh bread, traditional Venetian pastries, cookies, and more!
Tea Room Beatrice
Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2727/B, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
You probably didn’t expect to find a Japanese tea room in Venice, did you?! It’s a real hidden gem. While sipping your delicious tea, you will also want to enjoy it with a slice of vegan cake or pastry! They didn’t forget about their vegan friends and always had a variety of house-made vegan sweet treats. When the weather is nice, their garden is the best place to
