The thing is, as gastronomically cultured as this Andalusian capital is they really don't cater much for intolerances. Actually I lied, they cater for gluten intolerance but if you are vegan or lactose intolerant like me, you will have a difficult time finding good spots to have a cafe con leche de avena (coffee with oat milk) and a nice slice of cake. I am going to give you the tea on brilliant brunches and dessert dimes where you can happily eat your feelings without fear.
Piola - Just behind the ever-so trendy Alameda lies a café that I only noticed on my last day. This had by far the most choice of vegan, gluten & lactose free cakes and not to forget a strong WIFI connection. The coffee was frothy, the vibrations were high and the cakes were all hand made. I indulged in a delicious slice of red velvet with a cheeky cappuccino on the side, a perfect end to the trip.
Billy Brunch - Luckily I came across this little gem as I was giving my mum a tour around the city and honestly what a find! They have different branches around Spain and there was always a queue outside which means it's worth the wait.
Their menu has a wide range of breakfasts, desserts, snacks and energy boosting cocktails. You're presented with beautifully decorated plates that you just want to sit and stare at. Usually I'm a "trier" meaning I like to try different dishes but the super-food omelette was the chefs kiss. It came with a side salad drizzled in the most delectable honey dressing I've ever had in my life... A game changer.
Parcería Café - Fresh ingredients coming straight to you as this bruncheon is located next to Feria market. Aesthetically creative and some of the friendliest staff I had ever encountered, this once a month treat was worth the wait and didn't pinch the pocket. I had here a simple avocado on toast that was dusted with sesame seeds and decorative flowers alongside a small stack of freshly sliced apples.
La Vergueria - In this harajuku/red light district styled heladería, I was greeted by a family of weirdly cute winky-dinks and a very glamorous drag queen. Waffles and wafers in some very ungodly shapes were flying out like hot cakes as I waited patiently in the 10 minute queue. This Ice-cream parlour left nothing out in terms of creative genitalia, the more I realised the freakier it got with lollies, snacks and a large mural of wings that were all just made up of johnnie's. If you have a sweet tooth you will definitely be tempted by the mass of tens & thousands thrown over the treats. Gluten and vegan friendly, there is absolutely no reason to resist and maybe get yourself a wacky souvenir or two.
Tropiko - This quaint little café in el barrio de Santa Cruz and right around the corner from the Real Alcazar was one of the first vegan spots I had visited. Dazed by the lighting and stunning displays of faux foliage, you will spam the hell out of your Instagram feed with pictures of their artistic delights. The best thing about going there was that we had been walking around for ages, I'm talking 20 minutes trying to find a place where my dietary requirements wouldn't be a concern. I tucked into an omelette with avocado and rocket on a slab of sourdough bread. And if I wasn't full enough for dessert I had a protein cupcake and an oat latte, it was unnecessary but needed.
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