Bristol, the largest city in the South West of England, has been crowned the world’s vegan capital multiple times and has a vibrant vegan community. It’s no surprise either, as the city is known for marching to its own beat.
In 2015, it obtained the title of the UK’s only European Green Capital and is also the UK’s second most progressive city after Bath. So, it’s no wonder that when it comes to delicious vegan food, you’re truly spoiled for choice in Bristol – it’s become a vegan Mecca of sorts.
The vegan grub served up in Bristol is also incredibly diverse. Whether you’re on the hunt for the ultimate vegan breakfast, in the mood for some mezze, or after some authentic Asian cuisine, Bristol has you covered.
Here’s our rundown of the best vegan food in Bristol
Oowee
Price: $$
Cuisine: Hamburger Restaurant
Website: https://ooweediner.com/
Award-winning Oowee is a staple on Bristol’s vegan scene, renowned for its dirty fries, filthy burgers, and to-die-for shakes. It’s an absolute must when visiting the South West, and there’s really something for everyone. For those who like spice, there’s the Flamin’ Hot Clucker; for those with a hankering for something beefy, there’s the Big Oovee. Mac n’ Cheese lovers are in luck, too – it serves up macaroni slathered in Oowee’s signature cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions – mouthwatering.
Its loaded fries come in a tonne of variations, too, including Jalapeno Cheese Waffle Fries, Cluckin’ Fries, and our personal favorite, Sriracha Shrimp Fries. When it comes to vegan shrimp, many have tried, and many have failed, but we were blown away by Oowee’s vegan shrimp. The same can be said for its vegan cheese; finding an alternative with the right flavor, texture, and consistency can feel challenging, but Oowee has absolutely nailed it.
Eat in, or, if you catch Bristol on a not-so-rainy day, wander over to Greville Smyth Park and munch down while enjoying the view.
Fi Real
Price: $
Cuisine: Caribbean
Website: http://www.fireal.co.uk/
Fi Real opened its doors in 2014 with the mission of delivering delicious, healthy vegan food that doesn’t compromise on flavor, and they really have delivered! The family-run cafe uses local, organic ingredients in its authentic Caribbean offerings that include an absolutely divine jerk tofu, okra and butterbean stew, and the best banana bread you may ever eat. Why not order a side of plantain, too, and thank me later.
This local hidden gem is great value for money, wholesome and hearty, with a brilliant ambiance to accompany the exceptional food on offer. Equally, if you don’t fancy venturing out, you can still enjoy the delights Fi Real offers from the comfort of your couch because they deliver, too!
Pureeza
Price: $$-$$$
Cuisine: Pizza Restaurant
Website: https://purezza.co.uk/
Pureeza, the UK’s first vegan pizzeria, launched its Bristol branch in 2020 and, since then, has been serving up some of the best pizzas in town – and they’re 100% plant-based. Found on the eclectic Gloucester Road, Pureeza offers up award-winning Neapolitan pizza, mouthwatering small plates, and unbelievable vegan cheese (produced at its plant-based cheese factory!)
The Nduja Pizza is a spice-lovers dream, while the classic Pepperoni delivers on flavor every time. There’s so much more than just pizza on offer, though! From lasagna and meatballs to burgers and vegan caesar-salad, whatever you’re in the mood for, Pureeza will serve up the goods.
This pizzeria is also a great choice for those with allergies; its menu is 98% gluten-free or optionally gluten-free, and it’s also removed nuts and soya from the menu. Bring along your fluffy friends, too, because this pizza joint is pet-friendly!
Koocha Mezze Bar
Price: $$
Cuisine: Persian, Mezze
Website: https://koochamezzebar.com/
Koocha Mezza Bar is truly a plant-based pioneer and the first restaurant in Bristol to be entirely vegan. It serves up classic Middle Eastern cuisine, packed full of flavor and spice, and an excellent selection of cocktails, including our favorite, Apple Crumble – essentially a dessert in a glass, and we’re not complaining.
It offers such a wide variety of delicious dishes it’s best to review the menu before visiting so you’re not overwhelmed by choice. If you’re out for brunch and you’ve got a sweet tooth, we’d recommend the Baklava Pancakes – likewise, the Koopa (fried cinnamon rice balls) is a must-have.
When it comes to savory dishes, you can either choose a selection of small plates (we’d recommend the smoked corn ribs, fresh tzatziki, and sweet potato Somoza) or big plates. If you pick the latter, you’ve got to try the saffron and tahini kebabs – you won’t be sorry.
Cafe Kino
Price: $
Cuisine: Cafe/bar, Bakery, Coffee
Website: https://www.cafekino.coop/
Cafe Kino is a cafe that is all about community, it’s not-for-profit and co-operatively run. Not only does it serve some top-notch vegan breakfasts, delicious sweet treats, and some banging burgers, but it also doubles up as an independent events venue, offering everything from alt-folk music gigs to life drawing.
With an ethical focus and great, honest food at affordable prices, Cafe Kino is a great hangout spot, provides the perfect environment for a work date, and is the place to meet like-minded people in your community.
When you visit, we recommend ordering the BLT, a raspberry milkshake, and, if you’re feeling naughty, either a brownie or cookie of the day – both are excellent.
Cheung’s Vegan Kitchen
Price: $
Cuisine: Chinese, Asian-fusion
Website: https://www.cheungsvegankitchen.com/
This all-vegan Chinese takeaway restaurant is super popular with locals in the Bristol area and offers a modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine. Fresh, flavorsome, and made using local ingredients from Bristol farms, Cheung’s Vegan Kitchen will have you coming back again and again.
Its deliciously creamy Malaysian Vegan Curry is top of our list, as are the Vegan Chicken Satay Skewers and the Vegan Duck Chow Mein – offering some of the best mock meat out there.
You never have to miss out on a prawn cracker again, either, because Cheung’s offers Native’s veganized version – all the prawn flavor without any harm to prawns or the ocean.
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Bristol
There are also some honorable mentions who, while not entirely vegan, still deliver a fantastic range of vegan-friendly options. Below are our top picks with vegan-friendly offerings in Bristol!
Flow
Price: $$
Cuisine: Healthy, Shared Plates, British, Modern European
Website: https://flowbristol.co.uk/
Located off the beaten track at the lower level of Haymarket Walk, Flow offers an innovative take on plant-based cooking. Using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, much of it from Chef Jen Williams’ own allotment, the casual dining restaurant offers an interesting selection of small plates for a Bristolian tapas experience.
While not exclusively a vegan restaurant, they’re plenty of plant-based dishes on offer, and the non-vegan dishes can be made vegan on request. The salt beets and sorrel sponge is a visually stunning dish that is wonderfully pleasing to the tastebuds as well, while the forest mushrooms with fino sherry is a must.
You can expect to experience the chef’s in-depth understanding of the beauty of the produce and unusual pairings that challenge your expectations.
Root
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Contemporary, European
Website: https://www.rootbristol.co.uk/menus
Root is the place to go if you’re out for a special occasion or looking to treat yourself. The Head Chef is Rob Howell, formerly of Michelin-star restaurant The Pony & Trap in Chew Magna and Ondine in Edinburgh – so you know you’re getting quality.
Its focus is on vegetable-based small plates, and much of the menu is vegan or can be made vegan. The Jerusalem artichokes and cauliflower tempura are particular highlights, but there’s also much to be enjoyed on the dessert menu too, with British classics like rice pudding and pear and ginger sponge.
Honest Burgers Bristol
Price: $$
Cuisine: Hamburger, British
Website: https://www.honestburgers.co.uk/locations/bristol/
Honest Burger in Bristol can be found on Clare Street, and, in our opinion, it serves up some of the best vegan burgers on the market right now. Realistic plant-based patties aren’t for every vegan, but for the ones who miss their meat, Honest delivers. Its succulent and juicy patties are an absolute winner, and there’s even the option to add some sizzling rashers of La Vie Bacon on top when you buy the La Vie Bacon Plant. This order comes with Honest’s famous rosemary fries and can be accompanied by either vegan chipotle mayo or vegan bacon ketchup for dipping.
Although Honest doesn’t have an endless list of plant-based options, the burgers it has on offer are so incredible that they’re worth a visit just for them.
Madaline Dunn
Madaline is a vegan journalist, writer, and editor specializing in sustainability, current affairs, and social justice and the ways in which they intersect. Her work focuses on innovation and progress, prioritizing rigorous investigation. When she’s not writing, she’s in the kitchen experimenting with new plant-based recipes, reading a good book, or thinking about her next cup of coffee.
