According to the reports submitted by Italian research institute, Eurispes, and the research conducted by the European Vegetarian Union, Italy has over six million vegetarians and the highest rate of vegetarianism in the European Union, which is about 10 percent of the population. So, no wonder is has been so easy to go out and grab meals all over The city of Florence.
Vegans are, surprisingly, in luck as well on their travels through Italy. Instead of the butter-soaked, mock Italian dishes outside of the country, everything is swimming in olive oil instead. And while Italian-American restaurants drown each of their dishes in enough cheese to cover the entire state of Maine, there are more dishes in Italy with less cheese.
Some easy go to classics to choose from include bruschetta, an antipasto, of toasted bread rubbed with oil, garlic, and usually topped with pomodoro, or tomato, pizza marinara, which is pizza with tomato sauce (no cheese), pizza margherita (tomato sauce and mozzarella), and polenta, a dish made from boiled cornmeal.
However, if you’re not for sure if something is vegetarian ask (vegetariano?), check the Happy Cow restaurant for tips ahead of time, and just have fun exploring the city.
For more meal ideas check out my book, “The Beginners Guide to Becoming a Vegetarian,” on Amazon.
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