Six of the best vegetarian restaurants in the UK

As Withnail’s Uncle Monty once opined, “There is a certain je ne sais quoi – oh, so very special – about a firm, young carrot.” And with increasing numbers of us swapping meat for veggie dishes – or at least embracing ‘flexitarianism’ – it’s doing wonders for both the planet and our health. 

Cutting down on the bangers helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saves water, and uses less land – while being kinder on our tickers, too. And the good news is, plant-powered options are everywhere, from Greggs to restaurants dishing up creative, mouthwatering meals packed with fibre and nutrients. 

Here’s a handpicked line-up of six fantastic veggie eateries around the UK and Ireland, each doing their bit to showcase the potential of plant-based food. (And given Vegetarian Awareness Month lasts the whole of October, there’s no excuse not to give it a bash).

Tendril, Mayfair, London

The “mostly vegan” Tendril was founded by chef Rishim Sachdeva after a Veganuary challenge turned him from hardcore meat-eater to a passionate vegan. (Well, 99 per cent of the time. As the website admits, “He still finds himself drawn to a little real cheese.”). This one uses Asian and Middle Eastern flavours to really bring the most out of the veg – and uses every part of the produce, in a plant-based equivalent of nose-to-tail eating. Recommended dishes include leek fritters with curry leaf aioli, white bean purée with garlic and chilli oil, and a highly rated dairy-free tiramisu. There’s a set menu during the week, a la carte menu Monday- Wednesday and brunch on the weekends. Regularly upheld as one of the best vegetable-based restaurants in the capital, an approving Jay Rayner described it as “a hotbed of vegetable-love”. So, it’s kind of a big dill.

Eat Your Greens, Leeds 

Despite the name, not some preachy wholefood spot but a restaurant committed to sustainable, organic ingredients from local producers. There’s an appropriately rootsy, down-to-earth vibe here (the sort of place where bicycles are hanging on the walls), where it’s all about fresh, organic veg in a weekly changing seasonal menu. It’s a greengrocer by day (the restaurant opens at 5pm weekdays), so you can take home the same local produce used in the kitchen. And in the evenings there’s DJs and world music. Menu-wise, highlight include carrots poached in blood-orange juice with leek purée and kimchi, spiced celeriac cappelletti, with lemon butter, apple and chilli salsa, and charred sweetcorn, with smoked paprika, lime and chilli butter. The wine list’s organic too, so you can even feel rather virtuous when you’re getting tiddly.

Vegano, Newcastle 

A friendly, fully vegan cafe (it also has a food truck at the Quayside Market) with a minimalist vibe, serving “cruelty free food in a modern and cosy setting”. Choose from breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with an Italian-inspired menu featuring the likes of ‘bacon’ (aka mushroom) carbonara, ‘kebabs’, and hearty plant-based ‘burgers’ – all plant-based and made with fresh, local ingredients. The deep-fried ravioli, walnut and lentil pâté, and truffle mac and cheese are highly praised. Might they also serve a rich, creamy risotto? Plus, freshly baked vegan cakes and specialty vegan coffee. Beyond food, Vegano is passionately committed to animal welfare, fundraising to secure a permanent home for their rescue animals and sharing updates on Instagram. Such loveliness is chard to resist.

David Bann: Vegetarian Restaurant, Edinburgh 

This one’s situated just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile – so booking ahead is advisable, especially during a certain Festival when it might get a “teeny bit” busy. The all-day menu blends Scottish traditions with global influences, with starters including sweet and salty blue cheese with cherry tomatoes, and home-smoked tofu with tangy mango chutney; and mains taking diners on a gleeful world tour with dishes like Japanese udon noodles, South Indian dosas, creamy risottos, and, closer to home, the much-loved Scottish beetroot, apple, and Dunsyre Blue pudding – a soufflé-style dish served with olive polenta and tarragon butter spinach. Other highlights? Aubergine, chickpea, and cashew koftas, charred brassicas, and wild mushroom strudel with potato mash and port gravy. There’s a carefully curated drinks menu too. So, eat, drink, and be rosemary.

Yugo, Belfast 

We’d be telling, er, porkies, if we told you there wasn’t any meat on the menu. But this Asian fusion restaurant features a fair share of heavenly sounding vegetarian choices – many of which can be tailored to vegan by request. There’s the sushi obviously – tempura spinach and sesame hosomaki and heavenly bao buns filled with kimchi and pickled ginger. But dumplings are a highlight too, with tofu and butternut squash togarashi varieties. While ‘Smalls’ include charred corn with miso and smoked almonds, BBQ celeriac with garlic and confit lemon, and teriyaki-glazed aubergine garnished with crispy garlic and pomegranate. For bigger dishes, try a massaman curry with peanuts and steamed rice, with pineapple, mango granita, and berries for dessert. So, when you’re feeling like shiitake, you go Yugo’s. 

Crumbs Kitchen, Cardiff

When you’re sprout and about in Cardiff city centre, try the charming and compact Crumbs Kitchen. Established in 1971, it’s the city’s longest-standing vegetarian and vegan-friendly café, with a breakfast menu ranging from porridge oats with cinnamon and banana to homemade American-style hash browns with fried eggs – plus a fully vegan breakfast featuring vegan sausage. Lunch focuses on fresh, hearty salads and jacket potatoes, but also warming soups, vegetarian curries, chilis, lasagnes, pies, and quiches. A highlight – the broccoli and stilton quiche packs a punch with blue cheese balanced by crunchy coleslaw. But Crumbs is celebrated for its vegan cakes too, such as spiced pumpkin and chocolate varieties. With friendly service and reasonable prices, it’s a top choice for a wholesome, meat-free meal in Cardiff city centre. Peas out.

Ali Catterall is an award-winning writer, journalist and filmmaker whose writing has featured in the Guardian, Time Out, GQ, Film4, Word magazine and the Big Issue, among many others. Ali is also the writer and director of the 2023 film Scala!!!

More foodie hotspots to try

Seven of the best waterside venues for PR events

Three of the best gallery restaurants for working lunches

Private dining at Brown’s Hotel: simply perfect for a client meet up