Not only is Leeds famous for its beautiful historical heritage and industry-focused vivacity, but it has also become a favourite city for lovers of the arts, sports, music, and food – especially of the vegan variety.
The UK city is home to a smashing variety of places for a growing number of vegans to eat. We’ve put together a list of some of the best vegan dining experiences available in Leeds right now.
Fancy a bite to eat? Be sure to browse our selection of the best vegan restaurants Leeds has to offer in 2022.
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Friends Of Food
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This particular eatery initially tickled our fancy because of its location. Situated in the heart of student-valley Hyde Park, we just knew we were in for a special and diverse menu.
On offer is an entire range of mouth-watering vegan burgers. At Friends of Food, vegan diners can feast on everything from a bhaji burger to a traditional veggie-based cheeseburger.
Be sure to try their poutine and cauli wings, both of which are sure to get tummies rumbling for more.
Find them at: Park Corner, 12 Hyde, Leeds, LS6 1AF.
Cantina
No vegan restaurant hop would be complete without a visit (or two!) to the legendary Cantina.
This cosy eatery proudly boasts being Leeds’ very first vegan restaurant. And needless to say, their menu speaks volumes about their journey.
On offer is a smorgasbord of multi-cultural dishes – and one that is entirely and proudly plant-based. Dishes like deep-fried Oreos topped with oozing maple syrup pair perfectly with windows providing a bird’s eye view over the city.
Find them at: 104 Vicar Ln, Leeds, LS2 7NL
Manjit’s Kitchen
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It would be pure sacrilege not to include the popular Manjit’s Kitchen on our list of favourite vegan restaurants Leeds has to offer.
Inspired by the essence and culture of Punjabi street foot, this quaint eatery has become something of a local legend in the city. Initially launched as a delivery-only service back in 2010, Manjit’s Kitchen is today a fully-fledged restaurant with a focus on local easy vegan eating.
On the menu is a variety of small plates and in-between eats, as well as several heartier dishes. Be sure to try the Thali, which consists of roti, rice and a threesome of delicious Punjabi-inspired curries.
Find them at: Leeds Kirkgate Market, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
Roots And Fruits
Instead of working with a traditional sort of set menu, this popular eatery makes use of a “Specials” board outlining everything on offer on the day.
A favourite among the mindful, Roots and Fruits is a restaurant passionate about supporting local while keeping green by incorporating whatever produce happens to be in season.
They offer an impressive range of vegan and vegetarian options, with most of their wonderful soups, pastas and burgers 100% plant-based.
Find them at: 10-11 Grand Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6PG
The Grub & Grog Shop
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Aside from their eye-catching name, the Grub & Grog Shop also happens to be a café focused on green living and sustainability.
All ingredients used in their dishes are sourced locally.
Located in a renovated warehouse, the Grub & Grog Shop combines delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine with a culinary experience with a difference.
What makes them worth a try in our books? Their Sunday vegan and vegetarian roasts. They’re a vegan food Leeds locals love!
Find them at: 3 Sheaf St, Leeds, LS10 1HD
Wapentake
While on the topic of Sunday roasts, it would be wrong not to mention the guys at Wapentake.
For just £7, vegan diners get to experience a perfectly banging Sunday graze. Also, be sure to try one of their many options for brunch. They’ve got something for every sort of veggie lover.
Find them at: 92 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ
Ecco Pizzeria
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It’s true: life would be pointless without pizza.
At Ecco Pizzeria, the best Neapolitan pizza joint in Leeds, you even get to swap out the cheese for vegan mozzarella.
On the menu are several great options for vegans and vegetarians alike. And they’ve not skimped on sides and salads either.
The ample size of their portions are certainly worth mentioning too. Leave no man hungry.
Find them at: 93 Otley Rd, Headingly, Leeds, LS6 3PS
Rola Wala
At Rola Wala, the focus is on plant-based Indian cuisine that will have you returning for more time and time again. This makes Rola Wala just about the best must-experience for a weekend spent in Leeds.
Ordering involves three steps:
- Choose from among soft and fluffy naan rolls, steaming rice bowls, inviting cauli bowls, or fresh and aromatic salad bowls.
- Next, name your filling. There are three plant-based options to choose from.
- Finally, quench your thirst by adding a drink and whatever extras you may fancy.
Orderly, simple – and superbly satisfying.
Find them at: 27 Albion St, Leeds, LS1 5AT
Grove Café
And if orderly and simply happens to be your thing, be sure to also try the low-key culinary experience available at one of the best vegan restaurants in Leeds: Grove Café.
They’ve got a mouth-watering range of just about everything imaginable in the world of plant-based food: curries, pastas, pizzas, burgers, and much, much more.
Don’t expect a fine dining experience – but do expect some of the finest vegan food in Leeds. This is a place to take your friends for a casual but delicious night out in the city.
Oh, and did we mention they’re wonderfully affordable too?
Find them at: 133-135 Cardigan Rd. Leeds, LS6 1LJ
The Swine That Dines
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Be not swayed by their name, because once every month, this fine eatery transforms into a 7-course wonder boisterous enough to excite just about any veggie-nibbling eater outer.
On the menu is a range of seemingly endless small plates. These are on offer all throughout the day. And for those not particularly in the mood for a full 7-course meal, there’s always the regular evening menu to choose from.
A world of vegan deliciousness awaits at The Swine That Dines.
Find them at: 58 North St, Leeds, LS2 7PN
Mardin
Fancy something inspired by beautiful Syria or breath-taking Turkey? Then be sure not to miss a visit to Mardin.
They’ve got it all: kebabs, burgers, pastas, pizzas, and a snack to satisfy every craving.
Be sure to try their spicy vegan pizza and chips for a damn good deal.
Find them at: 14 The Crescent, Woodhouse, Leeds, LS6 2NW
It’s clear. There’s a smorgasbord of options for anyone who loves vegan food in Leeds. Choose your favourite eatery from the list, or pick a few favourites. One thing’s for sure, you’ll never go hungry!
Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.