Leeds vegetarian restaurants & cafes

Leeds is a wonderfully diverse city and as well as being host to number of restaurants, this vibrant city also has a fantastic array of vegan and vegetarian food as long as you know where to look. Most of these vegan eateries are well hidden and can be easily overlooked, but whether you’re looking specifically for a vegan meal, or you just fancy a change from the norm, these five restaurants are well worth discovering.

Little Tokyo

Found in the heart of central Leeds, Little Tokyo is a beautiful restaurant perfect for a relaxing and indulgent evening meal. The vast menu of traditional Japanese dishes caters for every dietary requirement and includes a handful of freshly cooked vegan options.

These range from vegetable dishes to meat alternatives such as teriyaki ‘chicken’ and tofu steak. Despite being reasonably pricey, all dishes are freshly prepared using non-GM products and animal-free fats and have to be tasted to be believed.

Hansas

Situated on North Street, Hansas Gujarati is just a few minutes walk from the city centre and is an award winning all-vegetarian Gujarati restaurant. Vegan and vegetarian food can often prove to be bland and tasteless, however Hansas guarantee to deliver authentic Indian lilotri (vegetable curry) and kathor (curried beans and pulses).

All dishes are freshly prepared and packed with flavour (the mild curry blew my head off). The majority of items on the menu are suitable for vegans, or can be adapted on request. The wine list is also splendid and boasts a varied selection of vegan and organic wines which are a rarity on most menus.

Roots & Fruits

For an informal, quick fix of homemade vegan comfort food the best place to eat is Roots & Fruits. Located in the somewhat forgotten and ageing Grand Arcade, it is easy to overlook this cafe. Offering vegan and vegetarian fast food such as fried breakfasts and burgers.

Roots & Fruits has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere; the ideal place to read a book and enjoy a fresh smoothie in peace. The menu includes vegan versions of childhood favourites such as fruit crumble and custard as well as hearty soups and sandwiches.

Out of This World

Although technically not a cafe or restaurant, Out of This World cannot go unmentioned. Originally a health food store, the moderately sized ethical supermarket now has a fully stocked fridge filled with treats such as freshly baked vegan and gluten-free pastries, cakes and sandwiches.

Every so often, they have handmade vegan cupcakes for sale which are not only delicious, but beautifully decorated works of art. Likewise, the handmade and individually wrapped vegan marshmallows are heaven in a box. This store has everything essential for filling a vegan’s kitchen cupboard as well as organic and local fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and vitamins.

Pomegrante Organics

Pomegrante Organics (formally known as Org Organics) is a quaint cafe on Great George Street. All produce used is ethically and sustainably sourced, and almost all of it comes from local farms. They offer a wonderful range of vegan and vegetarian sandwiches and salads to eat in and takeaway, the tofu and ginger chutney on rye bread being a personal favourite.

Mango Vegetarian

Mango is an Indian vegetarian restaurant and cafe in Wetherby specialising in gluten free and vegan food. The café is open throughout the day and offers specialist teas originating from India and Sri Lanka. There’s also a good selection of sandwiches, wraps and salads, gluten-free and vegan friendly.

The restaurant opens in the evening and the menu offers continental Indian cuisine, offering dishes South India, Gujarat and Punjab. Start off with Paneer rolls or a platter to share with different starters. For main course how about one of the South Indian dishes like Masala Dosa or Mysore Rava Dosa. You will be spoilt for choice.

Leeds Map

Browse the map and click on the pins to find the location of the places featured in this guide.

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