Best Vegan Restaurants In Bristol
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1 year ago
Plant-based hotspots in the foodie city
Bristol is renowned for its food and drink scene, and vegans are certainly not forgotten about. Home to an ever-growing collection of buzzy independent restaurants, the city has an abundance of great plant-based food – so much so that, in 2021, it was named the best vegan-friendly city in the UK. From street food hotspots to fine dining, read on to find the best vegan restaurants in Bristol, alongside the eateries which might not have the label but offer plenty of delicious meat-free fare.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Bristol
VeBurger
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All vegans know burgers can be just as satisfying without meat – but they need to be done right. That’s why couple Dillona and Cindy founded vegan burger joint VeBurger, aiming to fill the gap for tasty, sustainable and affordable plant-based burgers in Bristol. The pair initially launched it as a delivery service, but quickly decided to set up a permanent venue, setting up camp in Wapping Wharf earlier this year. Its signature dish is vegan ‘chicken’ (the ‘Rooster’ range), which is made in house then paired with vegan mayonnaise, fresh lettuce and onion in a sesame bun. But there are also vegan bacon and beef alternatives, plus a line of mini burgers and sides including cheesy loaded fries and BBQ bites.
Unit 22 Museum St, Bristol BS1 6ZA, veburger.co.uk
East Village Cafe
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This charming family-run cafe in the heart of Clifton should be your go-to for a vegan brunch in Bristol. The menu features an array of sweet and savoury dishes ranging from smaller granola bowls and peanut butter-topped toast to larger plates of bagels with vegan cream cheese and whipped hummus on sourdough. Feeling something sweet? The tiramisu pancakes are a real treat, topped with whipped ‘mascarpone’ and chocolate chips. The drinks menu is also worth a mention, with unique drinks like the Lavender Latte, an Instagrammable creation made with blue spirulina and homemade lavender syrup. Pop in for breakfast before a stroll around the Suspension Bridge.
Boyce’s Ave, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AA, eastvillagecafe.co.uk
Root
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Veg-centric restaurant Root was founded by Josh Eggleton (The Pony Group) and Luke Hasell (Story Butchers) in 2017, built upon a ‘more veg, less meat’ ethos. It focuses on sharing small plates, and though it’s not strictly vegan, many of the dishes are. Plant-based diners can enjoy flavoursome, creative dishes like roast beetroot with radicchio and walnut; grilled carrots with almond and fennel; and delica squash with cashew curry. Finish on a sweet note with the vanilla rice pudding, or pear and ginger cake with butterscotch sauce. Cocktails are a highlight here too – our pick is the grapefruit margarita.
Unit 9 Cargo 1, Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol BS1 6WP, rootbristol.co.uk
Cafe Kino
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An early pioneer of the vegan movement, Cafe Kino started its life as a caterer before launching a cafe in Ninetree Hill in 2006. It moved to its current home in Stokes Croft a few years later, where it quickly became a local favourite. The friendly neighbourhood spot serves an array of vegan breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, salads and cakes, plus a menu of teas and milkshakes. It wins on green credentials too: everything is made using produce from local suppliers, and the cafe runs as a workers’ co-op, which means the business is run collectively.
108 Stokes Croft, Cotham, Bristol BS1 3RU, cafekino.coop
Pastan Bristol
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Following the success of branches in London and Manchester, vegan pasta restaurant Pastan opened an outpost in Bristol. Located between the pretty Harbourside and Queen Square, Pastan Bristol is a bright, plant-filled space where you can tuck into hearty bowls of pasta. Think pumpkin and sage tortellini, pea and shallot ravioli, and a plant-based carbonara, alongside starters of vegan buffalo mozzarella, chick’n nuggets, and deep-fried gnocchi. Enjoy alongside classic cocktails and wine – and don’t miss the dessert menu, which features a vegan cheeseboard, ice cream and more. Who says good Italian food can’t be plant-based?
53 Prince St, Bristol BS1 4QH, pastan.co.uk
VX Bristol
‘Veganism should never be a brown rice and lentil hell or a flavourless penance,’ says VX Bristol, a cafe in Bedminster which focuses on vegan junk food. Head here for plant-based twists on classics like burritos, burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and mac ‘n’ cheese. While you’re there, have a browse around the plant-based grocery store, which stocks everything from vegan cheese to chocolate.
123 East St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4ER, vxbristol.com
Flow
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Rather than labelling itself as vegan, Flow aims to offer a more ‘inclusive approach to plant focused dining’. Chef owner Jen Williams has her own allotment just down the road from the restaurant where she grows veggies, fruit and herbs, used to create a vibrant seasonal menu centred around plants. It changes based on what produce is available, but recent dishes have included forest mushrooms with jacket potato gnocchi and blackcurrants, salt beets with fermented berries and fennel seed crumble, and chive dumplings with whipped goats cheese. Dishes are served sharing-style and the eatery has a relaxed atmosphere which is perfect for cosy catch ups with friends.
8a Haymarket Walk, Bristol BS1 3LN, flowbristol.co.uk
