Vegetarian restaurants | Worth visiting

By Georgia Dudman Long gone are the days that vegetarianism meant abstinence. Now, with the crispest ingredients and most inspired chefs, it is all about indulgence. The market of vegetarian restaurants has grown tremendously in the last couple of decades: it would be impossible to single out a winner. Here is simply an assortment of restaurants we think, vegetarian or not, you should visit. Notably, these are not just excellent vegetarian restaurants; these are excellent restaurants.

Greens- Manchester

Simon Rimmer’s award-winning vegetarian restaurant, Greens is located in the stylish West Didsbury area. It serves a variety of imaginative dishes oozing with fresh flavours from local produce. Greens has a wonderful story. Simon opened Greens in 1990 with no chef experience to his name and started an original menu from scratch. Today, he has a successful career as a chef in the kitchen, on TV, and has four books published. He goes on to play a major role at Greens today. The calm atmosphere and warm hospitality make Greens a perfect location for a delightful lunch or dinner. The menu reads beautifully: favourites include the crisp oyster mushrooms and the famed Cheshire cheese and sage sausages. Vegetarian or not, your taste buds will be in for a treat! To discover more please visit: http://www.greensdidsbury.co.uk/

222 Veggie Vegan- London

Those who follow a vegan diet enjoy the benefits of an extra healthy lifestyle. In dietary terms, they do not eat meat, eggs, dairy products, honey, or any foods derived from these. Surprisingly, 222 Veggie Vegan is said to be one of the only fully vegan restaurants in the country. Since opening in 2004, it has received excellent reviews for both its lunchtime buffet and à la carte dinner menu. Lunchtimes allow you to sample a morsel of everything from salads to hot dishes while dinnertime mains include the ‘Vegan Roast’ and ‘Pumpkin and Pine Nut Risotto.’ Internationally recognised vegan chef, Ben Asamani, runs 222 Veggie Vegan’s kitchen. He uses natural, fresh ingredients with high nutritional value. He pays huge personal attention to his cooking: dietary requirements are carefully considered and food is prepared in such a way to preserve flavour and healthy goodness. 222 Veggie Vegan dishes are low in fat and salt, non-GM, and organic where possible. This restaurant delights the appetites of vegans, vegetarians, and even regular meat-eaters. Prices are very reasonable and takeaway is available. To discover more please visit: http://www.222veggievegan.com/

Terre à Terre- Brighton

Set in Brighton’s historic town and meters away from the glowing yellow beaches, Terre à Terre serves exceptional vegetarian food. Since its establishment over 20 years ago, the restaurant has received many notable awards and reviews from both customers and respected bodies, namely The Good Food Guide 2014. Terre à Terre has changed the way people- particularly meat-eaters- view vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant has built innovative dishes while working ethically and sustainably. The creativity of food stands out in taste and presentation, not to mention the dishes’ names on the menu. Å la carte mains include ‘Frizzle Tips’ and ‘Tequila Mockingbird’! The vegetarian sensation claims that eating with them will ‘stimulate your mind as

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well as your taste buds.’ Chefs work delicately to create food that pleases the senses, combining quality textures and flavours. All ingredients are vegetarian (even the cheeses!) while some are vegan, organic or local. For those with a sweet tooth, a team of pastry chefs produce scrumptious homemade cakes, biscuits and puddings. Or, if you simply fancy a few tasters, a selection of canapés, tapas and salads are available for takeaway. Terre à Terre gets involved with the local community. It is no surprise, therefore, that the eatery itself has a very friendly feel. Guests can relax and indulge while sipping a glass of organic wine. The tranquil environment, fabulous produce, preparation and chefs make this tasteful experience possible. To discover more please visit: http://www.terreaterre.co.uk/

The Gate- London

The ingredients do all the talking at The Gate. It consists of two high-end restaurants, in Islington and Hammersmith. Adrian and Michael Daniel have been running the successful kitchen since 1989. They have combined their own cultural cuisine heritage, which they describe as ‘Indo-Iraqi Jewish,’ with a blend of Italian and French gastronomy. It is not too surprising that The Gate has its own cookbook series: The Gate Vegetarian Cookbook. Delectable food combinations are presented beautifully and in good size portions. This season’s summer mains at The Gate include ‘Wild Mushroom Rotolo’ and ‘Cheese Glazed Gnocchi,’ not to mention the generous selection of olives, starters, salads, and sides. Children’s, dessert, drinks and weekend brunch menus are also available. The brunch dishes include ‘Huevos Rancheros’ and ‘Sweetcorn and Chilli Scotch Cakes.’ Adrian and Michael cherish food as sacred: ingredients are sourced with care and the inventive dishes are celebrated. The Gate ensures a peaceful environment of vegetarian bliss.

Tierra Kitchen- Dorset

Listed as number one restaurant in Lyme Regis on Trip advisor, the new Tierra Kitchen does not disappoint. Tierra Kitchen’s exciting, modern dishes carry a European twist. The restaurant prides itself on serving the best local and seasonal produce- organic whenever possible. Tierra Kitchen’s interior has a homely feel, while outside, the streamside terrace is equally naturally pleasant. Come for brunch, lunch or dinner and enjoy a deliciously healthy treat at great value. Lunch menus consist of tasty dishes, coffee, juices, and mouth-watering homemade cakes and pastries. The dinner menu adapts weekly and can be savoured with a glass off the carefully chosen wine list. Alternatively, if you can’t decide, sample everything tapas style by ordering several small portions of different dishes. Tierra Kitchen was opened by Mark Evans, who is also behind Bristol’s popular vegetarian Café Maitreya. The Lyme Regis restaurant takes Café Maitreya’s well-liked ideas, especially when providing local ingredients to local customers. Innovative flavour mixtures arrive on your plate, served by friendly restaurant staff. Tierra Kitchen is another of incalculable vegetarian eateries everyone should visit, vegetarian or not. To discover more please visit: http://www.tierrakitchen.co.uk/ Any vegetarian restaurants that you love? Let us know.

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