Vegetarian or Vegan Dining in Frankfurt

In recent years, Frankfurt has emerged as a surprising yet delightful haven for plant-based dining. Once known primarily for its banking industry and bratwurst, this German metropolis is now cultivating a rich and diverse vegetarian and vegan food scene that rivals the likes of Berlin and Munich. Whether you’re a devoted vegan, an occasional vegetarian, or just curious about plant-based cuisine, Frankfurt offers something delectable for every palate. With sustainability becoming more than just a buzzword and health-conscious living turning mainstream, the city’s culinary scene is thriving in flavor, innovation, and green consciousness.

“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.” — Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Welcome to your ultimate guide to vegetarian or vegan dining in Frankfurt, where health, ethics, and taste find the perfect balance on every plate.

Best Vegetarian or Vegan Dining in Frankfurt: Local Favorites

Let’s dive into what you’re really here for: the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Frankfurt. Whether you want a casual vegan brunch or a full-course gourmet experience, this city offers an array of unforgettable culinary destinations.

1. Vevay – Urban Plant-Based Bistro

Located near Willy-Brandt-Platz, Vevay (short for Vegetarian Everyday) is a bright, modern bistro loved for its Buddha Bowls, lentil curries, and cold-pressed juices. Its globally inspired menu and stylish ambiance make it a favorite among professionals and tourists alike.

• Google Rating: 4.6

• Price Range: €€

• Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 20, 60311 Frankfurt

“Fresh, vibrant, and honest food. A must-visit in Frankfurt!” – HappyCow Review

2. Seven Swans – Vegan Fine Dining with a Michelin Star

Frankfurt’s claim to gourmet vegan cuisine, Seven Swans is the only Michelin-starred vegan restaurant in Germany. The menu is a poetic dance of seasonal ingredients sourced from their own permaculture farm just outside the city.

• Google Rating: 4.8

• Price Range: €€€€

•  Address: Mainkai 4, 60311 Frankfurt

• Special: Vegan wine pairing menu

“Art on a plate, ethics in practice.”

3. Zeil Kitchen – Affordable Vegan Street-Style Eats

A hotspot for students and young professionals, Zeil Kitchen offers hearty vegan meals at student-friendly prices. From spicy vegan curry to jackfruit burgers, it’s a wallet-friendly place to taste big ideas on a small budget.

These are just a few gems in Frankfurt’s expanding galaxy of meat-free restaurants. But what makes this city such a plant-based paradise?

Why Frankfurt Is Becoming a Plant-Based Paradise

Germany ranks among the top countries in Europe with the highest percentage of vegetarians. According to Statista, over 10% of Germans now identify as vegetarian or vegan, and this number is growing rapidly in urban centers like Frankfurt.

Several cultural, economic, and environmental factors have contributed to this shift:

1. Cultural Diversity: Frankfurt is Germany’s most international city, home to over 180 nationalities. This melting pot influences its culinary offerings, integrating global vegan trends into local menus.

2. Health Awareness: Rising concern over lifestyle-related diseases has pushed many to explore plant-based diets for heart health, weight management, and longevity.

3. Environmental Activism: With climate change front and center, reducing meat consumption has become a conscious choice among Frankfurt’s eco-aware citizens.

4. Government Support: The German government supports organic and plant-based agriculture, with major supermarkets like Rewe and Edeka expanding their vegan product lines.

“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore

In a city that prizes efficiency, innovation, and health, embracing veganism and vegetarianism has become a logical and ethical progression.

Hidden Vegan Gems: Cafés, Bistros, and Street Eats

Beyond the high-profile eateries, Frankfurt is dotted with lesser-known vegan cafés and bistros that surprise and delight with their authenticity and heart. These are the city’s best-kept secrets:

• Editha’s Vegan Soulfood – A cozy spot in Bornheim serving Caribbean-inspired vegan dishes.

• Kaffeewerk Espressionist – Located in the Skyline Plaza, known for its plant-based pastries and oat milk cappuccinos.

• Greenfoody – An all-vegan spot offering wraps, smoothies, and raw cakes, perfect for a quick lunch near the Messe.

Pro Tip: Many vegan cafés also double as co-working spaces, perfect for digital nomads and students.

These places are less about luxury and more about community, warmth, and conscious eating.

Fine Dining & Gourmet Vegan Experiences

Frankfurt isn’t just for casual dining; it’s also a destination for elevated vegan cuisine that pushes the boundaries of gastronomy. Besides Seven Swans, which we’ve already mentioned, consider:

1. Margarete

Nestled between the old town and the financial district, Margarete offers a separate vegetarian and vegan menu that rotates with the seasons. Try their grilled polenta with wild herbs or beetroot carpaccio for a memorable evening.

Außerdem: Top 10 Vegetarian Restaurants in Bremen You’ll Love

2. Heimat Restaurant at 25hours Hotel

Not entirely vegan, but extremely plant-forward, Heimat is known for its creative flair. Their vegan mushroom risotto and fermented vegetables are local legends.

“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.” – Auguste Escoffier

Frankfurt proves that plant-based fine dining is not just about removing meat but redefining luxury through sustainability and creativity.

Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Eats for Every Traveler

Traveling on a budget? Frankfurt doesn’t disappoint. The city is full of affordable options that serve nutritious and filling meals for under €10.

Here are some great picks:

• Dean & David – Offers custom-made salad bowls and wraps, many of which are vegan-friendly.

• MoschMosch – A Japanese noodle bar with a robust selection of tofu-based ramen and vegan gyoza.

• Aroma – Middle Eastern fast food where falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh satisfy your hunger without hurting your wallet.

Budget Breakdown Table

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” – Virginia Woolf

These affordable eats help students, backpackers, and conscious travelers fuel up without breaking the bank.

Frankfurt’s Vegan Brunch & Coffee Culture

Germany loves its coffee, and Frankfurt is no exception. The city’s vegan coffee scene is booming with creativity, sustainability, and cozy vibes. Many cafés now offer plant-based milk alternatives like oat, soy, almond, and even hemp milk.

Best Spots for Vegan Brunch:

• The Holy Cross Brewing Society – Exceptional coffee with almond milk options, and the best vegan banana bread in town.

• Balance Deli – Serves vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, and cold-pressed juices in an airy, Instagram-worthy setting.

• Café Crumble – Located in the Nordend district, this café is known for its vegan croissants and homemade almond chai lattes.

Cultural Influences: International Vegan Cuisine in Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s cosmopolitan spirit is vividly reflected in its vibrant plant-based culinary landscape, shaped by cultures from every corner of the globe. The city’s status as an international financial hub has attracted a diverse population, and with it, a mosaic of global vegan cuisines. You’ll find veganized versions of dishes from Vietnam, India, Turkey, Ethiopia, and beyond, each bringing its unique textures, spices, and stories to the table.

Popular International Vegan Spots in Frankfurt

• Chay Viet: A Vietnamese gem specializing in vegan pho and fresh rice paper rolls. Their broth is simmered with seaweed, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs.

• Saravanaa Bhavan: Part of the renowned South Indian vegetarian chain, this restaurant offers dosas, curries, and chutneys without a drop of meat or egg.

• Babam Different: Turkish vegan street food like kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) and dürüm wraps loaded with falafel, veggies, and tahini.

• African Queen: A rare but delicious spot for Ethiopian vegan cuisine featuring injera, lentil stews, and turmeric-spiced vegetables.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard

These multicultural dining experiences enhance Frankfurt’s appeal not only as a plant-based destination but as a global culinary capital. Lyoncafe, with its team of global food explorers, recognizes Frankfurt as one of Europe’s most exciting melting pots for vegan culture. (Learn more about our reviews and café journey at mtnlyoncafe.com)

Vegan Groceries and Local Organic Markets

Living or staying in Frankfurt as a vegan is incredibly convenient, thanks to its extensive range of plant-based shopping options. From mainstream supermarkets to organic stores and farmer’s markets, every corner offers fresh, cruelty-free nourishment.

Vegan Grocery Hotspots:

• Alnatura: Germany’s largest organic food chain. Their Frankfurt branches stock a wide array of vegan yogurts, meats, cheeses, and bakery items.

• Denn’s Biomarkt: Another organic staple, known for sustainable packaging and a strong selection of local produce and eco-friendly products.

• Rewe & Edeka: Major supermarkets have expanded vegan product ranges including the “Rewe Bio + Vegan” line.

• Kleinmarkthalle: A historic indoor market offering everything from vegan antipasti to fresh herbs and exotic fruits.

Suggested Shopping List for Vegan Travelers

• Oat milk (Hafermilch)

• Vegan cheese (Veganer Käse)

•  Hummus & spreads

• Organic fruits & vegetables

• Nuts, seeds & muesli

• Fresh sourdough or rye bread

Proverb: “The early bird catches the freshest herbs at Kleinmarkthalle!”

For those staying longer or living in the city, many stores also offer zero-waste options where you can bring your own containers—a perfect way to align your eating habits with eco-conscious principles.

Events, Festivals & Vegan Meetups in Frankfurt

If you’re passionate about plant-based living, Frankfurt offers a full calendar of events where vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, and the vegan-curious come together to share food, ideas, and community spirit.

Key Vegan Events:

• Veggieworld Frankfurt (March): One of Europe’s largest and most established vegan expos, held annually with over 100 exhibitors.

• Green Market Festival (June): Combines eco-lifestyle products with local food trucks and workshops on vegan cooking, minimalism, and sustainability.

• Meat-Free Mondays at Goethe University: A student initiative that brings affordable vegan meals to campus cafeterias every Monday.

• Monthly Vegan Brunch Meetup: Hosted via Meetup.com, this is a rotating community brunch that welcomes locals and travelers alike.

“Alone we eat, together we feast.” – Lyoncafe motto during our Frankfurt Vegan Week Tour, 2023.

Joining these events allows you to build community, try innovative vegan products, and even contribute to ongoing conversations about ethics, climate, and personal well-being.

Tips for Vegan Travelers: Apps, Phrases & Etiquette

Traveling as a vegan in a new country can be intimidating—but not in Frankfurt. The city is both vegan-aware and tourist-friendly. Still, having a few tools and tips in your pocket will make your trip smoother.

Essential Apps:

• HappyCow: The world’s best vegan restaurant locator—updated regularly by users.

• Vanilla Bean: Focuses on eco-friendly, organic, and allergy-conscious options.

• Google Maps: Don’t underestimate its reviews and photos, which are gold when vetting a vegan option.

Useful German Phrases:

• “Ich bin Veganer/Veganerin.” – I’m vegan.

• “Enthält das Milch oder Ei?” – Does this contain milk or egg?

• “Ohne Fleisch, bitte.” – Without meat, please.

• “Ist das pflanzlich?” – Is this plant-based?

Dining Etiquette Tips:

• Respectfully ask for modifications—most places are happy to help.

• Leave reviews to support vegan businesses.

• Bring your own cutlery or containers for takeaways when visiting eco-markets.

“Respect the culture, request with kindness, and always tip with gratitude.”

At Lyoncafe, we believe travel is the best education—and food is the curriculum that connects us to people, ethics, and joy. Vegan travel isn’t just about what you eat, but how you choose to experience a city differently.

Final Thoughts: Frankfurt as a Top Plant-Based Destination

Frankfurt, often overshadowed by Berlin or Munich, stands tall as an underrated vegan capital of Europe. With a flourishing network of restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, festivals, and eco-conscious residents, the city proves that plant-based living isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life embraced by diverse cultures and culinary innovators.