Ask anyone who lives in Bristol and they’ll tell you - Bristol is a fantastic city for vegan food, easily one of the best places to be vegan in the UK. You may think we’re exaggerating, but it’s true, and what’s more, it makes sense - this traditionally liberal, environment-conscious and progressive city has been well ahead of the vegan curve for years now, so it’s no surprise that there are exceptional vegan options all over the city.
We’re not just talking about your standard plant-based burgers and whatnot - a few of the city's vegan hot spots are genuinely among the best restaurants in Bristol. Take the innovative waterside small-plates at Root, for example - Rob Howell’s clever, plant-focused cooking has quickly become a Bristol favourite, with tables in the shipping container-turned restaurants becoming rather hard to come by. The same can be said of Poco Tapas, which serves a dedicated vegan and vegetarian set menu for just £27 - a price that would have Londoners sobbing and checking First Great Western train prices.
That said, Bristol does a pretty great plant-based burger too. Head on over to Om Burger for burgers and dirty fries, or check out the original Oowee Vegan on Baldwin Street, home of the crispy chick’n burger and waffle fries that we just can’t stop eating.
Bristol has plenty more to offer too, including vegan cafes, Persian vegan mezze and contemporary plant-based cuisine, all at typically affordable prices. One thing is for sure, vegans in Bristol have their pick of good places to eat, and it won’t hit you too hard in the wallet either.
So, want to know where to find the best vegan food in Bristol? Scroll on down and remember, you can book a table simply by clicking on the book now links.
Best vegan restaurants in Bristol
Poco Tapas
What: A champion of nose-to-tail and root-to-fruit cooking, Poco Tapas is understandably popular in Bristol, with a serious cult following that often packs out the restaurant. Menus change regularly so you can come back here often and eat an entirely new menu. Not only that, the seasonal root-to-fruit set menu is available as vegetarian or vegan, and at £27 a head, it’s remarkable value for some really excellent cooking.
Where: 45 Jamaica Street, BS2 8JP
Book now: Poco Tapas
The Thali Café
What: The Thali Cafe has long been supplying Easton residents with great vegan and vegetarian India food, both in the colourful restaurant and via takeaway in tiffin boxes. The Thali isn’t exclusively vegan, but about half the menu is suitable for vegans, making this a great option if you’re in the area. Grab a bowl of chana masala chickpea curry and some fresh chapatis off the tava grill and walk away happy.
Where: 64-66 St Marks Road, BS5 6JH
Book now: The Thali Café Bristol
Root
What: Don’t underestimate what you can whip up in a cargo container - Root in Wapping Wharf is unquestionably one of Bristol’s very best restaurants. Root isn’t strictly vegan, but chef Rob Howell presides over a menu that shines a light primarily on plant-based dishes like tempura spring onions with sweet chilli; jerk carrots with apricot ketchup; and roast beetroot with fermented honey and walnut butter. Matching the foodie line-up is an enterprising drinks list with strong green connections – as you might expect in Bristol.
Where: Unit 9 Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6WP
Book now: Root
Purezza
What: With sites in Bristol, Manchester, London and Brighton, Purezza’s vegan pizzas have shown plenty of staying power. This was one of the first chains to develop its own plant-based mozzarella, and to start using vegan alternatives that actually taste great. The Bristol site is popular for a reason - Bristolians know good vegan food, and Purezza pizzas are just that.
Where: 79-81 Gloucester Road, BS7 8AS
Book now: Purezza Bristol
Flow
What: Bristol is a great city for vegan basics - burgers and the like - but Flow fills a niche for those looking for more diverse, innovative plant-based cooking. Chef and owner Jen Williams grows most of her produce on her nearby allotment, and sources the rest sustainably, before whipping up smart dishes like aubergine with sesame, pickled kohlrabi, tahini and peaches, and forest mushrooms with fino sherry, jacket potato gnocchi and blackcurrants.
Where: 8a Haymarket Walk, BS1 3LN
Book now: Flow
Cafe Kino
What: Vegan cafe, vegan deli and community hub, Cafe Kino is the beating heart of Stokes Croft, stocking a load of plant-based goodies and serving some cracking vegan breakfasts, burgers and desserts into the bargain. Kino started life as a vegan caterer, but these days the cafe runs as a not-for-profit - there’s even an event space downstairs that hosts workshops and music events.
Where: 108 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RU
Book now: Cafe Kino
Om Burger
What: From the team behind Burger Theory comes Om Burger - a vegan joint that applies Burger Theory’s innovative approach to plant-based fast food. That might sound a bit cliche, but Om’s burgers and loaded fries have been a big hit in Bristol since it first landed in Stokes Croft. Our order? Try the Mac 11 with burger sauce, chipotle mayo and crispy onions and back it up with an order of K-Pop fries.
Where: 54 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QU
Book now: Om Burger
Koocha Mezze Bar
What: A long time fan favourite on Cheltenham Road near Montpelier, Koocha’s vegan mezze dishes are beloved by Bristol’s knowledgeable vegan community. Koocha was one of the city’s first exclusively vegan restaurants, and it remains one of the most popular in Bristol. The colourful interiors are nice too, and you can get takeaway via Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
Where: 203B Cheltenham Road, BS6 5QX
Book now: Koocha Mezze Bar
Eden Cafe Clifton
What: In amongst the towering Georgian mansions and quaint streets of Clifton, Eden Cafe does a good trade in vegan pittas, sourdough sandwiches, burritos and kebabs. The desserts are good too, particularly the Sydney-inspired vegan banana bread. This is also one of the few places in Bristol that serves a dedicated vegan afternoon tea, complete with cocktails and prosecco if you so choose.
Where: 10 Waterloo Street, BS8 4BT
Book now: Eden Cafe Clifton
Oowee Vegan Baldwin Street
What: Oowee Vegan Baldwin Street is ground zero for this beloved vegan fast food chain, which also has a couple of successful outlets in London now. There’s plenty on the menu to satisfy anyone, but we’re suckers for the fried chick’n burgers (especially the Flamin’ Hot Clucker) and the waffle-like dirty fries are a must-order too.
Where: 65 Baldwin Street, BS1 1QZ
Book now: Oowee Vegan Baldwin Street
Planning a trip to nearby Bath? Check out our roundup of all the best restaurants in Bath, or get an early bus and grab a table at one of Bath’s best brunch spots.