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HOME > Restaurants | Vegan City Guides | Vegan Lifestyle |

Read Time:   |  17th August 2022

Cities like London and Brighton are often seen as the best places in the UK to find vegan food, but take a trip to Manchester and you’ll discover a vibrant city filled with vegan restaurants, pubs and takeaways.

To find out which are the best vegan restaurants in Manchester, we’ve deep-dived into vegan food reviewing sites such as HappyCow, as well as asking local Manchester vegans across social media about their favourite places to eat, and why.

After all, who better to tell us which are really the best vegan restaurants than the vegan community in Manchester themselves?

The responses were enthusiastic and really go to show how passionate vegans are when it comes to great vegan food.

So, take a trip and enjoy the vast vegan food scene in Manchester as we take you on a tour of the city and show you the top-rated vegan restaurants.

If you have a sweet tooth, then look no further than Ice Shack – Manchester’s fully vegan dessert parlour.

Whether you’re in the mood for vegan ice cream, sorbet, vegan cakes and pastries, cookies, vegan doughnuts, waffles, vegan chocolate bars or truffles, you are in for a sweet treat because this place has it all, and with plenty of flavours to choose from.

Their salted caramel ice cream is a big seller, but they also offer many creative flavours such as apple pie, chocolate peanut butter cookie, rainbow sugar rush and even rosemary and liquorice.

Their cake selection also offers a plethora of options. The Oreo cake is a customer favourite, but they also have cinnamon latte cake, berry vanilla cake and strawberry Oreo cake if you’d like some variation. As a cruelty-free confectioner, your dessert will really be guilt-free!

One  HappyCow user said: “Best warned – Ice Shack will make you gain many many calories. Ice Shack has amazing vegan desserts – cakes, ice creams, smoothies, chocolate balls, cheesecakes. Plus there’s lots of games for you to have fun playing with your friends. Enjoy loads!”

Address: 1c 160-164 Wellington Rd, Manchester. 

Opening hours: Open Wed-Sat 12:00-21:00, Sun 12:00-18:00. Closed Mon-Tue. iceshack.co.uk.

The Ice Shack shopfront in Manchester. Image via Ice Shack.

Wholesome Junkies has made quite the impression as one of the most highly-rated venues in Manchester.

After building a great reputation appearing at various pop-up markets, the vegan brand is soon to open a restaurant in the early weeks of August 2022.

Visitors have been raving about the variety of menu options, as well as the delicious quality. The great and friendly staff have also received their fair share of praise to complete an all-around memorable dining experience.

The menu boasts a huge variety of vegan burgers, each with a variety of toppings and tastes to appeal to vegans and meat-eaters alike. There are also 3 different types of vegan mac ‘n’ cheese to choose from and an impressive amount of sides.

One user told us on social media that Wholesome Junkies has ‘just the best vegan burgers money can buy!’

Opening hours: The restaurant opens on August 5th on 4 Mirabel Street, Manchester. Open Mon-Sun 12:00-16:00. wholesomejunkies.co.uk.

The loaded vegan burgers from Wholesome Junkies in Manchester. Image via @wholesomejunkies Instagram

Lotus Plant Based Kitchen first opened back in 2014 with an intention to celebrate vegetarian cuisine, before ultimately switching to an entirely plant-based menu.

Visitors can expect a wide range of dishes and plentiful portions, all at a reasonable price.

You can expect to find all the classic Chinese dishes, with vegan meats taking centre stage. From sizzling satay ‘beef’ to butterfly ‘prawns’, there’s something for every appetite!

The service from the staff is always a warm and welcoming experience which adds a great atmosphere to the venue.

A HappyCow user said: “Wow, wow, wow. Not the best vegan food ever – the best food ever! Every vegan should make a pilgrimage to this restaurant and drag a vegan-sceptic with them to see how wonderful vegan food can be.”

Address: 536 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester, M20 4BY

Opening hours: Mon 16:30-21:00, Thu 16:30-21:00, Fri-Sat 16:30-22:00, Sun 16:30-21:30. lotusplantbased.com.

A small banquet of vegan food from Lotus Plant Based Kitchen in Manchester. Image: @lotus.plantbased via Instagram

The Brighton-based vegan pizzeria has extended to several UK cities, and the Manchester venue has certainly made an impression on the vegan community.

Considering the brand won first place at the 2019 World Pizza Championships, which included pizza entries with meat and dairy, it certainly has an impressive reputation.

The menu features a wide range of different toppings for different tastes, from mushroom truffle to spicy nduja toppings. Plus there is also a multiple choice for pizza bases; choose from either wholemeal, gluten-free, or even charcoal pizza bases.

Whichever vegan pizza takes your fancy, we highly recommend a side of their vegan cheesy dough balls as they are some of the best we’ve had!

Address: 75-77 High St, Manchester, M4 1FS

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:00. purezza.co.uk/locations/manchester/.

It's great to catch up over a vegan slice of Purezza pizza. Image via Purezza Manchester.

V Rev is Manchester City Centre’s first and only 100% vegan eatery, established in 2011.

V Rev specialises in creating really decadent junk food vegan dishes, like burgers, vegan hot dogs, sarnies, and loaded fries to show that anything you can make, they can make a vegan version of it. The dishes all come with hilarious names included.

They have also recently collaborated with another vegan business to launch their own Smokey Maple Mustard Hotsauce so you can take home a bottle to enjoy.

V Rev Proved to be a very popular answer on social media with frequent mentions. One user simply stated: “V Rev is AMAZING!”

Address: 20-26 Edge St, Manchester, M4 1HN

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12:00-20:00. vrevmcr.co.uk.

Some of the many moreish vegan options at V Rev Vegan Diner in Manchester. Image via V Rev Vegan Diner.

Home of the award-winning vegan döner kebab, What The Pitta first opened in 2016, and has gone on to open up several venues around the UK.

One of the latest venues is the largest in Machester, which opened in 2021, serving up its reputable dishes featuring vegan kebabs, gyros, chick’n and falafel.

The brand works with Klimato, a business that can calculate the carbon footprint of everything on the menu, so you can know the impact your choices can make.

One HappyCow user said: “This place is our favourite place to eat in Manchester, you can eat in but we normally always take out, they do the best kebabs and amazing shakes, get yourself down there.”

Address: 42 Back Turner St, Manchester, M4 1FR

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-22:00, Sun 12:00-21:00. whatthepitta.com/what-the-pitta-manchester.

Loaded vegan gyros from What The Pitta Manchester are too good to miss. Image: @whatthepitta via Instagram

Vegan Shack is on a mission to deliver plant-based fast food to the masses.

From humble beginnings in a 1-bed apartment and being taste-tested between friends, the brand has continued to go from strength to strength and has now claimed a spot in Picadilly Gardens.

With a menu now loaded with vegan burgers, chicken tenders, tater tots, and fries, there is a lot to pick from whenever you’re craving some vegan fast food.

A visitor said: “Such a great selection of GF options, including chicken alternatives, which is so rare! Staff were super helpful with allergens. Food arrived really hot and was delicious. I’ll definitely be back!”

Address: 19-25 Piccadilly (at Portland Street/Aytoun Street), Manchester, M1 1RG

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 07:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-18:00. veganshack.co.uk.

A tasty vegan selection of burgers, nuggets, chips and dip from the Vegan Shack in Manchester. Image via Facebook.

This vegan restaurant in Stockport has been making waves, and Chef Matthew Nutter has a flair for inventive recipes, such as courgette scallop with sweetcorn chowder, and salt-baked pineapple with basil sorbet.

Try the taster menu to sample an array of dishes, or choose from main courses including peppered confit aubergine steak with roast garlic and sage pomme purée.

They take vegan cuisine to the next level with dishes like their cauliflower hot wings with aioli, an irresistible spin on the classic American diner favourite, which involves frying cauliflower in a secret blend of spices.

The cheeseboard of cultured vegan nut cheeses makes a delicious alternative too.

And the reviews are raving on HappyCow, with one person stating: “This vegan fine dining gem is the very best Manchester has to offer. Chef’s kiss dishes prepared for maximum pleasure. The presentation, the innovation, the palate titillation…all next level. We are talking Last Meal brilliance here.”

Address: 1-3 Cathedral Gates, Manchester, M3 1SW

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12:00-21:00, Sun 12:00-18:00. allotmentvegan.co.uk.

One of the lavish vegan tasting boards from The Allotment. Image via Facebook.

Inspired by an epic road trip across the US, the founders came back and were inspired to share their vegan experience with others by creating Herbivorous.

After a successful round of festivals all around the UK, Herbivorous has since set up shop and put down roots in Manchester.

Herbivorous offers an extensive menu full of vegan comfort food, ranging from vegan burgers and vegan wings to a selection of homemade vegan mayo.

Not to mention, there’s also a breakfast delivery service with a chorizo breakfast burger and an amazing bacon & cheese croissant waffle toastie.

Address: 103 Oxford Rd, Manchester, M1 7ED & 445 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4AN

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 12:00-21:00, Sun 12:00-20:00. herbivorous.co.uk.

Some of the delicious treats you can find on the menu at Herbivorous. Image via Facebook.

Vegan Sting brings a unique Asian fusion menu Manchester that is well loved by vegans and non-vegans alike.

One of the main attractions on the menu is their boxes. There is a variety of flavours including a Tandoori Chik’n Box, a Lamb Tikka Box, and a Mixed Kebab Box.

But it doesn’t stop there; there are also vegan kebabs, burgers, and fries to enjoy.

Customers highlight several aspects that keep them coming back for more, one notably being the spectacular flavours that deliver a delicious and memorable experience.

One user on HappyCow said: “My mouth was alive with the flavours, I’d certainly recommend here A***”

Address: 674 Chester Road, Old Trafford, Stretford, M32 0SF

Opening hours: 16:00-21:45 Tue-Thurs,  16:00-22:45 Fri -Sun. vegansting.co.uk.

The sensational vegan Lamb Tikka Box from Vegan Sting in Manchester. Image via Facebook.

Set up in 2006, Mod’s cafe was the first of its kind to provide Manchester with vegan pub grub.

It’s most popular for its all-day breakfasts and brunch, including a vegan full English with a generous plateful of two sausages, fresh mushrooms and tomatoes, hash brown, vegan black pudding, baked beans and toast — you won’t be left hungry!

The traditional pub ‘chicken’ burger, paired with hand-cut twice-cooked chunky chips, appeals to herbivores and omnivores alike. It’s clear how varied the menu is, with the crispy tofu noodles being another favourite among customers.

Mod’s famous funky cupcakes are a sweet way to polish off your meal. Plus, the chef, Martin the Mod, is more than willing to create and adapt new dishes for those with special dietary requirements, so it really is a place for everyone!

Address: 50 New Wakefield St, Manchester, M1 5NP

Opening hours: Mon 12:00-19:00, Wed-Thu 12:00-19:00, Sat 12:00-17:00. Open on Tue for drinks only. facebook.com/MODSVEGANCAFE.

Mod's Vegan Cafe in Manchester is the place to go to cure a hangover with a full English breakfast on the menu. Image via Facebook

The vegan junk food options just keep on coming, and this next business has certainly made a name for itself.

With venues dotted around the country in Sheffield, Leeds, York, Hull, and Manchester.

As the name suggests, vegan kebabs are a speciality. The Bad Girl Kebab brings the heat with both a garlic chilli hot sauce and a scotch bonnet hot sauce. The Berlin Doner Kebab brings a mellower combination of cucumber, dill pickles, and pink aioli into the mix. And lastly, the Garlic Chilli Chick’n Kebab brings garlic chilli chick’n greek chilli and smoked aioli.

If you’re not keen on a wrap, you could opt for the loaded fries with the same iconic flavour combinations.

Also, if you don’t reside in one of the cities that is home to Doner Summer, you can order the Classic Fried Chick’n, Chick’n Burger Patties, and a Gravy Mix for your own enjoyment at home.

One HappyCow user said: “Cannot overstate how good this was. Friend and I split the honey/butter and Buffalo hot sauce fried chicken with spicy coating. Made both a combo, chips and sauces also fab.”

Address: YES, 38 Charles St, Manchester, M17DB

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12:00-20:00, Fri 12:00-22:00, Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-20:00. donersummer.com.

Vibrant vegan kebabs from Doner Summer in Manchester. Image via Facebook.

Founded in 2010, Frurt was the first frozen yoghurt shop in Manchester. Working alongside the experts in the industry, the menu has grown to cater for an ever-growing customer base.

And the proof may be in the pudding since Frurt has gained several awards over the years, for categories including Dessert Parlour of the Year and a Culinary Innovation Award for Vegan Frozen Yogurt.

As well as being a great treat for us, the vegan fro-yo is also dog-friendly so your four-legged friend could enjoy a fresh scoop too!

One satisfied customer said: “Really nice staff and excellent choice of toppings. Had two different non-dairy choices, mango was tasty.”

Address: 41 Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5BD

Opening hours: 10:00-22:00 Mon-Sun. frurt.com.

The colourful vegan Fro-yo from Frurt. Image via Frurt.

Divine Wellness is a cosy cafe with a lot of happy customer reviews on Happy Cow, and we can see why!

The emphasis is focused on providing healthy vegan food for everyone. Morning vegan breakfasts are a huge hit among customers, with reviewers delighted by the quality of the meal.

Not only does the food deliver but the whole experience is really enjoyable thanks to the warm and friendly staff providing a welcoming atmosphere.

One happy customer raved: “English Breakfast was incredible! Staff is very friendly, makes you feel at home. Overall great place for a breakfast.”

Plus its also dog friendly so you can bring your four-legged friends too.

Address: Withington Rd and Moss Lane West junction, Manchester, M15 5PQ

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12:30-18:00. facebook.com/Divinewellnessuk.

Looking for a vegan Sunday roast? Divine Wellness has got you covered. Image: @divine_wellness_manchester via Instagram

If you’re craving Italian just like your mamma used to make, this venue needs to be on your list.

Ortica Italian Plant Based is an all-vegan Italian bar and deli offering classic vegan Italian recipes such as lasagne and bruschetta. It has only opened recently but already has the whole community buzzing with excitement.

As well as an ambient dinner venue, they also offer smaller items such as focaccia, croissants and hot drinks, which is perfect for a spot of late breakfast or light lunch.

Reviewers are raving about the great quality and portions of food, plus the excellent service from the friendly staff.

One of our readers said: “I’ve only been there once so far, but am planning to go more regularly. The staff are so welcoming and the food is gorgeous!”

Address: 70 Flixton Rd, Urmston, England, M41 5AB

Opening hours: 10:00-21:00 Tue, 10:00-22:30 Wed-Thurs, 10:00-23:30 Fri-Sat, 11:00-21:00 Sun. instagram.com/ortica_italianplantbased.

Delicious vegan Italian dishes from Ortica Plant Based Italian. Image via Facebook.

And now to end on something sweet. Say hello to Yum Yum MCR, Manchester’s first plant-based chimney cake shop.

They serve the chimney cakes fresh and you can watch the process. Plus they can be filled with vegan soft serve ice cream, which makes for the perfect summertime treat.

It doesn’t stop with chimney cakes either as they also serve churros, macaroons, and a selection of hot drinks, all completely vegan!

Those of you with a sweet tooth for Instagrammable foods make sure to take a visit.

One HappyCow reviewer enthused: “Lovely owners, really helpful to understand the ice cream cakes – you can pick your own cake flavour and toppings but only one flavour of soft serve. It’s the creamiest vegan ice cream I have ever had.”

Address: Arndale Market 49 High Street Manchester M4 3AH

Opening hours: 11:00-18:00 Mon-Sat, 12:00-17:00 Sun. yumyummcr.com.

A vegan ice cream filled chimney cake from Yum Yum MCR. Image via Facebook.

Planning a trip to London? Don’t miss out on visiting the top vegan restaurants in London.

Feature image: Michelle McMahon via Getty Images.

When she's not trying out the latest vegan products, Elena loves photography, catching the latest cinema releases, and travelling.

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