Our Vegan Honeymoon in Rome

My husband Chris has a special affinity with the city of Rome. He loves its rich history and culture. From the tv shows and documentaries that he watches, down to the books he reads, you can bet some of them have something to do with this ancient city in Italy. He’s a big fan but has always admired from a distance, never thinking that someday he will visit in person and stand on its historical marvels.

Since the day I was planning for this honeymoon trip, I knew how significant it would be for Chris. I was very excited for him. He was as enamored with Rome as I am with Paris. Lucky for both of us, the two cities have great vegan places to offer too.

After we touched down and made our way to our hotel, we instantly noticed the towering monuments that surrounded us, particularly the Colosseum. Our hotel was nearby everything and walking distance to some attractions and many restaurants. Chris couldn’t believe his eyes. I couldn’t too. The moment was too surreal.

During our trip, Chris and I were able to do all the touristy things on our wishlist. Although Chris knows a lot about ancient Rome, we still signed up for guided tours for better context behind every artwork and historical sites, making sure we seize every detail. Among the tourist attractions, we went to the Colosseum, The Palatine Hill, The Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Spanish Steps, The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and other historical areas. Chris couldn’t believe he was standing right in front of what he used to read in the history books.

Aside from visiting Rome, Chris and I also ventured miles away to visit the neighboring city, The Vatican, where we explored the Vatican museum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

VEGAN EATS IN ROME

Being vegan foodies, Chris and I also went on a vegan food tour. Below is a summary of my vegan recommendations. I hope you find this list useful. If you have other suggestions, please feel free to share too.

Rifugio Romano

My friends highly recommend this restaurant. It’s not an all-vegan restaurant, but it has a separate vegan menu. Based on what I heard, the vegan options are just as delicious and authentic-tasting like the omnivore versions. Chris and I sat outside to enjoy the fresh air and to experience that Italian al fresco dining.

For appetizers, we ordered bruschetta. For the mains, I ordered vegan gnocchi, and Chris got vegan vodka pasta. Both were very delicious and incredibly cheesy. They were so cheesy that I grew suspicious if they were indeed vegan. But when I double checked with the server, she reassured they had no animal products. It turns out I asked the right person because the server is the daughter of the owners and the one who advocated for a vegan menu. She also happily shared that she’s pregnant and having a vegan pregnancy! The food and staff here were amazing, and Chris and I couldn’t wait to go back.

Ops! Cucina

Ops! is a pay-by-scale buffet style, all-vegan restaurant. I like this concept because I can try as many dishes as I’d like without eating in excess. Chris and I got there a little too early, so we had to wait for the lunch hours to roll in. The lady at the front was sweet and kind enough to accommodate and sit us. Chris and I ordered cappuccino while we wait.

Once the buffet was ready, Chris and I had few bites of almost every pasta dish in the spread. I enjoyed every one of them. Chris did too, and we both felt full without feeling sick like we usually get at all-you-can-eat buffets. Besides, we wanted to have a big meal before a full day of walking and exploring, but we didn’t want to feel too full that we needed to use the bathroom. The meal was just perfect, and the service was great.

During our trip, I noticed a lot of Filipinos in Rome. Later on, I learned that they migrated to Rome to work in the service industry. One of these industries is in food, and I was pleasantly surprised that the chef at Ops! Restaurant is a Filipino! Chris was especially ecstatic that he even invited and rounded up the kitchen staff to come out and take a photo with us. We felt happy to see fellow kababayans and even happier to learn that they made us a phenomenal vegan meal in Rome!

Buddy Italian Restaurant and Cafe

Toward the end of our trip, Chris and I felt exhausted from all the walking. Although we were ready to walk on miles and miles of cobblestones, Chris and I needed a break. Good thing we stumbled upon a restaurant that has vegan options. One of these options is vegan pizza, or should I say vegan pinsa.

I learned that pinsa is a traditional Roman dish that’s the ancestor of pizza. It’s a simple flatbread made of rice, soy, and wheat flour. Unlike pizza, pinsa is thinner. It’s also easier to digest because of its longer leavening process of at least three days, with fewer calories and less fat than pizza. I’m glad that I was able to discover and enjoy this traditional delicacy of Rome.

Chris and I enjoyed pinsa topped with eggplant and vegan cheese. Each bite was crunchy and cheesy. The serving was large, but we immediately devoured the whole thing. I would take pinsa over pizza any day!

Hotel Capo d’Africa

Chris and I felt pampered staying at Hotel Capo de Africa. Aside from the excellent service, ideal location, spacious room, and perks (free mini bar!), the complimentary breakfast buffet has vegan options. I’m not talking about oatmeal; they have vegan cakes and pastries as well as a variety of salad, bread, and fruit. Before booking this hotel, I did email the hotel and inquired about vegan options for breakfast, so I’m not sure if the vegan pastries were an everyday offering or made because I asked for them. Either way, I appreciated the gesture!

Their breakfast is on their rooftop, and upon walking in, the server smiled and greeted us good morning. I kindly asked which dishes were vegan and the server pointed them out right away. We had a choice of dining indoors with relaxing bossa nova on the speakers, or by the patio where we can look at views of Rome (we just had to pay attention to a couple of pigeons stealing a bite or two). The weather was warm but with a breeze. The hotel’s breakfast on the rooftop was an excellent way to relax before a long busy day of walking and exploring.

At night, the rooftop was just as relaxing but more romantic. The hotel closes their buffet for dinner but offers ala carte dining. To celebrate my birthday, Chris and I chose to have dinner on the patio and ordered a classic marinara spaghetti. Chris and I swore it was the best marinara pasta we’ve ever had. The noodles were nicely al dente and hugged the sauce just right. Speaking of the sauce, we loved the natural sweetness of the tomatoes delighting our taste buds.

Because that night was also my birthday, we ordered champagne for a toast. We could hear live music playing in the background. It turns out the rooftop has a terrace on the other side, and a live performer was playing the flute. So, after our dinner, we headed to the terrace with our champagne to unwind some more and listen and absorb the loveliness that surrounded us. It was a memorable birthday and honeymoon.

Grezzo

No trip to Italy would be complete without savoring a gelato. In our case, a vegan gelato. Chris and I were glad we carefully chose where to go because Grezzo was worth every euro.

Grezzo is an artisanal, all-vegan, raw chocolate and pastry shop. As for their gelato, they have two flavors: hazelnut and pistachio. I went with hazelnut gelato, which was extremely rich, creamy, and decadent. It wasn’t too sweet, just the perfect amount of indulgence. For gifts, I bought two chocolate bars for my friends back home. I couldn’t wait to come back to this place to try their pistachio flavor. Next time I will come hungry!

iVegan

Speaking of gifts or pasalubong to bring back home to family and friends, Chris and I went to an all-vegan grocery store in Rome called iVegan. Going there was a trek because it was away from the tourist spots and tucked in the local neighborhoods. Chris and I felt relieved to find it and find it open!

iVegan carries all kinds of vegan products from all over the world. I asked the owner if she carries small bottles of olive oil as food gifts, but she kindly explained that small bottles of olive oil almost do not exist in Rome because people there use up large containers all the time. I imagine that must have been a silly question for her!

At the time, they were sampling their vegan hazelnut chocolate spread and vegan pistachio spread. Both tasted out of this world. I had to buy several small bottles for family and friends. The flavors of hazelnut and pistachio were apparent and did not hide in tons of sugar, unlike their cheap counterparts. How I wish they’re also available back home!

Chris and I went to Rome in August, when most European countries go on a holiday break. During this time, most businesses close down to take a vacation (ironically, some of them were probably strolling down the streets of San Francisco, where Chris and I live). We didn’t mind that some places in Rome closed down, but we were particularly sad that the vegan restaurant, “So What!?!” was one of these places. I heard great things about this place and was looking forward to spending my birthday there.

But I’m not losing hope. Superstition says that when you throw a coin at the Trevi Fountain, you will come back to Rome. Chris and I took turns throwing a coin just for fun. Lo and behold, Chris’ side of the family will be going to Rome next year, and they would like for us to join them. Well, that wish came true quick! I am thrilled to revisit this city filled with stunning artworks, intriguing history, and friendly people. Now I know why Chris love Rome so much. I bet the magic that I felt was ten times fold for him.

Grazie Roma, until next time!