Where to find the best vegan food in Bristol

Whilst veganism might have a reputation for being the healthy option, this isn’t always the case – vegans like a bit of dirty food, too! Oowee have heard these calls and opened its third burger venue that caters exclusively to those going dairy and meat free. The menu is packed with big, beefy looking burgers oozing with vegan cheese, tangy relishes, tart gherkins and fried seitan patties for those that like things battered. Loaded fries are served in groaning baskets, smothered in anything from jalapeño to Marmite, or topped with garlic “butter”. You are in serious danger of being wheeled out in a food coma here so wear your loose trousers.

For vegans that like to share with friends, Root at the now infamous Wapping Wharf has been turning heads since it opened. The majority of options on the menu are vegetable based with a few meat or fish options for those friends that just can’t go without. Josh Eggleton and his team take seasonal and local produce and create something magical with it. Think crispy Jerusalem artichokes served with homemade feta, sultana and chilli. Anyone that has ever told you they don’t like vegetables and think they’re boring will be eating their words as well as their dinner here.

When it comes to sustainable, accessible, local and delicious food, you can’t get much better than the team at OMA. Choose between (or have both) pizza or small plates; vegans have a large choice of already animal-free options or diners can ask to have dishes tweaked so they can be enjoyed. Vegan cheese for pizzas can also be requested, turning the “The Wardrobe” Margarita pizza into a vegan dream. All of the house nibbles are also vegan so no having to hoard your snacks away from other people! On top of all this choice, the majority of craft beer sold is suitable for a plant-free diet so there is no excuse to book for dinner.

Flow has been quietly doing a good thing well underneath the shadows of the Bear Pit, serving exclusively vegan and vegetarian food for close to six years. Not a single meat product can be found on the menu, a welcome change for most vegan diners who find themselves having to pick around a menu that doesn’t cater for them. Here you will find incredible dishes that are equal in taste as well as beauty. Most dishes can be altered for vegan tastes but with the choice you have, you probably won’t need to. Dishes such as aubergine with sesame will have you coming back again and again with even the most carnivorous of friends, although the menu changes regularly so expect the unexpected. Look out for the Sunday roasts and brunch events that occasionally come around for another take on plant-based dining.

Koocha was founded in 2018 as Bristol’s first totally vegan restaurant – a plant pioneer, these guys have since led the way for animal-free cuisine across the city. What really sets Koocha apart though is its big, unexpected and delicious spices and flavours from Persia and the Middle East that infuse every dish in the bountiful menu. The food is as fresh as it comes, sourced locally and sustainably, and everything is made from scratch by the talented team. And whether you’re vegan or not, the team pride themselves on their seductive fare – even the most devout meat eaters have declared their love after a meal at one of the tables here!

Tobacco Factory is healthier than it sounds – you won’t find any guilty pleasures here but you can sure give into some of your cravings. The vegetarian/vegan menu consists of homemade food made using locally sourced ingredients. If you think plant-based food is boring then you’re in for a big surprise: there are fries served with cheese and kimchi; beetroot risotto with goats cheese and cavolo nero; truffled mac and cheese; and many more. Vegans can pop in on Sunday between 10am and 3pm for a delicious brunch, too. Come and enjoy tasty food in a friendly atmosphere.

Under The Stars knows how to sell itself and makes sure diners are going to come back for more. For starters, the concept is fun: you can enjoy drinks on a boat, often with performances in the background. Secondly, the menu is an exciting mix of recipes from places visited by ships leaving Bristol harbour. The result is a variety of dishes with Mediterranean influences. You simply can’t miss out on the spicy cauliflower with celeriac purée, parsnip crisps and truffle oil. For those who want some comfort food, there are many types of pizza to choose from. A truly unique experience that ends with a full stomach – what more could you want?

Ready for some vegan indulgence? At Pieminister you can treat yourself to all kinds of savoury pies. Our personal favourite is the Wild Shroom pie stuffed with portobello and chestnut mushroom, asparagus and white wine. Another good option is the pie with leek and white wine, which is a recent collab with THIS™ company that sells plant-based food. Still hungry? You can add some of the delicious starters to the mix: minty mushy peas, onion rings or Pieminster slaw. There’s also something out there for those with a sweet tooth. The mouthwatering pecan pie is made of vegan salted caramel ice cream with treacle and pecans.

You can’t go wrong with pasta, especially if it can be enjoyed in a relaxing environment. Pastan is an airy space that boasts a friendly atmosphere and tasty meals. The idea for the restaurant was born when the founders struggled to find plant-based pasta options that didn’t lack in flavour. Years later, they achieved the goal and created a healthy and irresistible menu. For example, you can have the Green Velvet pasta with pea and shallot ravioli dressed in salsa verde, peas and deep-fried asparagus. It’s a great place to start if you’re yet to be introduced to vegan food.

LOKI POKÉ proves salads don’t have to be boring. This takeaway place offers a variety of bowl dishes, all gluten-free and full of veggies. For example, the citrus tofu bowl comes with tofu, wakame and carrot salad, Loki slaw, pickled cucumber, ginger, toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and vegan kelp furikake smothered in citrus and ginger soy. There are also options for those who like it spicy. Or you’re welcome to experiment and build your own bowl. It’s the perfect choice if you want to try something new. Plus, if the weather is nice you can enjoy it by the river.