Plant-based diets and vegetarianism are rife in the UK at the moment. So following on from research conducted with award-winning agency TLC Marketing, we scoured the country to find the very best vegetarian and vegan restaurants the UK has to offer.
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Haunt - London
Haunt transformed into a vegan restaurant in 2017, and it hasn’t looked back since. Biff’s Jack Shack have taken over their kitchen for the start of the New Year, offering up ‘filthy vegan food’ to the masses. Crispy fried jackfruit burgers on toasted brioche buns toting bold names are the draw here, namely The Samuel Hell Jackson. A must-order, this bad boy is topped with chipotle slaw, maple chipotle hot sauce, jalapenos, burger cheese and BBQ sauce. They also serve fluffy pancakes and bacun (seitan-based vegan bacon) ‘n’ blue cheese hash browns come weekends.
Farmacy - London
Taking inspiration from around the globe, you’ll find Farmacy tucked away in one of London’s prettiest neighbourhoods: Notting Hill. This plant-based eatery promises breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus all packed with organic and chemical-free produce. From the chocolate chip warrior pancakes right through to their signature Farmacy burgers and the brown rice macaroni in a truffled ‘cheese’ sauce, this joint will leave you stumped at how good meat-free dishes can actually be.
The Gate Islington - London
In the vegetarian game since 1989, The Gate sure do know a thing or two when it comes to flavoursome food. So much so, that they’ve reeled in a few celebs, like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, over the years. Offering slap-up root vegetable wellington Sunday roasts on weekends and raw pad Thai from from the a-la-carte menu, you can always bank on finishing your meal here with a brilliant dessert too - the dark chocolate snowball and sticky toffee pudding being the most impressive of the lot.
Food For Friends - Birmingham
There are plenty of words in the Oxford Dictionary to describe the dishes at Food for Friends, but ‘bland’ sure isn’t one of them. Doused in spices and savily seasoned, their menu comprises of ever-changing plates depending on the season. This month you’ll see crispy tapioca aubergine tempura starters and a warm winter salad with goat’s cheese-stuffed gyoza on their menu, with a guilty option of homemade dark chocolate truffles if you fancy dessert.
Novapizza - Edinburgh
One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh? You betcha. Novapizza prides itself in being completely meat-free, and alongside their regular menu they have one that’s 100% vegan. Whether you want a comforting bowl of creamy carbonara or a pizza studded with vegetarian pepperoni, this Italian joint has got you and your pulse loving palate covered.
Paradise Palms - Edinburgh
Paradise Palms is one of Edinburgh’s undiscovered gems. Its ceiling is plastered in stuffed toys, the walls are adorned with bright pink neon signage and they have a substantial collection of potted plants worthy of turning the place into a mini greenery. The menu here is just as impressive as the decor, with the southern fried halloumi, vegan nachos, and buffalo cauliflower standing out from the hearty list. Cocktail-wise, you can sip your way through unique concoctions made with everything from Nikka Whisky mist to grapefruit bitters.
Mildreds - London
With four restaurants dotted across London, Mildreds is known as one of the best spots for vegetarian food in the city. If you’re in search of a good weekend brunch though, visit their plot in King’s Cross, where your tummy can benefit from southern fried mock chicken and waffles with maple syrup and slaw. If you ever need to convince a meat-lover that being vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing on flavour, this is where you need to take them.
Tibits - London
If menu variety is high on your list of influencing factors when picking out a restaurant, you’re gonna love Tibits. Boasting over 40 dishes, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Mexican quinoa bowls, apple and ginger salads and Egyptian koshari. If you haven’t already guessed it, the food here is inspired from all corners of the world, ensuring an interesting forkful whenever you visit.
Mao Chow - London
Mao Chow has taken over the kitchen at Pamela in London and it’s bringing a bold selection of vegan Chinese food to the table. Expect cracking "pork" and chive dumplings, mapo tofu rice bowls with a vegan “egg yolk”, alongside a mouth-watering Chinese burger with cumin “lamb” and coriander. You’ll be planning your next visit the second you pay your bill.
1847 - Manchester
Vegetarian from day dot, 1847 has been around since 2011, but has just recently reopened its Manchester restaurant. Now 10 times bigger than its original stomping ground, the menu has an impressive selection consisting of harissa battered halloumi, crispy truffled gnocchi and tofu and barley crunch. Boasting a new botanical cocktail bar, punchy cocktails will be on hand to help you wash down whatever meat-free plates come your way.
