Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Manchester

The world of vegetarian food is changing. The perception used to be that vegetarian and vegan food was tasteless and that most vegetarian and vegan restaurants were run by new age hippie types. Going to a "normal" restaurant you might only see a couple of items that were vegetarian and if you were lucky, one vegan choice. But today the plant-based food scene has changed, and nowhere more so than in Manchester.

Finding delicious veggie options on menus in Manchester is actually quite easy. Many restaurants have entire sections dedicated to vegetarian and vegan food. Vegetarian restaurants in Manchester are not only creating dishes that vegetarians will enjoy, but they are also trying to entice the meat-eaters too. This has led to restaurants in Manchester and their chefs creating some truly innovative dishes.

When you order a burger, you want it to look and taste like a meat burger, even if you are vegan. You want your cheese to melt like a real cheese would, gooey with that little bit of a crust. Well, now when you go for a vegetarian pizza or burger that is exactly what you are going to get in the vegetarian restaurants in Manchester.

So which ones are the best vegetarian restaurants in Manchester and where can you find them? Keep reading and we will tell you all of the best places to eat during your stay in Manchester.

But you don't want to be carrying shopping purchases or other items with you, like backpacks and large bags. After all, you are going to need both hands to eat. Where can you leave your bags while exploring the veggie food scene? Store your belongings safely at one of our convenient Bounce locations here in Manchester.

Allotment Vegan Eatery

What's it like:

If you are looking for fine dining Vegan style, then look no further than Allotment Vegan Eatery. This vegan restaurant is in the city centre, and uses locally sourced ingredients to create a mouth-watering experience. Even lifelong carnivores will love the food here despite that it is all plant-based.

Our recommendation:

Chic decor with a menu to match, cauliflower wings, fish & chips, and sundried tomato risotto can be found on their daily menu. On Sunday, it is a more limited menu that includes a fantastic vegan Sunday roast of aubergine steak or leek & potato bake with all the trimmings. Add a refreshing fruit beer like cherries & berries or strawberry & pomegranate to really round out the meal.

Location:

1-3 Cathedral Gates, Manchester

Greens

What's it like:

This popular eatery is one of the longest-established vegan restaurants in Manchester. Started in 1990 by TV chef Simon Rimmer and his business partner Simon Connolly, Greens has been turning out some of the best vegetarian food in the city by creating plant-based dishes packed with flavor in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.

Our recommendation:

Sweet potato falafels, oyster mushrooms with plum sauce, and handmade gnocchi with tomato & lentil ragu are just a few of the tasty items on the menu. Try the fantastic cocktail selection as well as a fully vegan wine list. And they haven't forgotten about the kids, they have their own special menu with vegan ice cream.

Location:

41-43 Lapwing Ln, West Didsbury, Manchester

V-Rev Vegan Diner

What's it like:

In the Northern Quarter is a junk food lover's delight, with a twist. The owners and workers are all die-hard vegans, so everything, not just the food, is free of any animal products. And they turn out unbelievably good food that is good for you and the environment.

Our recommendation:

If you think vegan food is flavorless or that it is just salad, check out their menu. Imagine – everything from deep fried mac & cheese, loaded fries and spicy jalapenos to jumbo hot dogs, and burgers. Messy, gooey food that even meat eaters would enjoy sinking their teeth into. And the restaurant is a cool hip joint straight out of the 1950s.

Location:

20-26 Edge St, Manchester

Bundobust

What's it like:

If you like your street food Indian-style then you need to get yourself to one of the Bundobust locations in Manchester, in the St. James Building. Winner of the Restaurant of the Year at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival in 2017, this dining spot serves both vegan and vegetarian dishes. They don't serve huge meals, just small plates, which means a variety of delicious food for your tastebuds.

Our recommendation:

When you need that Indian food fix and are in hurry, there is no better choice than Bundobust. Okra fries, Chaat, tarka dahl, or even a bhaji butty, get a single order or make it a combo if you are really hungry. Cuisine inspired by the streets of Gujarat plus their own craft beers – it's perfect.

Location:

61 Piccadilly, Manchester

Purezza

What's it like:

Pizza might be the most highly debated food on the planet, but there is no denying the two biggest factors in a great pizza are the cheese and the crust. And when you visit Purezza, you will get the best in both. With a 100% vegan menu that is 95% gluten-free, you now have a pizza place that is extremely healthy and very tasty.

Our recommendation:

We suggest anything with cheese! Their cheese looks, tastes, and melts just like any mozzarella cheese but, like the meat and everything else on the menu it is completely plant-based. And that delicious cheese is not just on their pizza, it is also in the lasagna, dough balls, and cheesy garlic sourdough. 48-hour matured dough and cheese that rivals the best Italian mozzarella, it's no wonder Purezza won the National Pizza of the Year Award.

Location:

75-77 High St, Manchester

Lily's Indian Vegetarian Cuisine

What's it like:

Located at Ashton-under-Lyne, Lily's brings you Indian-vegetarian dishes straight from grandma's kitchen. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Mumbai, and South Indian food are all represented by the four chefs in this fabulous but unassuming restaurant, turning out their own homespun and traditional dishes from Lily's kitchen.

Our recommendation:

Amongst all the restaurants on the famous Curry Mile in Manchester, Lily's manages to stand out with its mix of regional Indian food like chaats, curries, samosas, jaipuri, and dosas. The selection is fantastic and it can all be prepared just the way you like, mild to spicy, vegan options, no garlic, or better yet with extra garlic!

Location:

85 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne

Don Tacos

What's it like:

When you think of Mexican food, meat-filled tacos, burritos, and enchiladas probably come to mind. But at Don Tacos, you can get traditional Mexican flavors without the meat. The menu is split between non-vegetarian, vegetarian, and vegan meals. For vegetarians and vegans, there are plant-based options for cheese, wings, and more.

Our recommendation:

Vegetarians will be delighted with the choices and flavors that Don Tacos puts into their meatless wings, tacos, enchiladas, and steak. The portion sizes are great, so you will never leave hungry. Now you don't have to miss out on wonderful spicy Mexican food anymore just because you don't eat meat. And if it becomes a little too spicy, grab an authentic Mexican soft drink to cool down your mouth.

Location:

61-63 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme, Manchester

Alvarium

What's it like:

Manchester's Alvarium on Dorsey Street is a delightful garden-themed bar and restaurant in the Northern Quarter. You'll find a great veggie and meat eaters place that also has some of the best service in town. Alvarium introduced a new menu for 2022 and it has been an instant hit, making it one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Manchester, while not being a strictly vegetarian restaurant.

Our recommendation:

Formerly partnered with the Black Leaf restaurant, they have gone from roasted Jerusalem artichokes and beetroot orzo to gooey mac n' cheese and vegan lasagna from Lazy Tony's. The portions are huge and the quality is outstanding, and the garden setting makes it a great place to relax, you can even bring your furry best friend.

Location:

8 Dorsey St, Manchester

The Vurger Co.

What's it like:

This is a 100% plant-based fast-food restaurant that started in London and has spread to Brighton and now is in Manchester. Try their faux burgers that are so delicious even the carnivores love them. The food at The Vurger Co. has become so popular that they have started sharing recipes for sauces online.

Our recommendation:

We recommend spicy buffalo 'chicken', BBQ 'pork', and the New York Melt burgers that are loaded with pickles, tomatoes, and their own special cheeses and sauces. But it is not only the burgers that keep the customers coming. 'Bacon' mac n' cheese, tater tots, sweet potato fries, and creamy shakes make the meal feel naughty, only it is not. It is healthy and delicious.

Location:

Unit 2, Transmission House, 11 Tib St, Manchester

MOD Vegan Cafe

What's it like:

Inside the Thirsty Scholar pub at New Wakefield Street is where you will find The Mod. This unique cafe and pub is home to some fantastic food and music. At night, chef DJ Martin serves up a great combination of Motown, Ska, and Soul music. And during the day he is serving delicious plant-based all-day breakfasts, brunches, and pub fare.

Our recommendation:

Along with the many lagers, German wheat beer, cask ales, cocktails, and wines, chef Martin serves all-day breakfasts, brunches, and pub fare. Your tastebuds will delight in the curries, burgers, and fish & chips, and the portions are huge so you won't go home hungry. You can even sit outside under the arches protected from the Manchester rain.

Location:

50 New Wakefield St, Manchester

The Eighth Day Shop & Cafe

What's it like:

The Eighth Day co-op has been an institution in Manchester since it opened in 1970. Over the years it has evolved and now hidden below the shop is their amazing cafe that serves tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes. Everything is eco-friendly, even the take-out packaging, and made daily with fresh ingredients that are sourced locally.

Our recommendation:

The main menu changes daily but you will always see cakes, sourdough sandwiches, soups, dahl, and organic drinks including coffee. The cozy little cafe has a nice rustic feel and the stays are always friendly. While you don't need to make reservations it is recommended to call in advance. The place is open for 4 hours and can be quite busy.

Location:

111 Oxford Rd, Manchester

The Garden Eatery

What's it like:

On the outskirts of Manchester in Hale, you will find The Garden Eatery, started by best friends Kate Mosley and Amy Sheperdson. They use locally sourced and organic seasonal produce for their menu which is 90% plant-based. The restaurant started as an "after yoga" crowd but has expanded to anyone looking for a great-tasting meal.

Our recommendation:

The menu is primarily for vegetarians and vegans but they do offer a few meat, chicken and fish options. Try their cold-pressed juices, smoothies, or signature drinks with any of the amazing breakfasts of brunches. Their specialty is their soups which change daily, and they have become such a hit they now package along with their juices.

Location:

154 Ashley Rd, Hale, Altrincham

Banh Vi

What's it like:

Sitting beside the Altrincham Market is a unique shop that brings the tastes of Vietnam to Manchester. Inside and outside sitting allows you to enjoy the sun (when it's out) and the sights and sounds of the market while enjoying fantastic food.

Our recommendation:

Jess King and Harry Yarwood have brought all the flavors of banh mi, pho, and Vietnamese spring rolls but without the meat. You will also find rice bowls, soup broths, and other delectable treats on their menu. And what better way to finish such a meal but with a strong sweet Vietnamese coffee?

Location:

87 Oxford St, Manchester

Vegetarian food in Manchester

When you go out for a night or meet up with friends for lunch you just want to enjoy delicious food and that is what you will get nowadays at these top vegetarian restaurants. No longer will your friends judge you for picking a vegetarian or vegan restaurant for Sunday brunch or an after-work bite. They will just thank you for picking a great place to eat.

One of the best things about these incredible places is that it doesn't matter if you are trying to live a healthier lifestyle – the food tastes fabulous, it just happens to be good for you.

Did you enjoy this article? Check out these other guides about Manchester:

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