Top 5: Vegetarian Restaurants in Bristol

Vegetarianism is on the rise across the UK and there are more plant-based restaurants and veggie-friendly menus popping up than ever before. Gone are the days when the vegetarian had to settle for a couple of substandard side dishes or search the menu for the token meat-free dish (more often than not some kind of variation on goat’s cheese). Bristol is one of the best cities to visit for veggie food as it plays host to a plethora of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in a variety of cuisines and price ranges. Here is the pick of the crop.

By Charlie Walker | Updated Feb 28 2022

Falafal King

Falafel King has become an institution for vegetarian students. The restaurant’s crunchy, flavoursome falafels, tucked into a pitta or laffa bread, teeming with salads and sauces, have become a firm favourite for those dining on a lower budget. Falafel King is also a great option for the health-conscious as it offers a range of salads and nourishing houmous plates. The family-run business has two locations in Bristol but the Cotham Hill restaurant is especially recommended as it houses the Khan; a cosy, bejewelled dining area in the basement. Ideal for a lazy evening lounging with falafels and friends.

Falafel King, 6 Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6LF. Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30 - 22:30, Sunday 10:45 - 19:30.

1847

For finer vegetarian dining head to 1847, a chain of modern vegetarian restaurants founded by Damien Davenport in 2011, which have spread to major cities across the UK. The chain is renowned for the inventiveness of their chefs; recent additions to the Bristol menu include asparagus with banana leaf and a Palma Violet Martini. The food is interesting as well as delicious, aiming to reinvent classic comforting dishes - the battered halloumi and chips is a firm favourite. The intriguing cocktail list and cleanly sophisticated Scandinavian style mean this is a great choice for either a date or celebration.

Image Credit: 1847

Book here.

Maitreya Social

Maitreya Social is a well-established, 100% vegetarian restaurant in Easton with numerous vegan and gluten-free options across its various menus. Vegetables are the star of the show at Maitreya, as dishes such as the salt-baked beetroot and jerk-marinated field mushrooms take centre stage. The restaurant aims to use as much seasonal, local and fair-trade produce as they can, living up to Bristol’s eco-friendly ambitions. Maitreya Social also offers veggie catering for parties and events and they stock a wide range of vegetarian beers, wines and cocktails, making them the first point of call for a veggie-friendly party.

Image Credit: cafemaitreya.co.uk

Maitreya Social, 89 St Mark's Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6HY. Opening hours: closed Monday, Tuesday to Friday 6pm -11.30pm, Saturday 10am - 11.30pm, Sunday 10am - 3pm. To book: 0117 951 0100.

Café Kino

Vegan junk food heaven. Café Kino began life as a pop-up restaurant but due to its massive popularity it has now moved into permanent residence in the heart of Stokes Croft; a haven for vegetarian Bristolians. Think dairy-free milkshakes, vegan cakes and curly fries served with vegan mayonnaise in generous portions. This restaurant is the destination for deep-fried cravings at any time of day as they open for breakfast early and serve until late; a life-saver for those who crawl out of bed in the afternoon with a sore head.

Image Credit: cafekino.coop

Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. Opening hours: 10am - 10:30pm everyday. Telephone: 0117 924 9200.

The River Cottage Canteen

Although not totally vegetarian, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s restaurant chain caters wonderfully for those who want to avoid meat. The menu is divided so that vegetarians and pescatarians have just as many choices as meat-eaters, making it a great choice for groups who have different eating habits. The chefs have put obvious effort into making the vegetarian dishes flavoursome and satisfying - small grazing plates and side salads such as baked squash with sour cream and red cabbage slaw can be grouped for a main meal, or eaten as additions to other options. The restaurant boasts a beautiful location, nestled within an old Victorian church, and is therefore very popular for family Sunday lunch.

River Cottage Canteen, St John’s Court, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2QY. Opening hours: Monday -Saturday 10am - 10:30pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm. Book here.