By Sue King, Epicure & Culture Contributor
Love eating meat-free?
You can easily find a tasty vegetarian restaurant in Brighton, England to satiate your palate.
But, that’s not the only reason to love this United Kingdom travel destination.
The seaside city of Brighton is nestled between the rolling hills of the South Downs, just a one-hour drive from London. A popular stop for day trippers and weekenders looking to escape the Big Smoke, it is often referred to as London-by-the-sea.
In addition to traditional seaside pleasures, Brighton is known for its free-spirited vibe, creativity and alternative disposition.
For instance, the city was the first in the United Kingdom to elect a member of parliament representing the Green Party, and the only place in the south east to vote to remain in the European Union.
The result of the Brexit vote ignited a call for Brighton — and neighboring Hove — to become an independent state. Clearly Brighton refuses to toe the line.
And, it’s all the better for it.
Psst! Don’t forget to pin this post for later!
Brighton: Where Inclusive + Ethical Entertainment Abound
Although Brighton is a city with a conscience, it is also a party destination.
There is a huge LGBTQ+ presence, an impressive live music scene and more restaurants, cafes and bars than anywhere else in South England outside London.
Not surprisingly — given Brighton’s non-conformist stance — vegetarian and vegan establishments are well-represented.
The city is a great destination for the non-carnivorous, and even restaurants that aren’t strictly veggie usually offer a good selection of meat alternative dishes.
Visiting this eclectic destination? In between exploring the many meat-free eateries, make sure to book some of these unforgettable Brighton tours!
Best Brighton Hotels
Just one quick aside.
Before we get into the food, let’s talk accommodation.
When visiting Brighton, there are a number of hotels that can help make your stay even more memorable.
Brighton England Restaurants For Vegetarians
And now, let’s get back to talking ethical food.
For those who want to hold the meat, make sure to add these 10 delicious vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Brighton to your itinerary.
Yum!
1. Enjoy Upscale Dining at Terre a Terre Brighton
71 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HQ
Terre a Terre is an award-winning vegetarian restaurant in Brighton is praised by vegetarians and carnivores; seduced by its aesthetically appealing and delicious dishes.
Established in 1993 in the Brighton Lanes, the venue is stylish and the dining fine.
It is on the expensive side, but perfect for a special occasion.
A la carte, afternoon tea and party menus are on offer in addition to the regular menu.
Recommendations:
Sneaky Peaking Steamers are steamed rice buns stuffed with Szechuan marinated halloumi and ginger bok choy served with Chinese cabbage, chilli sauces and spring onion garnish. They are absolutely scrumptious!
Lemony Yemeni Aubergine Genie is slow-baked aubergine with vegetable thread noodle salad and a puffed rice seaweed cracker.
These are just two of the enticing dishes on offer, each of them a beautifully presented work of art in their own unique way.
2. Share The Meat-Free Wealth At Food For Friends
17-18 Prince Albert Street, The Lanes, Brighton, BN1 1HF
Along with Terre a Terre, Food for Friends is the most long-established and well-renowned of vegetarian restaurants in the city.
Also located in the Lanes, the restaurant has transformed itself from a café-style venue to a sophisticated eatery with huge windows and minimal exterior.
The sharing platters are a popular choice, and include such delicacies as halloumi bites with sweet chilli sauce, courgette kofta with coconut tzatziki and sweet potato salad with pomegranate, herbs, red roasted peppers and tahini.
3. Go Vegan At Loving Hut
48 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN
This cheap and cheerful café in the North Laine serves up appetizing vegan food.
Loving Hut specializes in meat substitute dishes, and do it very well. From a jumbo hot dog to a Chinese platter, Loving Hut offers vegan comfort food at its best using tofu and veggie protein.
The full English breakfast is substantial and makes a great kick-start to the day. There is seating outside for warm days and it’s a great spot for watching the world go by.
In between exploring the many meat-free eateries, make sure to book some of these unforgettable Brighton tours!
4. Mix Art With Your Meal At Infinity Foods Kitchen
50 Gardener Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN
Infinity Foods Kitchen in the North Laine (Picture by Sue King)
One of the stalwarts of the Brighton health food scene, the Infinity Foods Kitchen café is an offshoot of the Infinity Foods co-operative, which opened back in 1971.
Located in the North Laine on the next block along from the store, the space is light and bright and the walls are decorated with work by local artists.
The food is fresh, organic and vegan. Soups, salads and sandwiches are served by smiling, friendly staff. Some choices include the Mediterranean Medley, a mezze of hummus, olives, chickpeas and falafel or a tofu and miso sandwich. The outdoor seating is pleasant spot to enjoy some lunch and take in the unique bohemian North Laine vibe.
5. Experience A Vegetarian Brighton Pub At Prince George
5 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, BN1 4EQ
Although the Prince George is a bar and doesn’t fall exactly into the restaurant/café category, it serves up hearty pub grub with a veggie twist and deserves a mention.
Located in the trendy North Laine area of Brighton, this traditional pub offers Baked Burritos, Falafel Burgers, Three Cheese Nachos and other tasty dishes.
This spot has a superb choice of real Sussex ales, local beers produced using traditional casks which give them a more complex flavor not found in in processed beers.
One thing is for sure:
You won’t leave the Prince George hungry, as the portions here are huge!
6. Travel To India Through The Palate At Planet India
4-5 Richmond Parade, Brighton, BN2 9PH
Dinner at this unpretentious Indian restaurant is akin to eating in a living room in Ahmedabad. Family photographs are on display and Indian throws hang on the walls.
Planet India has a hippie vibe and the friendly family who run it produce a tasty array of veggie curries Gujarati-style.
Curries include black chickpea, sweetcorn, and patra and peas with paneer.
The starters and sides are plentiful and delicious and it’s fun to choose from the wide variety.
The prices are very reasonable — a three-course meal with wine runs at about $30.00, so eating here makes for an affordable night out.
Although, Planet India is only a stone’s throw from downtown, it is unlikely that you would come across it if you didn’t seek it out, as it is hidden away in a road not frequented by tourists.
In between exploring the many meat-free eateries, make sure to book some of these unforgettable Brighton tours!
7. Try Vegetarian Canteen Fare At Iydea
17 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
Yet another wonderful vegetarian restaurant in Brighton in the North Laine!
The choices are all on display at this canteen-style cafe, and the premise is that you choose a main, two sides and two sauces.
Everything is clearly marked, so you know exactly what you are ordering. Typical examples of mains include sausage and onion gravy, quiche, and curry pea and goat cheese arancini, but there are usually ten or eleven options available.
The best part is that there are so many combinations that no matter how many times you return, you’ll never get bored.
Iydea has won several awards for the quality of its food, including a Brighton and Hove Foodie Award and a Vegetarian Society National Eating Out Award.
8. Escape The Hustle At World Peace Café
3 Lansdowne Road, Hove, BN3 1DN
This Brighton vegetarian café is situated in the lovely grounds of Bodhisattva Buddhist Centre.
On sunny days, you can sit outside, looking out over the Peace Garden while sipping a freshly brewed coffee.
Homemade veggie snacks such as quiches, soups, paninis and salads are served.
Peace Café itself is light and airy, and there is a gift and bookshop selling Buddhist-related items.
It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can even partake in a little pre or post meal meditation while there.
9. Have A Vegetarian Breakfast At Green Kitchen
8 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4FQ
Close to Preston Park, central Brighton’s largest green space, this small vegan café is worth the short trip from the city center.
The vegetarian breakfasts at The Green Kitchen are served all day, and include such delights as mushroom and caramelized shallots on toast, and scrambled tofu with capsicum on toast.
Although they offer tasty sandwiches and salads, the cooked-to-order burgers made with seitan are the stars of the show. There are plenty of choices and you get to customize your burger.
The staff are amiable and the café is cozy with indoor and outdoor seating. There is even a resident pooch called Pickle.
In between exploring the many meat-free eateries, make sure to book some of these unforgettable Brighton tours!
10. Savor Vegan Pizza In Brighton At Purezza
12 St. James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1RE
Purezza is somewhat revolutionary in that it is the UK’s first vegan pizzeria.
Located in bustling Kemp Town, the menu offers an inspired choice of pizzas.
You can choose from sourdough, hemp flour or gluten-free bases, and the mozzarella is made in-house using a delicately crafted fermentation of organic Italian brown rice milk.
Skeptical carnivores — and even doubting vegetarians — are pleasantly surprised at just how tasty vegan pizza can be! Pasta, salads and some interesting sides are also on the menu such as the delicious cheesy dough balls.
The desserts are tasty too, especially the outstanding Chocolate Calzone with creamy hazelnut chocolate, walnuts and pistachios.
What is your favorite vegetarian restaurant in Brighton? Please share in the comments below!
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Sue King
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