Glonojad is a true legend of Krakow's vegetarian scene, operating continuously since 2006. This inconspicuous establishment on Matejki Square has revolutionized thinking about meatless cuisine in Krakow, proving that it can be tasty, filling and affordable. Glonojad became famous primarily for the city's best eggplant casserole, which still attracts crowds of Cracovians and tourists. What sets this place apart? First of all, a philosophy based on cooperation with local farmers, thanks to which the dishes served are prepared from the freshest, seasonal products. Despite its status as a fast food bar, Glonojad never compromises on quality - each dish is prepared from scratch, with attention to detail and taste. Prices remain affordable, making this place ideal for both a quick lunch and a more elaborate meal.

Moving on to another pioneer of plant-based cuisine in Krakow, it's impossible to miss Veganic Restaurant on Karmelicka Street. This restaurant stands out from other vegan places in the city for its elegant decor and more refined approach to plant-based cuisine. Veganic's history dates back to 2015, when a group of enthusiasts decided to create a place that combines the best traditions of culinary craftsmanship with an innovative approach to plant-based products. The restaurant's specialties are celery steak in nori and oyster mushroom cutlet - dishes that can surprise even hardened carnivores. Veganic is also famous for its seasonal menu, which changes according to the availability of products, guaranteeing an always fresh and inspiring dining experience. Prices here are slightly higher than at Glonojada, but fully justified by the quality and culinary artistry.

No Bones Vegan Food on Bracka Street is a relatively young, but already a cult spot on the vegan map of Krakow. The restaurant was born out of a passion for plant-based cuisine and a mission to prove that dishes without zoonotic ingredients can be just as filling and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. No Bones has become primarily famous for its vegan burgers, which many Cracovians consider the best in the city. The secret is in the homemade buns, the homemade plant-based protein patties and the proprietary sauces that give each burger its unique character. Interestingly, the founders of No Bones experimented with recipes in their home kitchen for years before deciding to open the restaurant. This passion and attention to detail is palpable in every dish served. Price-wise, No Bones ranks in the mid-range, offering high quality at a reasonable price.

Raw Nest on Czysta Street is a real gem for lovers of raw cuisine. The restaurant was established in 2017 as a response to the growing interest in raw plant-based diet. The founder, inspired by her own experiences with raw food during her travels in Asia, decided to bring these flavors and philosophy to Krakow. Raw Nest stands out not only for its menu, but also for its unique, cozy decor, which combines natural elements with modern touches. The restaurant's specialty is raw cakes, which delight not only in taste, but also in appearance - they are true works of culinary art. You should also try the smoothie bowls, which make the perfect wholesome breakfast or light lunch. Prices at Raw Nest are slightly higher than at the average vegan restaurant, due to the high quality of organic ingredients and the labor-intensive process of preparing the dishes. However, this is a place where quality goes hand in hand with a healthy eating philosophy.

Vegan AF Ramen on Krupnicza Street is a relatively new player on the Krakow vegan scene, but has already managed to win the hearts of Asian cuisine lovers. The restaurant specializes, as the name suggests, in vegan versions of traditional Japanese ramen. The history of the place is fascinating - the founder, fascinated by the culinary culture of Japan, spent several years working in Tokyo restaurants, and then transferred the experience he gained to Poland, adapting the recipes to vegan preferences. Each ramen is prepared with extreme attention to detail - the broth is cooked for hours with vegetables and mushrooms to bring out the depth of flavor, the noodles are made on site, and the toppings are composed to create a harmonious whole. Prices are moderate, considering the labor-intensive nature and quality of the dishes served. Vegan AF Ramen is the perfect place for those who yearn for the authentic flavors of Asia in an ethical way.

Vege Italia on Zablocie Street is a true paradise for lovers of Italian cuisine who prefer a plant-based diet. The restaurant was created by an Italian-Polish couple, who decided to combine traditional recipes from the south of Italy with vegan ingredients. The history of the place dates back to 2018, when the owners, concerned about the lack of good options for vegans in the Italian cuisine segment, decided to fill the gap. Vege Italia is best known for its vegan pizzas on thin, crispy dough, prepared in a traditional wood-fired oven. The secret lies in the proprietary plant-based cheese, which the owners developed over many months to achieve the perfect texture and taste. In addition to the pizzas, try the homemade pastas with seasonal sauces and the tiramisu, which many guests find indistinguishable from the traditional version. Prices are moderate, comparable to other good pizzerias in the city, making Vege Italia an accessible option for a variety of occasions.

Flavors of Plants on Smolensk Street is a place that combines the traditions of Polish cuisine with modern vegan trends. The restaurant was created by a chef who worked for years in traditional restaurants, eventually turning to plant-based cuisine. The history of the place is proof of how the approach to vegan food in Poland is changing - from a niche trend it has become a full-fledged part of the culinary landscape. Tastes of Plants has become famous primarily for its vegan versions of traditional Polish dishes - stuffed cabbage rolls with millet groats and mushrooms, pierogies with a variety of fillings or celery pork chops. Each dish is prepared with the utmost attention to authenticity of flavor, while remaining fully plant-based. Prices are moderate, making this place accessible to a wide range of people. Flavors of Plants is an ideal option for people who long for the flavors of childhood, but have excluded zoonotic products from their diet for various reasons.

Turlaj Klopsa at Karmelicka Street is a concept that revolutionized the approach to vegan street food in Krakow. The restaurant was established in 2016 as a response to the growing demand for quick, but valuable plant-based meals. The founders, fascinated by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, decided to create a place specializing in falafel, but served in a modern, creative way. Turlaj Klopsa is distinguished not only by the quality of the dishes served, but also by its distinctive, colorful decor and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant's specialty is, of course, falafel balls, prepared according to a traditional recipe, but with the addition of local, seasonal ingredients. They can be ordered as a wrap, bowel or on a plate with a variety of toppings. Prices are affordable, which, combined with the large portions, makes this place ideal for a quick, filling meal during the day.

Vegab on Starowislna Street is a place that proves that kebabs don't have to contain meat at all to be delicious and filling. The history of the place began with a food truck, which quickly gained popularity among Cracovians, allowing the owners to open a stationary establishment. Vegab specializes in plant-based versions of kebabs, where meat is replaced with seitan - a wheat protein with a meaty texture. The secret is in the marinade, which gives the seitan its distinctive oriental flavor, and the homemade sauces, prepared according to original recipes. In addition to kebabs, the menu also includes burgers, wraps and fries with a variety of toppings. All dishes are served in biodegradable packaging, highlighting the owners' eco-friendly approach. Prices are very affordable, comparable to traditional kebabs, making Vegab an attractive option for both vegans and people who simply want to try something new.

All in all, Krakow offers an extremely rich and diverse vegan scene that will satisfy both those on a plant-based diet and anyone looking for new and inspiring flavors. From the pioneering Glonojad, to the elegant Veganic, to street food concepts like Vegab and Turlaj Klops, each of these places has its own unique history and character. What's more, most of them offer dishes at affordable prices, dispelling the myth of the high cost of a plant-based diet. Whether you're a vegan by conviction or simply enjoy culinary experimentation, Krakow's plant-based restaurants certainly won't disappoint you.