An annual challenge run by a UK non-profit organization, Veganuary educates about veganism by encouraging people to try a vegan lifestyle during January. Participation has been on the rise since the start-of-the-year scheme was founded by Jane Land and Matthew Glover in 2014. In 2023, more than 700,000 people signed up to take part in Veganuary from almost every country in the world. Here’s how some of Florence’s restaurants and food businesses are embracing the movement backed by ambassadors Billie Eilish and Joaquin Phoenix in 2024.
Producers’ dinners
At Simone Cipriani’s casual fine dining restaurant Essenziale in piazza del Cestello, a plant-based menu is being served every Thursday in January. Referred to as a “social table”, diners can chat with producers to find out more about the locally grown ingredients on offer. The Thursday dinner times are part of a wider-ranging project called Underground Food Mood that sees Cipriani cooking for clients at farms around Florence using the freshest produce, so that diners can learn directly from the producers and pick up some green tips in the process.
Moving Mountains
Hard Rock Cafe in piazza della Repubblica is serving a plant-based menu all month long. Designed in partnership with innovative UK-based food technology company Moving Mountains, the menu features zucchini and guacamole bruschetta, Mexican quinoa salad, the award-winning Moving Mountains patty burger, tacos, Quorn salad and fried cauliflower wings, followed by sticky toffee pudding with vegan vanilla ice-cream for dessert.
Pizza Veganuary
Berberè’s popular restaurants in San Frediano and Santa Croce take on the challenge with the new Pizza Veganuary. Pureed beetroot is topped with Kalamata olives, sautéed leeks, orange zest, walnuts, dill and sesame seeds for an original plant-based pizza experience throughout January.
Plant-based burgers
Plant-based fast-food chain Flower Burger celebrates Veganuary with some special deals throughout January. Every Tuesday, pop by the via San Gallo 13 store (deal does not apply to delivery) at lunch or dinner to pick up two burgers for 9.90 euro. Plus, for this month only, there’s a limited-edition chickpea burger laden with avocado-hummus cream.
Where to eat vegan food in Florence
Looking to eat vegan food in Florence? Try the vegan Florentine tripe by Tripperia Vegana Tanotto (viale Alessandro Guidoni 85), Il Vegano (via San Gallo 43), Raw Vegan Firenze (via Sant’Agostino 11B), Giumella (via Lorenzo di Credi 12), Brac (via dei Vagellai 18R) and Carduccio (sdrucciolo de’ Pitti 10R).
