Plant-Based Cardiff: The Ultimate Vegan and Vegetarian Guide

12 January 2023

Cardiff has built a reputation as one of the best foodie cities in the UK, and many plant-based restaurants in the capital have built up a cult following, with many restaurants following the trend and adding their own vegetarian and vegan selections.

Whether you’ve been vegan for years, are giving it a go for January, or you’re a foodie looking to explore some of the city’s ethical eateries and hipster hang-outs, we’ve put together an extensive list of all of the best plant-based places in Cardiff.

Exclusively Vegan or Vegetarian

1. Crumbs, Morgan Arcade

Crumbs Kitchen is known for having one of the best salad bars in Cardiff. Mix and make your own great small or standard salad bowl, or enjoy one of their vegetarian or vegan friendly soups, curries or chilli. You’ll find this little gem right in the heart of the city centre in the Morgan Arcade.

2. Anna Loka, Albany Road

The origin behind the restaurant’s name tells you everything you need to know about the ethos of the business and the owner. ‘Anna Loka’ comes from the Sanskrit ‘Anna’ meaning food or health, and ‘Loka’ meaning world or planet. The restaurant opened its doors in 2015 after Hare Krishna monk and vegan Adam saw the need for a new restaurant which serves simple, seasonal and delicious vegan food. According to their website “our mission, quite simply, is to offer compassionate food choices without compromising on quality or taste!” From wholefood bowls to rodeo burgers, Anna Loka has something to suit all tastes.

3. Vegetarian Food Studio, Penarth Road

The Vegetarian Food Studio is run by head chef Neil Patel and uses fresh vegetables, herbs and spices to make unique and authentic Indian dishes to suit all tastes. They also have a great range of Indian sweets all made by hand in house for those of you with a sweet tooth. Open Tuesday to Sunday, The Vegetarian Food Studio can be found on Penarth Road.

4. The Moon, Womanby Street

Established indie music venue The Moon, is also known for its all-vegan bar food, perfect to keep you going all week, from their Full Moon Breakfast to their burger range including the Burning Comet, perfect for those who like a spicier taste. Plus, on Sundays, you can enjoy a roast with all the trimmings.

5. Naked Vegan, Cardiff Market

Ideally located within Cardiff Market, pay a visit to 2022’s Vegan Bakery of the Year selling a range of freshly baked goods such as cookies, donuts and macaroons as well as freshly brewed coffee. Plus, if you’re feeling something more savoury, you can pick up a topped hot dog and talking of dogs, they also stock doggie ice cream so your pup can be part of the fun.

6. Clancy’s, Cardiff Market

Also located in Central Market is the father and son owned Clancy’s. As well as selling an extensive range of spices and herbs Clancy’s also stocks a wide range of vegan and veggie goodies from smoked paprika halloumi slammers and lentil balls to alternative takes on British market classics such as sausage rolls and scotch eggs. We recommend you try their dhal and naan bread, a perfect winter warmer.

7. The Atma Lounge, The Capitol

If there is one thing that the Visit Cardiff team has discovered while researching Cardiff’s vegan food scene, it’s that you can trust Hare Krishna monks to rustle you up something scrumptious. Café Atma is a conscious living lifestyle lounge. As well as providing delicious Indian food, it also hosts wellbeing evenings including mantra meditation, talks on self-realisation and a two-course vegetarian meal, all for a £5 donation! Atma’s mission statement is to satisfy the bodies, minds and souls of the people of Cardiff and we think they are doing a great job at it!

8. Falafel Corner, The Capitol

Go on a culinary adventure at this falafel bar, ideally located within the Capitol Centre on Queen Street, serving up houmous platters, vegan meze, Lebanese wraps, falafel dogs, filled pittas and salad bowls – or why not try their Sweet Potato Buffalo Ciabatta. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean Za’atar bread, fresh salad and a range of houmous.

9. Luna’s Vegan Corner, Wellfield Road

In the heart of Roath, this restaurant was born out of a passion for delicious food, conscious living and a belief in kindness to animals. Since opening, it has become a premier vegan restaurant known for great food, a relaxed environment and good service. Serving up a fresh menu with curry and pasta dishes, burgers as well as a selection of starters and sides.

Perfect for Groups of Vegans, Vegetarians & Meat-Eaters

1. The Grazing Shed, Barrack Lane

The Grazing Shed is home to some of Cardiff’s best burgers and they cater for everyone, including vegans. As well as chicken and beef burgers, the Grazing Shed’s menu offers five different vegan burgers to choose from, making it one of the best places to head for vegans and meat-eaters alike. Did we mention local celebrity and BBC Wales’s ‘Dirty Vegan’ Matthew Pritchard has his own burger on the menu? We recommend you try it, after all he is the Cardiffian with the plant-based cooking show.

2. Tiny Rebel, Westgate Street

Tiny Rebel have established themselves as one of Wales’ best indie breweries and it’s not just what they have on tap that’s tasty. It may come as a surprise to some, but Tiny Rebel has a really strong range of plant-based meals and bar snacks on the menu. If you’re just popping in for a few pints of ‘Cwtch’ then we recommend their vegan wings – you can chose form nine different sauces. Looking for something more substantial? You’re in luck: they have five other vegan menu items to choose from including subs, burgers and pizzas.

3. Pho, Church Street

Pho is a Vietnamese restaurant with a diverse menu – where diners can choose from pho noodle soups, curries, salads, rice bowls, and much more besides. A big hit all over the country, not only down to the amazing flavours that are used so widely in Vietnamese cooking, but also due to how healthy it is. The menu is 40% vegan, and nearly entirely gluten-free (and Pho is accredited by Coeliac UK), so it’s perfect for people with dietary requirements.

4. Pieminister, Saint Mary Street

Pieminister’s pies are made with ethically sourced ingredients and plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans – and for those on a gluten-free diet there’s a dedicated GF menu starring three delicious gluten-free pies. With three vegan and two vegetarians pies, find the perfect pie for how you’re feeling.

5. The Coconut Tree, Mill Lane

Experience a naturally abundant vegan & vegetarian cuisine at The Coconut Tree. Enjoy the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality & cuisine, served ‘as it comes’. Their dishes are rich in Ceylon spices with recipes going back generations from their very own parents’ kitchens. In celebration of Veganuary, The Coconut Tree have introduced 3 new delicious dishes to their menu Brinjals Moju, Gova Mallun & Straight Up Bonchi.

6. Las Iguanas, Mill Lane and Mermaid Quay

Celebrate the flavours of Latin America at one of Cardiff’s two Iguanas, and try out delicious classics alongside unique sizzling creations. With a whole host of vegan and vegetarian options of all tastes and spices, there’s something for everyone.

7. Pontcanna Inn, Cathedral Road

Pontcanna’s classic bar and lounge have updated the menu for the New Year adding a dedicated vegan section to their menu. Try their vegan takes on wings, burgers and chili served up alongside a changing menu of small platers, big plates and sharer dishes.

This is by no means an extensive list of vegan restaurants in Cardiff, just a flavour of what’s on offer! Check out our eat & drink pages for more.