Porec is one of the most popular summer destinations in Istria. While vegan options in the city might be limited, we have found the best restaurants for you to try. Join us as we explore the top vegan spots in Porec.
Where to stay in Porec
Porec is a major tourist destination with a wide range of accommodations, from affordable options to luxurious stays. If you are visiting for a short period, a hotel near the city centre is a convenient choice. One excellent option is the Valamar Parentino Hotel.
If you prefer to enjoy nature and have the flexibility to cook for yourself, the Maj Luxury Residence is a better option. This beautiful apartment complex also offers a pool, making it a perfect retreat.
Vegan Restaurants in Porec
Like most of the smaller Croatian towns, Porec may not be a vegan paradise, but we have found a few great options to enjoy during your holiday. Here are our favourite restaurants offering plant-based options in the city.
Artha Vegan Restaurant in Porec
Artha is a plant-based restaurant in the heart of Porec. It’s the best vegan spot in the area and a must-visit. During the summer, be sure to go early for lunch or dinner as there is often a queue in front of the restaurant. As the only 100% vegan restaurant in the area, it is very popular.
Their menu offers many delicious choices. You can select from a variety of pasta dishes; our favourite is the truffle pasta. You can also enjoy grilled vegetables with tofu, tempeh, and vegetable patties. They also serve delicious salads.
The best part about Artha in Porec is that they offer vegan pancakes for dessert!
Umi Asian Street Food
This restaurant is a little Asian gem in Porec. They have an excellent selection of Asian dishes, and a few of them can be made vegan!
Try the veggie gyoza, filled with smoked tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and vegetables for a starter. For the main dish, one of our favourites is the dan dan noodles, which can be ordered in a vegan version.
Another great option is the vegan poke bowl, made with smoked tofu and fresh vegetables.
Chili Fusion Street Food
When you check their menu online, it might not seem like plant-based options are available, but once you are there, you can request a poke bowl made with tofu instead of fish.
The restaurant is conveniently located in the centre of the old town in Porec and offers a great vegan option.
McDonald’s in Porec
Yes, it is McDonald’s, but when vegan restaurants are hard to find, it’s good to know that in Croatia, they offer a plant-based burger.
Their plant-based burger is made with a soy patty, fresh tomato, lettuce, onion, and pickles, with ketchup and mustard as sauces. Surprisingly, the burger is quite tasty.
Mlinar in Porec
Mlinar is a Croatian bakery chain that used to offer a few plant-based options, but due to low demand, they have removed most from their menu. However, you can still find a few vegan-friendly items, and our favourite is their focaccia.
Star Anise Restaurant
Just a 20-minute ride away from Porec is the small town of Vrsar, where you will find an Asian restaurant called Star Anise, located right by the sea.
They offer a few vegan dishes. For starters, you can enjoy spring rolls or edamame. For the main course, you can choose between tofu in chilli and peanut sauce or wok vegetables with rice.
If you’re also planning a visit to Rovinj, make sure to check out our vegan Rovinj guide.
Eating Vegan in Porec
Most traditional restaurants in Porec, and Croatia as a whole, do not typically offer vegan options. However, the situation is improving, especially in larger cities like Split and Zagreb. If you are travelling to a smaller town, plant-based options might not be listed on the menu.
The locals in Porec are very friendly, and you can often create your own meal from the sides they offer. This usually includes grilled vegetables, potatoes, and a salad. Some restaurants have served us vegetable risotto or tomato pasta upon request.
If you are craving ice cream while visiting Porec, look for labels indicating plant-based options. You can also ask the vendors, as they might have a few fruit flavours that are vegan.
SEE ALSO:
Discover the Delicious Side of Rovinj: Top Vegan Restaurants to Try on Your Next Travel Adventure