Looking to explore the best of vegan Brighton?
Then you’re in the right place!
Brighton is well known for its fierce independence, celebration of diversity, and rich cultural heritage, not to mention its thriving plant-based food scene.
As a vegan living just 20 minutes away, I find myself constantly drawn back to the city for my next plant-based fix—whether that’s a stacked vegan burger, wood-fired pizza, or a more refined meal for a special occasion.
Many eateries here also emphasize sustainability, often sourcing local and seasonal ingredients to craft meals that are as thoughtful as they are delicious.
But it’s not just the food that makes Brighton a haven for conscious travelers. From boutique shops to hotels that cater specifically to plant-based lifestyles, there are countless ways to embrace vegan living in this vibrant coastal city.
What Makes Brighton The UK’s Most Vegan City?
Brighton came out on top of 19 other major cities as the most vegan-friendly in the UK, based on research relating to Google search data, Happy Cow listings, and the availability of takeaway options.
The result isn’t surprising. Brighton has long been known as a forward-thinking city, and it’s currently the only UK council run by the Green Party, a reflection of how seriously residents take sustainability, ethics, and environmental issues.
This ethos is woven into everyday life. Parking is intentionally limited and expensive to encourage walking, cycling, and the use of public transport—a move that reflects the city’s broader eco-conscious mindset.
Brighton’s vegan roots also run deep. Long before “the vegan boom” of the past decade, the city was home to dedicated plant-based restaurants, some of which have been operating for over 30 years.
Today, Brighton offers an impressive range of options, from 100% vegan eateries to vegan-friendly restaurants that make plant-based dining a priority.
Best Vegan Restaurants In Brighton
On that note, let’s dive into some of the best places to eat as a vegan in Brighton. This section is organized by meal type so you can easily find your perfect dish!
Vegan Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants
One of the top things to do in Brighton is to try one of the delicious local breakfast or brunch spots, many of which are vegan-friendly. My top picks include:
Nowhere Man
53 Upper North Street, Brighton
If you’re a pancake lover, Nowhere Man is a must. Their fluffy vegan pancakes are a standout, whether you prefer them sweet—topped with berries, vegan butter, and maple syrup—or savory with vegan bacon and a tofu egg scramble.
Their vegan bagels are also worth a try, and the oat matcha is a delicious, comforting drink to round out your meal.
Botanique
31A Western Road, Hove
With its rustic charm and relaxed vibe, Botanique is a lovely farm-to-table restaurant choice for a vegan brunch in Brighton. The menu changes seasonally and is rooted in sustainability, offering creative plant-based dishes that make the most of local ingredients.
If the menu features huevos roja—vegan labneh, salsa roja, and breakfast radish—I highly recommend trying it.
Starfish & Coffee
32 Egremont Place, Brighton
Located across from Queen’s Park, Starfish & Coffee is a cozy café known for its brunches. One must-order item is their plant-based take on the traditional English breakfast, complete with vegan sausage, scrambled tofu, hash browns, avocado, mushrooms, and beans. Other favorites include the mushroom hash and the avocado citrus toast.
Jo & Co
115 Church Road, Hove
Jo & Co serves up a hearty vegan-cooked breakfast that doesn’t disappoint. Their thick-cut vegan Cumberland sausage is especially flavorful, paired with a medley of sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, and baked beans for a well-rounded morning meal.
Trading Post Coffee Roasters
36 Ship St, Brighton
No exaggeration — I had the best vegan waffles of my life at Trading Post Coffee Roasters. Topped with toasted almonds, coconut yogurt, peaches, and raspberries, the dish was both indulgent and refreshing.
This Brighton cafe offers excellent sweet and savory vegan options, plus a specialty coffee selection that rivals the food.
Vegan Lunch Restaurants
Looking for an afternoon meal? There are plenty of delicious options for a vegan lunch in Brighton.
The No Catch Co.
127a King’s Road, Brighton
Owned by vegan advocate Earthling Ed, The No Catch Co. offers an entirely plant-based take on classic fish and chips—a must when visiting a British seaside town. Their crispy, golden vegan “fish” and perfectly salted chips are the ultimate coastal comfort food.
Food for Friends
The Lanes, 17 Prince Albert Street, Brighton
Established in 1981, Food for Friends was Brighton’s first vegetarian and vegan restaurant, and it remains a beloved staple of the city’s plant-based scene. The menu showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the calming ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a more refined dining experience.
Oowee Vegan
23 Market Street, Brighton
Oowee Vegan creates some of the most indulgent plant-based burgers in Brighton. Think juicy patties stacked high with bold flavors and creative toppings. The menu is packed with options, from loaded fries to vegan chicken dippers, making it a top spot for a satisfying, casual meal.
What The Pitta
14 East Street, Brighton
Just steps from Brighton Beach, What The Pitta is a go-to for a flavorful, satisfying grab-and-go lunch. Their signature vegan döner kebabs are loaded with marinated soy, fresh salad, and creamy sauces, and they also offer beers and plant-based ice cream for a full-on feast.
Happy Maki
23 Sydney Street, Brighton
Located in Brighton’s vibrant Lanes—a maze of narrow alleyways filled with independent shops, cafes, and eateries—Happy Maki offers a unique take on vegan sushi with their signature sushi burritos and bowls. Combining global flavors with a commitment to sustainability, their menu features favorites like hoisin mock duck and teriyaki mock chicken. Plus, they donate a meal to a child in need for every meal sold.
Vegan Dinner Restaurants
Looking for vegan dinner restaurants in Brighton? These plant-based spots offer standout evening meals that highlight the city’s culinary creativity:
Bonsai Plant Kitchen
44-45 Baker Street, Brighton
Bonsai Plant Kitchen serves East Asian-inspired cuisine in a completely plant-based format. For a memorable meal, start with the crispy tofu in Thai yellow curry sauce or the mushroom karaage with chili mayo, then move on to skewers from the bincho grill—the Mongolian “lamb” and miso-glazed aubergine are especially delicious, especially when paired with one of their craft cocktails!
The Roundhill Pub
100 Ditchling Road, Brighton
A 100% vegan pub, The Roundhill showcases a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of comfort food favorites. Some of their must-try dishes include the Korean cauliflower wings with garlic mayo and slaw, the aubergine katsu curry served with rice and toasted sesame seeds, and the decadent sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Terre à Terre
71 East St, Brighton
Open since 1993, Terre à Terre is a vegetarian restaurant serving creative and beautifully plated vegan dishes influenced by international flavors. Try the KFC — Korean Fried Cauliflower — with sweet miso and ginger, the Bang Bang Tofu with sesame noodles and fermented black bean dressing, or the Terre à Tapas sharing plate, which features a rotating selection of inventive small bites from around the world.
Kusaki
6 Circus Parade, Unit 5, Brighton
Kusaki brings traditional Japanese cuisine into the plant-based world with flair. The dishes here are beautifully presented and full of inventive flavor combinations. I especially love their bento boxes. If you’re a fan of sushi, tempura, or noodle dishes, this one’s a must-try.
Purezza
12 St. James’s Street, Brighton
Purezza holds the distinction of being the UK’s first all-vegan pizzeria, and it lives up to the hype! Their wood-fired pizzas feature your choice of base—including wholegrain, sourdough, hemp, and gluten-free—topped with house-made vegan cheeses and an array of creative additions.
Recommendation: Try the “Veggie Pizza” showcasing grilled artichokes, tangy olives, earthy wild mushrooms, and smoked beetroot.
Vegan Dessert Spots
Craving some sweet and dairy-free? My favorite Brighton spots for a treat include:
Glazed
25 Ditchling Road, Brighton
Glazed is a cute vegan cake shop best known for its drool-worthy donuts, but you’ll also find excellent coffee—always served with oat milk—and a cozy, creative vibe. It’s a great stop for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or takeaway treat.
Boho Gelato
6 Pool Valley, Near Seafront, Brighton
Sourcing local ingredients and serving up inventive flavors, Boho Gelato offers a stellar range of vegan ice creams and sorbets. My personal favorite is a creamy vegan milkshake to end the day. The team here is always welcoming, and their reward card system is a nice bonus for return visits.
Gelato Gusto
2 Gardner Street, Brighton
If you’re after indulgent vegan ice cream, Gelato Gusto has you covered. With flavors like vegan honeycomb and a selection of vegan cones—some dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles—their offerings are as fun as they are delicious.
V360 Vegan Café
112 King’s Road Arches, Brighton
Located near the Brighton i360 Observation Tower, V360 serves plant-based versions of the classic Mr. Whippy ice cream—a nostalgic treat that’s both creamy and satisfying. It’s the perfect stop after a stroll along the seafront.
Flour Pot Bakery
Various Brighton locations
While not exclusively vegan, the Flour Pot Bakery is a Brighton favorite offering a selection of quality vegan baked goods. Think spiced carrot cake, fruit-studded flapjacks, or rich chocolate slices. Their cozy interiors and artisanal vibe make it a lovely place to slow down and savor something sweet.
Best Vegan Shops In Brighton
Beyond its incredible food scene, Brighton also makes it easy to live a plant-based lifestyle, with a variety of shops offering vegan groceries, ethical fashion, and sustainable home goods.
Hilly Laine
78 Elm Grove, Brighton
Hilly Laine offers fresh organic produce and a fantastic selection of healthy vegan foods. Don’t be fooled by the small storefront — it’s packed with unique and hard-to-find items for plant-based cooking.
Infinity Foods
25 North Rd, Brighton
Infinity Foods sells a large selection of vegan foods, cosmetics, and household products. Nestled in the heart of the North Laine, this worker-owned store is run democratically and has been a Brighton staple for decades.
Kindly of Brighton
110-114 Dyke Road, Brighton
Kindly of Brighton is the city’s eco-friendly, vegan food store — a thoughtful antidote to large supermarket chains. It’s stocked with ethical essentials, from plant-based pantry items to sustainable personal care products.
Bird and Blend Tea Co.
41 Gardner Street, Brighton
Bird and Blend Tea Co. is a charming tea shop offering some of the best loose-leaf tea blends around. The friendly staff make it a joy to browse, and it’s hard to leave without picking up a tea-related treat.
Eden Perfumes
26 Gardner St, Brighton
Eden Perfumes creates natural alternatives to mainstream fragrances. All perfumes are handmade in the UK without harsh chemicals, and they offer refillable options to reduce waste.
Seed and Sprout
82 St George’s Road, Brighton
Seed and Sprout is a well-stocked health food store in Kemptown offering a range of vegan groceries and eco-friendly goods. The owner is incredibly helpful, always ready with great product recommendations.
Vegetarian Shoes Ltd
12 Gardner Street, Brighton
Vegetarian Shoes Ltd sells a wide selection of vegan shoes, boots, and trainers made from synthetic and plant-based materials. Everything is cruelty-free and designed to last.
Harriet’s of Hove
31 George Street, Hove
Harriet’s of Hove sells vegan food, household essentials, and body care products. A personal favorite here is their artisan scented candles, which are vegan, paraben-free, and beautifully crafted.
The Fudge Patch
2 Bond St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton
The Fudge Patch specializes in rich, handcrafted vegan fudge made with plant-based milks like rice, hemp, or coconut. Flavors range from indulgent chocolate brownie to bright and zesty lemon sherbet. Every variety is carefully developed for maximum flavor — a must-try for any sweet-toothed vegan.
Fun Vegan-Friendly Experiences In Brighton
Animal Sanctuary
The Broyle, Ringmer, Lewes, United Kingdom
Located just outside Brighton in the nearby town of Lewes, Raystede Animal Sanctuary is an ethical day out for vegans looking to support animal welfare. The sanctuary is home to rescued goats, horses, alpacas, and more, with many grazing peacefully in the surrounding fields.
While the kennels and cattery aren’t open to the public, you can visit the rodent room to spot chinchillas, rats, mice, and degus.
A free guided tour runs daily at 11:30am, though animal sightings can vary. Booking is recommended, and donations are welcome to support their work. Dogs on short leads are also allowed, and there’s an on-site café for refreshments.
Vegan Pub Dining
43 Southover Street, Brighton
A bohemian pub with quirky decor and a welcoming vibe, The Dover Castle is part of Britain’s oldest brewery and offers a wide range of ales and lagers.
Their vegan menu includes options like loaded fries, chickpea lasagne with rainbow slaw, pitta burgers, and spicy sambal daal soup — plus a standout Sunday roast and a kids’ menu.
Regular events such as open mic nights, live music, and DJ sets add to the lively atmosphere.
Vegan Food Tour
A 2.5-hour vegan food tour introduces you to Brighton’s best vegan hidden gems, with up to five tastings along the way — from vegan fish and chips to sushi, donuts, and cakes.
Tours begin at 10:00am and wrap up around 13:30, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city on foot.
Vegan Wine Tasting
17 Marlborough Place, Brighton
For a fun vegan wine tasting experience, visit The Wine Cellar. Sussex is blessed with tens of vineyards, meaning we take our wine seriously. An array of vegan wines can be tried, alongside artisan vegan cheeses and nibbles.
Vegan Market Crawl
Marshalls Row, Brighton and Hove, Brighton
Brighton’s Open Market showcases numerous vendors selling tasty vegan dishes. My top recommendation is to visit The Flying Saucer Café for a coffee or a colorful Buddha bowl, as well as Smorl’s Houmous for some of the best hummus you will ever try.
Vegan Afternoon Tea
97-99 Kings Road, Brighton
Vegan afternoon tea is always a lovely experience, especially at The Grand, which offers a peaceful retreat with spectacular sea views. Their vegan afternoon tea has been carefully crafted to include delicious sausage rolls, little quiches, and plenty of sweet treats.
Vegan Community Hub
12 London Road, Brighton
Brighton’s longest-running independent community space, The Cowley Club is entirely vegan and home to a café, bookshop, bar, library, and vegan food bank. It hosts everything from book talks and poetry nights to late-night gigs and activist meetups — a must-visit for those drawn to grassroots culture and a touch of anarchy.
Best Vegan Hotels In Brighton
Although there aren’t any exclusively vegan hotels in Brighton, there are many that are very vegan-friendly and will cater to your needs.
Whether you are seeking a cozy bed and breakfast or perhaps something more upmarket with spectacular sea views, Brighton has numerous hotels and accommodation options to choose from.
The Oriental Brighton
9 Oriental Place, Brighton
The Oriental Brighton blends boutique style with a strong connection to the local arts community, featuring rotating exhibitions of work by local artists throughout the year. Each morning, guests can enjoy a full vegan breakfast — a plant-based take on the classic English breakfast, typically including vegan sausage, hash browns, grilled tomato, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast.
The Downs Hotel, Woodingdean
Warren Road, Brighton
The Downs Hotel in Woodingdean is a family-run bed and breakfast located at the foot of the South Downs (hills), just a few miles from Brighton city center. Guests can enjoy a full vegan breakfast as well as vegan-friendly pub dishes like slow-roasted tomato and avocado ciabattas and loaded vegan nachos.
Queens Hotel
1-3 King’s Rd, Brighton
The Queens Hotel in Brighton offers a dedicated vegan menu at its No.1 Bar & Bistro, featuring dishes like vegan burgers and pizzas. Guests can also enjoy a full vegan breakfast each morning. Additional amenities include a health spa, gym, and swimming pool for relaxation during your stay.
The Grand
97-99 Kings Road, Brighton
The Grand is a luxury, vegan-friendly hotel located right on the waterfront. Their vegan breakfast features options like vegan cheeses, soya yogurts, vegan croissants, and cooked items such as plant-based sausages. Book a room with a sea view for an extra special stay.
Vegan Brighton Map
To help make your plant-based exploration of Brighton easier, here is a Google Map with the above-mentioned restaurants, shops, and hotels pre-plotted:
Final Thoughts On Exploring Vegan Brighton
Brighton is an exceptional destination for vegans, with a food scene that’s constantly evolving and thriving.
Beyond the delicious meals, the city offers memorable plant-based experiences and eco-friendly shopping that reflect its progressive spirit.
Vegan establishments here foster a strong sense of community, making it easy to connect with like-minded people.
Altogether, Brighton’s vegan scene beautifully reflects the city’s ethos of diversity, sustainability, and conscious living.
