On the Menu – Vegan Options at Chain Restaurants
Increased demand for vegan options has opened up a whole new world of delicious, animal-friendly dishes appearing on menus at restaurants, pubs and fast-food chains alike that do not involve grinding animals’ bodies up into nuggets or burgers.
We’ve put together our ultimate list of high-street vegan eats in places that may surprise you – all tried and tested by us, of course!
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On the Go
Benugo
Benugo offers all sorts of vegan eats to take away. From its Raspberry & Coconut Chia Pudding to the Vegan Reuben Bloomer and vegan cookie, there’s plenty to enjoy at this lunchtime favourite.
Caffè Nero
Tasty meat-free options at Caffè Nero include a vegan meatball panini and its THIS Plant Based “Chicken” Arrabbiata Panini and THIS Plant Based “Sausage” Ciabatta. The chain also offers a selection of vegan snacks and sweet treats – we love the Salted Caramel & Chocolate Vegan Cheesecake.
Costa Coffee
We love Costa Coffee’s Vegan Smoky Ham & Cheeze Toastie and its delicious Vegan Macaroni Cheeze – pasta and spinach covered in a rich vegan cheese sauce topped with a parsley crumb. Other vegan options include rocky road, the BOSH! Chocolate & Pecan Slice, and an indulgent vegan Lotus Biscoff cheesecake.
Greggs
With locations throughout the UK, you’ll never be far from Greggs’ famous vegan sausage roll, introduced by the chain following a PETA petition signed by over 20,000 supporters. You can also grab the delicious Vegan Sausage Breakfast Roll or the Vegan Ham and Cheeze Baguette – ask for it heated! Enjoy them with a side of southern-fried potato wedges followed by a glazed ring doughnut. Thank you, Greggs.
Leon
LEON has some fantastic vegan options, including the PETA Vegan Food Award–winning LOVe Burger, Aioli Mac & Cheeze Bites, and more. The popular takeaway spot also serves delectable egg- and dairy-free sweet treats, such as vegan cookies and billionaire’s shortbread.
Pret A Manger
Whatever the time of day, Pret has you covered. Breakfast options include coconut porridge, the Very Berry Croissant, and the Acai & Almond Butter Bowl. For lunch or a light dinner, you can choose from a variety of soups and sandwiches, including the Avo, Olives & Toms baguette and Red Thai Veg Soup. And there are sweet treats, too, including the Dark Chocolate & Almond Butter Cookie and Almond Butter Bites (which are a PETA office favourite).
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Starbucks
In addition to offering plant-based milks for all its drinks, the coffee chain stocks some exciting vegan food options, including the Beyond Meat Breakfast Sandwich, the fish-free Tu’NAH Sandwich, and a luscious carrot cake.
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Subway
Subway’s impressive vegan subs include the Meatless Meatball Marinara, the T.L.C. (Tastes.Like.Chicken.) Tikka, and the Plant Patty. The popular sandwich chain uses vegan cheese and a selection of vegan sauces, including aioli, to spice things up. Leave room for the PETA Vegan Food Award–winning Vegan Double Chocolate cookie. Delish.
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West Cornwall Pasty Co
West Cornwall Pasty Co’s Thai Green Vegetable Curry pasty won a PETA Vegan Food Award – and for good reason. It’s a combo of super-tasty veg, subtle Thai spices, and coconut. The chain’s filling Wheatmeal Vegetables is also a must-try. More, please!
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Asian Food
Itsu
Vegan sushi (including Avo Baby Rolls), the Veggie Meatless Meatballs Teriyaki Rice Bowl, the Vegetable Fusion Gyoza, and more delicious plant-based delights are available across the nation at this high-street favourite. The chain’s vegan options are healthy, nutritious, and animal-friendly.
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wagamama
Ask for the vegan menu at wagamama and you’ll find delicious options for every course, including the Yasai Pad Thai, the No Duck Donburi (featuring a vegan egg), and the PETA Vegan Food Award–winning Vegatsu. Whatever you opt for, you can’t go wrong. We recommend trying the Bang Bang Cauliflower or Vegan Chilli “Squid” to start and the unique battered Banana Katsu served with miso caramel ice cream for dessert. There are plenty of vegan options on the menu for kids, too!
Wasabi
Whether you’re after something hot or cold, Wasabi’s vegan fare has it all. It has a large assortment of vegan sushi, bento, and soup options – including innovative vegan “xalmon” sets and the Vegan Chi’king Katsu Curry as well as yummy mochi treats that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.
YO! Sushi
YO! Sushi’s menu is packed with vegan goodness, which is why it won a PETA Vegan Food Award two years in a row. Favourites include the gorgeous Yasai Roll, Shiitake Mushroom Ramen, Inari Taco, Vegetable Gyoza, and Pumpkin Katsu Curry. The chain has also switched to egg-free mayo, so the Avocado Maki is now vegan straight off the belt.
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Burgers and Fast Food
Burger King
Burger King serves vegan nuggets, fries, and the popular Vegan Royale, which features a crispy vegan chicken patty with iceberg lettuce and vegan mayo, served in a toasted sesame seed bun. Also available is the Plant Based Whopper, which contains no animal ingredients but is not certified as vegan because it is cooked on a grill also used for meat.
Domino’s
Grab a slice of your favourite pizza from Domino’s vegan menu. The PepperoNAY and the Chick-Ain’t will impress with tasty vegan meat toppings, or load up on veggies with the Vegan Vegi Supreme. Plus, its moreish vegan nuggets go perfectly with the vegan version of its garlic and herb dip.
Frankie & Benny’s
Frankie & Benny’s huge vegan range has something for everyone. Whether you go for the BBQ jackfruit wingz, hot dogs, pizzas, pastas, or burgers, you’ll need to dedicate a few visits to trying them all out. And don’t forget dessert, as choices include a dreamy vegan chocolate fudge cake and the Vegan Speculoos Hot Cookie Dough.
Fridays
Fridays now offers delicious vegan chicken, which can be enjoyed in classic dishes like tacos and “frijitas”. Don’t miss the Meatless Fridays Sesame Strips – plant-based chicken tossed in Fridays’ Legendary Glaze made with Jack Daniel’s. For dessert, the vegan Chocolate Chip Lava Cookie is a must.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
Looking for a loaded vegan burger experience? Try the Californian, which is topped with vegan cheese, smashed avocado, and harissa mayo, or bite into the classic Beyond & Cheese, made with a satisfying pull-apart Beyond Meat patty and vegan cheese and mayo. No vegan fries here (yet!), but you can drown your sorrows in a vegan chocolate milkshake.
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KFC
KFC’s award-winning Original Recipe Vegan Burger boasts all the taste of KFC – without any cruelty to gentle chickens. The bespoke Quorn fillet is coated with the brand’s famous 11 herbs and spices and topped with iceberg lettuce and vegan mayo, all sandwiched in a soft glazed bun. Add a side of BBQ beans and a corn cobette, and you’ve got yourself a meal.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s long-awaited McPlant has a juicy Beyond Meat patty topped with vegan mayo, a slice of melty dairy-free cheese, and the chain’s secret vegan burger sauce. With around 1,300 restaurants in the UK, McDonald’s McPlant makes it easier than ever to eat vegan on the go. Want fries with that? Go ahead, they’re vegan, too.
Nando’s
From salads to wraps, eating vegan at Nando’s is a snap. Try the Great Imitator Burger – strips of vegan PERi-PERi chicken served in a Portuguese roll with lemon and herb mayo and spicy ketchup. Just add your favourite sides – we love the PERi-Salted Chips and garlic bread. (Yes, they’re vegan, too!)
Papa John’s
Papa John’s was the first national delivery chain to launch vegan cheese pizzas in the UK, and its range keeps growing. Build your own or choose from one of the several vegan options available – like the Vegan Sausage & “Pepperoni”. Vegan sides include cauliflower wings and Vegan Cheese & Marmite Scrolls. And what better way to finish than with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s Coconutterly Caramel’d vegan ice cream or a portion of Cinnamon Scrolls drizzled with vanilla icing?
Pizza Hut Restaurants
We love Pizza Hut’s vegan stuffed crust and its Vegan Pepperphoni – heaped with meat-free pepperoni and Violife vegan cheese. Give us that with a side of Southern Fried Nuggets to share and the vegan Raspberry Ice to finish – yum!
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Wimpy
Long-running burger chain Wimpy has been serving plant-based bean burgers since 1986. Its latest addition is simply called the Vegan Burger and features a juicy patty with iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato, red onions, and a dollop of vegan mayo.
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Pubs and Bars
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All Bar One
You can get the Beyond Meat burger packed to the rafters with non-dairy cheese, lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayonnaise at All Bar One. For a slightly lighter bite, grab vegan nachos or try the tasty Smoky Jackfruit Wrap and finish off with the Caramel Biscuit Torte.
Beefeater
Beefeater’s vegan options include the Sloppy Joe Burger, featuring a Garden Gourmet patty topped with sloppy joe mix and melty vegan cheese, and moreish BBQ Cauli Popcorn. If you’re going for Sunday lunch, order the plant-based chicken breast with all the trimmings. Room for dessert? Options include the Peanut Butter Banana Sundae and Chocolate Layer Torte.
Brewers Fayre
This popular pub/restaurant chain has revamped its menu to add some exciting plant-based options. Choose from the vegan Sensational Burger in a brioche-style bun and the Lentil Hotpot with soya, peppers, and chipotle chilli. Its delectable Black Forest Sundae makes for the perfect dessert.
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Cosy Club
Whether you’re looking for a full cooked breakfast or a three-course meal, Cosy Club’s vegan menu has it all. Options include a vegan cheeseburger, succulent roast harissa cauliflower, and a vegan baked vanilla cheesecake to finish.
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Flaming Grill
At Greene King’s Flaming Grill pubs, you’ll find dishes such as Vegan Fish ‘n’ Chips, Spicy Mexican Enchiladas, and a Vegan Chickless Fillets Burger. Save some space though, because they offer proper vegan desserts (no fruit salad here!), including warm Bramley Apple Pie with vegan ice cream.
Harvester
Start with a sharing plate of vegan nachos – or by tucking into the famous Unlimited Salad Bar – before moving on to dishes such as Chilli Non Carne or The Purist burger (featuring a Moving Mountains patty topped with Violife vegan cheese). You could even start your day with a Harvester vegan fry-up. Finish with a tasty Vegan Sundae Best.
Hungry Horse
Hungry Horse has vegan options available at over 280 pubs across the UK. They include plant-based delights such as the No-Chicken Katsu, Mushroom & Ale Pie, and pulled jackfruit enchiladas.
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Loungers
Ask for the vegan menu at this relaxed café-and-bar chain. It has a wide selection, featuring the Vegan Bacon Brioche Butty, Vegan Beyond Cheese Burger, tasty salad bowls, brunch options, and an extremely tempting vegan carrot cake.
Marston’s
Marston’s bagged a PETA Vegan Food Award for its vegan menu back in 2018, and it’s easy to see why. The menu is filled with pub favourites, including Fishless Fish & Chips, Buffalo cauliflower wings, jam-packed nachos, and a plant-based burger complete with chips and beer-battered onion rings. Desserts include a praline chocolate tart and a classic apple pie with vegan ice cream.
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Premium Country Pubs
Premium Country Pubs offer a full vegan menu with a choice of several starters and mains – the Spiced Coconut Curry is a must-try. Top it all off with one (or more) tempting desserts, which include the Salted Caramel Billionaires Bar, Warm Lemon & Blueberry Polenta Cake, and Apple & Blackberry Crumble. Yum!
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Sizzling Pubs
Its main meals include a flavour-packed Pea Protein Kebab and mouthwatering Sri Lankan Vegetable Curry. If you’re in the mood for a burger and chips, go for the vegan version of the Jerk Bean Burger. For dessert, check out the luscious Caramel Iced Bar – iced caramel mousse with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and raspberry sauce.
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Slug & Lettuce
Slug & Lettuce has some standout plant-based dishes on its menu – including the Vegan Feast With Friends sharing plate, which features BBQ soya tacos, baked falafel bites, pulled jackfruit sliders, and more. You can also count on the chain to serve a great burger showcasing meatless delights from Moving Mountains. For lighter fare, opt for the Butternut Squash Tagine.
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Stonegate Common Room Pubs
These Stonegate pubs have one of the best vegan pub menus out there, with lots of choice including a full cooked breakfast, loaded quesadillas and nachos, vegan Mac ‘n’ Cheeze, burgers, No-Chicken Nuggets, onion rings, and an indulgent Lotus Biscoff dessert featuring non-dairy vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, Belgian chocolate sauce, and Biscoff pieces. Find your local one here.
Table Table
Table Table’s menu of pub classics includes several vegan options, such as loaded vegan nachos, its Sensational Burger – with a Garden Gourmet patty and vegan cheese served in a brioche-style bun – and a Chocolate Torte for dessert.
Toby Carvery
In the mood for a seriously delicious vegan roast? Toby Carvery has it sorted. Its vegan options include Allotment Pie, Roast Mushroom & Ale Pie, and Toby’s Vegan Sausage Roll. For dessert, try a classic apple pie or apple, blackberry, and redcurrant crumble – both served with soya custard.
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Vintage Inns
Vintage Inns will take you right back to 2010, with very few vegan options and no vegan desserts. Its Moving Mountains burger (ask for the vegan version) makes for a satisfying meal, though.
Wetherspoon
You’ll find a Wetherspoon on almost every high street. Its extensive vegan menu includes burgers, curries, Quorn nuggets, paninis, and pizzas as well as plenty of irresistible sides. For breakfast, try the vegan fry-up.
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Italian
Ask Italian
ASK Italian, get Italian. From pizza to pasta, there’s an impressive selection. Have a big appetite? Add on vegan dough balls, bruschetta, garlic bread, and THIS Isn’t Chicken goujons. End on a sweet and tangy note with its Blood Orange and Chocolate Tart served with raspberry sorbet.
Bella Italia
There’s plenty of choice at Bella Italia, from vegan cheese pizza to pasta and risotto. Try the Orzotto Chick’n – a smoky tomato risotto with vegan chicken and bacon. Make sure you leave room for the Hot Choggolate Pudding – a decadent dessert drizzled with chocolate orange sauce and served with vegan vanilla ice cream.
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PizzaExpress
This popular high-street brand has lots of tempting vegan dishes. Starters include its famous vegan dough balls and garlic bread with vegan cheese, and among the many vegan pizzas are the award-winning Vegan Giardiniera and the Vegan American Hot Classic (with smoky jackfruit pepperoni). A sorbet or its luscious frosted vegan carrot cake is the perfect way to end this meal.
Prezzo
At Prezzo, lovers of Italian food can go for the Penne Arrabbiata or create their own vegan pizza with dairy-free cheese and their favourite toppings – including THIS Isn’t Chicken, vegan pepperoni, and lots of veggies. Make sure you save room for the triple chocolate tart for afters!
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Zizzi
Zizzi’s options include its Rustica Hot ‘N Spicy Jackfruit pizza and a hearty lentil ragù. Sweet treats include the irresistible vegan Zillionaire’s Slice – a chocolate-chip cookie base topped with layers of salted toffee and lush coconut chocolate ganache, adorned with gold leaf. Take THAT, fruit salad!
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World Cuisine
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Bill’s Restaurant & Bar
Bill’s carries a good selection of delicious and filling plant-based options. Try the vegan truffled buffalo wings and follow them up with the Dirty Vegan Burger or a satisfying salad bowl. Finish off with a selection of vegan ice creams or sorbets.
Chiquito
The UK’s biggest Mexican restaurant chain is taking vegan food to the Mex level with its excellent offerings. Its vegan menu boasts a full vegan breakfast, nachos, croquettes and a burger made of banana blossom, Baja jackfruit tacos, the Vegarrito with Oumph! vegan meat, and churros with chocolate sauce, along with options for kids. ¡Arriba!
Giraffe
Giraffe’s vegan menu presents a plant-based take on favourites from around the globe. Highlights include the vegan versions of its Japanese Katsu Curry and Korean BBQ Chicken (which use banana blossom) as well as its Southern Chicken-Less Burger and apple crumble.
Las Iguanas
If tapas and fajitas are your thing, Las Iguanas is the place to go. Its vegan offering (you may have to ask for the vegan versions of certain items) comprises dishes such as the Bahian Jackfruit Curry, Fiesta Ensalada, nachos with vegan cheese, and a chocolate coconut tart. Pass the patatas, please.
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Dessert Parlours
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Creams
Dessert parlour Creams has a menu brimming with vegan treats, including sundaes, crepes, waffles, milkshakes, sorbets, cookie dough, and more! Present in around 100 locations across the UK, vegan sweet treats are almost always right around the corner.
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Heavenly Desserts
This growing chain of dessert parlours boasts an impressive array of vegan options, including its Lotus Biscoff waffle, caramel chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream, blackcurrant crumble with warm custard, and a mint chocolate–chip milkshake.
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Kaspa’s Desserts
Kaspa’s Desserts is another dessert parlour chain, but its only vegan option at present is sorbet. C’mon Kaspa’s, you can do better!
Note: Please always be sure to double-check the ingredients before purchasing anything on this list, as manufacturers are at liberty to change them at any time.
As more and more consumers become aware of the horrific abuse and suffering of the animals bred for our plates as well as the environmental and health benefits of eating vegan, the demand for vegan options is only going to increase. And the more tasty plant-based foods that are available, the more people will buy them. Every time you order or request a vegan meal, snack, or drink, you’re casting a powerful vote with your wallet.
If your favourite restaurant is missing from the list, let it know: reach out on social media or send the company an e-mail to ask for vegan cheese or vouch for non-dairy milk – the power is in your hands! And if you’d like more advice on vegan living, order a free vegan starter kit today or take our 30-day vegan pledge: