Which restaurants in Tehran offer special menus for vegetarians and vegans?
Tehran, the bustling capital of Iran, is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for enthusiasts of vegetarian and vegan diets. Growing awareness regarding healthy eating, environmental considerations, and animal rights has led to a significant increase in specialized restaurants and vegan menu options across the city. This guide not only introduces the best and most popular choices but also serves as a complete reference, providing addresses, phone numbers, and sample menus for discovering the diverse and healthy tastes available in Tehran. These restaurants have proven that plant-based cuisine can be delicious, innovative, and completely satisfying. Recent developments in Tehran’s culinary scene indicate that plant-based meals are no longer a niche choice but have become part of the modern, mainstream food culture of the city.
1. Zamin Vegan Restaurant
Zamin Restaurant, often recognized as Tehran’s first 100% vegan restaurant, is a true pioneer in this field. By focusing on using fresh ingredients and plant-based proteins, Zamin has successfully transformed many popular Iranian and international dishes into entirely vegan and delightful versions. The atmosphere is calm, modern, and dimly lit, making it an ideal choice for friendly gatherings or light business meetings. Zamin is particularly renowned for recreating the taste of kabob and vegan fast foods, striving to astonishingly replicate the texture of meat dishes.
Cuisine Type: 100% Vegan, International, and Iranian
Address: Tehran, Shahrak-e Gharb, Simay-e Iran Street, Phase 6, North Falak Street, Corner of 11th Alley. (Good access via adjacent highways)
Phone: 021-88580555
Popular Menu Items (Vegan):
Main Course: Various pizzas (e.g., vegetable pizza with special vegan cheese, often nut-based), Lasagna (with plant-based béchamel sauce and vegetable layers), Vegetable Burger (with homemade sauces and whole-grain bread), Vegan Kabob (with a texture and flavor remarkably close to meat), and Vegan Chicken.
Iranian Dishes: Seasonal Vegetable Stew, Vegan Ghormeh Sabzi (Herb Stew), various mixed rice dishes (Loobia Polo, Sabzi Polo) with soy protein or mushroom.
Appetizers & Salads: Diverse daily vegan soups, Vegan Caesar Salad (with croutons and a completely plant-based dressing based on sunflower seeds), special French Fries.
2. Ananda Vegetarian Restaurant
Ananda, which means “bliss” or “joy” in Sanskrit, offers a lush, inviting space reminiscent of a Zen Garden with a beautiful courtyard in the Pasdaran neighborhood. This restaurant is considered one of the oldest in Tehran, and its menu is a blend of vegetarian and vegan dishes with Iranian and Italian influences. Ananda’s peaceful and artistic environment, featuring wooden decor and natural plants, makes it an excellent place for a high-quality meal with friends or family. This restaurant is highly capable of presenting dishes with complex and deep flavors and frequently hosts workshops and vegetarian gatherings.
Cuisine Type: Vegetarian with multiple vegan options
Address: Pasdaran Street, Behestan 10th (or Behestan 8th), South Ekhtiariyeh, Next to Mokhaberat, Plaque 18.
Phone: 021-22772817 – 021-22556767
Popular Menu Items (Vegetarian/Vegan):
Main Course: Various creamy pastas (with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk), diverse pizzas, delicious vegetable Koofteh (meatballs), savory burgers, creative vegetable sushi, and Mediterranean dishes.
Iranian Dishes: Vegan Dizi (Tilit), Vegan Pan Kabob (Kabob Tabeh), Dolmeh, and local Kookoos (frittata-like dishes).
Drinks & Desserts: Natural mixed juices, vegan shakes based on plant milks and seasonal fruits, various vegan cakes and pastries (such as vegan carrot cake).
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3. Pure Vegetarian Cuisine & Café
Located in the prestigious ASP Towers, Pure Restaurant offers a modern, minimalist decor and focuses on Mediterranean and foreign cuisines, providing a luxurious and stylish dining experience. Pure stands out for its high-quality ingredients and its focus on Raw Vegan dishes alongside its main menu. The service level is very high, and the ambiance is suitable for a formal dinner or small celebrations. Pure’s dishes are often aesthetically beautiful and artistic in presentation.
Cuisine Type: Vegetarian with vegan options
Address: South Sheikh Bahaei Street, Yusef Abad 64th Street, ASP Tower, Commercial Unit 35. (Offers suitable parking space in the tower)
Phone: 021-88603990
Popular Menu Items (Vegetarian/Vegan):
Main Course: Vegetable Pizza (with whole-grain crust), various vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, Lasagna, Mediterranean dishes with olives and fresh vegetables, and also Raw Vegan dishes such as large salads with probiotic dressings.
Breakfast (Thursdays and Fridays): Full breakfast options including plant-based omelets (with tofu or egg substitute) and vegan pancakes and granola.
Café & Desserts: Various coffees, energy drinks, and desserts (especially Raw Vegan Cheesecakes).
4. Mehre Mitra Restaurant
Mehre Mitra is renowned as one of the best restaurants for converting traditional Iranian cuisine into vegetarian versions. This restaurant offers two distinct settings:
Lavasan Branch (Dine-in): Features an outdoor space and beautiful natural views, ideal for a short weekend trip and peaceful dining.
Niavaran Branch (Takeaway): Focuses on daily orders, fast delivery, and consistent quality of Iranian dishes.
Mehre Mitra’s focus is on accurately simulating the texture and taste of dishes like kabob and chicken, utilizing advanced plant-based proteins for this purpose.
Cuisine Type: Vegetarian, focusing on Iranian dishes and meat substitute proteins.
Address (Lavasan Branch – Dine-in): Lavasan, beginning of Bast Boulevard, Plaque 3.
Address (Niavaran Branch – Takeaway): Niavaran, Jamaran, Sabzi Street, Plaque 16.
Phone (Lavasan): 021-26551204 – 021-26551207
Popular Menu Items (Vegetarian):
Main Course: Chelo Loqmeh Kabob (Rice with Loqmeh Kabob) – plant-based, Chelo Joojeh Kabob (Rice with Chicken Kabob) – plant-based, Zereshk Polo with plant-based “Chicken” (using advanced plant proteins with a texture similar to chicken breast).
Stews (Khoresh): Ghormeh Sabzi, Gheymeh, and other authentic Iranian stews, all completely plant-based (with the option to order dairy-free).
Appetizers: Various daily soups, Mirza Ghasemi (Smoked Eggplant Dip), Kashk-e Bademjan (Eggplant Dip – must inquire about the vegan nature of the Kashk/Whey substitute when ordering), and various local salads.
5. Iranian Artists’ Forum Vegan Restaurant
Located in the cultural heart of the city, Artists’ Park, this restaurant is more than just a dining spot; it’s a social and cultural hub. Due to its artistic environment, the atmosphere is often vibrant and culturally active. The food at the Artists’ Forum is generally simpler, high-quality, and more affordable than other luxury options, making it a great choice for students and artists.
Cuisine Type: Vegetarian and affordable
Address: Iranshahr Street, Artists’ Park, within the premises. (Excellent access to the metro and public transportation)
Phone: 021-88310462
Popular Menu Items (Vegetarian):
Fast Food: Pizza (with thin crust), hearty sandwiches with vegetarian cheese, special French Fries.
Daily Special: Daily plant-based rice and stew dishes (e.g., Sabzi Polo with the stew of the day) which vary seasonally and often include traditional Iranian options.
Various Salads: Diverse and appealing salads with ample olive oil.
6. Tilit Restaurant
Tilit is a specialized restaurant that traditionally focuses on Dizi (Abgoosht, a hearty stew). Dizi is a very popular and traditional Iranian dish, and finding a high-quality vegan version in Tehran is a significant development. Tilit creatively offers a full menu of Vegan and Vegetarian Dizi. The experience of eating Dizi in traditional stone pots, served with fresh Sangak bread and side dishes, fully conveys the feeling of a traditional Iranian meal while being completely plant-based. This restaurant is a unique choice for those seeking traditional Iranian culinary experiences in a plant-based form.
Cuisine Type: Specialized Dizi (offers Vegan and Vegetarian Dizi)
Address: North Saadi Street, Mesbah (19) Street, Plaque 6. (Close to the old city area and Tehran Grand Bazaar)
Phone: 021-33984690
Popular Menu Items (Vegan):
Dizi: Vegan Dizi (made with soy, chickpeas, and various pulses cooked in a stone pot) which has a distinct and comforting flavor despite the absence of meat, and is served with sides like pickles and fresh herbs.
Appetizers: Various homemade pickles, Shiraz Salad (Salad Shirazi), plant-based yogurts (if available).
7. Vegshim Restaurant (Formerly Greenland)
Vegshim, previously known as Greenland, is another main destination for vegetarians in West Tehran, located in Saadat Abad. Offering a wide range of vegan fast foods and main dishes, this restaurant has a friendly, intimate atmosphere and is particularly popular among fans of Vegan Comfort Foods. Vegshim is known for the variety of its sandwiches and is a great spot for a quick, informal meal.
Cuisine Type: Vegetarian with vegan options, focusing on fast food.
Address: Tehran, Saadat Abad, Darya Boulevard, Kowsar Square, Qaysar Aminpour Underpass, East Abbasi Anari, Plaque 32.
Phone: 021-88561008
Popular Menu Items (Vegan/Vegetarian):
Fast Food: Various pizzas with different crusts, rich sandwiches, vegan nuggets and schnitzel (with strong, pleasant flavoring).
Main Course: Pastas with vegan alfredo sauce, large and varied salads, vegan burritos.
Drinks: Natural juices, smoothies, and sparkling fruit drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions for Foreign Tourists (FAQ)
To assist foreign tourists in experiencing Tehran’s plant-based dining scene, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
1. Do the staff speak English?
Answer: In specialized vegan restaurants and more luxurious places like Pure and Ananda, it is likely that one or more staff members are proficient in English, and English menus are often available. However, in smaller cafes or traditional restaurants, you may need to use a translation app or learn a few key Persian phrases (such as “I am vegan” or “I do not want milk or cheese”).
2. How can I ensure a dish is 100% vegan?
Answer: In 100% vegan restaurants (like Zamin), there is no need to worry. In vegetarian and regular restaurants, you must specifically ask: “Is this dish completely vegan? Does it contain dairy (Shir), egg (Tokhm-e Morgh), honey (Asal), or butter (Kareh)?” It is important to specifically mention common Iranian dairy products like Kashk (whey) or Maast (yogurt).
3. What is the best payment method for tourists?
Answer: International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are not usable in Iran. You must pay with cash (Iranian Rial) or, in some larger establishments, with major foreign currencies (US Dollars or Euros). It is advisable to always carry enough cash in Rial for daily purchases and taxis.
4. Is it difficult to find vegan options outside this list?
Answer: No. Tehran has many naturally vegan options in its traditional cuisine. Examples include Aash Reshteh (Noodle Soup – without Kashk and sometimes without meat broth, be sure to confirm its vegan status), Adasi (Lentil Soup), Bread and Herbs/Vegetables, Falafel, and Sambuseh (Samosas). In regular restaurants, you can often order vegetable stews provided they exclude meat, dairy, or chicken stock.
5. Are reservations necessary?
Answer: Yes, for weekend evenings (Thursday and Friday nights) at popular restaurants like Zamin and Ananda, booking in advance is recommended, especially if you are a large group. During the week, reservations are usually not necessary, except during official holidays.
6. Is tap water safe to drink?
Answer: Tap water in Tehran is generally safe, but internal building filtration systems vary. To be cautious and prevent any potential digestive issues, tourists are advised to always consume bottled mineral water. Restaurants usually serve bottled water.
7. What is a traditional vegan Iranian breakfast?
Answer: The most common vegan breakfast includes bread (Noon), various jams (Morabba), olives, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. Additionally, warm dishes like Adasi (Lentil Soup) or Khoorak-e Loobia (Bean Stew), cooked with oil and spices, are popular, nutritious, and completely vegan options.
8. Is tipping customary?
Answer: Yes, tipping is customary in Iran and is a sign of appreciation for good service. If you were satisfied with the service, you can round up the bill or consider leaving approximately 7 to 10 percent of the total amount as a tip.
9. Are there options for me in regular (non-vegan) fast-food joints?
Answer: Options are limited. They usually include French Fries or simple vegetable sandwiches. If you order a vegetable sandwich, you must insist that it excludes cheese, mayonnaise (which contains egg), and butter. Street falafel stands (which are generally vegan) are an excellent and inexpensive option.
10. What is the difference between “Giyahi” (گیاهی) and “Vegan” (وگان) on Persian menus?
Answer: In Persian menus, the word Giyahi (Vegetarian) often means the dish contains no meat but may contain dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), egg, or honey. The word Vegan means strictly plant-based and free of all animal products. Always look for confirmation of the word Vegan when ordering.
Important Tips for Choosing a Plant-Based Restaurant in Tehran:
Vegan vs. Vegetarian: This is the most crucial point. Note that “Giyahi” (Vegetarian) restaurants may use dairy, eggs, or honey in some dishes. If your diet is strictly Vegan, you must confirm with the staff that the dish is 100% Vegan (free of all animal products) when ordering.
Location and Access: Plant-based restaurants are often concentrated in the northern and western parts of Tehran (such as Shahrak-e Gharb, Pasdaran, and Saadat Abad), but options are also available in the city center (like Tilit and Artists’ Forum) for easier access. For transportation, using online ride-hailing apps (like Snapp or Tapsi) is much easier than street taxis.
Hours and Reservations: Popular restaurants like Ananda and Zamin become very busy on weekends. It is highly recommended to book a table in advance for dinner or Friday lunch to secure a spot. Most restaurants in Tehran generally serve lunch from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
Takeaway and Delivery: Almost all these restaurants, in addition to dine-in service, offer takeaway or delivery through online food platforms, which can be an excellent option for enjoying a plant-based meal at home or work. Their packaging is often suitable and environmentally friendly.
