Vegetarian Restaurants

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Places to Eat

If you prefer not to eat meat or dairy-products there’s no need to worry about going hungry during your stay in the English Riviera. Our mild climate means that we can grow some of the region’s best produce with an abundance of freshly picked fruit and vegetables. The English Riviera has many local eateries, fine dining restaurants and family-run cafes that specialise in making really great, quality vegetarian and vegan dishes.

There’s a wide range of restaurants serving first class world cuisine, from made-to-order delicious curries with exotic flavours, tapas with aromatic spices to fast food with nutritious pulses and meat-free ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience, simple pub food or tasty and traditional English meals here are a few mouth-watering ideas.

Wholesome and honest food

Torquay’s Green Leaf Café offers a choice of reasonably priced wholesome, homemade fare and a daily specials board. Try the veggie breakfast option or an appetising light lunch vegan dish. Whilst The Kind Grind is an eco and vegan-friendly coffee shop which is renowned for serving Fair Trade and organic coffee as well as delicious snacks and cakes. It also hosts events for like-minded local groups. Savour the contemporary signature dishes and authentic vegan and vegetarian delights at Bombay Express, where the very best Indian cuisine is presented. It also hosts regular live music and themed nights throughout the year. Along Torquay’s waterfront promenade popular national brands such as Las Iguanas and Visto Lounge cater for all dietary preferences.   

In Brixham head to The Curious Kitchen for handmade gourmet vegan doughnuts and wholesome and unique vegetarian dishes, served in a relaxed setting.  The award-winning Guardhouse Cafe located at the heart of the stunning Berry Head National Nature Reserve offers a delicious vegan breakfast and sumptuous super vegan sausage doorstop sandwiches, with outstanding views as a background.

On the outskirts of Paignton at Occombe Farm Café  you’ll find a range of tasty dishes made using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients where ever possible. You will find a selection of  free-from  and vegetarian dishes too.

Gurkha’s Diner in the town centre offers an authentic experience with the finest, responsibly sourced Nepalese and Indian cuisine and a licensed bar with a range of wines and beers. There’s a delicious takeaway menu available too.

Something to tempt the taste buds

You’ll find delicious vegetarian and vegan options given as much care an attention as the meat dishes at many of the English Riviera’s most well-loved restaurants and cafes. The Elephant in Torquay applies the same, Michelin-starred precision to all its dishes. The evening Vegetarian tasting menu includes Artisan West Country cheese and the best seasonal produce available. For a special occasion head to The Cary Arms in Babbacombe, where vegetarian and vegan foodies can enjoy gastro dining and feast on the excellent meat-free dishes that make the most of local produce.

If it’s a pub lunch you’re looking for, seek out Torquay’s oldest pub, The Hole in the Wall, with its cobbled floors and low-beamed ceilings providing a traditional pub atmosphere. Set back in a side street behind the bustling harbour, wash down home-cooked delights like green pesto pasta or vegetable lasagne with a pint or two of locally brewed ale. Vegetarian options are served up alongside traditional pub fare like steak and ale pie and locally caught fish dishes, ensuring there’s something to keep everyone happy.

For lots more ideas of great places to eat in South Devon, visit our Food and Drink section.