5 Must-Visit Vegan Restaurants in Medellin

I almost didn’t make it to this incredibly charming spot — I was traveling with a group and they had their heart set on something else. My options at that spot? Maybe beans. Luckily for me and now you, I was able to break away — I said it was for research purposes — how could I help other vegans if I didn’t visit it?

This Bali meets Medellin vegan restaurant is incredibly beautiful — the natural tones and finishes are simple and allow the spotlight to be firmly places on the food. The menu is made up of a mix of global inspiration, with a mix of small and large plates, which they encourage you to share. From refreshing ceviche to yellow curry, there are plenty of things you’ll want to check out. I was with a non-vegan for this visit, and he loved the Pollo a la Naranja (orange chick’n) — mission accomplished.

In addition to a great mix of food, they also have a stunning lineup of cakes, cookies, and cheesecakes. I really should’ve gotten a couple cookies to-go!

I love any opportunity to visit a fully vegan Japanese spot — the creativity is always outstanding! Here, you don’t have to worry about being stuck with an avocado or cucumber roll; they’ve thrown the basics to the side in favor of something that will expand your culinary mind!

On the sushi side of things, they’ve got a couple of pages of amazing rolls filled with cashew cream cheese, teriyaki tofu, mango, plantain, and some topped with beetroot pearls! We went a little overboard with ordering (as you can see from the photo). I shared that with a friend, and they said, “ah, how many people did you have dinner with?” The fun doesn’t end with sushi; they also have peanut curry, ramen, fried cauliflower, bao burgers, and more.

This welcoming little spot is tucked down a pedestrian alleyway filled with other cafes and bars — a really fabulous place to hang out on a nice summer evening. One side note: I read that they are moving to a larger space, so there’s a chance you will have a new vibe to experience.

I originally made a mad dash here just to grab a dessert and check it out as a potential dining spot for a future vegan tour, but once I saw the menu and the food coming out of the kitchen, I couldn’t just have cake. The menu is a mix of international and South American influences delivered with a bit of artistic flair. I settled on the arepitas topped with smoked eggplant, mushrooms, and a spicy ricotta sauce — hands down, these were the best arepas I have ever had. After I finished them, I thought, what else can I order?

Another bonus? They have an adorable black café kitty. If you’re lucky, he or she may come and visit with you.

Before heading to this spot, I read a review, and the person shared that during their six-day visit, the only place in Medellin that they ate at was Vegan & Veggie—that’s a huge compliment! The food must be good. I also really needed the food to be good, as I was bringing two omnivorous Colombians along with me. I really didn’t want them to have a mediocre experience.

If you’re interested in trying some veganized Colombian dishes, come here on the weekend for their special lineup of Cazuelas. These dishes are generally a mix of hearty stews or other dishes cooked in a terra cotta pot. It’s a great way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Colombia! But if you don’t make it on the weekend, you’ll have plenty of other options like house-made burgers, colorful bowls, tacos, and more.

This was also one of the few places where I found a veganized version of limonada de coco. This popular drink is made with coconut cream, limes, and generally cow’s milk, but here it’s totally vegan and delicious!

Several locals raved about this vegan-friendly chain, but I’ll admit—I was skeptical. I brushed it off at first, but fate stepped in when a work lunch led me here. I’m so glad it did because not only were the vegan options fantastic, but the mission behind the business absolutely blew me away.

This spot is a Certified B Corp and is widely regarded as Colombia’s most admired companies. It was founded with a beautiful mission: to employ single mothers and women in vulnerable situations, providing support like healthcare and housing assistance. Although they’ve grown and expanded their hiring practices, it’s still common to walk in and see an all-women team running the show from front to back. They also source their produce from small farmers in areas affected by armed conflict, making their impact even more meaningful.

As for the vegan food? Incredible. They offer a stellar variety of sweet and savory crepes—mine was packed with plantains, avocado, house-made tofu cream, and more. It was so good I was tempted to order a second. Plus, their lineup of fresh fruit juices is equally impressive.