Did you know that the origins of the modern vegetarian movement can be traced back to Greater Manchester? In the early 19th century, Reverend William Cowherd, a minister from Salford, encouraged his followers - the Cowherdites - to embrace a meat-free diet. Little did he know that his teachings would lay the groundwork for the formation of the Vegetarian Society in 1847.
Manchester's rich history is peppered with fascinating details like this one, which Mancunians proudly share. It's no wonder that the city has become a hub for vegan dining, offering a range of innovative and delectable plant-based options. Discover the best vegan restaurants in Manchester and experience the city's unique approach to food.
Manchester has truly embraced the vegan revolution, with a diverse range of restaurants catering to plant-based enthusiasts. From the humble yet delicious This & That, tucked away in a back-alley curry house, to the sophisticated and stylish 1847, offering a Scandi-chic tasting menu, there is something for every vegan palate.
In 2019, Manchester took its vegan game to the next level, tapping into its rich culinary heritage and creativity. The result? A thriving vegan scene showcasing a plethora of exceptional restaurants, run by locals who effortlessly blend innovation and coolness, all without a hint of pretension.
Bundobust
Best for: beer and spice
Yes, the original is in Leeds. But when Bundobust turned up in Manchester with a fully vegetarian street-food menu (over half of the main dishes are vegan) the impact billowed out across the city and menus started changing and adapting. You can now pick up creative vegan dishes at Indian restaurants across the city, particularly at places like Mowgli, Indian Tiffin Room and Dishoom (see below). But the combination of Gujurat-inspired food with some of the best Northern craft beer remains, as a concept, utterly compelling. Even if you might struggle to find it, tucked away as it is in a basement behind an unassuming doorway on a grey strip of Piccadilly.
Address: Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG
Telephone: +44 161 359 6757
Website: bundobust.com/manchester
Experience Plant-Powered Feasts at GRUB
Ideal for: Sacred Sunday indulgence
The locally celebrated street food pioneers, GRUB, orchestrate the exclusive all-vegan day named Plant Powered Sundays. This event is part of their routine weekend foray at the Red Bank Project. Navigate through Northern food traders on a changeable lineup that has featured game-changers in the vegan arena, such as comfort food experts Wholesome Junkies, sandwich aficionados Press De Cuba, and virtuoso Mediterranean mezze crafters The Ottomen. Each week brings forth innovation par excellence, along with ecologically responsible, vegan-friendly craft beer and drinks. Having successfully adapted to various venues to offer an inviting beer garden during summer and a chic-industrial space for winter, GRUB has finally established its permanent place at the Red Bank Project, nestled in the emerging Green Quarter. Well-knitted into the local fabric and slightly hidden from the usual touristy hustle, it guarantees a warm welcome to the explorers who manage to discover it.
The prevalence of veganism in the UK has skyrocketed over recent years. So much so that Manchester now boasts a diverse collection of mouth-watering vegan eateries in nearly every corner of the city. GRUB's all-vegan day is not just a culinary experience, it is a celebration of this surge in vegan culture and a tribute to sustainable living.
Location: GRUB, 50 Red Bank, Manchester M4 4HF
Contact: +44 7767 259640
Web Portal: grubmcr.com
An Intriguing Dining Venue: The Deaf Institute
A magnet for vegans seeking unusual eats
Nestled in the heart of Manchester, the multi-functional Deaf Institute often catches visitors off guard. Renowned primarily as a hub of live sound performance that once filled your nights with memorable music escapades, you'd anticipate its culinary venture to revolve around conventional fast-food dishes. Far from it. This vibrant institution masterfully curates a predominantly vegan menu, reimagining much-loved classics such as 'fish' and chips, chicken and waffles, and jerk tofu curry under a plant-based umbrella. However, if you're venturing beyond Manchester and seeking a cozy haven that combines tradition with a touch of modernity, look no further than the royal oak. Situated in the picturesque realm of Yorkshire, it's a venue that promises an experience as rich in comfort as it is in history, perfect for those who enjoy the quieter side of England's vibrant culture.
Another star of their creative menu is the cooling ice cream from the iconic Ice Shack in Withington, provides a delightful treat. An unmissable event at The Deaf Institute, however, is The Vegan Hangover held every Sunday, an entire day dedicated to appetizing vegan masterpieces including an unrivalled vegan roast.
The Institute is crafting a name for itself as a vegan paradise, thanks to its commitment to high-quality, plant-based cuisine. Their unique twist on comfort food effortlessly bridges the gap between live music and good food, establishing a new precedent on the Manchester vegan food scene.
Location: The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HE
Contact Number: +44 161 276 9350
Official Site: thedeafinstitute.co.uk
Firebird Hope at YES
Best for: munching to music
One of early success stories and graduates of the regularly changing shipping container pop-up Hatch, located on Oxford Road, Firebird Hope is now permanently housed a couple of hundred metres down the road within new four-floor indie music venue YES, which combines a basement club, ground-floor beer-hall bar, live space (The Pink Room) and rooftop terrace. Vegan food comes in the form of possibly the best chicken-style burger in the city – the Triple-6 – comprising a homemade seitan fillet, koji mayo, house slaw and pickles served in a sourdough bun. Regular deals see burgers being offered at buy-one-get-another-for-£1, while in-house pizzeria Pepperoni Playboy offers pizza by the slice, including several vegan options including the Margarita Pracatan (vegan mozzarella, tomato, basil) and Aubergine Genie (aubergine, olive, pine nuts, chermoula and vegan mozzarella).
Address: Firebird Hope at YES, 38 Charles Street, Manchester M1 7DB
Telephone: No number
Website: firebirdhope.com
Experience the Vegan Revolution at V-Rev
Ideal for: indulgent vegan delights
As the pioneering force in Manchester's vegan junk food scene, V-Rev requires little introduction. Since its inception in 2011, it has been the go-to spot for plant-based cuisine enthusiasts and has leveraged its early arrival in the city to perfect the art of vegan indulgence. The legacy of V-Rev is embedded in the memories of those who witnessed the evolution of the city's vegan scene from the ground up. Their tantalising menu is a testament to their journey and houses an array of delicacies that were once unimaginable. Feast on towering seitan burgers, oozing with sauce or choose from their beefy or chicken variants; savor the richness of their cashew-based mac and cheese, and nibble on their signature frickles (bread crumb coated, fried pickles). Plunge into piles of scrumptious loaded fries, or if you're feeling downright audacious, give their notorious doughnut burger a try— a culinary wonder featuring fried seitan chicken and a plethora of ingredients sandwiched between two golden-fried doughnuts! Though similar meals may be obtainable elsewhere, it's safe to say V-Rev has been satisfying the vegan cravings within Manchester for the longest time, and they've honed their skills to a fine point.
Location: V-Rev, Edge Street 20-26, Manchester M4 1HN
Contact: +44 161 806 0928
Online Presence: vrevmcr.co.uk
Siop Shop
Top choice for indulgent bites:
In Manchester's vibrant culinary scene, Siop Shop stands out for its innovative vegan menu. Dotted across the city are exquisite eateries offering inventive vegan selections, such as Trove, Pollen, and The Creameries. Nonetheless, Siop Shop carves its unique niche with its eclectic mix of vegan treats. Notably, their vegan doughnuts and pancakes are culinary masterpieces that are hard to resist. The cafe doubles as a local art platform, displaying artworks from neighborhood talents on its walls. The amicable team is always ready for stimulating conversation, enhancing the overall dining experience. A sprinkling of humor, knowledge, and eccentricity colors their social media platform, reminding patrons to embrace the lighter side of life.
Dive into the delicious world of Siop Shop and join their flourishing online community to keep up with their latest updates. It's time to replace the mundane with a twist of delightful surprises.
Location: 53 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LS, Siop Shop
Connect via: No available contact number
Official Social Media Profile: instagram.com/siopshop
With a unique ambience and a food culture dedicated to enhancing culinary experiences, Siop Shop is a must-visit for vegan food enthusiasts. Its aspiration for promoting local artists helps nurture the community, making it more than just a culinary exploration.
The Allotment Vegan Restaurant
Best for: convincing a mate/date/parent
If V-Rev is the best spot for vegan junk food, The Allotment is the one for those wanting proper clever cooking with vegetables. Following several years building up a following in Stockport, this award-winning concept has been brought to the the city centre serving ten- and five-course taster menus, à la carte and some of the most inventive bar snacks in town for those who just want to pop in for an after-work pint. There aren’t many places like this in the UK – Greens in West Didsbury come close as vegetarian offerings – but The Allotment is one of a kind for vegan dining, and a much-prized asset for Manchester. Think smoked roots, fennel, pear and avocado tartare; butternut squash bon bon with puy lentil ragout and quinoa; roasted apple mousse with rhubarb & ginger ice cream; and a fermented nut cheeseboard to finish.
Address: The Allotment Vegan Restaurant, 18/22 Lloyd Street, Manchester M2 5WA
Telephone: +44 161 478 1331
Website: allotmentvegan.co.uk
The Pasta Factory
Best for: all the carbs
The passionate project of a group of friends, this Italian restaurant is a homely affair with a creative menu featuring a good concentration of vegan options. Think fresh pasta dishes doused in cashew or tomato-based sauces, garnished with nuts, truffle and homemade vegan Parmesan, with a rich vegan chocolate ravioli or a homemade vegan nut cheese board to finish. Following the success of The Pasta Factory, the friends have also opened a pizzeria, Noi Quattro, that adopts a similar approach to vegan ingredients with its delicious Neapolitan pizza.
Address: The Pasta Factory, 77 Shudehill Street, Market Street, Manchester M4 4AN
Telephone: +44 161 222 9250
Website: pastafactory.co.uk
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
Best for: casual catch-ups
After many years of taking her ‘ice cream van for the grown-ups’ around food festivals and events across the north of England, Ginger now has her own ice cream parlour on the first floor of iconic Afflecks in the Northern Quarter. The ever-changing menu always has a couple of vegan ice creams, such as the ever-present malted coconut milk, as well as inventive sorbets like blackberry, rosemary and sage flavour. Before your sweet treat, check out Manchester Vegan Café on the ground floor for unfussy homemade classics and big breakfast dishes.
Address: Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, Afflecks, 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW
Telephone: +44 7980 628868
Website: gingerscomfortemporium.com
HOME
Best for: people watching
There’s a plethora of reasons to visit HOME in the First Street area of Manchester: it has theatres, cinemas and a gallery; it offers workshops and ample space to work and meet; and the kitchen has some great vegan options to choose from. Highlights include vegan cheese toasties, cauliflower wings and deep-fried pickles with homemade vegan sauces, no cheese (or vegan cheese) pizzas, plus heartier dishes such as jackfruit ragu and mushroom and lentil shepherd’s pie. One of the nicest places in the city to while away the day, there’s also a great selection of homemade vegan cakes and puddings available if you’re just nipping in for a coffee.
Address: HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
Telephone: +44 161 228 7621
Website: homemcr.org
The Plant-Based Delight: Vertigo
Renowned for: Morning meals
Vertigo, an exclusively plant-based diner with two premier locations, stands out for its innovative and diverse vegan breakfast menu. It's your go-to place for tofu scramble and an assortment of breakfast delights atop crunchy Trove-sourced sourdough. Don't miss the waffles, warming bowls of porridge, chia pudding, and smoothie bowls for a refreshing start to your day. Equally satisfying are their lunch and dinner offerings, complete with a few surprising delicacies. One such is the sumptuous Persian aubergine stew sprinkled with crispy kale – an ideal meal before heading to the Royal Exchange Theatre via the Cross Street outlet, or HOME through the First Street branch.
Location: Vertigo, 18 Cross Street, Manchester M2 7AE
Contact: Unavailable
Visit: vertigomcr.co.uk
The menu at Vertigo includes diverse options that cater to every taste and dietary need. This is why it has risen the ranks to become one of Manchester's top vegan dining spots. Its mission is to bring people closer to nature one bite at a time, through entrées crafted with heart and creativity.
Discover Zad's
Reward your taste buds: late evening eateries
Vegan food enthusiasts looking to explore Manchester's southern suburbs can't miss the vegan paradise of Chorlton. This locale is brimming with tempting establishments - Tea Hive tempts with its hearty English breakfast, The Beagle showcases unique combinations like the sweet potato, black bean and cashew burger, and Amma's Canteen appeases palates with Keralan street food delicacies. When in the heart of Chorlton, however, the one-stop satisfaction station for your hunger pangs is undoubtedly Zad's! Specialized in crafting mouth-watering vegan pizzas (exciting stuffed crust options included), their menu also serves delectable vegan burgers and hot dogs. Their loaded fries, nuggets and cupcakes make for the perfect takeaway companions. Though they currently do not service the city centre, fret not - Little Aladdin in the Northern Quarter and the newly inaugurated Pizzology in Salford have got it covered for you.
One interesting fact that many don't know is that Zad's uses a unique homemade cheese for their pizzas, that not only replicates the taste Italian mozzarella but is also 100% vegan. Also, their breads are all made in-house, right from scratch.
Location: 354 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton M21 8AZ
Contact: Phone: +44 161 860 0060
Explore more: zads.co.uk
Dishoom
Best for: big meet ups with old friends
A familiar name that undoubtedly pulls in the crowds, one of the best things aboutDishoom’s northern outpost is the significantly shorter wait times owing to its Tardis-like layout; up front is the airy Bombay-café style room that you’re used to fromDishoom, whilst outback sits a majestic wood-panelled hall that truly makes the most of the former Freemason building. As for the food, a separate vegan menu is packed with adapted classics including a version of the famous naan roll that uses Beyond Meat sausages, abiding spiced chickpea favourite Chole Chawal and silky caramelised basmati rice pudding. Our top vegan pick would be the chilli broccoli salad, a Vada Pau and okra fires on the city.
Address: DishoomManchester, 32 Bridge Street, Manchester M3 3BT
Telephone: +44 161 537 3737
Website: dishoom.com/manchester