Brighton has long been a hot spot for vegetarian dining options. From the early pioneers of vegetarian dining in the 1980s, to fresh and exciting new restaurants, there's a whole lot on offer for those looking for a plant-forward menu. Take your pick of some of Brighton's best vegetarian restaurants – from pubs and pizzerias, to fine dining – in our guide below.
Dishes at Burnt Orange. All images courtesy of the restaurants
From burgers and pizza to innovative and produce-led fine dining, Brighton has it all when it comes to vegetarian restaurants
The Prince George
This popular refurbed vegetarian gastropub in the heart of Brighton's North Laine offers real ales and a 100% vegetarian and vegan menu. Head there for a plant-based Sunday roast menu. It's just the spot for comforting pub grub in cosy surroundings.
Burnt Orange
Recently opened, Burnt Orange offers a tempting modern Middle Eastern-inspired menu. Starters include grilled Sussex halloumi with orange blossom honey and pine nuts, while mains pack a punch with dishes like smoked miso aubergine crispy onions, sour cream and cumin, or orange-glazed cauliflower with spiced cashew cream.
Food for Friends
First opening its doors in South Lanes in 1981, this popular and innovative go-to venue has stood the test of time as one of Brighton's favourite vegetarian hangouts. Regularly picked up in columns and national papers, it's easy to understand what the hype's about.
Manju's
Nestled in the bustling and vibrant North Laine, this family-run Indian restaurant stars 80-year-old Manju at the head of the kitchen. There's a great choice of thalis and dosas by day, and curries by night, accompanied with an array of flatbreads, poppadoms and chutneys.
Purezza
The home of the UK’s first vegan pizzeria chain offers an all-vegan menu with a playful range of wholegrain pizzas. Think inventive toppings that are big on flavour, like truffle or 'nduja with homemade vegan mozzarella. There's also a small plate-sharing menu with some hearty Italian home cooking, like lasagna and meatballs.
Vurger Co.
For plant-based fast food with a wow factor, head over to this growing chain specialising in vegan burgers. The indulgent burger menu is big on impact, from the New York melt to the BBQ pork, all fillings are served with lashings of sauces and toppings, sandwiched inside a brioche bun. There are plenty of other guilty pleasures to be found on the menu if you're still hungry.
Botanique
From the team behind Food for Friends, this restaurant is also one of the first to house an indoor hydroponic farm. A root-to-tip philosophy is lived by Head Chef Josie, who gives local seasonal fruit and vegetables pride of place on the menu, alongside a good organic wine list.
Lost in the Lanes
This contemporary chef-led café bar in Brighton’s Lanes has you covered from breakfast to tea time. From all-day vegetarian breakfasts, to flavourful mains dishes like baharat cauliflower, aubergine, baba ghanoush, pomegranate, harissa, preserved lemon and naan bread - there's plenty of plant-based choice on the regular menu.
Terre à Terre
Big flavours with a chef's touch and a commitent to sustainable and local sourcing make this local independent restaurant, opened in 1993, one of the heavyweights on Brighton's vegetarian scene. Playful dishes include 'KFC' (Korean fried cauliflower) rolled in tamari black vinegar molasses and sesame, and 'A Star Is Corn', which features deep-fried corn cakes rolled in smoked paprika bang spice.
