A few years ago, it was almost impossible to find plant-based food in our city, except in a few dedicated cafes. Now, you're able to enjoy everything from vegetarian burgers to dairy-free cheese-topped pizzas in the Northern Quarter and beyond. So, whether you need a delicious meal for yourself or somewhere to accommodate a friend, here’s our guide to Manchester's best vegan restaurants.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 27th December 2024
Tucked away in the suburbs of Withington is a fun little restaurant called Fuel Café. Along with serving some of the best cheap eats to Manchester vegans, the spot hosts regular live music nights, performances, and even has board games to keep you entertained.
Peter Street Kitchen is a truly unique culinary experience, combining contemporary Japanese fine dining with Mexican dishes. Better yet, they haven't left vegans going hungry. There's a full menu for you to enjoy, including avocado tartare and tobanyaki.
Leaders in the plant-based burger game, GBK will serve you a seriously delicious meal. They've got three meat-free mains including the Californian, the Beyond Cheese or the Classic Vegan, alongside chunky fries, onion rings and delicious dairy-free milkshakes.
After halal vegan restaurants in Manchester that can cater to the meat-eaters and plant-based of your group? Bab NQ offers the best of both worlds across its upmarket kebab menu, boasting flavourful grilled vegetables, falafel, spicy sauces and more.
For an excellent selection of vegan options on an authentic Thai menu, make your way to Thaikhun in Spinningfields. You can expect classic red or green curries, plant-based chicken or tofu noodles, mushroom fried rice and much more, with beautiful cocktails on top of that.
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YO! in Manchester Arndale may be known for its fish dishes, but it's got some great choices for those of you who don't eat meat as well. Enjoy tasty treats like yasai rolls, edamame and avocado maki, or treat yourself to a bigger plate such as pumpkin katsu curry.
Waterside restaurant and bar 11 Central knows a thing or two when it comes to a great vegan menu. Get your chops around its zesty vegetable stir-fry, arancini with a tomato and pepper sauce, and plant-based burger served with fries.
On the hunt for the best vegan food in Manchester city centre? Doghouse has got you covered. Launched by BrewDog, this bar and hotel offers a range of scrumptious plant-based bites, from Redefine Meat™ and Crispy Tindle™ burgers to Temple of Seitan wings.
Featuring a top-notch menu of mushroom and vegetable ragu, alongside pizzas with mushrooms, courgettes and truffle cream, Piccolino is a great shout when it comes to vegan-friendly eats. Tuck into these guilt-free mains while pairing with a glass of wine and heritage tomatoes.
Just when you thought The Alchemist was only fronting killer concoctions and quirky cocktails, they prove you wrong. From 'goujon'-topped flatbreads to plant burgers, crispy cauliflower bites and vegetable gyozas, the Media City, Spinningfields or New York Street venues all have vegan grub galore.
St Peter Square spot The Anthologist is a truly plush place to settle down for dinner, with a gorgeous outdoor dining terrace for warmer months. When it comes to food? Pumpkin and sage tortelloni with vegan superstraccia cheese, pumpkin velouté and baby spinach heads up the herbivore offerings.
Mowgli not only delivers on wonderful Indian street food, but also has an array of great vegan meals as well. If you try one dish, make it the Holy Chow; their crowning plant-based glory and a scrumptious mix of spiced chickpea, potato, spinach, and ginger, all served in a loaf.
Fronting a full vegan and vegetarian menu, Slug and Lettuce Deansgate, Albert Square, Spinningfields, Piccadilly, Sale and Didsbury aren't to be passed up if you're looking for somewhere to gather with friends. From the stylish interiors to a whole host of cocktails, here's a place to make a night of it.
Foundry Project in Manchester's Northern Quarter is the ultimate all-day hangout, perfect for anything from brunch to late-night cocktails. The space is a vibrant mix of casual dining, offering delicious burgers and inventive cocktails in a chic yet laid-back atmosphere.
Check out its vegan offerings as part of three small plates for £21.50 - think Buffalo cauliflower bites and moreish houmous. There are also refreshing options like a healthy watermelon salad.
Situated in the Northern Quarter, Purezza is slinging out scrumptious pizzas, alongside salads, sides and cocktails. As the first fully plant-based pizzeria, this is one of the best vegan restaurants in Manchester city centre - think plenty of dairy-free cheese and other alternatives so you won't have to go without.
Combining old photos and colour-popping interiors with a stunning historical location, Dishoom is a favourite of vegan-friendly restaurants in Manchester. The hearty Indian menu has been adapted for meat-free eaters, with a strong selection of small plates and aromatic curry mains.
Federal Cafe, nestled in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter and Deansgate, has been a beloved spot since its opening in December 2014. Founded by Claudio Ribeiro and Emily, the cafe was inspired by their experiences in the hospitality industry and a desire to bring a slice of Antipodean cafe culture to Manchester.
While Federal is renowned for its exceptional coffee, it also offers a diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences, including vegan options. Dishes have included options like sour cherry porridge with oat milk, and hummus and sweetcorn falafel sandwiches.
Vegan fine dining in Manchester doesn't get much better than at The Allotment. If you're marking an occasion, the Michelin Guide restaurant has a selection of taster menus, with standout cruelty-free food that include the likes of butternut squash bon bons and roasted apple mousse.
With acclaim from national reviewers, Bundobust's street food and craft beer philosophy may seem simple, but it's hella tasty. Topping the list of vegan restaurants in Manchester's Northern Quarter, it's a must for sharing grub; though don't end up squabbling over the bhel puri - a mix of pastry, peas and tamarind chutney.
Though it's not technically a vegan restaurant, Elnecot happens to be serving up some of the finest plant-based small plates around. What's on the menu? Think fun dishes, like truffle crisps with mushroom parfait, carrots with sesame and almonds, and crispy potato tacos among seasonal specials.
Located in Castlefield, The Banyan Tree is a bohemian restaurant with a seriously impressive plant-based menu. Think salt'n'pepper loaded fries, vegan lasagne, spicy curries and a moving mountain burger - all complemented by a stunning array of cocktails.
This BYOB spot in Chorlton also happens to serve up some of the city's best plant-based slices. Chomp away on vegan pizza, such as classic marinara, trichome-topped rustica and bianca neve with Portobello mushroom and truffle oil, in chilled surroundings.
One of the city's most sustainable restaurants, Sandbar has a great selection of pizza made with Tofutti plant-based mozzarella. Hidden on Grosvenor Street, this spot is keeping you refreshed with a large choice of vegan beers and features innovative touches, such as 100% renewable energy.
Need vegan restaurants in Manchester city centre? What The Pitta is a casual place for döner kebabs, jam-packed gyros and vibrant mezze boxes - all without meat and other animal products, of course. To gorge yourself on a budget, there's no better destination.
