Famous for its bars and live music scene, Leeds is a thriving hub. Tourists flock to the area to enjoy one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirkgate Market which has a wealth of wares to browse and purchase.
And with all there is to offer in Leeds, it is no surprise that in these modern times the city is getting to grips with the needs of today and has some notable vegan and vegetarian establishments popping up all over.
From diner-style not-so-junk food to modern eateries with sophisticated menus, you can experience a bit of everything here.
To help you find the perfect spot for you, here’s our eight favourite vegan, vegetarian-friendly and solely vegetarian restaurants in Leeds – places packed with character and delicious meatless eats!
Eight Fantastic Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants In Leeds: Food Worth Waiting For!
1. Wawin Vegan Chinese
100% vegan authentic Chinese food for dining in or taking away, sure to surprise meat eaters.
Founded by Woodhouse Moor, this low-key establishment is part of a small chain of Chinese restaurants offering a traditional Chinese menu that is completely vegan!
Dine in or takeaway all days of the week and be sure to impress even your avid meat-eater friends. Situated just north of the town centre, you’ll find limited parking available nearby at Woodhouse Lane, right outside the park.
There is an all-around authentic Chinese vibe at Wawin that’s not forced, and the atmosphere on arrival is pleasant and the staff are simply lovely.
Many locals love to visit Wawin and get their usual Chinese order – but in vegan form. Wawin stands out in Leeds as the only all-vegan Chinese restaurant, and highly praised, this establishment offers a fully vegan menu ranging from crispy aromatic duck to chicken chow mein.
You will find a lot to choose from including dishes such as lettuce wraps, appetisers, salt and pepper, soup, fried rice, chow mein, udon noodle, authentic Northern East and Szechuan, as well as Western style.
The chefs take great care to prepare their dishes and visitors praise their hard work and the professional service from the front-of-house staff.
Previous favourites include vegan chicken drumsticks with a choice of four sauces… you heard that right, vegan drumsticks! The duck pancakes are known to have been a bit of a showstopper too, not to mention the salt and pepper vegan prawns.
There is an astounding amount of meat protein replacements here including chicken, ham, lamb, tiger prawn, fish, as well as the expected tofu and mushroom. There is plenty for kids to enjoy just as they would any Chinese restaurant, and many dishes are marked gluten-free so you can be sure to take the whole family out here.
Popular with vegans and meat-eaters looking to cut down on meat consumption, Wawin will truly win over anyone in your party, even the sceptics. Without a doubt, this is one of the best solely vegan & vegetarian restaurants in Leeds to date.
Address: 203-205 Woodhouse St, Woodhouse, Leeds, LS6 2NY, UK
Opening Times: Mon-Sun 16:00-23:45
2. Knaves Kitchen @ Oporto
Vegan eatery inside a popular bar in the city centre with regular gig nights.
Vegan & vegetarian junk food is popping up all over the country and if you’re after a cheeky treat, Knaves Kitchen has you covered.
This vegan eatery is tucked away inside Oporto Bar, a 100% vegan street food outlet. Found less than a 10-minute walk away from Leeds train station and round the corner from Crown Street Car Park, it’s the perfect pit stop for an indulgent bite to eat.
Situated on Call Lane, Oporto is a thriving bar bursting with bold colours and neon signs. When you turn into Knaves Kitchen’s little nook inside you’ll be dazzled by the hot pink decor and friendly, fun staff. Right in the heart of the city centre, this place is buzzing with live music and events at Oporto weekly.
Despite its small appearance, Knaves Kitchen is packing a punch with locals and visitors alike. And locals love the vibes here but the food even more.
Serving vegan junk food/street food including kebabs and burgers alongside the bar’s selection of great beers including Tiny Rebel. A previous food favourite has been the stand-out Lemon Chicken Kebab in Turkish Flatbread, and locals have been held captive by the Chicken and Waffle Fries with Gravy as well as the indulgent Mac and Cheez.
There’s something for everyone including a selection of gluten-free options. Enjoy great food, enjoyable music and fun service.
If you want to indulge at home, you can often get deals on takeaway for collection so keep an eye out. Last orders tend to be around 7.30pm on gig nights which makes perfect timing for a pre-show meal.
The menu here is always changing so you can be sure to experience great new flavours each time you visit. At certain times of the week, you can even bag yourself a vegan smoked seitan hot dog for just £5! Bargain.
Knaves Kitchen’s street-food style eatery is a popular choice and surely amongst the best vegan & vegetarian restaurants in Leeds.
Address: 33 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT, UK
Opening Times: Mon 17:00-22:00, Tues-Sun 12:00-22:00
3. Döner Summer
Street-food style vegan food and unique cocktails perfect for starting your night out.
Just down the lane with the same great location in the heart of Leeds is another junk-food spot. The pleasant mix of bright pinks, greenery, and home-like decor make Döner Summer a laid-back dining space perfect for enjoying some vegan comfort food. This trendy chain offers a range of indulgent diner-style offerings, and as they say “everything is vegan as f*ck”.
Here you’ll be served by friendly staff who are known to handle large groups and special occasions with ease. If you’re celebrating a birthday with friends here be sure to let them know and they might make a fuss over you on your big day!
Alongside Dönner Summer’s indulgent vegan comfort food, they offer a range of fun and unique cocktails. Previous beverages have included an Apricot Cosmopolitan and Passion Fruit Flossi, with actual candy floss! Find something worth celebrating and enjoy a fun night here.
Food offerings range from burgers, teller trays, kebabs, and fried chicken to a range of sauces, fries and tots. According to locals, the tater tots are fantastic and some of the most popular options in the past have been Korean BBQ Chicken or a mouthwatering Honey Butter Chicken.
Dönner Summer isn’t shy of a giveaway so be sure to check them out on social media, previously they have offered a bottomless brunch deal which makes for some great weekend plans. Surely Döner Summer has to be considered one of the best vegan & vegetarian restaurants in Leeds.
Address: 10-12 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 6DN, UK
Opening Times: Sun-Thurs 12:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-22:00
4. Cantina @ The Old Red Bus Station
Simple vegan burger menu served inside a top electronic live-music venue.
Leeds city centre has even more to offer and you can find some of that at The Old Red Bus Station. This chic bar and live-music venue have a vegan eatery called Cantina that serves delicious vegan food from within.
Once upon a time this venue was a working bus station but is now considered a top spot for electronic music in the North. This spacious dining space is set up with the community in mind and the bare wood floors and block colours are conducive to meeting people and making new friends.
The Old Red Bus Station is easily accessible in the centre and Victoria Leeds Multi-Storey Car Park is close by. The venue has multiple dance floors and a welcoming atmosphere created by the friendly and engaging staff.
Cantina offers a simple but effective menu usually consisting of burger meals and loaded fries with previous sides in the realms of Greek Salad, Mac and Cheeze, Onion Rings and Arancini. The local favourite has been the highly praised Popcorn Tofu, who knew tofu could get such a good reputation!
There are sure to be some great options for dessert and over the years there have been many scrumptious offerings such as deep-fried bananas or Oreos with chocolate or strawberry sauce.
Meal offers in the past have included buy one burger get one for £1, what a treat! So keep an eye on their socials for money-saving deals.
Cantina at The Old Red Bus Station is a real crowd pleaser. With reasonable prices and delicious eats it’s earned its place as one of the best vegan & vegetarian restaurants in Leeds.
Address: 104 Vicar Ln, Leeds LS2 7NL, UK
Opening Times: Tues-Fri 15:00-21:00, Sat 13:00-22:00
5. Eat Your Greens
Grocery store, wine bar and vegetarian-friendly restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options.
While not strictly vegan or vegetarian, Eat Your Greens offers plenty of options in that area.
A modern eatery, Eat Your Greens focus on organic food served in the restaurant during the evenings, but is a grocery store in the daytime, offering fresh daily groceries. Not only that, it’s a natural wine bar too! European in style, the bright dining space is spacious and welcoming.
Found near St, John’s Park and just across from the NCP Leeds The Market Car Park, it’s a great location for dinner. The lush decor gives the dining space a fresh, modern look while also helping you feel right at home. Large windows curve around the outside of the beautiful seating area awash with leafy greenery.
The service here is efficient, attentive and friendly, and the locals know that staff are proud to be a part of this business.
Eat Your Greens serves a weekly changing seasonal menu using local organic produce where possible and has a clear focus on ethical practices for the planet, the farmers they work with and for you.
There are a great number of vegan and vegetarian options to choose from as well as gluten-free! So you can rest assured this is the place to bring your friends for dinner so everyone can be catered for.
Eat Your Greens often has lunchtime specials and sharing plates as well as various vegetarian and vegan dishes in the evenings. Favourite dishes have previously included a smoked corn ribs starter with salsa verde, paprika popcorn and seaweed salt, as well as delicious mains such as seasonal greens including purple broccoli, cavolo nero, cabbage, kale, garlic butter, toum, dill oil and dukkah. With sides, snacks and dessert offerings too there’s always a lot to enjoy from this menu.
Enjoy organic wine or cider with your meal or choose from a range of seasonal cocktails, quality European beers and even homemade cordials.
Whether dining or having a drink at the bar, you’ll often you’ll find a live DJ playing here creating a seriously cool, modern atmosphere. This space is also host to many events that are often free to attend so be sure to keep an eye out.
Sophisticated dining without extortionate prices and a range of vegan and vegetarian options earn Eat Your Greens a mention as one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Leeds.
Address: 42 New York St, Leeds LS2 7DY, UK
Opening Times: Wed 10:30-23:00, Thurs 10:30-00:00, Fri-Sat 10:30-01:00
6. The Oxford Place
100% gluten-free restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options suitable for family occasions.
Known as the best restaurant in Leeds for gluten-free food, The Oxford Place offers an incredible menu entirely gluten-free with a range of options for vegans and vegetarians too.
Found a stones-throw from the city centre near Leeds Town Hall with Wellington Street Multi-Storey Car Park nearby, this coeliac-friendly restaurant is an ideal choice for the whole family.
This family-owned business is run by husband and wife Dennis and Lana who have established The Oxford Place as the only 100% gluten-free restaurant in Leeds since they took over in 2017.
It offers a smart-casual dining space inspired by the owners’ 30 years of combined experience in the industry including a whole decade of working in a Michelin Star restaurant. You’ll feel comfortable amongst the cosy decor while served by caring and attentive staff.
It’s the kind of restaurant that lends itself well to family occasions and has a romantic, old English vintage feel to it. There is even a private dining room that could cater for your next special occasion including weddings and graduations.
Offering locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant presents healthy and delicious meals for all alongside options of coffee or your choice from a good selection of wine.
Some previous vegan menu highlights for locals have included Tempura Battered Vegetables starter with homemade sweet chilli sauce as well as Beetroot and Smoked Cheese Arancini with aioli. The most popular dish however has been the vegan Shepherd’s Pie main with cauliflower, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, dry tomatoes, roasted onions and garlic.
If you already can’t wait to dine here, the desserts are sure to win you over too. Vegan Apple and Plum Crumble with cold custard is exactly the British comfort dessert you’d imagine being served in such a cosy quintessentially British restaurant, so it’s no surprise The Oxford Place has accolades under its belt. In 2018 they became Gold Award Winners at the Free From Eating Out Awards in the categories of Independent Pub and Restaurant, Focus on Gluten, and FreeFrom Newbies. Rest assured, you’re in good hands and this is an environment strictly free from cross-contamination.
The Oxford Place has earned respect in the field of free-from cooking and makes an effort to serve up some fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, making it one of the best vegan & vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Leeds.
Address: 2 Oxford Pl, Leeds LS1 3AX, UK
Opening Times: Thurs-Sat 17:00-21:30, Sun 12:00-20:00
7. Theravadu
South Indian fine dining that includes unique vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Known for fantastic gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian meals, Theravau is an Indian fine dining restaurant specialising in the traditions of Kerala.
Its name means a family that keeps the value of tradition, and in this large dining space authentic south Indian food is prepared by Chefs born and raised in Kerala with many years of experience in this traditional way of cooking.
Situated round the corner from Leeds station and across the way from Trinity Leeds Car Park it’s an ideal location for locals and those passing through. Change up your usual curry house choice and experience a range of unique flavours in a lovely setting for a fine evening meal. Comprised of floor-to-ceiling windows with polished wood floors and orangey brown tones, it is a welcoming modern restaurant.
You will experience excellent service here as you try a variety of dishes including starters, curries and soups suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Some favourite dishes for previous visitors have included the vegetarian dish Kadala Masala, tender chickpeas simmered in a light tomato masala sauce.
Another favourite is a vegan dish known as Vazhuthananga Curry, aubergines cooked in a paste of coriander seeds, roasted onions, and chillies mixed with cashew nut sauce. These delicious flavoursome dishes are sure to blow your local curry house out of the water and become a new favourite.
Theravadu is the first authentic Kerala restaurant in Leeds and already has numerous acknowledgements including Best Indian Restaurant by Oliver Awards 2015, 2016 and 2017 and has recommendations in the Michelin Restaurant Guide 2015 and 2016.
This restaurant also offers express lunch on weekdays to give local business people the option of a wholesome lunch all in one dish and can accommodate your spice-loving children too.
Theravadu certainly has a range of options to earn its inclusion in our list of the best vegan & vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Leeds.
Address: 7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ, UK
Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 12:00-13:30 and 17:00-21:30, Fri-Sat 12:00-13:30 and 17:00-22:00
8. FINT
Relaxed minimalist eatery with a small fine menu that considers all dietary needs.
Specialising in Scandinavian-inspired food, FINT serves a delicious menu throughout the day and into the evening with locally sourced ingredients.
Offering fine dining in a minimalistic space, you’ll feel as if you’re sitting in a quaint London restaurant as you taste their delicious Nordic-inspired food. FINT isn’t far from Wellington Street Multi Storey Car Park, and is sat on a quieter street away from the centre, not to mention dog friendly!
Catering for a vast array of dietary requirements in their simple menu, this bright, modern eatery creates beautifully presented dishes out of organic and seasonal ingredients, including several fantastic vegetarian and vegan options.
You’ll be seated comfortably and enjoy excellent service as you dine in this intimate space for brunch, lunch or dinner. Regulars will tell you it’s a great choice for a pre-theatre meal and that their brunches offer out-of-the-ordinary toppings to traditional classics.
The small menu has a range of options including meat, vegetarian and seafood dishes to cater for all. Past favourites have included a vegan Linguine with mushrooms and spinach as well as a lunchtime “SmØrrebrØd”, meaning open sandwich. This includes your choice of either salmon gravlax, smoked chicken or tofu on toasted coriander seed bread, with seed cream, onion jam, rocket, sliced new potato and capers, plus you can add a poached Burford Brown egg.
Considering the quality of the food on offer you will be astounded by how reasonably priced everything is. In fact, there have previously been offers such as two dishes for £20 available up until 6pm.
You’re hard-pressed to find such a sophisticated food experience that caters for most, so FINT is certainly amongst the best vegan & vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Leeds.
Address: 73 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3BR, UK
Opening Times: Sun-Mon 10:00-15:00, Wed-Thurs 10:00-21:30, Fri-Sat 10:00-22:00