8 Vegan Restaurants To Try In Manchester That Even Meat-Eaters Will Love

Vegan food is no longer reserved for those who lead an animal-product free lifestyle. In fact, it’s become so accessible, it’s become more of a cuisine in itself. From pizzas that lose literally no flavour for their lack of cheese, to burgers that could mistake even the biggest meat-eaters among us, we’ve rounded up the very best vegan spots in Manchester to try.

1. The Allotment

Tucked away behind Exchange Square, The Allotment offers vegan food with a difference. Serving up fresh dishes using the best of the season’s harvest and local, sustainable growers wherever possible, not only does the food taste good but it also does good for the planet too. The menu features small plates like cauliflower wings, miso maple mushrooms and satay skewers as well as larger dishes taking influences from across the globe like tofu laksa, jackfruit tacos and sundried tomato risotto all brimming with fresh, seasonal produce. The Allotment was also voted one of the best vegan restaurants in the world this year, so you need to try it for yourself.

📍The Allotment, 1-3 Cathedral Gates, M3 1SW

2. Vegan Shack

Starting life as a result of two new vegans looking to make meat-free grub as tasty as possible, Vegan Shack has been going since 2019 – and it’s been a bit of a gamechanger for Mancs looking for plant-based fast food. Putting their own spin on naughty takeaways such as kebabs and burgers – the takeaway uses plant-based ingredients, namely soya and seitan, to capture the flavours both current and former meat-eaters already know and love.

📍Vegan Shack, One Piccadilly Gardens, M1 1RG | 184 Rochdale Road, Collyhurst, M40 7RA

3. What The Pitta

Opening up in 2021 in the Northern Quarter, What The Pitta is quite an exciting addition to the Manchester food scene – thanks to its award-winning kebabs that just so happen to be 100% vegan, too. Made with care using an old family recipe which was inspired by the flavours of Berlin, the restaurant won ‘Best Takeaway in London’ at the British Kebab Awards 2021 – and now, Mancs can enjoy them, too, at their Northern Quarter spot. Try out their classic vegan doners, tuck into a gyro, or opt for a tasty falafel wrap.

📍What The Pitta, 42 Back Turner St, M4 1FR.

4. Purezza

Becoming an instant hit just a few months into taking over the former Dough site in the Northern Quarter, Purezza serves up an all-vegan menu, with tons of tasty creations to enjoy. Designed in their very own kitchen lab, Purezza has created an array of ‘meaty’ vegan toppings for their pizzas, including plant-based N’duja, pulled pork and so much more.

📍Purezza, 75-77 High St, M4 1FS.

5. Herbivorous

Starting out with a pop-up at Hatch (RIP) then expanding to Withington, Herbivorous makes exciting, modern vegan comfort food that’s better for you and better for the planet. The vegan restaurant in Manchester has developed its own unique recipes over the years after being inspired by the vegan food scene whilst on a road trip in the USA. From Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches and loaded fries to buffalo wings and creole crab fritters (all amazingly vegan), Herbivorous offers a feast for the eyes and stomach.

📍Herbivorous, 445 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 4AN.

6. Desert Island Dumplings

Known for their unconventional dumplings made with a plant-based twist, Desert Island Dumplings has created some seriously delicious fusion flavours, ranging from ‘Cheezburger’, Smokey ‘Cheez’ Pizza, Hoisin Mock Duck, Salt and Pepper ‘Chikn’ and Lobster. The tasty treats are served alongside an array of sides, including chips with ‘cheez’ and gravy, salt and pepper hashbrowns and ‘drunk’ Teriyaki noodles, as well as delicious dessert dumplings stuffed with lemon drizzle and Lotus banoffee. Desert Island Dumplings is also currently being hosted by new speakeasy Parla under Purezza, providing late-night vegan snacks – how perfect?

📍Desert Island Dumplings, Third floor, Afflecks, 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW | Parla, Basement, 75, Under Purezza, 77 High St, Manchester M4 1FS.

7. Greens

Terrifying carnivores since 1990, Greens is an institution when it comes to vegan and vegetarian food in the Greater Manchester area. Located in Sale and co-owned by Sunday Brunch‘s Simon Rimmer, Greens serves up imaginative dishes packed full of flavour but minus the meat. Tuck into a range of small and large plates to suit how hungry you are which vary from tempura cauliflower with gochujang to truffled mushroom Wellington. Greens even offer veggie black pudding for those who might be slightly missing the real deal.

📍Greens, Unit 14-16, Stanley Square, Sale, M33 7WZ.

8. Bondi Bowls

Although not advertised as a vegan spot, Manchester’s newest healthy fast food joint straight outta Australia, Bondi Bowls, can actually be completely vegan if you so choose. All of the bowls available including the Buddha Bowl, Caesar Bowl and Indian Bowl are made up of vegan ingredients, and can be requested without sauces such as the mango yoghurt dressing and chipotle mayo. Even the sweet bowls, such as the Acai Bowl, are vegan and sound completely yummy, full of fruity and granola goodness. All bowls can be added to with extras of meat, vegan toppings of avocado or tofu, and sweetness from peanut or almond butter – the choice is yours. How nutritious and delicious!

📍Bondi Bowls, Kampus, 57 Chorlton Street, M1 3FY.