Gone are the days when vegans and vegetarians were stuck ordering nothing more than a bowl of chips at a restaurant – maybe a dry risotto or a bland bean burger, if you’re lucky. Step into any eatery and you’ll find a mountain of plant-based options to make even the most ardent meat-eater jealous. Be it cheesy vegan pizzas or burgers that could easily be mistaken for meat, here’s the very best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to try in Birmingham.
1. Land
Got a special occasion coming up? Then you’ve got to try Land. The fine-dining restaurant creates brightly coloured plates where the vegetable is the showstopper. Tucked away in the Great Western Arcade, even carnivores love this place – restaurant critic Jay Rayner called it ‘vegan cooking to file under thrilling’. Thanks to a reasonably priced eight-course tasting menu, it’s one of the cheapest Michelin Guide restaurants in Birmingham too.
Land, 26 Great Western Arcade, Colmore Row, B2 5HU
2. Falafel Munch
Every vegan/vegetarian knows the joy of the falafel wrap. It’s a lifesaver, to say the least. Falafel Munch in Digbeth is our go-to spot when it comes to plant-based snacks. Pop in for a medley of Middle Eastern delights – including houmous, moutabal, stuffed vine leaves, fattoush, tabouleh and, of course, falafel. You’ll also find a long menu of fresh, fruit smoothies.
68 Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DH
3. Somewhere In Brum
This 200-year-old Grade II listed, underground cellar bar is secretly home to vegan Indian street food joint, Notty Bites. You’ll come for the samosa chaat, masala fries and beer-battered bhajis, but stay long into the night for handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and fine wines. Open all day, it’s Somewhere in Brum‘s ability to change on the fly, from cafe-workspace to late-night bar, that’s made it such a hit with vegan and non-vegans alike.
Somewhere in Brum, 30 Mary Ann St, Birmingham B3 1RL
4. Plant N Plate
You can’t miss Plant N Plate in King’s Heath if you’re a vegan. It’s bright pink for starters! But is also known for serving some of the most exciting plant-based food in Birmingham. You’ll find everything you could possibly dream of – from red Thai curry to a mushroom burger, pulled jackfruit Caribbean stew and a vegan cheesecake. On top of that, it also stocks a range of vegan products. Plus, offers a bottomless brunch and an afternoon tea.
Plant N Plate, 55 High St, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7BH
5. Mr Singh’s
Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s the one food item that can unite all diners – even those of us on a plant-based diet thanks to an abundance of vegan cheese these days. Mr Singh’s is the “all vegetarian pizza” – with many vegan too – spot serving classics like Margherita and calzone, alongside a range of Indian-inspired pizzas, like the tandoori paneer and coriander pizzas.
Mr Singh’s, 103 Cornwall Rd, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham B20 2HY
6. Cafe Soya
Although Cafe Soya’s meat-based dishes are great, it’s their vegetarian and vegan options that really stand out. You’ll find plenty of meat-free dishes to choose from. Highlights include sweet and sour hot pots with fresh pineapples, onion & peppers and stir-fried mixed vegetables with garlic served in crispy lettuce wraps.
Cafe Soya also offer an array of soya-based ‘mock meat’ (hence the name) to create chicken, duck, beef and prawn alternatives. Even as a vegetarian or vegan you can still enjoy the a crispy aromatic duck with the classic line-up of pancake wraps, salads and hoi sin sauce. Cafe Soya manages to recreate meaty favourites with their delicious, texture soy-based mock meats without any compromise, and their dishes pack as much flavour as their meat version.
Cafe Soya, Unit B106 Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD
7. Jyoti’s
Jyoti’s is the only vegetarian Indian restaurant in Birmingham and it has an extensive menu, boasting a massive choice of 15 starters and 72 main courses. The restaurant also contains an Indian sweet shop, with 30 different options to choose from, some of which are vegan. Plus, there is so much paneer on the menu that cheese-loving vegetarians might want to move in and live there forever.
Jyoti’s, 1045 Stratford Road, Hall Green, B28 8AS
8. Kilo Ziro
The UK’s first zero waste and café bar is all about reducing waste and its carbon footprint – from serving wine from reusable kegs to using rice paper-printed passion fruits for cocktails. So of course it’s gone for a planet-friendly, plant-based menu. It’s not a particularly long list of items, but the flavour’s all that matters.
At Kilo Ziro, tuck into small plates such as a pulled mushroom bao, falafel or arancini. Or just enjoy some nibbles like hummus, vegan sausage rolls and cheese platters. It’s a great place for afternoon tea too – with a mix of vegetarian and vegan, alcoholic or non-alcoholic options.
Kilo Ziro, 1 Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4BF
9. Damascena
Damascena is a popular café when it comes to discovering Birmingham’s plant-based eats, plus Birmingham is spoilt with four branches. The Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant is home to some of the best vegan dishes in the city, plus their main menu is colourful, creative and brimming with flavour. Enjoy mouth-watering dishes such as falafel flatbread wrap or choose from a selection of mezze like stuffed vine leaves, hummus, falafels and chilli potatoes.
Damascena, Portman Building, 5-7 Temple Row West, B2 5NY
103 High Street, B17 9NR
Unit 1 Heritage Court, 17-21 Warstone Lane, B18 6HP
133 Alcester Road, Moseley, B13 8JP
10. BA-HA Vegan
Last but not least is BA-HA. If you’re looking for a meat-free junk food alternative, BA-HA is the one. BA-HA is currently being served at the newly refurbished The Rainbow pub in Digbeth. BA-HA has previously conjured up inventive Sunday roast dinners such as their Jack McGuinness slice, made to a secret recipe and served with creamy herb mash, roast potatoes, homemade stuffing balls, sautéed greens, cauliflower cheese, mixed vegetables and red wine gravy.
Plus, they have plenty of your junk food favourites sans meat such as cauliflower wings, chilli hot dogs, dumplings and jackfruit burgers. This is a great choice for friends and family as there is bound to be something for them all, plus the desserts are pretty incredible too. Did someone say apple crumble doughnut balls?
The Rainbow, 160 High Street, B12 0LD