The best places to eat vegan in Manchester – and not just for Veganuary

Veganuary, the popular initiative to eat animal-free, is a concept which is growing in popularity, encouraging people to go vegan for the whole of January, only eat in vegan restaurants and try a lifestyle completely free from animal products.

Vegan, plant-based food can be exciting, delicious, and sustainable.

That’s why 91% of the nation are now adopting a flexitarian approach to eating, and there are so many ways you can do it in Manchester. But while some of you opt-in to a vegan diet just for one calendar month, it’s worth knowing that there’s a massive difference between vegan and vegetarian lifestyles; Vegans devote to a lifestyle that’s entirely plant-based and animal-free, while Vegetarians simply choose meat-free diet.

Apparently, it’s good for your health – research suggests benefits include lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels – sustainable and good for the environment, plus good for the animals which would otherwise end up on your plate.

Giving up dairy, eggs, even honey, may sound difficult, but you may well be surprised by the number of options out there. Whether you prefer eating out at independents, need something to grab on the go or are wondering what you can get at those popular chains, here’s our guide to going vegan in Manchester.

According to research analysing Google search data, Manchester has recently been named the second most vegan-friendly city in the UK. Between 2021 and 2023, Manchester saw a surge in demand for vegan eateries with 84% more searches. Manchester offers 5.6 vegan restaurants and 5.6 vegan takeaways per 100,000 residents.

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.

Manchester is home to award-winning vegan restaurants. So, whether you’re a dedicated vegan or you’re just curious and want a vegan meal packed with health benefits, there are animal-free options across the city. We’ve handpicked the best ones so you don’t have to…

The Allotment Vegan Eatery

The Allotment Vegan Eatery create vegan dishes that are fresh, engaging, and locally sourced. There is a reason it has been named one of the best vegan restaurants in the world. Using the best of the season’s harvest and working with local, sustainable growers wherever possible, The Allotment guarantee that their ingredients are always at their peak. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just looking to try something new, we’re confident that you’ll love their approach to plant-based cooking. From hearty mains to inventive salads and sides, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the natural flavours and textures of fresh ingredients. Experience a whole new world of vegan cuisine at The Allotment.

Pastan

Pastan Manchester is a vegan-friendly restaurant located in the heart of Manchester at the Royal Exchange Theatre. This family-owned restaurant specialises in plant-based pasta dishes and delicacies made with only the finest ingredients. The restaurant is committed to offering their customers delicious, healthy food options that respect the planet. They believe that the food they serve should not only be good for their customers but also good for the environment. Their menu offers a range of tasty pasta dishes that cater to both vegan and non-vegan customers. Their commitment to the ethical sourcing of ingredients means that all of their food is made with the freshest and most sustainable products available. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner, Pastan Manchester is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy delicious food without compromising on taste or quality.

Purezza

Purezza is a vegan restaurant in the Northern Quarter renowned innovative vegan pizzas. They serve tasty vegan food, like pizzas, pastas, and burgers, made with fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. Their pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a crispy crust and smoky flavour. Besides pizzas, they also serve other foods like pastas, salads, and sides. They have mac ‘n’ cheese and ‘courgetti spaghetti’, which are pretty popular. The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming.

HOME

Vegan pizza! Yes, it’s a staple on the menu at Manchester’s massive arts and culture venue HOME on First Street. Simply head inside to the first floor Restaurant where they serve up an impressive roast vegetable pizza. And it doesn’t stop there. In fact, this place has an array of vegan options including cauliflower buffalo wings with spiced ginger beer batter, a brilliant portobello mushroom and bhaji burger and even vegan cheese toasties for the ultimate comfort food fix. For a healthy boost you can try the Buddha bowls – with the Asian and North African options vegan too.

The Pasta Factory

Pink pasta and chocolate ravioli are just two examples of the vegan options available at Manchester’s independent pastifico The Pasta Factory. They make their own fresh pasta, have created their own vegan cheese – it’s delicious – and feature a number of vegan options as part of a regularly changing menu. Starters include Panelle Siciliane, whilst for main the mushroom and truffle ravioli is recommended. The pink pasta is a great pick too. It’s actually called Beetroot Pipe, a pipe-shaped pasta served with pine nuts, mint and vegan cheese. Finish off with the silky and delightful chocolate ravioli. 100% delicious. 100% vegan.

Manchester Vegan Centre

No-nonsense satisfying vegan grub for as little as £3.50 at the Manchester Vegan Centre in the Three Minute Theatre on the ground floor of Afflecks. Start with one of the fantastic vegan full English breakfasts.  And forget overpriced high street vegan options at lunchtime – this is great place to come and unwind during the day. No fuss. Enjoy vegan sandwiches, burgers, brownies and plenty more.

GRUB

The 100% vegan street food event GRUB ExtraVEGANza is returning for January 2018. It takes place on Friday 27th January 5pm – 10pm, Saturday 28th January 12pm – 10pm and Sunday 12pm – 8pm at Fairfield Social Club at Mayfield, not far from Piccadilly. Feast your eyes on the range of traders including Hip Hop Chip Shop with their freshly fried vegan fish and chips, gooey mac ‘n cheese form Mac Daddies, handmade dumplings from Oh Mei Dumpling plus French patisserie from Chou Choux. And check out the array of mezze (pictured) from The Ottomen, who pride themselves on serving Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired eats. Fresh, healthy and seasonal too.  ‘Plant Powered Sundays’ with 100% vegan street food traders every Sunday returns on 4th February 2018.

The Deaf Institute

Most of the food served at this historic gig venue is vegan – from flatbread to nachos, curries to burgers – and it doesn’t miss a beat. A diabolical delight is the Holy Seitan burger – a double seitan patty, topped with aubergine bacon, burger sauce, tomato, pickles and fries. And don’t forget the sweet potato cheese. That’s right, that’s how they make the vegan cheese here. It’s lovely, especially on the vegan mac n’ cheese dog, complete with vegan bacon. Even better, there’s 50% off food throughout January Monday-Friday when you book in advance. Seems only right to have a dessert, too. After all, the chocolate brownie bowl is vegan too.

Pho Corn Exchange

There are vegan options across the menu at this Vietnamese restaurant in the Corn Exchange, from starters to desserts.  These includes veggie summer rolls, veggie spring rolls, salads, pho noodle soups (like tofu & mushroom, or three mushroom in homemade veggie broth), select bun noodle dishes, wok-fried noodles (tofu and mushroom), and the fragrant Vietnamese curry (when served with tofu).

Thaikhun

A number of options at this East Asian-inspired restaurant in Spinningfields are marked ‘v’ on the menu with many of them vegan as well as vegetarian. Ask your waiter for more information. The phai tai, which can be requested vegan, is particularly good.

Mowgli Corn Exchange

This charming Indian-inspired eatery in the Corn Exchange is conjuring up creative delights and has a whole menu dedicated to vegans sure to make your Veganuary all the more enjoyable. The menu is mouth wateringly good, with treacle tamarind fries (so wrong but so right), the famous Mowgli chip butty, tea steeped chickpeas, homemade ice cones with watermelon sorbet and a special vegan tiffin box – a delicious meat-free food roulette. And it isn’t just a case of standard platefuls. The tapas-style presentation of dishes makes it all the better for sharing – and means you can try even more too.

Vapiano Corn Exchange

Vapiano celebrates Veganuary with new vegan-friendly pasta, pizza, and risotto dishes on offer until the end of February. Funghi Bolognese is a delicious ragout made of mushrooms, carrots and celery in its very own homemade tomato sauce, with onions marinated with soy sauce and fresh herbs. Zuaa Caramellata features creamy risotto rice with a homemade sauce of Hokkaido pumpkin, orange juice and coconut milk, with a hint of vegan white wine, ginger, sesame and lime. Con Cipolle Balsamico is the vegan pizza featuring home made tomato sauce, fruity balsamic shallots, courgette, aubergine, fresh basil and rosemary.

Bundobust

Think basement bar meets the best ever curry house, and then some. It’s earned the praise of food critic Jay Rayner who thought it was special.  Nearly all the menu is vegan, with plenty of small plates you can pick and choose from. The Okra Fries are the Pringles of the street food world, utterly addictive – coated in chickpea batter and seasoned with black salt and mango powder. Bhel Puri is like a beefed-up Bombay Mix featuring samosa pastry, puffed rice, turmeric noodles, red onion and chutney. And the Biryani Bhaji Balls have to be tried to be believed.

Tampopo

Vegan options are clearly marked on the menu and include classic noodle dishes like Pad Thai, yaki udon as well as curries and soups. Plus Tampopo Supper Club is going vegetarian in January, offering nine of their meat-free favourites over five courses across their four Manchester restaurants for just £22.

Sam’s Chop House

Sam’s Chop House cater for all dietary requirements and believe non-meat eaters shouldn’t be faced with the same old boring options. The vegan and vegetarian options here are good enough to tempt the most devoted carnivore. But it’s not just people on meat-free diets who suffer from dull alternatives. On a dairy-free diet? No problem. Gluten-free? No problem.