Best vegan restaurants in Brighton: 25 plant-based places to visit

From fish and chips to sushi burritos, Brighton has built up a pretty impressive portfolio of vegan restaurants over the years.

Updated on • Written By Ellie Donnell

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Best vegan restaurants in Brighton: 25 plant-based places to visit

Residents of Brighton are often considered a Bohemian bunch, when really this foodie city is one of the most forward-thinking in the UK. These guys got the vegan memo long before it was considered cool, supplying much more than just the usual offerings! It's safe to say that there are so many fantastic vegan restaurants in Brighton with this coastal spot considered one of the best places to eat plant-based food in the country. 

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Swapping turkey for tofu is more than just the latest food trend though. Switching to a more plant-based diet is one of the most impactful steps you can take when it comes to living more sustainably, especially when the effects of the climate crisis are becoming increasingly apparent (40-degree summers, we’re looking at you).

Luckily, Brighton has built up a pretty impressive portfolio of plant-based places over the years, and you can find all the best vegan restaurants in Brighton right here in this complete list. From truly epic brunches to buttermilk fried chick’n and vegan sushi burritos, we’ve covered the entire spectrum of plant-based delights in this comprehensive guide. Even if you are dining out with carnivorous friends or family who aren't quite ready to embrace the plant-based life, worry not, because Brighton is home to a ton of restaurants that also offer a host of vegan options alongside a 'regular' menu. Simply ask if there’s a separate vegan menu available, and keep an eye out for the VG symbol next to selected dishes.

The title of best vegan restaurant in Brighton is a hotly contested one, especially when its plethora of styles, cuisines and offerings are so varied. Many people think vegan food is limited to nut roasts and vegetable soups, but that's a thing of the past, with lots of unique and exciting options now available. Vegan restaurants in Brighton are offering some of the best when it comes to plant-based dining, from tasty tacos, deep-fried doughnuts and steaming hot curries that have all been given the vegan treatment.

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Vegan restaurants in Brighton

100% plant-based restaurants for your perusal. Discover brunch spots, cosy pubs, indulgent sweet treats and vegan pizza - you won't go hungry if you've given up meat in this foodie city. 

The No Catch Co

vegan fish and chips and vegan burger from The No Catch Co

What: Sick of heading to the beach and having to miss out on the fish and chips? Well, The No Catch Co has you covered - offering plant-based alternatives of the British classic. A soy substitute comes battered and served alongside chunky chips and tartare sauce for the traditional cod or haddock options, with tofish bites, battered sausages, calamari and tempura prawnz also available on the menus. Here, the ethos is more than just making moral changes with an aim of highlighting the devastation to the environment caused by the fishing industry.
Where: 127a Kings Road, BN1 2FA
Book now: The No Catch Co

Smorl’s Kitchen

Vegan salad plate

What: Family-run vegan café Smorl’s specialises in one of the ultimate plant-based foods: houmous. You can buy its artisan houmous at retailers all over Brighton and Hove, but for the full experience, pay a visit to Smorl’s Kitchen at Brighton Open Market. From falafel pittas and salad boxes to a Moroccan-style falafel bolognese, these guys serve up some of the best, most-nourishing vegan plates around.
Where: Unit 33-34, Marshall's Row, BN1 4JU
Book now: Smorl’s Kitchen

The Roundhill

Interiors at The RoundHill

What: It should come as no surprise that Brighton is home to a 100% vegan pub! This homely joint on Ditchling Road is serving up all kinds of comforting dishes, from jackfruit burritos with guac and corn salsa to a buddha bowl packed full of roast squash, lentils and pickled cabbage, topped with pomegranate and tahini dressing. It's great for grazing too thanks to a selection of small bites and plates such as hummus and pitta, loaded fries and panko cauliflower wings. A mean Sunday roast menu rounds off the week in style!
Where: 100 Ditchling Road, BN1 4SG
Book now: The Roundhill

Bonsai Plant Kitchen

a selection of vegan South Asian cuisine from Bonsai plant kitchen

What: Starting off life serving takeaways during lockdown, followed by a stint as a pub pop-up, the Bonsai Plant Kitchen has seen several sites before finally settling at its Baker Street location. Here, menus of plant-based cuisine in the form of snacks and small plates, such as tempura cauliflower with Korean hot sauce, alongside dishes straight off the Bincho grill. Tuck into 'chicken' yakitori and mongolian 'lamb' skewers that have been cooked over coals with authentic sake and botanical cocktails to help wash everything down.
Where: 45 Baker Street, BN1 4JU
Book now: Bonsai Plant Kitchen

Botanique

Botanique plate of food

What: Botanique is what plant-based dreams are made of. Every day starts with the arrival of its local, organic vegetables, which head chef Levi Kydd reimagines as exciting plates with a root-to-tip approach to cooking. Every step of the journey is considered, honest and offers a low-intervention approach to both the food and drink. If you’re dining for dinner, look out for the likes of beetroot gnocchi with a watermelon and chilli bisque, and oyster mushrooms with red cabbage, topped with a spinach and garlic puree.
Where: 31a Western Road, BN3 1AF
Book now: Botanique

Green Kitchen

Vegan fry up

What: This 100% vegan independent cafe is a staple amongst Brighton’s plant-based crowd, serving a reliable line-up of breakfast, brunch and lunch options throughout the week. Whether you’re hungry for a smoothie bowl or a proper full English with all the (vegan) trimmings, Green Kitchen’s humongous menu offers something for everyone. Discover ever-changing menus complete with chef's soups and salads. Offerings have been seen to include the likes of red Thai curry noodle soup and sumac roasted butternut squash salad topped with pistachios and pomegranate seeds. The team also works to raise funds for The Retreat Animal Rescue Farm, so it really is a good choice all round.
Where: 8 Preston Road, BN1 4QF 
Book now: Green Kitchen

Glazed 

vegan doughnut and coffee

What: On the hunt for something sweet in Brighton? Glazed specialises in freshly-made vegan doughnuts which are fried in-house every day. These guys don’t do things by halves though. Regular favourites including Biscoff, Nutella and Strawberry Coconut, while a bunch of ever-changing specials keep things interesting – think peanut butter and caramelised fake bacon! Grab a seat and tuck in, or if you’re in a rush, order a couple to go along with one of its oat milk coffees, which are also very good. 
Where: 25 Ditchling Road, BN1 4SB 
Book now: Glazed

Happy Maki 

vegan sushi

What: If your idea of a good time involves gazing out over the seafront as you munch on vegan sushi burritos, then today’s your lucky day. Happy Maki serves up a vibrant array of sushi burritos and sushi bowls, with creations such as Popcorn Cauli made with tempura cauliflower, veg and teriyaki or sweet chilli sauce, and Beet and Basil Satay featuring beetroot, peanuts, veg and a satay sauce. 
Where: 23 Sydney Street, BN1 4EN
Book now: Happy Maki

Kusaki

the interior of Kusaki (left), and vegan sushi roll (right)

What: Vegan food in Brighton has always had plenty to offer and now we're adding sushi platters to that list with these offerings from Kusaki. Named for the Japanese word for plants, that idea covers every aspect of this restaurant from the botanical decor complete with an indoor blossom tree to the menus of 100% plant-based cuisine. Lunch and dinner menus are both available here, offering platters designed to share with nori seaweed and sticky rice wrapped around fillings such as turmeric tofu and smoked carrot or chickpea tartare with soy and pickled ginger. Larger plates are also available, allowing diners to enjoy the likes of roasted kabocha squash ramen or miso celeriac steak with wafu dressing and crispy leeks.
Where: 5-6 Circus Parade, BN1 4GW
Book now: Kusaki

Purezza 

Vegan pizzas

What: First opened in 2015 (and having since spawned a handful of locations), Purezza is an entirely vegan pizzeria which makes its plant-based creations using sourdough bases and crazily-delicious vegan mozzarella. You'll find the likes of black truffle, four cheese and bbq bourbon pizzas up for grabs, while this particular Brighton site also offers an all-day small plates menu for happy grazing. Pop by during the day to enjoy vegan meatballs in a tomato sauce, Caesar salad and baked aubergine parmigiana.
Where: 12 St. James's Street, BN2 1RE
Book now: Purezza 

What The Pitta 

Vegan gyros from What the Pitta

What: Vegan and kebab aren’t typically two words that go together, but that’s exactly what is served at What The Pitta. Diners can opt for a vegan doner kebab, gyros, mezze box or chipbox, as well as plenty of plant-based ‘chicken’ options, too. It's a great choice if you're a fan of the fake meat trend, and we often turn to this fast food joint for a quick, easy and always delicious meal.
Where: 14 East Street, BN1 1HP
Book now: What The Pitta

Beelzebab

Vegan hot dog and kebab

What: Beelzebab doesn’t mess around when it comes to vegan fast food. Occupying a corner of the Hope & Ruin pub, its vegan doners, hot dogs and loaded fries are all the more enticing after a couple of pints. The Beelzebab, for example, is a vegan doner kebab which sees seitan stuffed inside a white or wholemeal pitta bread with fresh veg, homemade tzatziki and chilli sauce. Elsewhere, ‘Dirty Kraut’ tofu hot dogs and chicken-style wings are bound to hit the spot. Available to eat in or takeaway.
Where: 11-12 Queens Road, BN1 3WA
Book now: Beelzebab

Restaurants with vegan options in Brighton

Totally vegan? Kind-of vegan? Not really sure what you're doing? Whatever your dietary preference, these restaurants cater for all with plenty of vegan-friendly menus and dishes. 

Terre à Terre 

vegan snacks on a plate

What: Terre à Terre is still very much a mainstay of Brighton’s vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene - and has been for the last 30 years. There are a huge number of vegan options to delight on the menu, but we recommend opting for the Terre à Tapas platter, which includes a little bit of everything. Look out for the We are the Champignons, a crispy potato, onion and garlic rosti topped with oyster and shimeji mushrooms. Further highlights include steamed rice buns stuffed with Szechuan marinated halloumi and bok choy with kimchi, a miso chilli sauce and pickled daikon radish. And all just a stone's throw from Brighton beach.
Where: 71 East Street, BN1 1HQ
Book now: Terre à Terre

Manju’s 

Food spread at Manju's

What: Manju’s serves up home-cooked Indian food inspired by the cuisine of Gujarat, where all of the dishes are vegetarian and most of them are vegan. Don’t expect any tikka or korma dishes here! The menu features a selection of tasty sharing plates, with things like samosa chaat (smashed samosas, chickpeas, chutneys), dal mahkani (mushroom and spinach curry, cumin rice, salad and masala corn) and Manju’s bhajia (potato fritters, roasted pepper and tomato chutney) all up for grabs. 80-something-year-old Manju and daughter Dipali comprise the kitchen team, so you can guarantee every single dish is properly authentic and made with a lot of passion.  
Where: 6 Trafalgar Street, BN1 4EQ  
Book now: Manju's

The Bok Shop 

Fried chicken at Bok Shop

What: Inspired by London fried chicken culture and founded in Brighton, The Bok Shop is a fried chicken and vegan fried chikn joint serving tasty, comforting and ethically-produced street food. The menu features loads of outrageous creations – we’re talking a Hot as Cluck burger finished with fiery bokadoosh sauce, Asian slaw, mint, coriander and pickled chilli, as well as Goku wings coated in a Japanese style sauce with sesame and spring onion – most of which can be made vegan. A satisfying spot if you’re after something a little bit naughty.  
Where: 3-4 East Street, BN1 1HP 
Book now: The Bok Shop

Food for Friends 

Vegan dish at Food for Friends

What: Brighton’s original vegetarian restaurant, Food For Friends, has been impressing meat-free diners since 1981. The menu here draws inspiration from across the globe and changes often, but you can always expect to find plentiful vegan options - think beetroot tartare with spanish and nutmeg puree, and a celeriac, truffle and hazelnut wellington with seasonal greens and a celeriac puree.
Where: 17-18 Prince Albert Street, BN1 1HF
Book now: Food For Friends

Taquitos Casazul 

vegan dishes from taquitos casazul

What: This family-run joint is all about authentic Mexican flavours, affordable prices and a zero-waste approach to cooking. We’re on board! The menu features a host of tasty tacos, over half of which are vegan, including Tacos de Chile Colorado made with mushrooms and a roasted chilli sauce, and Tacos de Cochinita with marinated oyster mushrooms and pickled onions. Plus, all sides are £2.50! 
Where: 21 Marshalls Row, BN1 4JU
Book now: Taquitos Casazul

Market Restaurant

Vegan dish at Market Restaurant

What: Market Restaurant is an authentic Spanish tapas bar located in the Brunswick and Adelaide district of Hove, and while meat and cheese does play a fairly integral role to its menu, there are a ton of really exciting, vegan dishes on there, too! Kick off with a classic - padron peppers with sea salt and sherry vinegar - before tucking into the likes of smoked cashew croquetas with orange emulsion, patatas nuevas with green sauce and garlic, and tenderstem broccoli with maple tahini, salsa macha and almonds.
Where: 42 Western Road, BN3 1JD
Book now: Market Restaurant

La Choza 

Food at La Choza

What: Intimate Mexican restaurant La Choza was an instant hit with Brighton’s bohemian crowds when it first opened up back in 2012 and the restaurant is still going strong. Vegan diners can join in on the fun thanks to inventive dishes such as plant-based chorizo and black turtle beans with roasted vegetables. Do note that it operates a relaxed ‘turn up and eat’ policy, so you may need to join a virtual queue during its busiest times! 
Where: 36 Gloucester Road, BN1 4AQ
Book now: La Choza

17 Grams

17 Grams brunch dish

What: Although not an exclusively vegan restaurant, much of 17 Grams' menu is free of meat and there are plenty of vegan options available. The restaurant specialises in all-day brunch, with plant-based options to choose from including avocado on toast with smoked garlic and lime pesto, banana pancakes with toasted salted hazelnuts, and a vegan fry up.
Where: 12d Meeting House Lane, BN1 1HB
Book now: 17 Grams

Planet India 

Planet India dish

What: Family-run Planet India serves what’s known as a ‘pure vegetarian’ menu (which means eggs are excluded alongside meat and fish) and subsequently, the majority of the menu here is vegan. You can begin with vegan versions of popular Indian snacks such as onion bhajis and samosas, before moving on to Planet India’s range of curries - think sweetcorn and patra or mixed vegetable varieties.
Where: 4 Richmond Parade, BN2 9PH
Book now: Planet India

Honest Burgers

Burger at Honest burgers

What: Ok, so it’s true that Honest Burgers is known for its meat and cheese laden buns, as evidenced by the picture above. The burger joint does also offer a handful of vegan options though, making it an ideal pick for when you’ve got both vegan and meat-eating diners to cater for. The signature meat-free burger features a plant-based patty topped with vegan cheese, chipotle vegan mayonnaise, mustard, onion, pickles and lettuce, of course paired with Honest Burger’s famous rosemary salted chips.
Where: 8 Duke Street, BN1 1AH
Book now: Honest Burgers

The Prince George 

Interiors at The Prince George

What: One of only a few 100% vegetarian pubs in the UK, The Prince George has rightfully made a name for itself thanks to its tempting menu of veggie dishes. Plus, all its mains can be made vegan if preferred! Look out for global favourites like nachos topped with homemade guacamole and pickled jalapenos, a jerk mushroom burger and celeriac steak with peppercorn sauce and chips.
Where: 5 Trafalgar Street, BN1 4EQ
Book now: The Prince George

The Chilli Pickle 

The Chilli Pickle food spread

What: Indian cuisine naturally lends itself to vegetarian and vegan diets, so it’s no surprise that The Chilli Pickle’s menu features a handful of plant-based options. On your next visit, try the likes of the hot and sour aubergine curry, washed down with one of The Chilli Pickle’s fun house cocktails, such as a Ginger Old Fashioned or a spicy Bloody Mary.
Where: 17 Jubilee Street, BN1 2ED
Book now: The Chilli Pickle

Moshimo 

Sushi at Moshimo

What: Sushi restaurant Moshimo is big on sustainability, which in turn means much of the restaurant’s menu is vegan-friendly. On your visit, you’ll come across the likes of plant-based sashimi, vegan tempura and sushi rolls stuffed with vegan crab, tuna or salmon. Colour coded dishes help to distinguish which dishes are completely plant-based with vegan wines available too, to help you wash it all down.
Where: Optikon, Bartholomew Square, BN1 1JS
Book now: Moshimo

Looking to get boozy on the weekend? Check out our pick of Brighton’s best bottomless brunches

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