The Best Vegan Restaurants in Manchester for Eating Plants

I happened upon Manchester’s vegan restaurants scene a little randomly. I saw an amazing tattoo artist on Instagram, thought to myself I’d never been to that part of the UK, and, because I do stuff like that, booked an appointment and a flight the same day. If you’re interested, the result is in my vegan tattoo article. I got to go back often for the follow-up sessions (it’s a full back piece), which meant plenty of time to eat my way through the Manchester vegan food scene.

You can check out my Manchester accommodation and Manchester thrift stores guides if you’re staying in the city for a bit.

Much to my delight and surprise, I found there are more vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Manchester than you can shake a stick at, whether you’re fully committed to a vegan diet or just curious. Delicious vegan food – vegan burgers, small plates, junk food, vegan cheese, fine vegan dining, vegan diners, in short: something for everyone and for all taste buds.

Fun fact: a man called William Cowherd (that’s a little ironic…) who was a minister of Greater Manchester in the 18th century was also one of the forerunners of what would become the Vegetarian Society. So there you go: the plant-based diet has its roots in Manchester, I had no idea. No wonder there are so many amazing vegan restaurants in Manchester.

Last updated: August 2026. I’ve personally eaten at every restaurant on this list, and I update it whenever something changes.

A quick note before you dive in: not every place below is 100% vegan. A few are vegan-friendly restaurants with genuinely excellent plant-based options rather than fully vegan kitchens, and I’ve made that clear for each one. So if you’re wondering where to eat vegan in Manchester, whatever your dietary requirements, you’re in the right place.

The Best Vegan Restaurants in Manchester for Eating Plants

Here are my favorite places for vegan food in Manchester. As it changes often and fast, I’d love to hear from you if you notice something has closed or something is missing!

You can also use my handy Google maps here (there are some thrift stores in there too!).

My favorite vegan restaurants in Manchester at a glance

Lotus Plant Based Kitchen: vegan Chinese and Asian cuisine, Withington, 100% vegan.

Wholesome Junkies: vegan burgers and junk food, 100% vegan.

Chez Mal: vegan fine dining in a fancy hotel brasserie, vegan-friendly.

Bundobust: Indian street food, city centre, vegan-friendly.

Ortica Italian Plant Based: vegan pasta and pizza, 100% vegan.

Purezza: vegan pizza, Northern Quarter, 100% vegan.

Little Aladdin: cheap vegan curries, city centre, 100% vegan.

Maray: Middle Eastern small plates, Northern Quarter, vegan-friendly.

Fuel Cafe Bar: casual brunch and comfort food, Withington, 100% vegan.

Fuel Cafe Bar

Fuel Cafe Bar on Wilmslow Road in Withington is one of my favorite additions to the Manchester vegan food spots in recent years. It hits that sweet spot between casual neighborhood hang and proper food destination, with a relaxed atmosphere that works just as well for a lazy day brunch as it does for a quick lunch. The kitchen delivers consistently good menu items at prices that won’t make you wince, and staff are happy to talk you through dietary requirements if you ask. The portion size is generous (their burritos are genuinely massive!) and everything feels thoughtfully prepared rather than rushed. The upstairs live music adds character without overwhelming the downstairs dining space. It’s one of those places that feels authentically community-focused rather than trying to be trendy, with a welcoming environment that few neighborhood spots actually pull off.

Lotus Plant Based Kitchen

Sometimes you stumble into places that remind you what genuine hospitality feels like. Lotus Plant Based Kitchen, just off Wilmslow Road in Withington, is one of those gems. The service felt less like a transaction and more like being welcomed into someone’s living room. The food is made with super fresh ingredients, and the menu items range across Chinese and wider Asian cuisine classics done entirely plant based, with a portion size that means you’ll want a few visits to try everything. Their vegan interpretations feel honest rather than performative. The space itself is intimate without being cramped, the kind of atmosphere that makes solo dining feel less lonely and group meals more connected. Worth the visit, worth bringing the skeptics.

Wholesome Junkies

Wholesome Junkies has moved on from its old Arndale Market stall and now has a proper permanent home behind Victoria Station, at 4 Mirabel Street. It’s an all-vegan Manchester spot serving fast food, mostly burgers, loaded fries and wings, plus the Korean soul bowl I had on my last visit, which was genuinely delicious. The vibe is cosy and playful, with board games like Jenga and Boggle on the tables and outdoor seating for sunny days. It’s not trying to be clever, it’s just food, made well, with menu items that change up enough to make repeat visits worth it. Follow them on social media before you go, since specials come and go fast.

Chez Mal

Chez Mal Brasserie, in the trendy Malmaison hotel, is the place to go if you’re accompanied by omnivores. They’ve recently revamped their vegan menu, and the offering is quite amazing. Items such as a lightly curried sweet potato and pear soup, a toasted fregola pasta, or a roasted cauliflower and almond korma will warm your little vegan heart. Fans of garlic and truffle, do get started with the filled mushroom and red onion crostini, it is stunning. Staff are used to handling dietary requirements without a fuss, and if you’re marking special occasions, it’s worth calling ahead to check what they can put together. And with prices starting at £13 for a main, it is also quite affordable for such well-crafted dishes. Fancy and delicious. One of the nicest vegan-friendly restaurant options in Manny.

Bundobust

The OG Indian Street Food & Craft Beer bar, combining modern Indian sharing spreads with award-winning craft beers from Bundobust Brewery with their signature casual, lively vibe. It’s really yummy and a lot of the menu items are vegan, there are two locations, I preferred the one on Oxford Road. Super friendly staff too, one of my top picks in the city center for a relaxed evening. Oh, and follow them on social media or sign up to their newsletter ahead of visiting for free okra fries!

Ortica Italian Plant Based

An all-vegan Italian restaurant in the heart of Manchester was not on my bingo card, but there it surely is! Here you’ll find great food and only great food, especially a great choice of fresh pasta. It’s a family-run place, they are super friendly and fun, the menu items feel genuinely authentic, and the food is full of real flavour. Not sure what their dairy alternatives are especially for the vegan mozzarella, but it’s super delicious food with a super lovely welcoming environment, amazing pizza (try the black truffle pizza!). There’s even a vegan tiramisu if you have a sweet tooth.

Purezza Manchester

I already knew Purezza from Brighton, so I knew it would be good. The first vegan pizzeria in Manchester, Purezza delivers on the promise most vegan pizza places make but rarely keep: actual good pizza that happens to be plant-based, not plant-based food masquerading as pizza. Start with the dough balls if they’re on the menu, they’re a great way to kick things off before the main event. The sourdough base has that proper chew, and their cheese game is stronger than most dairy versions I remember. What impressed me most was watching non-vegan friends genuinely enjoy themselves rather than politely pretending. A necessary pit stop for all plant-based foodies!

Little Aladdin

Sometimes ya just need food that feels like a warm cozy hug. Little Alladin delivers exactly that: just an unpretentious corner spot where good value meets genuine flavor, in a welcoming environment that never feels rushed. The rice and three curries deal for £7.99 is ridiculously good value, especially given the portion size. Their take on comfort classics like vegan doner kebabs won’t fool anyone into thinking it’s the greasy original, but it doesn’t need to. The space is small and gets busy during lunch rush, but that’s the price of being both good and affordable near the city center. It’s the kind of place that proves vegan food doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated to be satisfying. A great spot for when you want something filling that won’t break the bank.

Maray

Maray is a mostly vegetarian and vegan place with a few animal products. The disco cauliflower and falafel sharer are particular standouts. The space gets lively, which adds energy but can make conversation tricky. Tables feel a bit cramped when you’re sharing multiple small plates, but that’s the price of popularity in the Northern Quarter. The mezze sharer gives you a proper taste of their menu items without committing to full portions, and the staff actually know the menu well enough to guide you toward what works. It’s pricier than some spots, but the quality justifies it. Perfect for when you want something a step above casual without feeling overly precious about it.

Manchester’s vegan scene delivers consistently good food without the usual compromises. Whether you’re after quick comfort food or something more polished, the options actually work rather than just existing to tick a box.

If you’re sticking around to explore more of what the city offers, I’ve put together guides to the best thrift stores in Manchester for when you need a break from eating and want to dig through some proper vintage finds. And if you’re planning an overnight stay, my Manchester accommodation guide covers spots that won’t drain your budget after splurging on all that good food.

The city’s worth a proper wander, especially when you know where to eat well along the way.

FAQ: Vegan Food in Manchester

Is Manchester good for vegans?

Yes, and it has been for a while. Manchester has one of the biggest vegan and vegetarian restaurant scenes in the UK outside London, plus its own slice of vegetarian history thanks to William Cowherd. You’ll find fully vegan restaurants, vegan-friendly restaurants and plenty of cafes with solid plant-based options across the city.

What are the best fully vegan restaurants in Manchester?

Lotus Plant Based Kitchen, Purezza, Ortica Italian Plant Based, Fuel Cafe Bar, Wholesome Junkies and Little Aladdin are all 100% vegan kitchens, and they’re the ones I send people to first.

Where can I find cheap vegan food in Manchester?

Little Aladdin and Wholesome Junkies are your best bet for good vegan food without spending much. Bundobust is another solid option if you’re sharing plates between a few people.

Where’s good for vegan food in Manchester city centre?

Purezza, Bundobust, Little Aladdin, Maray, Chez Mal and Wholesome Junkies are all within easy reach of the city centre, so you don’t need to trek out to the suburbs for a good meal.

Amélie

Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.