The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the South West

Eating green is more accessible than ever. No longer are vegans and vegetarians shackled to bean burgers and lettuce leaf salads. In recent years, the restaurant industry has evolved with the rise of plant-based eating. Plenty of eateries now serve diverse – and delicious – vegan and vegetarian food.

Ready to explore the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the South West? Our list will have your mouth watering.

The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Bournemouth

Mad Cucumber

The Mad Cucumber, Bournemouth, is 100% vegan. It serves a diverse seasonal menu using locally sourced organic ingredients. Its quirky rustic interior, made of upcycled materials, proudly reflects an eco-friendly philosophy.

The restaurant’s health-conscious menu has brunch and lunch options, including burgers, sandwiches and salads. Why not wash it all down with a fruit smoothie from the bar? Or submit to your cravings with one of their handmade sweet treats? The Mad Cucumber offers a range of homemade cakes, perfect for celebrations.

Address: 7, The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RY

How to get there: Mad Cucumber is a 15-minute bus journey from Bournemouth station. Find Stand 5 and hop on the M1 bus towards Poole. Get off six stops later at Poole Hill. Mad Cucumber is a minute's walk from there.

Twelve Eatery

Here’s proof that you don’t have to travel far for tasty vegan food: next door to Mad Cucumber is Twelve Eatery. It’s been voted the fifth-best vegan restaurant worldwide. So, if you’ve got 48 hours in Bournemouth, why not try both?

Twelve Eatery has a planet-focused ethos. The owners’ mission is to provide healthy, environmentally friendly food that protects the planet and animal welfare. It’s also plastic-free and, to reduce waste, everything is recyclable or reusable.

Enjoy a delicious plant-based menu in a friendly setting, surrounded by a characterful brick interior and bright chic furniture. Soak up the atmosphere with a drink from the organic bar, offering wines, beers, cocktails, coffees, and soft drinks. Between King Oyster ‘scallops’ and ‘rib-eye’ steak, tempeh schnitzel and teriyaki tofu, the only problem you’ll have is avoiding the temptation to over-order.

Address: 12 The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RY

How to get there: The closest station to Twelve Eatery is Bournemouth. From there, it’s a 15-minute bus ride to Poole Hill on the M1 bus. See above for journey details.

Earthling

If you’re spending 48 hours in Bournemouth, there are plenty of amazing vegan restaurants to choose from. Earthling is a cosy café and restaurant serving Indian fusion and street food-style plates. Their vegan menu reflects their motto, ‘the world is one family’.

Indulge in a range of kebab wraps and bhaji bowls, or enjoy fresh takes on meaty classics like to-fish n’ chips (made of tofu) and chick’n popcorn and chips (soy). Dining with friends? Get a taste of everything and great bang for your buck with one of their thali trays, an Indian platter containing various small dishes.

Address: 181 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1JU

How to get there: Earthling is a 15-minute stroll from Bournemouth station.

Don’t fancy the walk? At Bournemouth station (Stand 5), hop on any buses headed to Lansdowne. It’s a 5-minute walk from there.

The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Southampton

Café Thrive

Café Thrive is a must-visit for foodies and one of the best vegan restaurants in Southampton. Enjoy delicious, nutritious and reasonably priced vegan food in a relaxed atmosphere. Best of all, it’s dog-friendly, so treat your pooch to a puppuccino!

Head over before midday to sample a meat-free full English or breakfast bun. Its all-day menu features burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, wraps and customisable salad bowls. Enjoy all your fast food favourites guilt-free.

Address: 18 Hanover Buildings, Southampton SO14 1JX

How to get there: Café Thrive is at the foot of Houndwell Park, a 15-minute walk from Southampton Central. Don’t fancy the walk? Hop on the number 18 or 19 bus from Central Station (Stop SA), getting off 7 minutes later at Vincent’s Walk (Stop CK). It’s a short stroll from there.

Baboo Ji Vegetarian Kitchen

There’s no shortage of great vegetarian restaurants in Southampton. Visit Baboo Ji Vegetarian Kitchen for authentic Indian dishes with a modern twist. Enjoy bold flavours in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by vibrant murals and furniture made from re-purposed wood. And that’s not all. The restaurant also uses locally sourced supplies and sustainable products.

Its mouthwatering menu has all the usual suspects alongside unique fusion dishes like spiced cauliflower ‘wings’ or popadom nachos. Share a speciality social plate with a friend—choose from two curries, two sides, a dal, rice and naan. Excellent value for money, and clean plates all round!

Address: 273 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton SO17 2LD

How to get there: Baboo Ji is a 7-minute walk from St Denys station.

Késarum

Roughly 30% of India is vegetarian, so it’s no surprise there’s another Indian eatery on our list. Késarum brings authentic flavours to your plate using contemporary cooking methods. Késarum serves creative takes on carnivore classics, so even your meat-eating friends will love it. Bamboo shoots substitute smoked ‘pork belly’ and green plantain for ‘fish fillets’. Dishes are beautifully presented, and the upcycled church altar bar offers a range of beverages, including vegan cocktails.

Address: 25 High Street, QE2 Mile, Southampton SO14 2DF

How to get there: Hop on the number 9 bus from Southampton Central (Stop SD). Ride three stops, getting off at WestQuay (Stop BP). It’s a short 5-minute walk from there.

The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Portsmouth

Mangosteen

There’s something for everyone at Mangosteen, Southsea. Choose from a diverse fusion-inspired menu, including katsu curry and mushroom tagliatelle. Relax with a cocktail and try vegan twists on familiar favourites, like Cali sliders and carbonara.

The restaurant’s chic décor matches the elegant plating, and its warm ambience ensures a delightful experience.

Address: 91 Palmerston Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3PR

How to get there: Portsmouth Harbour is the closest station to Mangosteen. Once there, find Stop M and jump on the number 23 bus. Ride 7 minutes to Southsea Shops (Stop A) and walk for 2 minutes to Mangosteen.

Hunter Gatherer

Hunter Gatherer is another Southsea spot worth the journey. Its breakfast and brunch menus are 100% plant-based and include fresh juices and smoothies. Choose from a mouthwatering menu of breakfast classics with a veggie twist, including tempeh ‘bacon’ and maple syrup pancakes, scrambled tofu and walnut chorizo on a toasted English muffin, and smashed avocado sourdough with black bean salad.

If you still have space after all that, their homemade sweet treats pair perfectly with a speciality coffee. Visiting for a special occasion? Why not get in touch in advance to order a custom celebration cake?

Address: 249 Albert Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 0JR

How to get there: The closest station to Hunter Gatherer is Portsmouth & Southsea station. From there, find Civic Offices (Stop M) and hop on the number 2 bus towards Paulsgrove. Get off 10 stops later at Festing Road, directly opposite your destination.

Ready to visit some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the South West? Explore train tickets to Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth with South Western Railway. Search ticket types to find the best option for your journey, and browse our Railcards and discounts to discover even greater savings. Hungry for more? Why not check out our list of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London?