Heaven for thrifty vegans and vegetarians: 5 affordable meatless restaurants in Poznań

Heaven for thrifty vegans and vegetarians: 5 affordable meatless restaurants in Poznań

April 11, 2025

Poznan, a city with a rich culinary history, has in recent years become a true paradise for lovers of plant-based cuisine. According to HappyCow's Top 102 report of 2022, there are more than 60 vegan restaurants and more than 30 vegetarian establishments in the capital of Wielkopolska, making the city one of the most vegan- and vegetarian-friendly in Poland. What's more, surveys show that already 10% of Poles declare themselves vegetarians and 6% as vegans. Good news for frugal travelers - you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy delicious plant-based dishes in Poznan. Here are five places that offer exceptional culinary experiences at affordable prices.

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YUBA and WYPAS - vegan gems with character

Following your culinary journey in Poznan, it is worth directing your steps to Górna Wilda Street, where YUBA is located - a small, but extremely atmospheric establishment that has won the hearts of Poznaners with its authentic approach to vegan cuisine. YUBA is a place that was born out of passion for cooking and love for animals, which is evident in every aspect of the restaurant's operation.

YUBA's history dates back to 2016, when a group of friends decided to create a place that would not only be a restaurant, but also a space promoting conscious food choices. The name of the restaurant refers to a traditional Asian product - the crust that is formed when soy milk is cooked, which immediately suggests international inspiration in the menu.

YUBA's flagship dishes include aromatic curries with seasonal vegetables, homemade bean and beet burgers, and creamy soups that change with the seasons. Prices at YUBA are affordable - you'll pay between 25 and 40 zlotys for a full meal, making the place ideal for frugal eaters. The restaurant is also famous for its homemade baked goods - especially recommended are the vegan cheesecakes and brownie, which even the most ardent lovers of traditional sweets will find noteworthy.

Another unique aspect of YUBA is its community involvement - the restaurant regularly organizes cooking workshops where you can learn how to prepare simple vegan dishes at home. It's not just a place to eat, but also an educational and inclusive space for the local community.

Moving to Jackowskiego Street, we come across WYPAS - another vegan gem on the map of Poznań. This establishment, whose name perversely refers to the traditional grazing of animals, offers a completely plant-based menu based mainly on local and seasonal products.

WYPAS stands out from other vegan restaurants in Poznań with its approach to traditional Polish cuisine. The owners have set themselves the goal of proving that classic Polish dishes can be prepared in an entirely plant-based version, without losing their distinctive flavor. Thus, the menu features vegan versions of pork chops, stuffed cabbage, or bigos, which surprise with their authenticity of flavor.

An interesting fact is that WYPAS works with local farmers and suppliers, so most of the products used in the kitchen come from the Poznan area. This 'farm-to-table' philosophy not only supports the local economy, but also significantly reduces the restaurant's carbon footprint.

WYPAS also offers take-out options in biodegradable packaging, which is an added plus for environmentally conscious customers. Prices at WYPAS are similar to those at YUBA - for a main course you'll pay between £20 and £45, depending on the option you choose.

What both restaurants - YUBA and WYPAS - have in common is not only a vegan philosophy, but also a friendly, informal atmosphere and a commitment to building environmental awareness among Poznan residents. These are places where even the most ardent meat lovers can find dishes that will surprise them with their taste and creativity.

Owca Cała and Cuisine PoWolność -. tradition meets innovation

Continuing the culinary journey through Poznań, it is impossible to miss a place with the intriguing name of Owca Cała, located on Szamarzewskiego Street. This small vegan restaurant hides a fascinating story, which is directly related to its name. The founders, intrigued by the traditional Polish saying 'i wilk syty, i owca cała', decided to create a place where no one has to be 'eaten' - neither animals nor people, who can enjoy wholesome meals without remorse.

Owca Cała stands out from other vegan establishments in Poznan with its approach to traditional Polish cuisine. The menu is based on classic recipes that have been creatively modified to exclude animal products. The restaurant's flagship dish is 'gołąbek differently' - cabbage stuffed with buckwheat groats, mushrooms and vegetables, served with a creamy tomato sauce. Equally popular are vegan dumplings with a variety of fillings that surprise with their authenticity of taste and texture.

Interestingly, Owca Cała regularly organizes culinary events related to traditional Polish holidays, offering vegan alternatives to holiday dishes. This allows those on a plant-based diet to fully participate in the cultural aspects of Polish culinary traditions.

As for prices, Owca Cała falls into the affordable category - you'll pay between PLN 25 and PLN 40 for a main course, making the place accessible to a wide range of customers. The restaurant also offers lunches at discounted prices between 12:00 and 15:00, which is an added advantage for the thrifty.

Moving to Kanalowa Street, we come across another gem of Poznan's vegan scene - PoWolność Kitchen. The name of this place has a double meaning - it refers both to slow, conscious eating (slow food) and to the freedom from animal suffering that the vegan philosophy promotes.

PoFreedom Kitchen was founded in 2017 as an initiative by a group of activists who wanted to create a space that combined good food with education about animal rights and ecology. Over time, the place has evolved into a full-fledged restaurant, but one that has not lost its social character.

The menu at PoFreedom Kitchen is inspired by international cuisine, with a particular focus on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. There are aromatic falafels, hummus in various variations, as well as vegan versions of classic dishes such as lasagna and burgers. Particularly recommended are dishes made from seasonal, local vegetables, which change according to the season.

A unique aspect of PoWolność Kitchen is its operating model - the restaurant functions partly as a cooperative, where employees have a say in the decisions made and the direction of the place. This translates into a unique atmosphere and the involvement of the staff, who passionately talk about the dishes they serve and the philosophy behind them.

Prices at PoWolność Kitchen are very affordable - you'll pay between PLN 20 and PLN 35 for a full meal, making this one of the most budget-friendly places in our list. The restaurant also offers a 'suspended meal' option. - customers can pay for an extra meal to be donated to a person in need.

Both Sheep Whole and Kitchen AfterFreedom are places that go beyond ordinary restaurants. They are spaces where food becomes a pretext for a broader discussion of ethics, ecology and social responsibility. At the same time, both establishments prove that vegan food can not only be ethical, but also tasty, diverse and accessible to every wallet.

Falla - a vegetarian gem with international character

Completing our culinary journey of affordable vegetarian restaurants in Poznan is Falla - a place that is the only one in our list that is not fully vegan, but vegetarian, which means that the menu also includes dishes containing dairy or eggs. Located on Wawrzyniaka Street, the restaurant has for years enjoyed unflagging popularity among Poznaners, both those on a plant-based diet and carnivores looking for a tasty alternative.

Falla's history dates back to 2014, making it one of the pioneers of the vegetarian culinary scene in Poznan. The restaurant's name refers to falafel, a Middle Eastern delicacy made from chickpeas, which has become one of the restaurant's flagship dishes. Interestingly, Falla's owners spent several years traveling around the Middle East and Asia, collecting inspiration and recipes, which they later adapted to their menu.

Falla stands out from other vegetarian restaurants in Poznan for its international character. The menu is a true culinary journey - from Middle Eastern falafels and hummus, to Indian curries, to Mexican burritos in a vegetarian version. Particularly recommended are the mezze sets - a variety of appetizers served with homemade pita bread, which are best ordered to share with a larger group.

A unique aspect of Falla's is its approach to spices and herbs - the owners compose their own spice blends, which give the dishes their distinctive, unique flavor. Many of these compositions are based on traditional recipes from around the world, which have been adapted to local taste preferences.

As far as prices are concerned, Falla ranks in the affordable category - you'll pay between PLN 20 and PLN 40 for a main course, making this place accessible to a wide range of customers. The restaurant also offers lunches at discounted prices from 12:00 to 16:00, which is an added advantage for the thrifty.

An interesting fact is that Falla was one of the first restaurants in Poznan to introduce vegan desserts to its menu, proving that it is possible to prepare delicious sweets without using eggs, milk or butter. Especially recommended are the vegan brownie with tahini and the cheesecake on a date and nut base.

Falla is not only a restaurant, but also a place to meet and exchange culinary experiences. It regularly hosts thematic events, such as evenings of Lebanese or Israeli cuisine, during which you can try special dishes not normally available on the menu.

Summing up our list of five affordable vegetarian restaurants in Poznań, it is worth noting how diverse the offer of plant-based cuisine is in the capital of Wielkopolska. From traditional Polish flavors in a modern, vegan edition (Owca Cała, WYPAS), through international inspirations (YUBA, Falla) to socially engaged culinary initiatives (PoWolność Kitchen) - there is something for everyone.

Importantly, all of the described establishments are united not only by affordable prices (in the range of 20-45 PLN for a main course), but also by a genuine commitment to promoting a plant-based lifestyle and proving that vegetarian and vegan food can be tasty, varied and satisfying. With more than 90 establishments offering plant-based menus, Poznań is deservedly earning the title of one of the most vegan- and vegetarian-friendly cities in Poland, and perhaps even in Central and Eastern Europe.

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