• 5
• Five-Star Gourmet Deli

If you are vegetarian and in Ferrara, this place is an absolute must-visit. I cannot praise it highly enough. My wife and I are lifelong vegans (me from NY and her from Shanghai, two great places for vegan cuisine); now we travel the world sampling vegan food everywhere. Simply put, this is among the best vegan food you will find anywhere. Absolutely just like homemade food, made with love, care, and talent, just like grandma (if grandma were vegan). Shelly, the owner, is a loving person and it comes across in her manner as well as her food. You will feel like she is an old friend the minute you meet her. She is willing to make anything to order if you call in advance. The lasagna, rice balls, veggie burgers, homemade humus, farro salad, and potato salad were all phenomenal. I am very into cooking myself, using only organic ingredients and cooking according to authentic ethnic recipes. I can honestly say that Shelly's food is as good if not better than my own homemade dishes. We ordered an enormous amount of food from La Vegana over the course of a few days, and there was not a single disappointment. We had the good fortune of being there when Shelly's mom was visiting and helping out in the kitchen. The mom was also incredibly pleasant and loving. You would never in a million years expect to find a place like this in Ferrara. This is more likely found on a little corner on the Upper West Side in Manhattan; and it would do well there. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the sweets. Fantastic tiramisu, muffins, cake, and icing that sent me to happy heaven. Haha I ate the icing off of all the next days' muffins... mmm, the deep rich chocolate was mesmerizing. I promise you will not be disappointed. The place is a tiny little deli about a 20 minute walk outside of the historical center on a main boulevard but worth every step of the way. Every time I think of Shelly's face, it is heartwarming. I will miss her wonderful food and truly wish her the best in Ferrara. Thank you, Shelly for who you are and what you do!!! This is what vegan food everywhere SHOULD be all about! :-)