Plant-based dining has exploded across Europe in recent years, but some countries have embraced the green revolution more enthusiastically than others.
A new analysis of vegetarian and vegan restaurant density reveals surprising leaders in Europe’s meat-free dining scene.
The Champions Of Plant-Based Dining
According to data from Mint Nutrition, leading the pack is Iceland, with an average of 38 vegetarian restaurants per million of its population.
Portugal comes second (24.2 vegetarian restos) and Czech Republic is at third place (21.6 vegetarian restos).
The Other Leading Contenders
Fairly enough, Switzerland also an impressive concentration of vegetarian and vegan restaurants per million inhabitants. The Alpine nation’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable dining extends well beyond its famous cheese and chocolate, with cities like Zurich and Geneva offering extensive plant-based options that cater to both locals and the country’s environmentally conscious tourist base.
Austria follows closely behind, reflecting a broader Central European trend toward vegetarian dining. Vienna, in particular, has become a haven for plant-based cuisine, with traditional coffeehouses increasingly offering vegan alternatives alongside their classic pastries.
Unsurprisingly, Germany has robust Green movement. Berlin alone hosts hundreds of vegetarian and vegan establishments, from traditional German restaurants serving plant-based versions of schnitzel and bratwurst to innovative fusion cuisines.
The Nordic Surprise
Perhaps more surprising is the strong showing from Nordic countries, with Denmark, Sweden, and Norway all ranking highly for vegetarian restaurant density. This reflects Scandinavia’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness, values that increasingly translate into dining choices.
Copenhagen’s New Nordic cuisine movement has particularly embraced plant-forward cooking, with restaurants like Noma leading the charge in showcasing local, seasonal vegetables in innovative ways.
Mediterranean Traditions Meet Modern Trends
Italy and Greece, despite their strong culinary traditions centered around specific regional ingredients, have also adapted well to growing vegetarian demand. Italy’s naturally plant-rich cuisine translates easily to vegetarian dining, while Greece’s abundance of fresh vegetables, legumes, and olive oil provides an excellent foundation for meat-free meals.
Interestingly, Spain ranks lower than might be expected, possibly due to the country’s strong tapas culture and traditional emphasis on seafood and jamón ibérico.
The Data Behind The Dining
These rankings are based on the number of dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants per million people, providing a more accurate picture than raw restaurant counts.
This methodology accounts for population differences between countries, offering a clearer view of where plant-based dining has truly taken root culturally.
Looking Forward
The data reflects not just current dining trends but also changing European attitudes toward sustainability, animal welfare, and health. Countries with higher vegetarian restaurant density often correlate with stronger environmental policies and higher education levels, suggesting that plant-based dining growth may continue in these regions.
While these rankings provide valuable insight into Europe’s vegetarian landscape, they represent just one snapshot of the continent’s evolving food culture. As climate consciousness grows and younger generations embrace more sustainable lifestyles, we can expect these numbers to shift dramatically in the coming years.
Help us out by sharing this map: