Madrid’s culinary scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with plant-based dining options sprouting up across the Spanish capital. Among these green havens, one name consistently rises to the top of recommendations: Pizzi & Dixie. This vegan hotspot has been generating buzz not just among plant-based eaters but also among curious omnivores seeking innovative cuisine. But does it truly deserve the crown as Madrid’s best vegan restaurant? I spent a week exploring Madrid’s vegan scene to find out.
A Hidden Gem in Malasaña
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Malasaña, Pizzi & Dixie doesn’t announce itself with flashy signage or an imposing entrance. Instead, its understated storefront on Calle San Vicente Ferrer invites you in with warm lighting and the enticing aromas wafting from its kitchen. The restaurant’s location is perfect – central enough to be accessible but just off the main tourist paths to maintain its local charm.
Walking in during a busy Friday evening, I was immediately struck by the cozy yet modern interior. Reclaimed wood tables, hanging plants, and subtle lighting create an atmosphere that’s simultaneously rustic and contemporary. The space is intimate without feeling cramped, seating around 40 diners at capacity. It’s the kind of place where you immediately want to settle in for a long, leisurely meal.
What sets Pizzi & Dixie apart from Madrid’s crowded restaurant scene is its attention to acoustic design – a rarity in Spanish dining establishments. Unlike many trendy spots where conversation becomes impossible as the night progresses, here the owners have installed subtle sound-absorbing panels disguised as artistic wall features. The result is remarkable: even at peak hours, you can engage in intimate conversation without straining to hear your companions. This thoughtful touch transforms the dining experience from merely enjoyable to genuinely restorative, allowing the food and company to take center stage.
The clientele reflects the restaurant’s balanced approach – a diverse mix of neighborhood locals who greet the staff by name, young professionals unwinding after work, and in-the-know visitors who’ve ventured beyond the typical tourist recommendations. On any given night, you’ll hear a blend of Spanish, English, and various other languages, creating a cosmopolitan yet authentically Madrid atmosphere that feels both worldly and deeply rooted in its location.
The Story Behind the Name
One of the first questions that comes to mind is the quirky name – Pizzi & Dixie. According to Laura, one of the friendly servers who has been with the restaurant since its opening in 2017, the name comes from the owners’ two rescue cats. This personal touch reflects the restaurant’s ethos: compassionate, personal, and slightly unconventional. Photos of the feline namesakes can be spotted in frames near the bar, adding to the homey feel that permeates the establishment.
The Culinary Philosophy
What sets Pizzi & Dixie apart from Madrid’s growing number of vegan establishments is its unwavering commitment to creativity without compromise. Chef Miguel Sánchez, who trained in traditional Spanish cuisine before embracing plant-based cooking, approaches vegan food not as a limitation but as an exciting canvas for innovation.
“We don’t try to imitate meat dishes exactly,” explains Sánchez when he emerges briefly from the kitchen during a lull in service. “Instead, we focus on creating dishes that stand on their own merits, celebrating vegetables and plant proteins for what they are while incorporating familiar flavors that everyone can enjoy.”
Locally Sourced, Globally Inspired
The restaurant maintains partnerships with local organic farms, ensuring that seasonal produce features prominently on the menu. This farm-to-table approach means the menu changes quarterly, though certain customer favorites remain year-round. The culinary influences span the globe – from Spanish classics reimagined to Asian-inspired creations and Mediterranean staples – all unified by impeccable execution and thoughtful presentation.
Zero-Waste Ambitions
Beyond the food itself, Pizzi & Dixie has implemented impressive sustainability practices. Food scraps are composted, packaging is minimal and biodegradable, and even the restaurant’s furniture is made from reclaimed materials. These efforts earned them Madrid’s Green Restaurant certification in 2019, making them pioneers in the city’s sustainable dining movement.
The Menu: A Deep Dive
The true test of any restaurant, of course, is the food itself. Pizzi & Dixie’s menu is divided into small plates for sharing, main courses, and desserts. Prices are reasonable for the quality, with starters ranging from €7-12 and mains from €14-18 – comparable to other mid-range restaurants in Madrid, vegan or otherwise.
Standout Starters
The croquetas de setas (mushroom croquettes) deserve their status as the restaurant’s most ordered appetizer. Unlike many vegan versions of this Spanish classic that can be stodgy or bland, these golden-brown morsels offer a perfect crisp exterior giving way to a creamy, intensely savory filling. The secret, I’m told, is a béchamel made with cashew cream and roasted mushroom stock that develops for 48 hours.
Another highlight is the “Carpaccio de Remolacha” – paper-thin slices of roasted beetroot arranged like flower petals, drizzled with truffle-infused oil, topped with cashew “cheese” and microgreens. The presentation is Instagram-worthy, but the flavor combination is what makes this dish memorable – earthy, tangy, and rich all at once.
Main Event Magic
The mains showcase Chef Sánchez’s technical prowess and creativity. The “Risotto de Calabaza y Sage” (pumpkin and sage risotto) achieves the perfect consistency – creamy yet with each grain of rice maintaining its integrity. The seasonal pumpkin is roasted to concentrate its sweetness, while crispy sage leaves and a sprinkle of housemade cashew parmesan add textural contrast and depth.
For those seeking something heartier, the “Asado de Jackfruit” transforms young jackfruit into a convincing stand-in for slow-cooked meat, served with chimichurri, crispy potatoes, and grilled seasonal vegetables. The jackfruit absorbs the smoky, spiced marinade beautifully, creating a dish that satisfies even dedicated carnivores – as evidenced by the meat-eating friend who accompanied me and couldn’t stop raving about it.
Sweet Finales
Vegan desserts often fall short, but Pizzi & Dixie excels here too. Their “Tarta de Santiago” reimagines the traditional almond cake from Galicia with precision, maintaining its dense, moist crumb without eggs. The chocolate mousse made with aquafaba (chickpea water) and high-quality dark chocolate achieves a silkiness that rivals any dairy-based version I’ve tried. Each dessert comes with a suggested pairing from their selection of organic wines and craft coffees.
The Dining Experience
A restaurant is more than just its food, and Pizzi & Dixie understands this intuitively. The service strikes that perfect balance – attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without lecturing. Staff members can confidently explain every ingredient and technique, making recommendations based on your preferences rather than pushing the most expensive options.
The pace of the meal feels natural and unhurried, even during busy periods. Tables aren’t rushed, and there’s a genuine sense that the staff wants you to enjoy your experience. This approach has fostered a loyal clientele – during my visits, I noticed several tables being greeted as regulars, with servers remembering their preferences from previous visits.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
The soundtrack deserves special mention – a carefully curated playlist of indie and classic tracks at just the right volume to create atmosphere without drowning conversation. The lighting dims slightly as evening progresses, and candles appear on tables, transforming the space from casual lunch spot to intimate dinner venue. It’s these thoughtful touches that elevate the overall experience.
How It Compares to Madrid’s Vegan Scene
To fairly assess whether Pizzi & Dixie deserves the title of Madrid’s best vegan restaurant, I visited five other highly-rated plant-based establishments across the city. While each had its strengths – from Freedom Cakes’ incredible pastries to Vega’s innovative raw menu – none offered the complete package that Pizzi & Dixie delivers.
Some competitors excelled in specific dishes but lacked consistency across the menu. Others created beautiful food that prioritized appearance over flavor. Several had excellent concepts but fell short on execution or service. Pizzi & Dixie’s strength lies in its refusal to compromise in any area – from ingredient sourcing to final presentation, from ambiance to service standards.
Value Proposition
When considering value, Pizzi & Dixie again stands out. While not the cheapest vegan option in Madrid (that honor might go to some of the casual cafés serving buddha bowls and smoothies), it offers exceptional quality-to-price ratio. A three-course meal with a glass of organic wine costs approximately €35-40 per person – comparable to mid-range conventional restaurants but with a level of creativity and execution that often exceeds them.
The Verdict
So, is Pizzi & Dixie Madrid’s best vegan restaurant? After multiple visits at different times of day, sampling across the menu, and comparing it to its competitors, I’m inclined to say yes – with one small caveat. “Best” is subjective, and what you’re seeking from your dining experience matters.
If you’re looking for quick, casual plant-based fuel, other spots might better serve your needs. If you’re after the most experimental, avant-garde vegan creations regardless of accessibility, perhaps look elsewhere. But if you want thoughtfully prepared, delicious food that happens to be vegan, served in a welcoming atmosphere by people who genuinely care about your experience – Pizzi & Dixie is unmatched in Madrid.
Final Thoughts
What makes Pizzi & Dixie special isn’t just that it’s an excellent vegan restaurant – it’s that it’s an excellent restaurant, period. It succeeds in creating dishes that appeal to everyone, regardless of dietary preference, while maintaining unwavering ethical standards. In doing so, it serves as an ambassador for plant-based dining in a city traditionally known for its ham and seafood.
Whether you’re a committed vegan, a curious flexitarian, or simply someone who appreciates creative, well-executed cuisine, Pizzi & Dixie deserves a place on your Madrid itinerary. Just be sure to book ahead – those 40 seats fill up quickly, especially on weekends. And when you go, save room for that chocolate mousse – trust me, it alone might be worth the visit.
