The British city of Cambridge has been famed since the thirteenth century for its prestigious university and picturesque scenes of UK history. Its ever growing student community marries the old with the new attracting restaurants and bars to suit every palate – including many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge.
With an ever changing world and increasing concern over how we can better treat the planet, Cambridge is doing well to serve vegetarian and vegan food to the masses that not only tastes good but is raising the bar for the food industry.
With an excellent selection of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste! We also had to include a few non-vegan restaurants on our list of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge, simply because their tempting plant-based choices are a must try.
So let’s discover the fantastic dining experience here by showing you our eight outstanding vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge, UK!
Eight Exceptional Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Cambridge (UK): Food Worth Waiting For!
1. Stem & Glory
Top of the list is the award-winning Stem & Glory. This 100% vegan business with locations in London and Cambridge strives to be a carbon neutral business with a strong focus on sustainability. Former DJ Louise Palmer-Masterton is the founder of this illustrious restaurant established through extensive financial contribution from the public.
In recent years Stem & Glory has been ranking in the acclamations of best restaurant in Cambridge, best vegan restaurant in London and Louise herself as business person of the year. And that’s why we had to include Stem & Glory on our list of best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge.
Conveniently situated nearby the station, this restaurant offers outside seating with parasols suitable for hotter days as well as inside seating with a crisp and fresh interior look. Their commitment to sustainability shows from the moment you arrive. You can even see the carbon emissions for every dish detailed on the menu to help you make the best choice not only for your appetite but for the planet too. You’re sure to feel warmly invited by the servers who offer a friendly and prompt service.
The meals on offer from the fantastic menu selection are not only beautifully presented but well-rounded meals to leave you fully satisfied. From small plates to lunch bowls, a pizza menu and kids menu, every member of your party will dine comfortably here. Highlights of the menu for locals include the flavourful BBQ cauliflower wings and mouth-watering gnocchi.
In addition to the main events, Stem & Glory are knowledgeable on nutrition. You will find pickles and ferments as well as kimchi dotted around the menu, so you’re sure to leave with your gut more healthy and satisfied than when you came in.
The kids menu contains a fantastic selection of mini dishes to suit young ones while maintaining a little flare and there are plenty of gluten free options to choose from making this a stand-out choice for most dietary needs. This dog-friendly establishment even sells their own merch including a reusable coffee cup and recycled tote bag alongside unique recipes. You could make a day of it here, or perhaps they could make a day of it where you are as this restaurant can cater for your special events to.
With so much on offer it’s no wonder Stem & Glory is one of the best vegan restaurants in Cambridge.
Opening Times: Sun-Thurs 11:30-22:00, Fri-Sat 11:30-23:00
Address: 50-60 Station Rd, Cambridge CB1 2JH
2. Thrive
This newer café has an earthy, warm vibe. Having opened in 2020, Thrive has sought to establish a relaxing social space in the heart of Cambridge.
This laid-back quaint café-restaurant is a popular choice for freelancers and students needing a base to work from. Here you can refuel with fantastic coffee provided by a local micro-roastery, you can find comfortable seating indoors and even an outdoor terrace to enjoy the summer afternoons. No need to reserve a table, just come by and feel right at home. Even your dogs are welcome here!
The staff at Thrive are focused on community and creativity and are all too happy to serve you. Thrive are working on building up their gluten free options too so there is even more to come from this establishment.
Whether you’re after some light bites, snacks or sides such as a toastie, samosa or scrambled tofu. The small menu suits most with a few choice mains. Locals love the vegan hot dog with onions, mustard, ketchup and slaw and the homemade chickpea masala is said to be a must-try! There are often specials and young children will be kept happy with some simple options such as hummus on toast.
The talk of the town however has to be the insanely good vegan cakes and freshly baked treats. Thrive are building quite the reputation for some extravagantly decorated vegan cake as well as humble favourites like the very popular Mixed Berry Bakewell Tart.
Not only is Thrive offering a space for enjoying food, drink and a place to work from home, it’s basement is a fantastic venue for gigs and events! With so much going on, this is somewhere to visit and seek to get involved in. With humble beginnings Thrive is looking to be one of the best vegan restaurants in Cambridge.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-21:00
Address: 5-7 Norfolk St, Cambridge CB1 2LD
3. Vanderlyle
In the heart of Cambridge you will find this small restaurant working directly with farmers to create ingredient-centric dishes and drinks to complement them.
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you will have a wonderful experience. Vanderlyle offers a small, intimate setting and a unique experience with the option to sit on the pass alongside the chefs at work. There’s an almost homey showroom vibe to the place, innovative and relaxed.
As for the service, locals rave about it as they feel right at home and spoiled. Like many of the restaurants in town you can easily park nearby at the Queen Anne Terrace car park, and there is also on street parking on the side streets after 5pm.
Chefs Alex Rushmer and Lawrence Butler have a strong focus on sustainability and source local ethical regenerative produce where possible. With great service and excellent food, we just had to include Vanderlyle on our list of best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge.
Their plant-led tasting menu is driven by the seasons and suppliers with sustainability and local produce at its core. Locals find it hard to choose favourites from this ever-changing menu with many surprising flavour combinations. Examples of the dishes past visitors have enjoyed include strawberry ragu or black pepper and spenwood tagliatelle, as well as delectable desserts such as poached peach with peach sorbet, and lemon verbena.
You can reserve up to one month in advance, so get those reservations in for one of the best vegan restaurants and special dining experiences in Cambridge.
Opening Times: Tues-Fri 18:00-23:00, Sat 11:00-23:00
Address: 38 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AD
4. The Tipsy Vegan
Founders Michelle McCabe and Cheryl Mullenger have created The Tipsy Vegan with the customer experience at the heart of what they do. Good food, unique drinks and fantastic live music, of course locals consider this one of the best vegan restaurants in Cambridge.
In a completely vegan setting, Chef Fatih Given heads up the menu at this riverside restaurant in the popular Quayside area of Cambridge by the River Cam. Known for his development of the menu at London’s well-known vegan restaurant Farmacy, this talented chef has taken on the task of running the second Tipsy Vegan following the first in Norwich. If visiting by car, it’s worth knowing that nearby you can find Castle Hill car park, free after 7pm.
On arrival you’ll be greeted by attentive staff and can take in the richness of the décor, reminiscent of a Mediterranean lounge bar. There are two outside dining areas giving diners lovely views of the river as well as a spacious indoor seating area. If you let the staff know in advance, they are more than happy to accommodate dogs in their dog friendly dining area and it couldn’t be more suited for a family meal if it tried harder.
Not only does the menu contain a wide selection of small plates with a focus on sharing, there is a truly special kids menu like no other. Mac n Cheese with Parm Chips? The little ones are sure to tuck into that. For the rest of us though, whether you’re after nibbles, appetisers, or weekend brunch, there’s truly all kinds of dishes for all times of day and occasion that can be catered for here. Bao buns, quasidillas, mushroom calamari, and locals will tell you the savoury waffles are a must-try. If you’re after gluten free options, there is plenty of choice so no need to worry there.
In addition, the desserts at The Tipsy Vegan are innovative and a welcomed alternative to most restaurants poor attempts. How could you turn down a mouth-watering vegan Lemon and Ginger Cheesecake? Plus, word on the street is that they serve the best pancakes around. They wouldn’t get their name without some top notch alcoholic drinks so be sure to indulge in some unique in-house cocktails.
When booked in advance, this restaurant can cater for larger parties and if you let them know about a birthday they’ll put in the effort to ensure a candle is placed on your loved one’s dessert.
If all of that wasn’t enough already, enjoy Tipsy Vegan Live. The restaurant has hosted some of Cambridge’s most talented musicians and bands so keep an eye on their socials for upcoming events.
Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 12:00-15:00 and 17:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 10:00 -22:00, Sun 10:00-19:00.
Address: 6-8 Quayside, Cambridge CB5 8AB
5. Doppleganger Burger
Next one on our list of best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge is an excellent burger place with fantastic grub and fun atmosphere. Located right by Parker’s Piece, a lovely green for eating al fresco is the casually cool Doppleganger Burger.
This modern diner-style eatery is a perfect choice for takeaway or a friendly hangout. Easily accessible with parking at the nearby Queen Anne Terrace Car Park if needed, this fast food place with it’s funky bright pop pink interior serves fun and quirky food.
You’ll receive polite service from eager servers that locals seem to know by name. It’s no surprise that the personal flare they bring to this establishment goes a long way. With indoor and outdoor seating plus a tablet ordering system, you’ll have a smooth experience from ordering to eating.
Doppleganger offers various characterful vegan burgers. Whether you’re a fan of patties or fillets, you’ll be delighted with the unique accompaniments. It’s hard to choose favourites from this constantly evolving menu but locals will tell you the fillets taste just like tender chicken, and the patties are the juiciest around.
But who could forget the diner staple of a milkshake with your meal? You can get some of the thickest most delicious shakes at Doppleganger and they’re a crowd favourite. Get down there to drool into a Honeycomb Brownie Shake.
Kids and adults will enjoy sinking their teeth into these treats, and those with further dietary needs can rest assured that there is a dedicated gluten free menu available as well. With interesting flavour combinations and in-house sauces, this laid back setting is a perfect indulgence. In the past they have even ran competitions with up to £50 on tab up for grabs. Fun, easy, delicious, one of the best vegan restaurants in Cambridge.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 12:00-22:00, Sun 12:00-21:00
Address: Doppleganger, 59 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1AB
6. BrewDog Cambridge/ Biff’s Kitchen
Brewdog, founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, is known as a multinational brewery and pub chain with locations all over the UK. Brewdog has teamed up with Biff’s Kitchen vegan fast food to create a match made in heaven. Good beer with a 50% plant based menu right in the heart of Cambridge near the universities and close to the Grand Arcade car park for those driving in.
The interior is what you would expect from a funky bar catering to the student community, and locals say there have been known to be board games available upstairs to keep you entertained. Staff are slick and friendly and this is the place to go for easy going drinks and food on a night out.
Biff’s burgers will impress even your vegan skeptic friends with their monstrously stacked vegan burgers and sumptuous vegan wings. If you’re after a healthy alternative, there are some lovely vegetarian bowls to choose from including Heritage Tomato and Baby Mozzarella with harissa roasted chickpeas, red peppers, spring onions, seeds and a honey mustard dressing.
Indulgent desserts and shakes are plenty and the brunch menu isn’t to be missed solely for the The Veggie Haystack which consists of BBQ Seitan steak, smashed avocado, chargrilled padron peppers, hash brown, Boston beans, forest mushroom, vine tomato and sourdough toast. Aren’t you just longing for morning reading that?
The kids menu offers the quirky “hoppy meal” and your little ones are sure to love this option including their choice of vegan burger, vegan cheeseburger or nuggets as well as fries or sweet potato fries and a choice of drink. They can even get their hands on a milk pop and brewdog goodies all included for just £7.25. How cute!
Previous offers have gone down a treat such as Wings Wednesday; all you can eat buffalo chicken or cauliflower wings for just £12 every Wednesday. Plus two for one vegan and veggie mains every Monday! Get your mates onto meatless Mondays and enjoy one of the best bar restaurants for vegan food in Cambridge. And that’s why this spot has made it on our list of best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 12:00-00:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-00:00
Address: 15 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN
7. Navadhanya
If you’re looking for a contemporary approach to Indian cooking, look no further than Navadhanya, an Indian fine dining restaurant.
The dishes here have been curated and perfected by highly talented Indian chefs with experience in Michelin star restaurants. Navadhanya’s acclamations include Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the East of England at the Asian Curry Awards, and they have been included in the Michelin guide multiple times over the years.
Unassuming from the outside, once your enter this fine dining establishment you will enjoy the modern feel of the place bursting with rich colours in a unique building. The nearest car park for those in need can be found at Grafton East car park and there is limited parking right outside the restaurant itself.
You can expect professional, friendly and prompt service from staff who are eager to ensure your entire experience from arrival to departure is one to remember.
While not strictly a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, Navadhanya offers the unique experience of a seven course vegan or vegetarian tasting menu that should not be missed. Utilising seasonal and sustainable ingredients, the chefs create Michelin-star-worthy cuisine praised by many.
Some favourite dishes from locals and visitors alike include the Masala Dosa from the vegan tasting menu with rice pan cake, spicy potatoes and tomato chutney; and the Basil Tikki with sweetcorn, ginger, cumin and almond flakes from the vegetarian tasting menu. Every dish is beautifully presented and doesn’t disappoint with colour and taste innovation. Older more adventurous children might be interested in attending your next meal out here and Navadhanya are a great option for intimate parties and events.
You’ll want to leave room for dessert, especially if the vegan spiced chocolate ice cream and poached fig is on offer. Certainly one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge for the upscale dining experience.
Opening Times: Mon-Sun 17:00-23:00
Address: 70 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8DZ
8. Bedouin
A special mention goes to Bedouin, while not specifically a vegan or vegetarian establishment, this restaurant caters for all with a beautiful range of traditional North African dishes. Vegan and vegetarian guests will be delighted with the range of options.
Established in 2011, this restaurant is a real Bedouin tent draped in colourful wall rugs from the Sahara. Serving traditional North African Cuisine you’ll be seated comfortably taking in the explosion of flavour this menu has to offer.
Experience some incredible vegetable combinations and the range of tagine the locals rave about. A favourite is the Tagine Boustaan, seven vegetables cooked in a tomato and apricot based sauce flavoured with fresh ginger, coriander, ras el hanout, and touch of harissa. This delicious meal can be served with bread or cous cous to suit you.
Not only is the food incredible but you can pair it with your choosing from a bespoke range of unique non alcoholic cocktails to complement the food. With a pick up and delivery tiffin service in addition, Bedouin has thought of everything! Although not solely vegan or vegetarian, Bedouin made it on the list of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge for the excellent cuisine.
Opening Times: Mon, Wed-Thurs 12:00-15:00 and 17:00-22:30, Fri-Sun 12:00-22:30
Address: 98-100 Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BD
