12 vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants in Manchester city centre

Sicilian NQ is well-known for its authentic meat-free cuisine. In fact, the arancini are famous. The cakes and pastries, many of which are vegan, are superb too. What’s more, in January you can enjoy 40% off Sunday to Thursday to help celebrate Veganuary.

Suki Suki Street Food & Bar is a Pan-Asian street food bar under the arches of the Great Northern Warehouse. Veg gyoza, phad thai and miso ramen with tofu and pak choi are the pick of an extensive set of meat-free options.

From the rocket, fig and goat’s cheese pizza to the tempura sprouting broccoli with chilli and almond pesto, Loom & Ladle Bistro serves vegetarian food with that extra detail taking it to the next level. Confidential Guides loves the tabbouleh salad with sesame aubergine and charred halloumi.

Lincoln Square’s traditional Cantonese restaurant, Wing’s, is an institution in the city centre. Much-loved by Premier League footballers, it’s popular with vegetarians too. There’s an entire meat free menu where you can choose from Chinese specialities like lo han dumplings and stuffed bean curd with rainbow vegetables.

Wagamama St Peter’s Square is one of Manchester’s go-to spots for a casual curry or lunchtime noodles. There are loads of iconic vegetarian options like bang bang cauliflower and yasai katsu curry. It’s quick, easy, good value, and, most importantly, good quality.

The Allotment Vegan Eatery aims to make vegetables taste better than steak. That’s quite an ask. However, the tapas-style dishes and large plates would capture the heart of a carnivore. The Tuscan butter beans are great and so is the root vegetable massaman curry. Also a standout for plant-based bottomless brunch, afternoon tea and Sunday roasts.

Bundobust is a real Northern success story. Bundobust Brewery is the second location in Manchester and the fourth in the family. It’s a welcome addition to Oxford Street with a reliable selection of Indian-style vegetarian small plates. Expect to find crisp okra fries and the iconic vada pav.

Dishoom is a legend in its own lunchtime and that’s exactly how it likes things. It’s not enough to serve up top-notch Indian dishes in grand surroundings; there’s a story behind the menu too. But when the food is this good it doesn’t need to hide behind tall tales.

Happy Seasons is a popular China Town restaurant with great food. It’s a known haunt of food and drink writers eating on their own dime. There’s a plant-based menu to keep vegetarians happy. Confidential Guides recommends the steamed vegetable crystal buns and the stir-fried aubergine in black bean sauce.

Nell’s Kampus is famous for its massive 22″ pizzas. After all, there’s no such such thing as too much pizza. But did you know, if you add together all their vegan and veggie options, they outstrip all the meaty pepperoni and the like. That’s quite a choice. Strong recommend for the Corn Supremacy and the Sidewalk with vegan ‘nduja.

You can’t move a foot in Manchester without coming across a 12″. However, Purezza is Manchester’s only purely plant-based pizza joint. Vegan cheese is often a sore point for newcomers to dairy-free dining. Rest assured Purezza’s is widely-reported to be one of the best.

Everyone’s heard of NQ backstreet gaff This & That, even if they’ve not actually found it (it’s up the ginnel by Trof’s empty barrels) – renowned for its daily changing “rice and three” meal deal and winning vegan and vegetarian choices, it’s been an institution since 1984.