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Namasté is more than just a vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo. This colourful, family-run spot has been serving vegetarian and vegan food since 2008. And the food is only part of the experience. Come for a relaxed meal, stay for the atmosphere, the friendly service and the chance to slow down for a while.
Namasté was founded by Martín Bonavita and his mother, Ana María, in 2008. Neither had run a restaurant before, but they loved cooking and shared an interest in yoga, Buddhism and a different way of approaching life. These ideas were part of the inspiration behind the project from the beginning. Today, Martín works in the kitchen and his partner, Noe, is front-of-house. Ana María remains at the heart of the family business.
Set in an elegant early-20th-century eclectic house, the restaurant is in a great location in Montevideo, between the Pocitos and Parque Rodó neighbourhoods. Inside, you’ll find colourful murals by local artists, Buddhas, Hindu imagery and all sorts of interesting details. The gentle music, colourful surroundings and personal touches give the place a warm, relaxed feel.
The best way to enjoy Namasté is to take your time. There are traditional tables for a more conventional dining experience, and there is also a Chill Out room. In this room, you can take off your shoes, settle onto cushions around a low table and eat sitting on the floor. It’s more like relaxing in someone’s living room than going out for a meal.
The food follows the same relaxed spirit. Don’t come expecting elaborate fine dining. Instead, you’ll find generous, fresh and flavourful home-style vegetarian and vegan cooking, prepared with care and great ingredients.
Menu favourites include pumpkin soup, mushrooms Provençal-style, tacos, vegetable curry, mushroom risotto, aubergine lasagne, crispy tofu and stuffed sorrentinos. There’s also a good drinks selection, with Uruguayan wines, craft beer, cocktails, natural juices, home-made lemonade and kombucha.
Vegetarian and vegan The menu is entirely vegetarian, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. It’s also a good option for anyone looking for vegan restaurants in Montevideo. You don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy Namasté — it’s popular with meat-eaters too.
Reservations recommended Book by WhatsApp, particularly if you want the Chill Out room.
English spoken The team can communicate in English and some Portuguese. Namasté gets plenty of international visitors, and the team is warm, patient and happy to help guests from abroad.
Food to take home Namasté also prepares a range of home-made vegetarian and vegan meals for the fridge or freezer, with weekly delivery available.
Namasté
Bulevar General Artigas 1176, Pocitos, Montevideo
Opening hours
Tuesday-Sunday noon-3:30 pm and 7 pm-midnight
Monday closed
