The best vegan restaurants in Manchester

Having made appearances on Netflix and BBC2, Wholesome Junkies is one of the best-known vegan eateries in Manchester. Housed in a brick railway arch, it's a bold and modern spot with outdoor seating. This place serves plant-based brunch dishes, Sunday roasts, and indulgent gourmet burgers. Catering is available too.

Award-winning vegan and gluten-free pizza is on the menu at Purezza. There's an inclusive selection of pizzas and small plates, as well as options for kids and pets. Cocktails are served too. The setting is contemporary and cool, featuring plants and pops of colour along with brickwork.

Ranked in 2023 as one of the best vegan restaurants in the world, The Allotment is a must-visit for vegan diners in Manchester. Colourful and creative global recipes are served here, ranging from creamy laksa to jackfruit tacos. The space has a rustic and Mediterranean feel, with tiled floors, deep green walls, and plenty of leafy plants.

Vegan Shack offers a fresh new take on fast food. These bold eateries have a striking white, black, and green colour scheme, and are casual counter service spots. There's a small breakfast menu but later on it's all about vegan burgers, wraps, and salads. Meal deals are available as well, plus there are sweet shakes and desserts like churros.

With a couple of locations in Manchester, Herbivorous is a sought-after venue for vegan food, including a street food stall and a restaurant. The style here is modern, bold, and colourful. Modern American dishes are on the menu, made from scratch with local ingredients. Expect vegan versions of cheesesteaks, burgers, and creamy mac and cheese.

Try out imaginative fusion dumplings that are also entirely plant-based at Desert Island Dumplings, located within Afflecks. This modern and inventive eatery has a big buzz around it, offering dumplings with creative fillings like cheeseburger, all-day breakfast, and dessert fillings. Noodles and chips are available to complete a meal.

Manchester's vegan diners don't have to miss out on kebabs thanks to What the Pitta. This modern fast-food spot has striking street art on the outside and a friendly and casual atmosphere. Vegan kebabs, gyros, and mezze boxes are available. The restaurant displays the carbon footprint of each dish in a bid to encourage sustainable dining. 

Lotus Plant Based Kitchen serves vegan versions of traditional Chinese dishes. Initially it was a vegetarian restaurant but later switched to serve only plant-based food. Diners are free to BYOB. The menu includes dim sum, noodles, and dishes made with imitation meats. The dining space is straightforward and well-lit, with friendly service.

Vegan comfort food is on the menu at Little Aladdin. This well-established restaurant is compact and bustling; sometimes it's a struggle to get a table. Gluten-free and nut-free curries are served here, as well as biryanis, wraps, and burgers. This restaurant might be old-school but it continues to be a popular destination in the Northern Quarter.

Urmston's Ortica Italian Plant Based is an independent and family-run plant-based restaurant and deli. You can buy treats to take home or sit in the contemporary restaurant space for a meal. This friendly venue has a rustic but sleek style. The menu includes light breakfast choices plus Roman-style pinsa, lasagne, and nibbles.

Falafel fans in Manchester head to Go Falafel, with a number of locations around the city. These modern counter service restaurants are casual and offer a completely vegan menu. Try your falafel in a wrap, salad, or platter, paired with sides like tabouleh or vine leaves. Health-conscious juices and smoothies are available here as well.

Takeaway-only venue Vegan Green Kitchen Chinese serves plant-based versions of Chinese takeaway favourites. Diners can expect generous portions of familiar dishes here. Vegetables and imitation meats are used to create vegan recipes like chow mein, sweet and sour dishes, and Chinese-style curries for diners to savour at home.