Trof NQ
The full vegan breakfast at Trof is no light – nor healthy – alternative, with tofu scrambled eggs, breaded avocado and even vegan black pudding! This hearty alternative Full English sits alongside more traditional brunch options meaning there’s something for everyone. After all, who doesn’t crave a Full English every once in a while?
Trof, 8 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1EU
0161 833 3197
http://trofnq.co.uk/
Comptoir Libanais
Arguably the most successful Arabic food chain in the UK at the minute, if it’s funky retro tiles and brightly coloured lanterns aren’t enough to entice you in, their souk style menu is rich in delightful light bites of which a surprising amount are vegan. From fluffy, garlicky Baba Ghanoush to their famous flavoured Hummus, you can all enjoy a feast of different dishes and be transported right to the Middle East without leaving Manchester.
Comptoir Libanais, 18-19 The Avenue, Manchester M3 3HF
0161 672 3999
http://www.comptoirlibanais.com/
Pie & Ale
Alongside their large selection of meat wrapped in the perfect pastry package, Pie & Ale surprisingly have three vegan pies which are perfect for enjoying on a cold winter day. Their Chinese-esque Hoisin Butternut Squash pie is excellent, their Chana Palak Indian pie is fantastic but the clear winner is their Ratatouille Pie, stuffed full of perfectly juicy aubergine, courgettes, tomato and red wine – it’s heavenly. They also serve Gluten Free pies as well!
Pie & Ale, 1 & 2, The Hive, 47 Lever St, Manchester M1 1FN
0161 228 1610
pieandale.com/food/
El Capo
Amongst all of the carne and chicken you’ll find a few cracking vegan dishes in this Mexican cantina right in the heart of the Northern Quarter. Ask their very attentive staff and they will arrange for vegan fillings for your burrito, fajitas or quesadillas – either Kale & Mushroom or the fantastic Sweet Potato and Portobello Smoked Chipotle number – both of which are delicious. There’s also a great selection of smaller dishes and sides, including the always welcome Padron Peppers.
El Capo, 12 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF
0161 237 3154
www.elcaponq.co.uk/
Common
Voted the North West’s best brunch spot by the Sunday Times, it is no wonder that Common has a delicious range of options to suit every taste. Our favourite Vegan option however has to be the Frijoles on Toast. The generous portion of refried beans and avocado makes for a salty, filling breakfast that’ll keep you going all day, and make even your meat-eating friends green with jealousy.
Common, 39-41 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW
0161 832 9245
https://www.aplacecalledcommon.co.uk/
Fig + Sparrow
Fig + Sparrow on Oldham Street is a minimally furnished, contemporary café and the perfect environment for a quick bite or coffee and a cake. Although the food menu is small – with a decent choice of vegan sandwiches and salads – where it really excels is the afters. You no longer have to endure coffee with curdled soya milk, as you can choose from a range of vegan milk options (coconut, almond or oat) and a scrumptious choice of vegan cakes to accompany it. Being homemade, they vary from day to day, but a staple favourite has to be the Vegan Brownie. For a lunch break from shopping or a relaxed first date, Fig and Sparrow has just the right hit to keep you going the rest of the day.
Fig + Sparrow, 20 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JA
0161 228 1843
https://www.figandsparrow.co.uk/
The Pasta Factory
From ‘Pipe Rigate con Porcini and Noci’ (shell like pasta with tomato and veg) to a decadent ‘Triangoli di Funghi in Salsa al Tartufo’ (truffle ravioli) the vegan options on this menu are proper, authentic Italian dishes rich in flavour and heart. The owners claim the restaurant is a ‘return to basics’, with only the most natural and fresh ingredients. And we tend to agree with them. https://manchestersfinest.com.temp.link/eating-and-drinking/eating-in-manchester/restaurants/the-pasta-factory-review/
The Pasta Factory, 77 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AN
0161 222 9250
http://www.pastafactory.co.uk/
Sandbar
Although a little far down Oxford Road into student-ville, if you’re craving a pizza this rough and ready pub is worth the walk or £1.50 bus ride from Piccadilly. Not only is the atmosphere electric (with live music and drinks on tap) and their pizza menu massive, but they also offer the option to turn any veggie pizza vegan! They insist that the vegan soy cheese melts just as deliciously as mozzarella, Sandbar gives everyone the chance to enjoy their favourite toppings on an exquisite base made of ‘00’ organic Italian flour. So, grab your friends, get a beer and have a night full of pizza that everyone is promised to enjoy.
Sandbar, 120 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HL
0161 273 1552
http://www.sandbarmanchester.co.uk/
Solita
As a place famed for its piles of meat, coated in cheese and surrounded by big burger bun, you probably wouldn’t expect Solita to be banging out a cracking bit of vegan fare, but my word – they do! Their Solita Special Bean Burger features four types of beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, guacamole, vegan cheese, crumbled nachos and 1000 island sauce – and it’s lovely!
Solita, Turner St, Manchester M4 1DW
0161 839 2200
www.solita.co.uk/
