Las Palmas: A Rising Vegan Destination
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has become one of Spain's most exciting plant-based destinations. The thriving digital nomad community, year-round subtropical climate, and abundance of fresh local produce have fuelled a vibrant vegan and vegetarian dining scene.
From fully vegan restaurants to traditional Canarian taverns serving naturally plant-based dishes, the city caters to every taste and budget. Best of all, many of these spots are just minutes on foot from Las Canteras beach.
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The Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants
1. Sanavida
The go-to vegan restaurant in Las Palmas. A fully plant-based menu with creative dishes that win over vegans and non-vegans alike. Bright, welcoming space near the beach.
- Type: 100% vegan
- Specialty: Bowls, vegan burgers, homemade desserts without refined sugar
- Average price: €10-16/person
- Area: Mesa y Lopez / Las Canteras
- Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00-16:00 and 19:30-22:30
- Ideal for: Healthy lunch, casual dinner
- Highlight: Full daily menu for around €12
2. El Vegetariano de la Candela
One of the longest-running vegetarian restaurants in Las Palmas. Home-style vegetarian cooking with Canarian and Latin American influences. Generous portions at very competitive prices.
- Type: Vegetarian (many vegan options)
- Specialty: Vegetarian daily menu, vegetable lasagna, spinach croquettes
- Average price: €8-14/person
- Area: Vegueta
- Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00-16:00
- Ideal for: Budget-friendly abundant lunch
- Highlight: Full menu (starter + main + dessert + drink) for around €10-12
3. Babel
International cuisine with an extensive menu where vegetarian and vegan options truly shine. Pleasant terrace on a pedestrian street.
- Type: Omnivore with wide vegan/vegetarian selection
- Specialty: Falafel, hummus, creative salads, vegetable curries
- Average price: €12-20/person
- Area: Triana
- Hours: Tue-Sun 12:00-23:00
- Ideal for: Dinner with friends (mixed group of vegans and non-vegans)
- Highlight: Good selection of craft beers
4. Oju
Brunch and coffee spot with outstanding plant-based options. A favourite among digital nomads for its wifi, vibe, and healthy menu.
- Type: Omnivore with excellent vegan options
- Specialty: Vegan brunch, acai bowls, avocado toast, smoothies
- Average price: €10-16/person
- Area: Las Canteras
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- WiFi: Yes, excellent
- Ideal for: Plant-based breakfast or brunch
- Highlight: 5-minute walk from Casita Palmera
5. La Crem
International-style brunch with healthy and vegan options. One of the most instagrammable spots in Las Canteras.
- Type: Omnivore with vegan options
- Specialty: Bowls, smoothies, toast, full brunch
- Average price: €12-18/person
- Area: Las Canteras
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Ideal for: Brunch with sea views
- Highlight: Plant milks available for all coffees
6. Mahatma Showfood
Vegetarian restaurant with a creative approach and beautiful plating. Proof that plant-based dining can be sophisticated.
- Type: Vegetarian / vegan
- Specialty: Seasonal vegetable signature dishes, vegan desserts
- Average price: €14-22/person
- Area: Triana / Vegueta
- Hours: Tue-Sat 13:00-16:00 and 20:00-23:00
- Ideal for: Special vegetarian dinner
- Highlight: Organic and locally sourced ingredients
7. Cantagallo Healthy Bar
Juice bar and healthy food spot with plenty of vegan options. Perfect for a quick bite or a fresh juice after the beach.
- Type: Omnivore with mostly vegan options
- Specialty: Cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, veggie wraps
- Average price: €6-12/person
- Area: Las Canteras
- Hours: 9:00-20:00
- Ideal for: Quick snack, post-beach refreshment
- Highlight: Freshly made natural juices
8. Mercado del Puerto - Vegan Stalls
The iconic 1891 market houses several stalls with plant-based options. Perfect for group outings where everyone picks what they fancy.
- Type: Food market (varied stalls)
- Specialty: Falafel, hummus, vegan pizzas, bowls
- Average price: €8-15/person
- Area: Puerto / Santa Catalina
- Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-00:00
- Ideal for: Group tapas with options for everyone
- Highlight: Look for stalls displaying the green vegan flag
9. Alma Cafe
Cosy cafe with artisan vegan baked goods and brunch. Quiet atmosphere, perfect for reading or working.
- Type: Omnivore with vegan options
- Specialty: Vegan pastries, homemade cakes, brunch
- Average price: €8-14/person
- Area: Triana
- Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00
- Ideal for: Afternoon tea or coffee
- Highlight: Weekly rotating vegan cakes
10. Ikigai Poke
Poke bowls with complete vegan options. Fast, fresh, and healthy.
- Type: Omnivore with vegan options
- Specialty: Vegan poke bowls with tofu, edamame, avocado
- Average price: €10-14/person
- Area: Las Canteras
- Hours: 12:00-22:00
- Ideal for: Quick healthy lunch
- Highlight: Build your own fully vegan bowl
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Restaurant Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Type | Avg. Price | Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanavida | 100% Vegan | €10-16 | Mesa y Lopez | Full vegan lunch |
| El Vegetariano de la Candela | Vegetarian | €8-14 | Vegueta | Budget daily menu |
| Babel | Omnivore + options | €12-20 | Triana | Group dinner |
| Oju | Omnivore + options | €10-16 | Las Canteras | Brunch |
| La Crem | Omnivore + options | €12-18 | Las Canteras | Brunch with views |
| Mahatma Showfood | Vegetarian/Vegan | €14-22 | Triana | Special dinner |
| Cantagallo Healthy Bar | Mostly vegan | €6-12 | Las Canteras | Juices & snacks |
| Mercado del Puerto | Mixed | €8-15 | Puerto | Group tapas |
| Alma Cafe | Omnivore + options | €8-14 | Triana | Vegan pastries |
| Ikigai Poke | Omnivore + options | €10-14 | Las Canteras | Quick lunch |
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Canarian Dishes That Are Naturally Vegan
Canarian cuisine has a richer plant-based tradition than most people realise. Many classic dishes are vegan without any modification:
Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Verde
The most iconic Canarian dish is completely vegan. Small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until wrinkled, served with mojo verde (coriander, parsley, garlic, cumin, olive oil, and vinegar). Traditional mojo rojo is also vegan when prepared without cheese.
Gofio
Toasted grain flour (wheat or corn) that the indigenous Guanche people consumed before the Spanish conquest. Used in pella de gofio (kneaded with vegetable broth and oil), escaldon (with vegetable stock), or simply sprinkled over fruit.
Potaje de Berros
Traditional Canarian stew with watercress, beans, yam, and corn. The original recipe includes pork ribs, but many restaurants offer the vegan version with the same vegetables and legumes.
Rancho Canario (Vegetable Version)
Thick soup with chickpeas, chunky noodles, vegetables, and spices. Easy to find in vegetarian versions at many local taverns.
Vegan Almogrote
Traditionally a paste made from aged cheese from La Gomera, but an increasing number of places offer vegan versions made with nuts and paprika that capture the essence of the original.
Local Tropical Fruits
Gran Canaria grows bananas, mangoes, papayas, avocados, and guavas. Local markets stock incredible fruit at very accessible prices.
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Where to Buy Vegan Products
Supermarkets
- Mercadona: "Veggie" section with tofu, tempeh, plant burgers, plant milks, and vegan ice cream. Their Hacendado own-brand plant-based range offers good value for money.
- HiperDino: Canarian chain with a growing organic/vegan section. Good prices on local fruit and vegetables.
- Lidl: "Vemondo" range with budget-friendly vegan products (cheese, deli slices, plant yoghurt).
Markets and Specialist Shops
- Mercado de Vegueta: The oldest market in Las Palmas (since 1854). Fresh fruit and vegetables from local producers. On Sunday mornings there is an organic market in the square outside with organic produce, artisan bread, and homemade preserves.
- Mercado Central: Local tropical fruits, seasonal vegetables, spices. Open mornings, Monday to Saturday.
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Vegan-Friendly Areas Near Las Canteras
Paseo de Las Canteras (Southern End)
The highest concentration of vegan options sits at the southern end of the promenade, between Playa Chica and the La Cicer area. Here you will find Oju, La Crem, Cantagallo, and Ikigai Poke, all within a few minutes' walk of Casita Palmera.
Triana and Vegueta
The historic quarter has the widest variety of fully vegetarian restaurants. Babel, Mahatma Showfood, and Alma Cafe are all in this zone. From Casita Palmera it is a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride (lines 12, 13).
Mesa y Lopez
Commercial area home to Sanavida and several options along the pedestrian street. A 10-minute walk from Las Canteras.
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Cooking at Casita Palmera
If you prefer to prepare your own plant-based meals, Casita Palmera has a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need: ceramic hob, oven, microwave, fridge, blender, and all the basic utensils.
Benefits of cooking at the apartment
- Savings: A homemade vegan breakfast costs €2-3 compared to €10-15 for brunch out
- Variety: Prepare your own recipes with fresh local ingredients
- Convenience: Have breakfast on the terrace before heading down to the beach
- Local produce: Nearby markets and supermarkets have everything you need
Suggested shopping itinerary
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Practical Tips
Useful Spanish Phrases
- "Soy vegano/a" - I am vegan
- "Sin carne, por favor" - No meat, please
- "¿Tiene opciones veganas?" - Do you have vegan options?
- "Sin lacteos ni huevo" - No dairy or egg
- "¿El mojo lleva queso?" - Does the mojo contain cheese?
Recommended Apps
- HappyCow: The best app for finding vegan restaurants. Las Palmas has over 40 listed establishments.
- Google Maps: Filter by "vegan" for up-to-date reviews.
Hours to Keep in Mind
- Brunch/Breakfast: 9:00-12:00 (best time to arrive without a wait)
- Lunch: 13:00-15:30 (Spanish schedule)
- Dinner: 20:00-22:30 (many vegetarian spots close in the evening)
- Markets: Generally mornings, Monday to Saturday
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to be vegan in Las Palmas?
Yes, and increasingly so. The city has fully vegan restaurants, supermarkets stock broad plant-based ranges, and many traditional Canarian dishes are naturally vegan. The scene has grown significantly with the arrival of international digital nomads.
Do traditional Canarian restaurants have vegan options?
Most traditional restaurants can prepare papas arrugadas with mojo, salads, and grilled vegetables. Always ask them to confirm that the mojo does not contain cheese and that the potatoes were not boiled with meat.
What is the best fully vegan restaurant?
Sanavida is the benchmark for 100% vegan dining in Las Palmas. Varied menu, fair prices, and consistent quality.Where can I have a vegan breakfast near Las Canteras?
Oju and La Crem are the top choices. Both are on the promenade, less than 10 minutes on foot from Casita Palmera. They offer bowls, avocado toast, and plant milks.Is gofio vegan?
Yes, gofio is toasted grain flour and is 100% vegan. Traditional pella de gofio can be made with oil and vegetable broth. It is a highly nutritious and energy-rich food.
Where can I buy tofu and tempeh in Las Palmas?
Mercadona stocks tofu and tempeh under their Hacendado brand at good prices. HiperDino and Lidl also carry options. For more variety, look for organic shops in the Mesa y Lopez area.Does Mercado de Vegueta have vegan products?
Yes, it is the best place to buy fresh local fruit and vegetables. On Sunday mornings there is an organic market in the square outside with organic produce, artisan bread, and homemade preserves.
Can I cook at Casita Palmera?
Yes, the apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with ceramic hob, oven, microwave, fridge, and all the utensils you need. You can prepare your own vegan meals with fresh produce from the market.
