When it comes to vegan options in La Herradura and other parts of southern Spain, they aren’t as plentiful as a lot of other places we’ve traveled. I mean, you’re on the coast. It’s kind of all about seafood. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any options!
There are a number of vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in La Herradura:
For a fully plant-based menu, head straight to Estamos Sembrados. For coffee and breakfast, head to Coche Coche, Szimple, or Lisboa Slow. If you’re in the mood for a burger, vegans can eat at York Burger or El Chorillo. Vegan empanadas can be found at La Cochera, and dairy free gelato at Bahia Gelato. Enjoy a nice dinner out at La Casa India, Chiringuito Cupula Playa, or El Chambao de Joaquin.
Overall, restaurants in La Herradura can be a little bit inconsistent. They may have incorrect (or nonexistent) online menus, fluctuating hours, or seasonal availability. It’s always best to check the menu before you sit down somewhere!
Some restaurants have menus that mark what allergens menu items do have. So with some detective work, you can probably find even more vegan options in La Herradura. You’ll just have to search the menu for anything without a fish, eggs, a milk carton, etc icon next to the menu item.
If you're wondering where to buy vegan and organic groceries in and around La Herradura, this article will help: Where to Buy Organic Produce and Groceries in La Herradura, Spain.
Coche Coche
Coche Coche is a cafe on the west end of town. They have at least six breakfast options that are specifically labeled “vegano”, which may be the most variety you’ll find in town! You’ll find dishes like vegan crepes, toast options, overnight oats, and vegan yogurt. They don’t have any gluten free options, but they do also offer dairy free milk for their coffee drinks.
Coche Coche is a breakfast and lunch place, so you won’t be able to grab dinner here. But they are open 7 days a week, which is a rare occurrence in La Herradura.
The atmosphere is welcoming and of course views of the sea can’t be beat. I brought the laptop to work outside for the morning and never felt rushed or unwelcomed. Plus their outdoor seating is covered, so you can actually see your laptop screen!
Around 10:30 or 11, as is typical for La Herradura, it did start to become a bit busier. At that time, I started to feel like I was taking up a table that could be better utilized than with my measly coffee. As a side note, there was no wifi or plugs, so it’s not a place you’ll be able to work all day. But still a nice place to get a couple of hours in while sitting outside.
They sell the coffee beans they use, but only in whole bean form. So I wasn’t able to try them out since my apartment there didn’t have a grinder.
Szimple
Szimple is a cafe nearby Coche Coche on the west end of La Herradura. It’s a breakfast and lunch place that is open every day except Wednesdays.
They offer a few vegan toast options - including gluten free - like tomato and avocado cream. You can have cereal with dairy free milk and yogurt, an Acai bowl, and porridge made with almond milk. They also offer a selection of smoothies.
I went with the traditional grated tomato on (gluten free) toast and really enjoyed my coffee and my meal. They also offer covered outdoor seating overlooking the sea, so it was the perfect place to get a bit of work done in the morning - sans wifi and plugs of course.
Restaurante Lisboa Slow
We were told that Restaurante Lisboa Slow had the best coffee in town. This area in general isn’t exactly known for their coffee, but it was definitely good. Plus they sell their beans (whole and ground) for you to take home with you.
Lisboa offers a number of smoothie options that have dairy free milk in them. Plus they have some traditional vegan toast options (including gluten free!) available for breakfast. Options like olive oil, tomato, jam, or avocado cream on toast.
Their vegan lunch options are a little more lacking for vegans, but they do have a delicious vegan poke bowl. So at least the one option is something a bit more inspired than just a vegan burger!
Lisboa Slow is a fun place to pop in for a coffee and light brekkie. I wouldn’t recommend working here. It’s a pretty popular place right in the heart of town and I’d feel like I was taking up prime real estate if I set up shop there with a laptop.
Estamos Sembrados
Estamos Sembrados is the newest fully plant based restaurant in town. So vegans and vegetarians will all appreciate having multiple options - not just one or two they're forced to choose from! Plus, they have cake to go with your coffee (or wine).
Plus, if your kids are older, they can head across the street to the beach playground and you can still keep an eye on them while you enjoy your meal!
The vegan menu at Estamos Sembrados is fresh, inspired, and certainly fills a gap that needed filling for vegans in La Herradura!
The Hideaway
The Hideaway is a bit of an honorable mention for vegans in La Herradura. It is a little cafe tucked behind the main playground in La Herradura. There’s always a steady stream of British expats and tourists frequenting the place, and it seems like a friendly cafe to hang out and chat with fellow customers. The menu offers an avo toast that could be suitable for vegans, but that's about it.
Bahia Gelatto Playa
Bahia Gelato usually features around four vegan gelato flavors. They aren’t labeled, so you’ll have to ask. But it’s worth it to ask, because it’s the perfect way to cool off when you need a break from the sun!
We’ve come across flavors like chocolate, mango, lemon, and strawberry. And they are all delicious! Enjoy your gelato at their covered patio or take it to the beach… especially if the kids order chocolate! That way they can easily rinse off in the sea.
When you’re looking Bahia Gelatto up on Google Maps, make sure you look for “Bahia Gelatto Playa”. If you just look up “Bahia Gelatto” you’ll end up at a shut down location next to Tropi Coworking. At least when we were there! Maybe in the busier months that location is open as well?
La Cochera
La Cochera is known as more of a live music and night club type of atmosphere. But they are pretty in tune with the local expat community. La Cochera offers their space up for classes and events that are appropriate for all ages. They also have a back garden that is a beautiful spot to relax in if you can get the timing right.
They offer more snack and small meal-type foods. But one of those snacks is a vegan empanada, which can be hard to come by in La Herradura. It seems like in the past they offered a larger variety of food options, more suited for an actual meal. When they did, the menu had several clearly marked vegan options. So it could be worth checking out during your visit!
El Chorillo
El Chorillo is located in the plaza in the center of town. No beach views, but a nice relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating to enjoy a laid back meal with family or friends. They offer a veggie burger, a few appetizers, and some side dishes that could be suitable for vegans.
Burger Joints
Both Burger Plaza and York Burger in town offer vegan burger options. I know it isn’t the most Spanish dish you can find in town, but for a laid back meal for the whole family, they could both be an option. York Burger also has outdoor seating that allow for kids to just be kids a bit more!
**Update - it looks like Burger Plaza is currently “Temporarily Closed”. This could just be a winter closing, so be sure to check before you plan on eating there!
Chiringuito Cupula Playa
This Chiringuito is actually across the street from the beach, not right on the beach. So you won’t have your toes in the sand, but you will have some fantastic views of the sea! It has a clean, upscale, beachy feel inside without feeling too stuffy. It’s a place for large groups to share a meal together, or to have a casual date night.
At times, they have a vegan menu posted in the window of the restaurant. They offer menu items like salads, gazpacho, rice and veggies, and even a vegan burger. If you’re going to dinner in a large group and want to accommodate a lot of different diets, this could be a good vegan-friendly restaurant in La Herradura to try!
La Casa India
If you’re searching for quality Indian food in La Herradura, you can find it at La Casa India. They’re only open for dinner, but if your kiddos don’t want to sit nicely at that time of day, or if you’re looking for a sunset picnic on the beach, they offer takeaway as well!
You can’t beat the numerous vegan options, the friendly owners, and the off-the-beaten path feel of this place. It is a small restaurant, so if you plan to go in a group or during a burger busy time, you may want to plan in a little waiting time!
El Chambao de Joaquin
El Chambao de Joaquin seems like a nicer vegan-friendly restaurant in La Herradura targeted to your non-Spanish tourist. It is a bit pricier. It is right on the beach and can provide the perfect spot for a sunset-watching drink. Options here included a veggie paella and some appetizers.
Vegan Meal Orders and Vegan Pop-Ups in La Herradura
Keep your eyes open and join the local Telegram group to keep up to date on any vegan meal order opportunities or vegan pop-ups that may be occurring when you're in town. Tropi Coworking often houses a weekly or biweekly vegan meal order.
So keep the cooking to others, and take your meal to the beach!
It is very likely I’ve missed some vegan-friendly options in La Herradura, so you tell me! What’s your favorite vegan food in La Herradura?
If you’re looking for things to do in La Herradura with kids other than eat, you may be interested in these articles:
- Inside activities for kids in La Herradura
- Free things to do with kids in La Herradura
- Things to do with kids in La Herradura without needing a car
If you're up for a trip into Malaga during your visit, Malaga is a vegan haven with numerous all vegan restaurants and cafes with vegan options. If you're wondering what else to do in Malaga with kids other than eat, check out 11 Things To Do in Malaga With Kids - No Car Necessary!