Glasgow is a fantastic place for vegan and vegetarian dining. The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has even awarded Scotland’s biggest city with the honour of Most Vegan-Friendly City in the UK. The thriving student culture, eclectic music scene and the city’s history of activism may all be contributing factors as to why there is such a high demand for animal friendly establishments in Glasgow. Read our guide to discover the best picks.
Located in Glasgow’s Merchant City, Mono is an excellent place to enjoy delicious food, fantastic music and great drinks. The menu is entirely vegan and the creative dishes are designed to appeal to all tastes. Many organic and ethical drink options are available and Mono even makes its own ginger beer and lemonades in the in-house microbrewery. Mono hosts a number of exciting events such as band gigs, exhibitions, art performances, book readings and workshops. This ethical and community based restaurant is perfect for relaxing with friends and enjoying a good gig.
The Saramago Cafe Bar is conveniently located in the Centre for Contemporary Arts. The menu is entirely vegetarian. Options range from tapas-style small plates and sandwiches to linguine puttanesca and traditional stone-baked pizza. The bread and cakes are baked fresh daily and all of the food is made to order. Saramago Cafe Bar also makes a point of stating on the menu that all gratuities go to the staff so visitors can be assured that their tips reward the excellent service. The relaxed atmosphere and outdoor terrace make this a great place to study or meet with friends.
Stereo is a great place in Glasgow’s city centre for vegans and vegetarians to grab a bite to eat. The menu is entirely free of animal produce and is filled with exciting options that will be enjoyed by everyone, not just those with special dietary preferences. A variety of tapas, sandwiches and mains are offered daily. Gluten free options are available and the organic breads, pittas and flatbreads are prepared daily. Vegan cakes for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays can also be prepared upon request. At Stereo, visitors will not only find delightful food, but also an exciting bar, gig and club venue all in one.
The 78 is a fantastic spot nestled in Glasgow’s west end. Located near the University of Glasgow, this has become a cosy place for students to gather for a delicious meal and a relaxing pint. The comfy armchairs and coal fire make will make anyone feel right at home at The 78. The menu is one hundred percent vegan and the entire drink range is also completely free from animal produce. Generous portions and great specials await. Live entertainment including open mic night, live jazz and DJs bring a little something extra to the already cool atmosphere.
The Flying Duck is a venue, club and bar hidden away underground in a basement off Sauchiehall Street. The event calendar is jam-packed with a number of exciting events and the eclectic atmosphere gives this place a cool, young vibe. The menu is simple, but entirely vegan with great specials such as Taco Tuesdays and Beer + Burger Thursdays. Students get a discount every night of the week and twice as much off on Mondays. Music, dancing, drinks and food – The Flying Duck has it all.
The 13th Note is an independent music venue that doubles as a vegetarian and vegan café and bar. Regular art exhibitions in the cafe create an ever-changing and original décor. A large selection of food is offered, ranging from Asian inspired dishes to traditional brunch. Many of the dishes are suitable for vegans and several gluten free options are available.
Tapa Coffee and Bakehouse is an award-winning organic bakery that serves fresh organic breads and cakes seven days a week. No artificial flavours or chemicals are added to their products. The café serves freshly prepared food and delicious, top quality coffee. A variety of vegetarian sandwiches, tarts, frittatas, soups and tortillas are available daily. Gluten free, yeast free and wheat free cakes and breads are also available. Baking classes are offered at Tapa Coffee and Bakehouse for those interested in learning how to make their own organic breads at home.
Tchai-Ovna House of Tea is a cultural venue that plays host to Glasgow’s bohemian side. Hidden down a cosy lane in the bustling city, this speciality tea house serves scrumptious vegetarian food, a large variety of leaf tea and shisha flavours. Poetry readings, art exhibitions, dramatic performances and music events are commonplace here. The cosy atmosphere, comfy couches and outdoor patio seating in addition to the large selection of teas from around the world, help to make Tchai-Ovna House of Tea a favourite among students and locals.
Tramway Café Bar is located inside one of Scotland’s most well-known contemporary arts centres. All the products served at Tramway Café Bar are vegetarian and organic produce is used whenever possible. There are also many vegan options available. No genetically modified foods are served here and the eggs are free-range. This cafe is child friendly and offers outdoor seating making it a great place for families to enjoy a healthy, vegetarian meal together. The kitchen closes in the early evening, making this cafe most suitable for lunch visits.
Usha’s Indian Vegetarian is Glasgow’s only entirely vegetarian Indian restaurant. The food is authentic Indian of the highest quality and all dishes are freshly prepared. Dishes usually come on sharing plates or tapas size in order to promote the concept of sharing food. Many vegan and gluten free options are available and the level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit every taste. The comfortable, family friendly atmosphere makes this a great spot for any occasion. Usha’s Indian Vegetarian offers a discount to full-time students, NHS and local government staff.
