Vegan-friendly Restaurants in Manchester this Veganuary

Every January since 2014, hundreds of thousands of people in the UK have taken part in Veganuary, switching to a vegan diet for the month and discovering new plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy and other animal products. As the campaign returns for January 2026, Manchester continues to be one of the best UK cities for vegan food, with restaurants, cafés and street-food spots offering an ever-growing range of vegan-friendly dishes. 

If you’re searching for the best vegan restaurants in Manchester for Veganuary 2026, here’s a round-up of top places worth trying.

Five Must-Try Vegan Restaurants for Veganuary

Vegan Brunch & Café Picks in Manchester

Manchester’s brunch scene is full of spots that treat plant-based options as part of the main event rather than an afterthought. These cafés offer the right mix of atmosphere, flavour and genuinely thoughtful vegan dishes.

1. Ezra & Gil - A bright, modern café with well-considered vegan plates and a relaxed vibe that’s ideal for a slow morning.
2. The Koffee Pot - A proper Northern café that’s added hearty vegan options.

Top Vegan Lunch Spots in Manchester

Manchester’s lunch options are wonderfully varied, and these spots all treat vegan dishes as proper, flavour-led choices rather than an add-on. Whether you want something quick, comforting or a bit inventive, you’ll find it here.

1. Wholesome Junkies – Bold, indulgent comfort food with big flavours and generous portions. Perfect when you’re after something fun and satisfying.
2. BAB NQ – Known for its kebabs, with a standout vegan option that’s fresh, filling and pleasantly surprising.
3. Viet Shack – Fresh and vibrant Vietnamese cooking with properly thought-out vegan dishes full of herbs and punchy flavours.
4. Tampopo – A range of Asian comfort dishes from across the region, with solid vegan picks that balance warmth and variety.
5. Mowgli – A cosy spot offering Indian street-food plates with a strong vegan line up that feels homely and generous.

Vegan-Friendly Dinner Options in Manchester

Manchester’s evening dining scene offers everything from cosy independents to lively food halls, and these places all serve vegan dishes that feel properly considered. Whether you’re after something comforting, refined or social, there’s a good fit here.

1. Lotus Plant Based Kitchen – A fully vegan Chinese restaurant serving everything from delicate dim sum to rich, comforting mains, all thoughtfully crafted.
2. Sangam – Classic Indian cooking with clearly marked vegan dishes that hold their own in terms of depth and spice. A polished but welcoming setting for dinner.
3. Dom’s Italia – Proper Italian comfort food with vegan pasta and pizza options that don’t feel like substitutes—simple, hearty and satisfying.
4. Speak In Code – A stylish cocktail bar offering inventive small plates, many of which are vegan or can be made so without losing creativity. Great for a more refined, laid-back evening.
5. Society / Mackie Mayor / Kargo – Food halls with multiple traders, each offering solid vegan choices. Ideal for mixed groups or a relaxed, sociable dinner.

Try Something Different

Manchester is the perfect city to embrace Veganuary, with a wealth of vegetarian and vegan experiences that make plant-based cooking fun and accessible. 

A Taste of Chinatown, Scranchester Tour

Explore the sights, tastes, and sounds of Manchester’s Chinatown on this brand-new food tour with Scranchester. The city’s Chinatown is the second largest in the UK and one of the largest in Europe. It’s going to be an eclectic mix of dishes, showcasing food from different regions of China, as well as sampling cuisine from other East and Southeast Asian restaurants in the area. The tour will also touch on the history of Chinese food and the story of Chinese food in Britain and how and why the food on offer has changed so much in the last 20 years. 

Manchester Indie Restaurant Tour

On the Manchester Indie Restaurant Tour, guests can look forward to discovering the city’s lively food scene. Led by local restaurant expert and acclaimed food-and-wine writer Kelly Bishop, the small group is guided between three of the city’s standout independent restaurants, enjoying a six-course dining experience along the way.

Vegetarian Society

COOK! with the Vegetarian Society, located on Jersey Street in Ancoats, is a vibrant hub for vegetarian and vegan cookery. The venue hosts workshops, supper clubs, and half- or full-day sessions where visitors can learn everything from classic vegetarian dishes to innovative vegan street food. With a focus on making plant-based cooking inclusive and exciting, COOK! offers hands-on experiences that are perfect for anyone wanting to explore new flavours and techniques.

Food Sorcery

Food Sorcery has two fantastic locations: in Didsbury on Wilmslow Road and in the heart of Manchester City Centre at Deansgate Square. Since opening in 2016, Food Sorcery has been offering hands-on cookery classes, team-building events, and their unique ‘Cooking Together’ experiences, where learning and dining blend into one social, flavour-filled evening. Classes are suitable for all abilities, and most can be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets on request, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy plant-based cooking in a fun and friendly environment.

Find Your Cosy Corner in Manchester This Winter

Whatever brings you to Manchester this winter, you’ll find a city alive with creativity, culture, and warmth. Wrap up, head out, and experience everything that makes Manchester so special in the first months of the year. From cosy coffee shops to cutting-edge exhibitions, there’s always something to make even the chilliest days feel worthwhile.