A few years ago, veggies might have struggled to find variety in Cardiff. But these days, the city is home to a decent selection of plant-based restaurants, shops, and market stalls. So whether you’re looking for a nourishing bowl of freshly foraged ingredients or fluffy pancakes for breakfast, you’ll find plenty to keep you full. Here are five of my favourite vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Cardiff:
1. MILGI
MILGI is a 100% vegetarian restaurant with the cosiest, friendliest vibe I’ve experienced in a while. The menu is a mix of flavours and cuisines, with dishes ranging from the indulgent Pipes Beer Battered Halloumi to the nourishing MILGI Thali. Although all of the ingredients are fresh, natural, and sometimes foraged, MILGI’s focus is on “everyday eating”. Even my wholeheartedly non-veggie friend admitted how satisfying she found the food.
Vegans also have plenty of choice at MILGI – over half of the main course options are currently vegan. Thanks to a big day of eating my way around Cardiff, I didn’t manage dessert. But Milgi’s desserts change according to the season and asking the staff for recommendations is a good way to go. 213 City Rd, Cardiff CF24 3JD, UK
If you don’t have time for dinner, stop by MILGI Market in Cardiff Central Market. This slow-living lifestyle store sells plant-based food, treats, and nourishing drinks. Everything is available to take away, so it’s a handy place to grab some vegetarian food in Cardiff.
2. Crumbs Kitchen
Tucked into a corner of the historic Morgan Arcade, Crumbs Kitchen is one of the best-loved vegetarian restaurants in Cardiff city centre. Crumbs is the kind of place that rainy day dreams are made of. It’s comfy, laid-back, and serves up hearty plant-based food.
Where possible, Crumbs Cardiff uses locally sourced, sustainable and seasonal produce. The menu is packed with comfort food classics like jacket potatoes, sandwiches, homemade soups, curries and big bowls of chili. For warmer days, there’s a good selection of salads. Everything is reasonably priced and you might find yourself spending a whole afternoon here. 33 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 1AF
3. The Plan Café
The Plan is a close neighbour of Crumbs in the Morgan Arcade. This bright, airy café prides itself on serving top-quality coffee but there’s also a lovely food menu. The menu isn’t entirely vegetarian, but there are plenty of meat-free options. Plus, The Plan uses all locally sourced and organic ingredients.
For breakfast, which is served until 11 am, The Plan’s porridge with fruit is a delicious way to warm up on a cold morning. Or try the organic greek yoghurt, honey, and fresh fruit combination for a lighter start to the day. If you’re looking for a bigger meal, there’s a veggie burger, five bean chilli, and a mushroom, aubergine, and chickpea curry on the menu. Main meals, toasties, and sandwiches are served from 11 am – 4 pm. 28-29 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF
4. Clancy’s Vegetarian Emporium
Clancy’s vegetarian emporium is a stall of wonders in Cardiff Central Market. Run by incredibly friendly people, the emporium is packed with vegetarian and vegan treats. Glass jars line the shelves, filled with loose tea and spices. On the counter, try to decide between the flapjacks, vegan sausage rolls, vegan scotch eggs, samosas, and lentil balls. I promise it’s not easy. Clancy’s Vegetarian Emporium isn’t a restaurant – it’s take away only. But for a walking lunch, this place ideal. 167/170, Central Market, Cardiff CF10 1AU
5. Anna-Loka, Cardiff
Anna-Loka is the first 100% vegan restaurant in Cardiff. But the focus is on delicious food, so even non-vegans will find lots to enjoy. Seasonality is a big thing at Anna-Loka, so expect the menu to change according to the time of year. Everything is made using fresh, locally sourced, and organic ingredients and all dishes are prepared from scratch daily.
Adam, a vegan Hare Krishna monk, founded Anna-Loka in 2015. He wanted vegans to have plenty of choice when dining out and he’s certainly managed to achieve that. Starters range from patatas bravas to sweetcorn fritters, while mains include yam yam curry, a nourishing whole food bowl, and the Tempeh Mendoan Burger. There’s also an impressive breakfast menu, so it’s not surprising that Anna-Loka is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Cardiff.
Still on the hunt for vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Cardiff?
I didn’t get the chance to try all of the vegetarian food options in Cardiff, but the following restaurants are also much-loved by locals:
Vegetarian Food Studio, Cardiff – This award-winning vegetarian restaurant is known for its fresh, flavoursome Indian food. There are also some delicious options for vegans. 115-117 Penarth Rd, Cardiff CF11 6JU, UK
Caban@Number 40 – Caban is a popular restaurant that aims to serve high-quality vegetarian and vegan food at affordable prices. The evening menu has options like the vegan Buddha’s Delight, potato gnocchi, a black bean and tofu burger, and “Not Duck’ rolls. 40 Clifton Street, Cardiff, CF24 1LR
Caban@Number40 also runs cooking classes that focus entirely on wild garlic. The Wild Garlic Course involves foraging for garlic under the guidance of a teacher, before learning how to prepare it in a range of dishes.
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