First of all, I would like to say that I believe that many people in Zakopane want to enjoy good food, whether they follow a purely plant-based diet or not. That’s why I decided to expand my guide to include vegetarian restaurants.
In this guide, I’ve included only those restaurants and bars that cater to vegans and vegetarians alike. You won’t have to ask the staff about the ingredients in every dish, and there won’t be any misunderstandings about what vegan means. Believe me, I have personally experienced a dish being mistaken for vegan when it actually contained baked salmon.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Zakopane.
Vegan Restaurants You Can Eat in Zakopane
You might think that it’s impossible to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Zakopane. The cuisine is dominated by sour soup with ribs, venison, oscypek cheese and moskole with butter. However, things have changed recently and the plant-based map of Zakopane has expanded significantly in just a few years.
↳ Make sure to check out my guide to ALL attractions in Zakopane, so you don't overlook anything interesting: 66 Best Attractions in Zakopane 2023 – What to Do – Interesting Places
In this list, I’m going to show you five places where you can find vegetarian and even vegan options. I have to admit that not all of them are my personal favorites, but I would like to share them with you anyway, because maybe someone else will like what I didn’t like. After all, it is always good to be able to choose between different culinary styles.
You may also want to read the other article about most popular local dishes, from which you can find few vegetarian options too: Discovering the Tastiest Polish Food You Can Find in Zakopane
„Dobra Nasz Kasza” Restaurant
I always prefer to focus on the positive, but unfortunately, my experience at the „Dobra Nasza Kasza” restaurant left me with a feeling of disappointment. Although the place is often crowded, the food did not live up to my expectations.
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
First, there was the „Ripe tomatoes with fresh dill – pearl barley with chopped tomatoes, fresh dill, garlic, onion and herbs”. The dish seemed dull and unappetizing, with a small and dry slice of tomato and not enough spices.
Next was the „Baked Broccoli with Corn”, which felt like a reheated frozen meal, lacking any real flavor or texture. The dish was basically the same as the first, but without the sliced tomato.
On the plus side, the service was friendly and welcoming. However, the food was subpar and left me feeling unsatisfied. I do not plan to return to this restaurant anytime soon.
„Zakopiańska” Restaurant: A Vegan-Friendly Option
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option in Zakopane, the Zakopiańska Restaurant might be a good choice. There aren’t many plant-based options on the menu. However, the ones that are there are quite tasty. The restaurant itself is quiet, elegant and a bit far from the center. The service is professional, if not particularly warm and inviting.
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
If you visited the restaurant before 2023, you may have missed out on their new and improved vegan options. They still didn’t have a vegan soup. But the new dishes are much more imaginative and flavorful. My guess is that either the chef has changed or that the vegan cuisine has become more enjoyable.
Moskol with spring vegetables (PLN 37) and green beans (wild garlic, almonds, romaine lettuce) (PLN 37) or black lentils (baby spinach, caramelized parsley, cashew cream) (PLN 41) are some of the vegan dishes on the 2023 menu. Both dishes have a well-balanced taste and are sure to satisfy.
Bar Górski: A Surprising Vegan Find
If you happen to stumble upon the Mountain Bar, don’t let the name fool you. This place has a surprising number of vegan options on the menu. One of them is a delicious vegan chicken soup. The menu ranges from Polish to Arabic to Mexican, with plenty of options to choose from.
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
Some of the dishes offered include Dumplings with Lentils (PLN 15), Beetroot Schnitzel with Sage, Rolled Rice and Salad (PLN 18), and Vegetables in Sweet and Spicy Sauce with Rolled Rice and Salad (PLN 19). The prices here are quite reasonable. They haven’t changed for 2-3 years.
The Best Vegan Sweet Spots in Zakopane
If you’re in the mood for something sweet and vegan in Zakopane, look no further than Eko-Cafe Zielień. I discovered this place through Happy Cow we, and I’m glad I did. The owner is a confident and passionate woman who takes pride in the quality of her offerings.
Once you are done with the sweets, perhaps you may want to grab a beer? Learn more about best craft beers here: Discover the Best Craft Beer in Zakopane: A Guide for Beer Enthusiasts
Eko-Cafe Zieleń: A Vegan Sweet Spot in Zakopane
During my visit, the date cake with fruit and homemade strawberry jam (on xylitol) caught my attention. The jam even won first place in a competition in Krakow, beating Magda Gessler’s jam. In addition to vegan sweets, the cafe also offers other sweets made with xylitol or gluten-free options. They also serve good coffee.
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
The cafe is a bit out of the center, but it’s worth the trip. Plus, a walk is always a good idea after a sweet treat. After all, exploring Zakopane’s vegan scene isn’t just about the mountain trails.
„Las” Restaurant: A Vegan and Vegetarian Haven in Zakopane
If you’re looking for a cozy, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly spot in Zakopane, you should check out Las Restaurant. Run by two passionate people, the menu offers many options to choose from, including my personal favorite, Thai soup. The restaurant has a beautiful interior and is pet-friendly, even offering dog food for purchase.
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
The menu is relatively short. However, it changes seasonally to incorporate new dishes while maintaining old favorites. A few dishes on the menu include Mexican soup (PLN 12/18), Thai soup (PLN 12/18), and beetroot and raspberry cream soup (PLN 9/13). Salty cakes (PLN 14) and tofu cake (PLN 12) are also available.
In 2022, Las introduced some new items to the menu, such as bigos, burgers and meatballs with potatoes. Prices have also risen slightly, which is understandable given the quality of the food and the passion of the owners.
| Item | Small Portion Price (PLN) | Large Portion Price (PLN) |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican Soup | 12 | 18 |
| Thai Soup | 12 | 18 |
| Beetroot & Raspberry Cream Soup | 9 | 13 |
| Salty Tarts | 14 | – |
| Tofu Cake | 12 | – |
STRH Bistro in Zakopane
I have been a regular visitor to this place for 3-4 years and I have always loved the food and the beautiful location of the bistro. The highlight of the place is the balcony with a cozy sofa and a breathtaking view of the mountains. You can even catch a glimpse of the moon if you happen to be there at sunset.
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
Menu at STRH Bistro:
| Dish | Price (PLN) |
|---|---|
| Vegan slices (breakfast) | 23 |
| Yellow curry | 29 |
| Falafel | 28 |
| Cauliflower cream | 18 |
| Slice with asparagus, baby zucchini and cottage cheese (breakfast) | 19 |
| Plate of various things (breakfast) | 25 |
| Banana bowl (breakfast) | 18 |
| Millet (breakfast) | 17 |
| Tofu (breakfast) | 18 |
The Bistro strikes the perfect balance between elegance and casualness. It’s not overly fussy. The best thing about it is that there are vegan options available for both the main courses and the desserts. It’s also spacious enough to accommodate groups of friends for a drink or two.
| Category | Dish | Price (PLN) |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Vege with homemade vegetable sausage mushroom, wild radish, wild broccoli | 33 |
| Slice with asparagus | 27 | |
| Banana bowl | 23 | |
| Millet | 21 | |
| Tofu | 21 | |
| Appetizer | Tostada with jackfruit BBQ | 35 |
| Salads | Smoked tofu | 35 |
| Soups | „Sunny” vegetable Soup | 23 |
References
- https://vegetime.pl/las-zakopane/
- https://www.zakopanedladzieci.pl/zakopane-kuchnia-weganska/
- https://eatrunlove.pl/blog/2017/6/18/co-mona-zje-w-zakopanem
