For too long vegetarians have been consigned to choosing between a bland salad or stodgy risotto. But this is 2017, and things are (thankfully) changing. After all, whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan or ravenous carnivore, surely by now you’ve watched one of those documentaries, read some article, or been lectured by a friend on the importance of cutting back on meat. Indeed, with so many fantastic vegetarian cafes and restaurants offering creative, mouthwatering dishes, there has never been a better time to eat your vegetables. From cheap and cheerful cafes to Michelin recommended restaurants, we’ve rounded up some of the country’s best spots to go meat-free.
We've compiled all the must visit vegetarian restaurants around the country
Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen, Bath
Image credit: Emma Lewis
Nestled in one of Bath’s oldest buildings, Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen has developed a reputation as one of the city’s must eat restaurants. Using only the very best in local, seasonal produce, and cutting edge techniques, the cosy modern bistro is producing modern vegetarian dishes that even the most dedicated of meat eaters will salivate over. Listed in The Good Food Guide and winner of the Viva! award for ‘Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant in the UK’, Acorn is the place to get your veggie fix in Bath.
Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen can be found at 2 N Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX
Bistro 1847, Birmingham
Image credit: Damien Owner
Located in the beautiful Great Western arcade, the elegant Bistro 1847 is a favourite haunt of vegetarians and carnivores alike. Specialising in plant based, vegetarian cuisine, the Bistro’s menu is imaginative, beautifully presented and, most importantly, delicious. Make sure to try their Sunday beetroot and cashew nut roast with Yorkshire pud, roast veg and gravy, as well as the popular ‘fish and chips’ - cider battered halloumi, lemon curd, pea puree, and hand cut chips.
Bistro 1847 can be found at 26 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU
Terre a Terre, Brighton
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Brighton is a mecca for vegetarians, with a smattering of excellent cafes and restaurants offering far more than the standard bit of tasteless tofu. However, wander just off the charming Lanes and you’ll find Terre a Terre, one of the city’s most acclaimed vegetarian restaurants. Intent on changing the way diners view vegetarian cuisine, Terre a Terre have devised a carefully considered menu, packed full of flavour that will impress even the most skeptical diners. For first time visitors, make sure to order the popular "Terre à Tapas" sharing plate to get a good taste of the menu.
Terre a Terre can be found at 71 East St, Brighton BN1 1HQ
Maitreya Social, Bristol
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A Bristol institution, Maitreya Social is the city’s go-to spot for excellent vegetarian fare at reasonable prices. The rustic style of cooking effortlessly combines fresh ingredients and ethnic flavours to create tasty and hearty dishes. Maitreya also doubles as a cosy bar and arts space showcasing the city’s best artistic talent, so make sure to grab a drink and check out what’s on.
Maitreya Social can be found at 89 St Mark's Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 6HY
Paradise Palms, Edinburgh
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A bar, restaurant, event venue and vinyl store, Paradise Palms has it all. Better yet, the menu is 100% meat free. The focus on vegetarian soul food (think Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Subs and Southern Fried Halloumi & Dipping Sauces) is a welcome change from the typically healthier offerings, and is a stellar example of how vegetarian food can be environmentally friendly and as indulgent as any meaty burger. Wash down your meal with one of Paradise Palms’ excellent cocktails from a drinks list that is also almost entirely vegan or vegetarian. An almond milk White Russian, anyone?
Paradise Palms can be found at 41 Lothian St, Edinburgh EH1 1HB
Vanilla Black, London
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For vegetarians, there is perhaps no better UK city to find yourself hungry in than London. While there are numerous options, including the ever popular Mildreds, for a special occasion, treat yourself and book a table at Vanilla Black. A fine dining restaurant, with a Michelin recommendation to boot, Vanilla Black is doing some seriously incredible things with your standard veg. While portions are on the smaller side, the carefully selected ingredients and exquisite flavour combinations will leave even the most devout carnivores satisfied. No matter how full you may be though, do not skip the dessert - each and every option is simply stunning.
Vanilla Black can be found at 17-18 Took's Ct, London EC4A 1LB
Greens, Manchester
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A favourite neighbourhood restaurant, Greens is one of the city’s best spots to tuck into inventive vegeterian cuisine. The globally inspired menu features everything from a Green Thai Curry and Field Mushroom Wellington, to Jerk Spiced Sweet Potato Dumplings, all so beautifully presented that you’d be forgiven for whipping out your phone to take a photo. Well, only just.
Greens can be found at 41-43 Lapwing Ln, Manchester M20 2NT
Alley Café, Nottingham
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Seamlessly combining the air of a European cafe with the stylings of a bar, Alley Café also happens to be serving some of Nottingham’s best meat-free cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, stop by the hidden gem to feast on tasty vegetarian fare anytime of the day. To quench your thirst order one of the bar’s fantastic cocktails, perfect to sip on as you watch one of the café’s monthly events, whether it be live music or poetry and spoken word nights.
Alley Café can be found at 1a Cannon Court, Long Row, Nottingham NG1 6JE