17 best vegan restaurants in Manchester for plant-based dining

In case you were wondering whether there was any decent vegan food in Manchester, the answer to that is a resounding 'YES'. You see, Manchester has played an important role in the evolution of the meat-free movement. Back in 1763, one Reverend William Cowherd demanded his Salford congregation to eat a vegetarian diet - a move that sparked a conversation about vegetarianism and paved the way for the formation of the 'Vegetarian', and later, the Vegan Society.

With Manchester intrinsically linked to vegan food, there are a whole host of impressive restaurants in this city serving exciting, innovative and nourishing vegan dishes. We’re not talking about a nut roast that’s been added to a Sunday menu as an afterthought; we mean vegetable-forward places that put vegan food at the heart of what they do. And it's a good thing you've landed on this guide, because we've rounded up the very best vegan restaurants in Manchester for the next time you have a craving for plant-based food.

Following a vegan diet certainly used to have a hint of trendy-ness about it, but now, vegan food has become so popular that most restaurants incorporate dedicated vegan dishes and sections into their menus. Some people choose to take a flexitarian approach, engaging in veganism to varying degrees - perhaps they only eat non-vegan food when they’re out for dinner, or maybe they go plant-based on certain days of the week. Whatever your perspective might be on veganism, Manchester's plant-based dining scene proves that vegan food is about so much more than giving up meat and dairy. In many ways, vegan food is its own type of cuisine, offering a brand-new way of cooking and eating based around plants. 

While some of the options listed below aren’t 100% vegan, many of them do have dedicated vegan menus or a considered selection of plant-based dishes. That means, if you are dining with a group of meat-fanatics, dairy-free diets and non-meat eaters, no one will feel hard done by at any of these spots.

Whether you’re after indulgent fast food or delicate small plates, there’s never been a better time to try vegan food, and where better than the city that started it all? Take a look at the restaurants in Manchester that offer game-changing vegan food, then go ahead and book one today. 

Best vegan fast food in Manchester

Vegan food can be virtuous, yes, but it can also be gloriously indulgent. For those days when you're craving a really dirty burger or something doused in (vegan) mayo, these fast food favourites serve up some of the finest comfort food. 

Wholesome Junkies 

What: Wholesome Junkies initially found fame through its delicious vegan burgers, merging fast food with vegan ingredients. While their loaded burgers remain, they have expanded their menu to include everything from mac 'n' cheese to tom yum coconut ramen. Billed as 'vegan junk food', the new Northern Quarter location is bright, vibrant and full of character. 
Dish to order: Korean burger
Where: Unit 4 Mirabel Street, M3 1PJ
Book now: Wholesome Junkies

Purezza

What: If you're browsing Purezza's menu looking for a vegan meal, you might think you've come to the wrong place. Peppered with meatballs, mac 'n' cheese and spicy pepperoni pizza, their offering reads like a meat-lovers dream. But don't be fooled, Purezza is 100% vegan. There are plenty of vegetable toppings too, like the veggie pizza which features grilled artichokes, olives, wild mushrooms and smoked beetroot. Their tiramisu is also dubbed as 'legendary' so save room for that!
Dish to order: Lasagne piccante pizza
Where: 77 High Street, M4 1DH 
Book now: Purezza 

Best vegan restaurants in Manchester

If you're under the impression that all vegan food is the same, these restaurants will prove that theory wrong. Below, discover innovative curry houses, elegant dinner spots and a seriously good Sicilian restaurant.

Dishoom

What: Having found success with multiple outposts in London, Dishoom opened its doors to Mancunians in 2019. This all-day eatery is known for its bright, bold flavours and colourful plates, delivering the food of Bombay from breakfast to dinner. Much of its menu is vegan and their dedicated vegan menu spans multiple options at any time of day. Kick off with chole puri (chickpeas and pickles with fried bread) or date and banana porridge. Later, discover their gunpowder potatoes and tandoori chaat. If you're looking for a vegan meal with depth, variety and vibrancy, look no further than Dishoom. 
Dish to order: The Vegan Bombay Breakfast
Where: 32 Bridge Street, M3 3BT
Book now: Dishoom

Maray

What: Inspired by the cultural melting pot of Le Marais in Paris, Maray is a vegetable-forward restaurant influenced by Middle Eastern flavours. While the main menu features a handful of meat and fish dishes, it also has a dedicated vegan menu, making it ideal for groups comprised of meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike. Mezze plates offer hummus and warm pitta, while small plates include oyster mushroom shawarma, braised carrots and fattoush. Don't worry, they haven't forgotten about dessert - vegan salted chocolate ganache is up for grabs. 
Dish to order: Disco cauliflower
Where: 14 Brazennose Street, M2 6LW
Book now: Maray

Blanchflower

What: With sites in Sale and Altrincham, Blanchflower has quickly become one of Greater Manchester's most loved brunch spots. A bakery-cum-kitchen, Blanchflower operates on a walk-ins only basis and makes everything in-house. From breakfast to lunch, vegans are well looked after here. Kick off the morning with maple granola and vegan yogurt, or opt for their vegan breakfast with smashed tofu, sweetcorn fritter and potato rosti. Later in the day, choose from roast cauliflower steak, or hummus and harissa roast aubergine on house focaccia. 
Dish to order: The Blanchflower vegan breakfast
Where: 12-14 Shaws Road, WA14 4EF; 48-49 Stanley Square, M33 7XZ
Book now: Blanchflower Altrincham; Blanchflower Sale

Pho 

What: Variety is the spice of life and Pho has both variety and spice! With customisable levels of heat and a wide range of vegan dishes, there's something to suit everyone here. Their signature is, of course, pho and vegans can opt for tofu and button mushrooms, hot and spicy vegan chicken, or their 'super green' blend of morning glory, green beans and pak choi. And there's more - stir-fried Chinese leaf, curry noodle soup and wok-fried rice are just a handful of the other vegan dishes on offer here. 
Dish to order: Shittake and Thai basil fried rice
Where: The Corn Exchange, M4 3TR 
Book now: Pho 

The Allotment

What: The Allotment is a totally vegan eatery that takes its grub seriously. Expect beautifully-crafted, colourful plates that place vegetables front and centre: go for miso butter roast cabbage, jackfruit char siu bao buns or homemade sweet potato gnocchi. On Sundays, it does a mean Sunday roast featuring their butternut squash roast with all the trimmings and if you want something boozier, they do a great mimosa-fuelled bottomless brunch. 
Dish to order: Cauliflower wings (in their secret sauce recipe!)
Where: 18/22 Lloyd Street, M2 5WA 
Book now: The Allotment

This & That

What: Somewhat of an enigma, This & That cafe is tucked down an alleyway in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter. It specialises in 'rice 'n' three curries', with a rotating selection of curry dishes that change daily. Meat and fish options are on offer as well as three vegetable-based curries, ensuring there's always something for veggies and vegans. They use a real mix of plant-based ingredients, ranging from lentils to cabbage, and with these homemade recipes changing every day, you might find this place becomes a regular lunch spot. 
Dish to order: Daal
Where: 3 Soap Street, M4 1EW
Book now: This & That

Bundobust  

What: Bundobust isn’t exclusively vegan, but it is totally veggie and includes an impressive array of vegan options. The vegan combo for two features cobis nu shack (shredded cabbage), okra fries, sprout bhajis and more, while other vegan dishes include lentil curry dhal, chickpea and spinach stew, and fried potato patties. The sharing-style restaurant also has outposts in Leeds and Liverpool and is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in Manchester. It's not exclusively vegan, but with this many vegan options, it might as well be! 
Dish to order: Bhaji butty - £1 from every order goes to charity!
Where: 61 Piccadilly, M1 2AG 
Book now: Bundobust 

Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Kitchen 

What: Another vegetarian Indian restaurant and this time, we're trading modern combo-style cuisine with traditional, authentic recipes. Lily's has been around since 1972 and is known for its value and variety. With virtually half its menu being vegan, there's boundless delicious dishes to choose from here. From super snacks to street chaats, the only problem you'll face at Lily's is having to choose between so many enticing options. 
Dish to order: Masala chips
Where: 75-83 Oldham Road, OL6 7DF 
Book now: Lily’s vegetarian Indian Kitchen 

Sanskruti

What: Sanskruti claims to be the first vegetarian Indian restaurant in Manchester, having opened back in 2013. But who got there first hardly matters when the food is this delicious. Almost all of its dishes are vegan, with plates ranging from street food snacks to Southern Indian specialities. Classics like tandoori paneer tikka and daal makhani are in abundance and there are also some less obvious numbers like, babycorn salt and pepper and crispy puris, to really spice things up. 
Dish to order: Sev puri
Where: 95 Mauldeth Road,M14 6SR
Book now: Sanskruti

Mowgli 

What: Indian street food restaurant Mowgli offers a dedicated vegan menu that features plenty of signature dishes. Try the famous Mowgli chip butty or opt for the refreshing watermelon chat. If you want a bit of everything, the street tiffin for one gives you a taste of their most iconic dishes - picnic potato curry, temple dahl, roti bread and more. Now with outposts all over the UK, there’s a reason this restaurant has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. 
Dish to order: Vegan yogurt chat bombs
Where: 16, 37 Corn Exchange, M4 3TR 
Book now: Mowgli

Go Falafel Piccadilly

What: The ultimate vegan meal: falafel. Go Falafel has been serving the streets of Manchester since 2012, specialising in fresh, flavourful falafel. With multiple locations across Manchester, London and Liverpool, this place has become a bit of a fan favourite, especially for an on-the-go lunch. Its falafel bowls can be customised with sundried tomatoes, hummus and more depending on your preference. 
Dish to order: Falafel pitta
Where: Various locations
Book now: Go Falafel

Lotus Plant Based Kitchen

What: Going vegan doesn’t have to mean missing out on your favourite cuisines, as Lotus Plant Based Kitchen proves with its entirely vegan Chinese menu. Inspired by pan-Asian flavours, you'll find all your favourites on here, including crispy won tons, spring rolls, hot ‘n’ sour soup, pad thai, and ‘duck’ chow mein. Just take a seat inside the Withington restaurant, order as much as you possibly can (if you’re anything like us), and tuck into a vegan Chinese feast!
Dish to order: Red chilli dumplings
Where: 536 Wilmslow Road, M20 4BY
Book now: Lotus Plant Based Kitchen

Ortica Italian Plant Based

What: You might think Italian is a cuisine that’s hard to veganise – cheese is a staple in a lot of Italian dishes. But Ortica Italian Plant Based in Urmston shows that not only is vegan Italian food possible, but it can be done very, very well. With a menu crafted and cooked by an Italian family who moved to the UK in 2017, you’re getting authentic dishes and flavours at Ortica. There’s focaccia, lasagna, gnocchi, and a gorgeous range of pizzas ready and waiting to fulfil all your Italian cravings.
Dish to order: Gnocchi calabrese
Where: 70 Flixton Road, M41 5AB
Book now: Ortica Italian Plant Based

The Elnecot 

What: No, The Elnecot isn’t a vegan restaurant, but its vegan dishes absolutely deserve a place on this list. This neighbourhood spot serves British plates, including British burrata with summer tomatoes, roasted courgette with lentils, caponata and feta, and sweet potato fritters with romesco - all are, you guessed it, vegan! Serving everything from brunch to Sunday roasts, The Elnecot is a great one to know about. 
Dish to order: Carrots carrots carrots
Where: 41 Blossom Street, Cutting Room Square, M4 6AJ
Book now: The Elnecot

Sicilian NQ

What: A slice of Sicily in Manchester's Northern Quarter, this friendly, neighbourhood bistro is a real crowd-pleaser. From street food to pasta, plenty of the  menu is vegan-friendly. Bruschetta with freshly chopped tomatoes and basil pesto acts as a light snack, while pea protein ragu with vegan bechemel and cheese is a rich treat. Dishes like pistachio pesto gnocchi and garlic focaccia can also be easily altered to be vegan. And don't miss their famous arancino!
Dish to order: Arancino pistacchio
Where: 14 Turner Street, M4 1DZ
Book now: Sicilian NQ

The diversity and quality of vegan food in Manchester is a testament to how dynamic and exciting this way of eating can be. Whether you're a strict vegan or just looking to try something new, there's something for everyone in this guide to Manchester's plant-based food scene. And if you're not already suitably hungry from reading about all these delicious vegan restaurants, take a look at our list of the best Italian restaurants in Manchester or our run-down of Manchester's best vegetarian restaurants.