The Top Michelin Star Rated Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Europe for 2023

1. Mudra, Madrid, Spain

In the vibrant heart of Madrid, you'll find Mudra, a Michelin-starred vegan restaurant that has carved a unique niche in the city's culinary scene. Mudra's philosophy is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic principles, creating a menu that harmoniously blends taste, health, and sustainability. A standout starter is the "Artichoke Tiradito", a confit of artichoke with yellow chili and almond emulsion, served with cherry tomatoes, sweet potato, baked avocado, and paprika oil. This dish is a testament to Mudra's commitment to creating a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious. 

The renowned chef Matthew Kenney, one of the creators of this gastronomic trend, is the driving force behind Mudra. Matthew is an internationally recognized chef, author, influencer, and entrepreneur who is leading the plant-based movement. From his lab in California, Matthew Kenney is designing the future of food, and Mudra is his ambassador in Europe.

The team at Mudra has been trained in the most modern culinary techniques inherent to plant-based cuisine, introducing this innovative gastronomic proposal that breaks out for the improvement of health and the planet.

2. Gauthier, London, UK

Gauthier Soho is a Michelin Star-rated restaurant located in the heart of London's Soho district. The restaurant is led by Alexis Gauthier, a chef with a deep love for cooking with plants. Alexis has been a pioneer in plant-focused gastronomy since 1997, and his commitment to this culinary approach is evident in the dishes served at Gauthier Soho. The restaurant offers a vegan menu that stands shoulder to shoulder with the classic gout du jour menu, reflecting Alexis' dedication to plant-based cuisine.

In 2021, Gauthier Soho became the first classical French fine-dining vegan restaurant in the world. Alexis is now a regular speaker at debates and discussions and is dedicated to exploring the possibilities of deliciousness using an animal-free canvas. A recent recipe by Alexis for a vegan 'Faux Gras' gained over five million views, showcasing his innovative approach to vegan fine dining.

3. Mater Terrae, Rome, Italy

Mater Terrae is a Michelin Star-rated restaurant located in the Bio Hotel Raphael in Rome. The restaurant offers a menu that is a celebration of organic, biodynamic, and natural ingredients, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the menu, with a dedication to reducing waste and promoting biodiversity.

The Mater Terrae restaurant is a collaboration with Chef Pietro Leemann, founder of Joia Restaurant in Milan (1 Michelin Star), since 2014. The perfect combination of the holistic vision of the chefs and the architectural research of ecological materials and low environmental impact wanted by Richard Meier, makes the Mater Terrae Restaurant an absolute reference in the organic, sustainable, vegan and biodynamic food and wine proposal of Rome. 

The selection of selected products makes up the bouquet of a menu attentive and constantly updated with the seasonality of fresh products from highly selected suppliers.

4. Encanto, Lisbon, Portugal

Encanto is a Michelin Star-rated restaurant located in Lisbon, Portugal. The restaurant is a celebration of Portuguese cuisine, with a menu that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage. The restaurant offers a range of vegetarian dishes, reflecting the increasing demand for plant-based options in fine dining.

Encanto, which translates to "Enchantment," truly lives up to its name. It is an enchanted place of haute cuisine where vegetables are celebrated as stars. Accoladed with a Michelin Star in the same year it opened, Encanto serves a unique tasting menu, 100% vegetarian, that celebrates the work of small or local Portuguese farmers and cedes the spotlight to seasonal products. The restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, providing ample opportunity for guests to experience its enchanting offerings.

A game of colors, textures, and temperatures, with contrasting and unforgettable flavors, presented in a surprising and original way. Legumes, leaves, seeds, algae, mushrooms, flowers, fruits, eggs, and cheeses are delicately prepared and served. As the best compliment, Encanto suggests biodynamic wines, craft beers, or housemade juices, infusions, and kombuchas that can be ordered a la carte or as a drinks menu.

The mastermind behind Encanto is José Avillez, a Portuguese chef whose mission is to promote Portuguese gastronomy and contribute to making Portugal a top gastronomic destination.

5. KLE, Zurich, Switzerland

KLE is a Michelin Star-rated restaurant located in Zurich, Switzerland. The restaurant offers a plant-based menu that is a testament to the beauty of local produce. The name KLE, stemming from the German name "Sauerklee," refers to a plant that has been used throughout most civilizations of the world for millennia.

KLE is a neighborhood restaurant that offers a seasonal menu, cocktails, and carefully selected wine choices. The restaurant's commitment to plant-based cuisine is evident in its innovative and creative dishes. The restaurant's "Surprise Menu" is a culinary journey that showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients. This menu changes regularly and is designed to showcase the best of seasonal, local produce.

The team at KLE focuses on creating a company culture that further nourishes the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's important for them to ensure that the voices of everyone on their team can be heard and this is how they will help build the inclusive world that they wish to inhabit.