Meat-Free Dining: The UK’s Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
We don’t believe in Veganuary. We understand its good intentions – the need to reduce our meat consumption is crucial to all our survival – but the month itself doesn’t appeal to us. After all, there’s only so much you can do with potatoes and swede. Vegetables are way more exciting in the spring.
That said, whether it’s the peak of summer or the brisk depths of winter, our pick of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants are sure to leave your taste buds satisfied and your meat addiction compromised.
Tibits, London (Vegetarian / Vegan)
Part of a global vegetarian and vegan restaurant chain with locations in London, Switzerland and Darmstadt, Tibits is a serious contender when it comes to fresh, exciting healthy food. Whilst others may want to recreate junk food in vegan form, Tibits is definitely on the healthier side of the vegetable revolution.
Spelt and Parsley Root Risotto, Barley Stew with Radicchio and Cauliflower Leaf Muttakos are just a few of the delicious dishes on offer.
Suncraft, Bristol (Vegan)
Bright buzzy interiors complement the delightfully uplifting food at Bristol’s Suncraft (featured image, top), which doubles as a takeaway. House Kimchi and Dhal Masala, BBQ Korean Tempeh Bites and Oyster Mushroom Noodle Soup are all potential lunch and snack options for diners.
Even more impressive is the restaurant’s work with local urban farmers Grow Bristol, who supply hydroponically-grown produce for many of the in-house dishes.
Mildreds, London (Vegetarian)
When Mildreds opened in 1988 on Soho’s Greek Street vegetarian food then was what a lot of people’s perceptions are of it now: earthy hippy fare in a variety of brown shades served on some sort of DIY clay plates. Of course, Mildreds turned all of this on its head.
Vegetables might be cool now but this Soho gem has been doing magic with them for almost 30 years. Top class internationally-inspired vegetarian food.
Itadaki Zen, London (Vegan)
Serious health vibes at Itadaki, a Japanese vegan place with sites in London and Japan. All handmade, their delicious array of sushi and other small bites puts the finest ingredients and flavour combinations at the forefront whilst also nodding to the notable health benefits of an all-natural diet.
They do a mean Bento box too if you’re after a healthy bite for lunch.
Indigo Greens, Liverpool (Vegan)
With a site on Queens Drive and a pop-up shop within city centre food hall Duke St Market, Scouse vegetable enthusiasts Indigo Greens are definitely worth a visit if you’re after exciting, fresh vegan food. For starters, they do an incredible vegan breakfast. Shunning the junk food mimicry for something fresh and wholesome, Indigo Greens’ use of colour and texture is exceptional.
The Allotment, Manchester (Vegan)
Vegan chef Matt Nutter received wide acclaim upon opening The Allotment. Originally Stockport-based, but now with a site in Manchester, the chef scooped Manchester Food & Drink Festival Chef of the Year 2017 and The Times Best Vegetarian Restaurant in 2018.
It’s not hard to see why The Allotment garners praise. With Michelin-baiting fusion dishes and joyous tasting menus, the little basement in Manchester is the sort of place that’ll leave carnivores second-guessing themselves.
Acorn, Bath (Vegetarian)
A quaint little place in a quaint little city. Bath is always a delightful weekend trip away and if you happen to be in the neighbourhood, pay Acorn a visit. Homely, friendly and always emitting mouth-watering smells, the restaurant’s sharing plates are great for eating with a group and their soups and dals are always divine. There is a real emphasis on ingredients here too, with local and fresh put on a tasty pedestal.
Terre à Terre, Brighton (Vegetarian)
There’s over 26 years’ worth of vegetarian culinary expertise at Brighton’s iconic Terre à Terre restaurant. “More about indulgence than abstinence” is the motto, and it shows through dishes like Hot Tempura Hen of the Woods mushroom and elegantly stuffed Potato Vada.
It’s the puddings that really step it up a notch though; Lemon Heaven is exactly that. Absolutely sumptuous.
