Madrid will always be a jamón and vermú town, and we love it for that. But somewhere in the last few years it quietly grew a serious healthy-eating scene, the kind you used to have to fly to LA or Sydney for. These are the places we'd actually send a friend to.
Roots.
Build-your-own bowls from a fresh deli bar, mostly plant-based. Right next door there's a shop stocking the newest fitness and wellness brands you won't find anywhere else in the city. Get their healthy Snickers, and watch out for the banana bread, it's a trap.
Bump Green.
The reliable all-day one in Chamberí. Nutribowls, every diet covered, and it doesn't mind if you open a laptop. What surprised us most was the lamb, and the burger with kimchi mayo is exceptional.
Pizza Natura.
100% gluten-free pizza that somehow tastes like it isn't. The BBQ one is genuinely great, the portions are generous, and you feel fine afterwards. Rare combination.
Nudes Health Bar.
The smoothie place TikTok found. Order something with a dramatic name like Midnight Glow and settle in.
Greta Salad Bar.
The warm bowls, especially the mushroom one, do the heavy lifting here. A real help when you're working long days and want something fast that isn't junk.
Superchulo.
The pretty one. A forest-treehouse brunch spot off Gran Vía, especially good for vegans. We're not vegan, wandered in by chance years ago, loved it, and have kept going ever since.
Frutas Prohibidas.
Specialty coffee and vegan eggs benedict so convincing you'll double-check. Our favourite when the weather's good and you want to drift around Chueca and Conde Duque. Get there early.
Mafrens.
A quick pit-stop in Cascorro for when you want something fast, safe and healthy. Great avocado toast, better coffee.
Naked & Sated.
Entirely gluten-free, a lot of it sugar-free too. Simple, genuinely healthy plates, and the kids love it. Go for the food, forgive the occasional slow service.
VEGA Álamo.
Fully vegan, fusion, and a proper sit-down dinner rather than a bowl in a hurry. The room is beautiful and full of detail. If you're in Madrid for five days and want somewhere that isn't just another normal-bowls spot, this is it: Spanish food, done vegan. The croquettes convert skeptics.
Honest Greens.
Mediterranean, market-driven, fast but cooked with intent. Fast food that respects an olive oil. There will be a queue, but everyone loves it, so let's just accept it.
Originally published at jadepeak.com.
