The best places to eat meat-free in Manchester – not just for Vegetarian Week

Making more meat-free choices continues to be a big positive trend in Manchester.

Vegetarian food has become more and more popular recently, and with a range of amazing restaurants to try in Manchester, it’s no surprise.

Manchester area is actually home to the modern vegetarian movement as we know it today. In 1808, the rather ironically named Reverend Cowherd formed The Bible Christian Church in Salford, one of whose practices was following a meat-free diet. They met in the – also ironically named – Beefsteak Chapel and became one of the founding groups involved in the formation of The Vegetarian Society in 1847. Although the Vegetarian Society was actually formed near Richmond in Surrey, Manchester seemed to be the place to be. It had its first annual meeting in Manchester in 1848 and from 1849 onwards, it continued to be prominent here. In recent years it moved out to Altrincham, but still has influence in the city.

Whether it’s a lifestyle choice, a Vegetarian Week or a Vegetarian Day, people all over the country make a conscious attempt to cut down on their meat consumption.

King Charles is actively seeking a chef to prepare his vegetarian dishes, while scientific studies suggest that plant-based protein can aid in building muscle.

In addition, Sir David Attenborough is promoting the consumption of animal-friendly and plant-based meals to preserve our wildlife and the planet.

It is also becoming more and more obvious that plant-based food is a more sustainable option for the environment.

Bundobust

Ranked as one of the city’s best casual dining restaurants, underground eatery Bundobust serves dazzling Indian street food bursting with flavour.

You cannot leave without trying their famous ‘Okra Fries’, whether you’re eating meat or not.

Some of the tastiest dishes on the menu include onion, broccoli and kale bhajis, Gobi Mushroom Manchurian (mushroom and cauliflower pakora in a curry sauce) and Idli Sambhar (a lentil and aubergine soup served with rice cakes). And yes, they taste as good as they sound.

Pasta Factory

Passionate about Italian cuisine, the chefs at the Pasta Factory believe that the greatest moments happen around the dinner table.

So why should family members miss out on these moments simply due to their food preferences?

The Pasta Factory definitely doesn’t believe so! This is why they have several veggie and vegan options on the menu, so there’s choice for all the family.

And, keeping up with the Italian tradition, these options even have their very own homemade vegan Parmesan! 

Purezza

Purezza was established in 2015 and has gained a reputation for its plant-based pizzas and diverse menu options.

The chain aims to provide delicious, cruelty-free alternatives to traditional pizza ingredients while maintaining a focus on sustainability and ethical practices.

Purezza’s menu features a variety of innovative vegan pizzas made with homemade dough and plant-based toppings.

They use creative and flavorful combinations of ingredients to replicate traditional pizza flavors.

Some of their popular pizza options include the Margherita Pizzaiola, Parmigiana Party, and the Seasonal Specials that change regularly.

The Allotment Vegan Restaurant

This award-winning restaurant in the Northern Quarter offers a fully vegan menu, using seasonal, organic and locally sourced produce.

The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the creativity of the chefs.

6 Vernon St, Manchester M1 1JW, United Kingdom

What the Pitta

What the Pitta is a popular vegan fast food chain that originated in London and has now expanded to several locations across the UK, including Manchester. They specialise in vegan kebabs made with a plant-based meat alternative called seitan.

Located in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, What the Pitta offers a range of vegan kebab options, including the Original Döner, the Vegan Gyro, and the Vegan Souvlaki. Their kebabs are made with freshly baked pitta bread, salad, hummus, tzatziki (vegan option available), and a choice of seitan fillings.

In addition to their kebabs, What the Pitta also offers vegan sides such as loaded fries, falafel, and vegan nuggets. They also have a range of vegan desserts, including baklava and  chocolate cake.

59 Church St, Manchester M4 1PD, United Kingdom

Sanskruti Restaurant

Sanskruti Restaurant is an Indian vegetarian restaurant located in Fallowfield.

They offer a range of dishes from different regions of India, all made with fresh, authentic ingredients.

95 Mauldeth Rd, Manchester M14 6SR, United Kingdom

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill is an Indian restaurant located in the city centre. They offer a vegetarian and vegan menu, with a range of dishes inspired by traditional Indian street food.

The Quadrangle, Chester St, Manchester M1 5QS, United Kingdom

Pastan

Pastan is a new restaurant in Manchester that specialises in handmade, plant-based pasta dishes.

Their fully plant-based menu features favourites such as Dolce Vita (vegan carbonara), Green Velvet (a pea and shallot ravioli dressed in a salsa verde) and Catalonia (black cavatelli pasta made in a rich tomato sauce, spiced with apricot harissa and rosemary), plus sides of Loaded Gnocchi. Prices start from £12.95 for a main.

They aim to provide healthy, natural food that is both delicious and environmentally sustainable

Bhaji Pala

Bhaji Pala a restaurant that specialises in authentic vegetarian and vegan cuisine from western India, specifically the states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Goa.

The name Bhaji-Pala translates to green veggies and herbs, which are key ingredients in this type of cuisine.

2 Old Hall Rd, Gatley, Cheadle SK8 4BE

Mowgli

Mowgli takes inspiration from the street food stalls of India, where the focus is on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and sharing plates.

The menu features a variety of small plates, known as tiffin boxes, that are designed for sharing and sampling different dishes.

Each dish is carefully crafted with a balance of spices and ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Corn Exchange, Manchester

Maray

Maray offers an amazing selection of vegetarian dishes in their eclectic Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant. Check out review here.

Located in the bustling city centre, Maray is a hidden gem that’s well worth seeking out tucked away on Brazennose Street just behind Lincoln Square.

GRUB

For weekend munching, visit GRUB.  They’re known for the delicious street food that is served week in, week out by a vast range of incredible traders.

You’ll only ever find small, independent businesses cooking here and they are proud to say that some of the area’s best loved eateries traded their events in their early days including Wholesome Junkies, Yakumama, Rudy’s Pizza, The Hip Hop Chip Shop, Doner Summer, Honest Crust Pizza and Pollen Bakery.

The Eighth Day Café

The Eighth Day Café is a vegetarian café and shop located in the heart of Manchester.

They offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

They also offer a range of vegan wines and cocktails.

111 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7DU, United Kingdom

Veggie Pret a Manger

Having arrived on Deansgate Road just last October, our Manchester Veggie Pret is the first venue outside of London that has a completely vegetarian menu. Not a cow in sight! Perfect for those quick lunches and on-the-go hunger fixes, look out for the famous green sign that shouts: “healthy food found here”. Must-haves from the menu are: the butternut pesto and roasted tomato flatbread, vegan ‘mac and greens’ and the halloumi, red pepper and basil toastie.

Gorilla

Looking for some tasty brunch options? Music venue and bar Gorilla is ideal. Offering both veggie and vegan breakfast options, guests are spoiled for choice. And when you’re feeling super hungry, upgrade to the Royal Vegetarian breakfast with three Quorn sausages, two homemade hashbrowns, two fried eggs, mushrooms, beans, tomatoes, chilli and sweet potato hash, and extra toast. Brunch is served every day up until 4pm, so you’ve got plenty of time. But, if you do miss it, Gorilla have plenty of other veggie options on their main menu, too. Indulge in the three-cheese, sun-blushed tomato and garlic grilled cheese sourdough for that greasy hangover fix, or – for something a bit more peculiar – try tofu tacos with mushroom dashi, crispy seaweed and kimchi mayo.

Shoryu Ramen

Last but not least is the ultimate noodle bar, Shoryu Ramen, who this year are celebrating National Vegetarian week with an extra special set menu for veggies to enjoy.

On the menu is a special edition Quorn mince ramen, matcha tea steamed buns and your choice of some tasty desserts.

For those attending after the 19th of May, be sure to get your chopsticks into their White Natural Ramen, made with soy milk, miso and shiitake mushrooms, and full to the top with veggies, tofu, bamboo shoots and seaweed. If that doesn’t sound like superfood, then what is?

Greens Restaurant

Located in Didsbury, Greens Restaurant has been serving delicious vegetarian and vegan food since 1990.

They use fresh, local ingredients and offer a variety of dishes, including a sensational array of vegan options such as Truffled mushroom wellington, Lancashire cheese & basil sausages and Tofu katsu curry.

41-43 Lapwing Ln, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2NT, United Kingdom