Italy is a food lover’s paradise, known for its rich flavors, iconic dishes, and culinary traditions. But what if you or your team members follow a vegan or vegetarian diet? Don’t worry—Italy has you covered! From vibrant fresh markets to creative plant-based spins on traditional dishes, Italy offers incredible options for vegans and vegetarians.
If you’re planning a company event, retreat, or team-building experience in Italy, ensuring that everyone has delicious and satisfying meal options can be a challenge—but it’s absolutely doable (and rewarding)! In this post, we’ll explore Italian vegan and vegetarian cuisine, tips for dining out, and how to create an inclusive culinary experience for your next corporate getaway.
What Does Italian Vegan and Vegetarian Cuisine Look Like?
Italy’s Plant-Based Heritage
You might think of Italy as the land of prosciutto and creamy risottos, but its culinary history has deep plant-based roots! Many regional dishes are naturally vegetarian or can easily be adapted for vegan diets. Centuries of relying on seasonal produce and humble farm-to-table ingredients have led to flavorful dishes that don’t rely on animal products.
For example, dishes like pasta al pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce), panzanella (Tuscan bread salad with tomatoes and basil), and minestrone (a hearty vegetable soup) celebrate simple, fresh flavors. Many of these options already fall into a vegetarian category, and minor tweaks can make them vegan-friendly.
Vegan and Vegetarian Staples in Italian Cuisine:
- Fresh Pasta (Watch out for egg-based pasta if you’re vegan!)
- Ripe Tomatoes, Basil, and Olive Oil – The holy trinity of Italian cooking.
- Cicoria (Chicory) – A popular leafy green cooked lightly with garlic and olive oil.
- Farrotto – A vegetarian twist on risotto, made with farro grains.
- Polenta – A hearty cornmeal dish often served with veggie-based sauces.
Whether your event lands you in the sunny south or the lakeside north, local traditions will offer endless possibilities for vegans and vegetarians.


Tips for Dining Out in Italy
Navigating Menus Like a Pro
Here’s an insider tip for dining in Italy—menus often label dishes suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Look for terms like:
- “Vegetariano” for vegetarian options
- “Vegano” for vegan-friendly dishes
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Italians are known for their hospitality! Many chefs are happy to tweak a dish to accommodate dietary needs—just ask! Use phrases like:
- “È vegano?” (Is it vegan?)
- “Può prepararlo senza formaggio?” (Can you make it without cheese?)
Local Gems to Try
If your corporate retreat is exploring local towns, here’s what to keep an eye out for in different regions:
- Rome: Try carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes) or supplì (fried rice balls, often stuffed vegetarian-style).
- Florence: Indulge in ribollita, a hearty Tuscan bread and vegetable soup.
- Naples: Veganize the iconic margherita pizza by asking for no cheese—it’s still divine!
- Venice: Savor risi e bisi, a simple yet flavorful dish of rice and peas.
- Bologna: Discover the vegan take on tagliatelle al ragù, made with rich plant-based sauces.
- Sicily: Relish pasta alla norma, a traditional eggplant-based pasta dish.
Pro Tip: Cities like Genoa and Milan also have dedicated vegan restaurants that rival any fine-dining experience—you might even find a vegan tiramisu to finish the meal!
Planning Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly Events in Italy
Must-Try Vegan Delights Across Italy
Explore Italy’s hidden vegan-friendly gems with these must-try regional dishes that celebrate the country’s rich culinary traditions. From local favorites to unique specialties, each dish offers a true taste of Italy—pro tip: ask for seasonal specialties to enjoy the freshest flavors!
- Portofino: Try trofie al pesto, a regional pasta served with fragrant basil pesto. It’s often made vegan by simply skipping the cheese. Pair it with fresh Ligurian focaccia for the ultimate local experience.
- Matera: Savor crostoni con cime di rapa, toasted bread topped with sautéed broccoli rabe, or snack on peperoni cruschi, naturally vegan sun-dried sweet peppers packed with flavor.
- Polignano a Mare: Don’t miss orecchiette con cime di rapa, a classic Puglian dish of handmade pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe, prepared with simple vegan ingredients. Also, try fave e cicoria, a comforting fava bean puree served with wild chicory—a flavorful local staple.
Many small towns and local markets in these regions offer seasonal, plant-based options, turning every meal into an adventure in authentic Italian flavors.


How to Create an Inclusive Dining Experience for Your Team
When you’re planning a company event or team-building experience in Italy, catering to diverse dietary needs can enhance the experience for everyone. Here are a few practical steps to ensure no one feels left out at the table.
1. Research Your Dining Destinations
Call ahead to restaurants or venues to confirm vegan and vegetarian options. Many traditional restaurants are happy to create custom menus if they’re given advance notice, especially for private events.
2. Include Everyone in Food Discussions
During the planning stage, gather preferences and dietary requirements from your team. Sharing food preferences (anonymously, if needed) allows the planning to feel thoughtful and inclusive.
3. Work with Local Caterers
Organizing a team-building activity in an Italian villa or winery? Partner with local caterers who specialize in authentic yet adaptable Italian cuisine. Many are well-versed in creating menus to suit dietary preferences like vegan and gluten-free.
4. Host a Cooking Workshop
Want your company retreat to feel hands-on? Local cooking schools often provide vegan and vegetarian cooking workshops, offering dishes like handmade pasta or dairy-free gelato. In Liguria, for example, you can make vegan Pesto Genovese. It’s a fun team-building activity that doubles as a learning experience!
5. Explore Italian Farmers’ Markets
For casual meal planning (or a dream picnic), bring your team to a local farmers’ market. Fresh fruits, aromatic herbs, and rustic bread make for a simple, yet exquisite, vegan-friendly spread.
6. Leverage Seasonal Menus
Italian cooking is all about the seasons. Summer means bright tomatoes and fresh zucchini; winter brings earthy mushrooms and chestnuts. Aligning your company’s retreat menu with seasonal availability will leave everyone impressed.
Why Vegan and Vegetarian Choices Strengthen Team Culture
Creating an inclusive space through thoughtful food planning is not just about ensuring dietary needs are met—it’s about fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusivity. When your team feels cared for in every way, including at mealtime, they’ll be more connected, engaged, and appreciative during company events.
Plus, offering plant-based menus aligns with sustainability goals—a key value for many modern organizations. Show your employees you share their vision for a more environmentally-conscious future!
Invite your team to experience the joy of Italian food, not by compromising their dietary needs, but by celebrating every plate with fresh flavors.
Take the Stress Out of Planning
Planning a company event (especially in a foreign country) can be overwhelming, but the rewards are worth it. By taking the steps outlined here, you’ll create an unforgettable experience that nourishes both your team’s bodies and their spirits.
Still need help? Our expert team event planners specialize in Italy-based retreats and can help you design a fully customized experience, from dining to activities. Get in touch today to start planning your dream Italian getaway!