In the heart of historic Gdansk, at 68 Świętego Ducha Street, is Manna 68 - a place that combines tradition with modernity. The restaurant is housed in a historic building with a history dating back to the 17th century, which gives it a unique character. Manna 68 stands out from other vegetarian restaurants not only by its location, but above all by its approach to plant-based cuisine. The menu is inspired by traditional Polish cuisine, which has been creatively interpreted in a meat-free version.

At Manna 68 you can try plant-based versions of classic dishes, such as seitan pork chops or stuffed cabbage rolls with buckwheat and mushrooms. Particularly noteworthy are dumplings with a variety of seasonal fillings - from spring asparagus to autumn mushrooms from local forests. Prices at the restaurant are kept at an average level, which, combined with its location in the tourist center of the city and the quality of the dishes served, represents good value for money.

Interestingly, Manna 68 works with local suppliers, with many of the ingredients coming from small, organic farms in Kashubia and Zulawy. The chef regularly visits local markets to personally select the freshest seasonal produce. This 'farm-to-table' philosophy is one of the pillars of the restaurant's business.

The interior of Manna 68 combines historical elements with modern touches. Original, exposed brick walls contrast with minimalist furniture and subtle floral decorations. Thanks to large windows, the establishment is bright and airy, making for relaxed dining. In the evenings, by candlelight, the restaurant acquires a romantic character, becoming an ideal place for a dinner for two.

Nearby, in the Wrzeszcz district, which has undergone a real culinary metamorphosis in recent years, is House of Seitan. This small restaurant at 3 Wajdeloty Street is distinguished by its punk atmosphere and uncompromising approach to vegan cuisine. As the name suggests, the restaurant's specialty is dishes based on seitan - a wheat protein with a meaty texture.

House of Seitan was established in 2017 as a response to the growing interest in plant-based cuisine among the younger generation. The founders are two friends - passionate about punk music and the vegan lifestyle - who decided to combine their passions in one place. The restaurant has quickly gained cult status among the local community, and has also become a must-visit spot for tourists looking for alternative places in Gdansk.

Faloviec, located at 2 Obrońców Wybrzeża Street, is a relatively new player on the Tricity's vegan scene, which has quickly gained recognition among both locals and tourists. The name of the restaurant refers to the maritime character of Gdansk - 'faloviec' is an old Polish term for a sea wave, which perfectly reflects the restaurant's philosophy: seamlessly combining tradition with modernity, local products with international inspirations.

Falovec's history began with a food truck that appeared on the beaches of the Tri-City in the summer of 2018, serving plant-based versions of street food. The success of the mobile version encouraged the owners to open a stationary restaurant, which today is one of the most innovative places on the culinary map of Gdansk. The restaurant is distinguished by its 'zero waste' approach - the menu is composed to maximize the use of each ingredient and minimize waste.

Falovec's interior was designed using recycled and upcycled materials. Tables are made from old surfboards, lamps are made from fishing nets fished from the sea, and chairs are refurbished furniture from the 1960s and 1970s. The whole creates an eclectic but cohesive space that reflects the values behind the restaurant's cuisine.

Falovec's menu changes seasonally and even weekly, depending on the availability of local produce. The chef experiments with fermentation, smoking and other traditional food preservation techniques, giving dishes a depth of flavor. Prices at Falovec are about average, although some of the more elaborate items can be more expensive due to the use of rare, local ingredients.

Legend has it that the name 'Falovec' was chosen not coincidentally - the owners, while surfing in the Baltic Sea, had a vision to create a place that would be like a wave - dynamic, changing and refreshing. This story, although difficult to verify, has become part of the venue's identity and is eagerly told to guests by the staff.

Moving back to the Wrzeszcz district, it is worth noting two establishments belonging to the same chain: Avocado Vegan SPOT and Avocado Vegan Bistro, both located on Wajdeloty Street. These places, although related, offer slightly different culinary experiences.

Avocado Vegan SPOT is a more casual spot, perfect for a quick lunch or coffee with a vegan pastry. The restaurant was established in 2016 as one of the first fully vegan spots in the Tri-Cities, blazing a trail for a plant-based culinary revolution in the region. The interior is bright, with a predominance of white and green, alluding to the name and philosophy of the place. Prices are affordable, making SPOT popular with students and young professionals working in the area.

The restaurant's specialty is, as you might guess, dishes with avocado in the lead role. Particularly popular is the avocado toast, a simple but perfectly executed snack that has become a hallmark of the place. SPOT also offers a wide selection of smoothie bowls, salads and sandwiches, as well as plant-based versions of breakfast classics such as scrambled eggs with tofu and vegan pancakes.

It is interesting to note that Avocado Vegan SPOT was one of the first places in Poland to introduce the so-called 'golden milk' to the menu - a drink based on plant milk with the addition of turmeric and other spices, known for its health-promoting properties. Today, this item is a standard in many cafes, but it was here that many Gdanskers had the opportunity to try it for the first time.

Avocado Vegan Bistro, located at Wajdeloty 25/1, is a more refined version of the Avocado concept. While SPOT focuses on quick, casual meals, the Bistro offers a full-fledged restaurant experience with waiter service and an extensive menu. The restaurant opened in 2018 in response to growing demand for a more exquisite vegan dining experience.

The interior of the Bistro is elegant, with warm lighting, wooden elements and carefully selected details. The space was designed to be conducive to longer, relaxed meals. In the evenings, the establishment is often filled with couples and groups of friends celebrating special occasions. Prices are higher than at SPOT, ranking in the medium to high range, reflecting more complex culinary techniques and high-quality ingredients.

Avocado Vegan Bistro's menu is inspired by cuisines from around the world, with a particular emphasis on Mediterranean and Asian influences. The chef, who gained experience in renowned restaurants in Berlin and Copenhagen, brings a fresh perspective on plant-based cuisine to Gdansk. The dishes are not only tasty, but also strikingly presented, making them popular on social media.

One of the most distinctive items on the menu is 'Avocado Wellington' - a creative, plant-based interpretation of a classic dish, where instead of beef, the main role is played by perfectly ripe avocado surrounded by a layer of mushrooms, spinach and puff pastry. This dish has become a symbol of Bistro's philosophy: respect for culinary traditions combined with the courage to reinterpret them.

An interesting story related to Avocado Vegan Bistro is how the establishment sources some of its ingredients. The owners have partnered with local urban gardeners, who grow herbs and micro-vegetables on rooftops and in backyards in Wrzeszcz specifically for the restaurant. This initiative not only provides fresh ingredients, but also supports the local community and promotes the idea of urban sustainability.

Comparing all the described establishments, there are some differences in the approach to plant-based cuisine. Manna 68 focuses on reinterpreting traditional Polish dishes, House of Seitan specializes in meat alternatives based on wheat gluten, Faloviec experiments with local, seasonal products in the spirit of zero waste, while Avocado (both SPOT and Bistro) offers international inspiration with avocado as the main character of many dishes.

In terms of prices, Avocado Vegan SPOT is the most affordable, offering good quality dishes in the lower price range. House of Seitan and Faloviec are in the middle price range, while Manna 68 and Avocado Vegan Bistro represent the higher range, offering a more refined dining experience instead.

In terms of atmosphere, each place has its own unique character: from the punk, alternative vibe of House of Seitan, to the eclectic, sea-inspired decor of Falovec, to the elegant interiors of Avocado Vegan Bistro. Manna 68 stands out for its historical context, offering dining options in historic interiors as an added attraction for tourists.

Regardless of individual preferences, the Tri-City area, and Gdansk in particular, offers an impressive variety of options for those seeking quality plant-based cuisine. Each of the described restaurants brings something unique to the local culinary scene, contributing to its richness and dynamic development.