5 Best Fully Vegetarian Spots in Dublin
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instagram
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instagram
October 1st is World Vegetarian Day and what better way to celebrate our plant-powered pals than with a mouth-watering guide to the best meat-free food spots in Dublin?There are countless restaurants serving up delicious and innovative vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes but there’s something to be said for a fully dedicated veggie-safe space.
Totally meat-free cafés and restaurants are few and far between—and they’re becoming even more of a rare commodity. In recent months and years, we’ve lost a few iconic places. V-Face, Veginity, and Sova Vegan Butcher—gone, but forever in our hearts. And most recently Flip made their sad farewell too. It’s a terrible shame that an already limited corner of the market is shrinking. Thankfully, there are still some remaining havens of vegetarian-only menus, so let’s get into five of the best that you can visit for a tasty meat-free feast.
The OG
19-20 Wicklow Street
Cornucopia walked so the rest of Dublin’s vegetarian restaurants could run. This family-run, cafeteria-style restaurant opened its doors in 1986 and has never allowed its quality to slip in the decades since. They serve heaping portions of the most comforting and flavourful vegetarian dishes and are almost entirely vegan. You really cannot go wrong here, but make sure you come hungry because the portion sizes are likely to defeat you. They’ve got you sorted for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they even have a variety of vegan cakes and soft-serve ice cream for dessert.
What to order:
Lunch Special €14.95
(Soup with homemade bread and a salad bowl)
The Hangover Hero
19 Crane Lane
This is where you come when you want a big, dirty feed. It’s particularly healing when you’re suffering from the after-effects of a heavy night out. It’s over-the-top, fully loaded comfort food that will satisfy everyone—even your meat-eating friends. The menu is packed with fun, experimental burger joint favourites. Any of the staple hangover foods you can imagine and crave are here, just vegan-ified—including spice bags, loaded fries, and burgers galore.
What to order:
BBQ Buckfast Burger €16
The High End Veggie
15/16 Chatham St
This is where you come for a boujee veggie moment. It’s a high-end, fully vegetarian restaurant with plenty for vegans too. The dishes lean towards haute cuisine, and since their opening in 2019, they’ve been recognised by the Michelin Guide. The only fully vegetarian restaurant in Dublin to have earned that nod, which they held until 2023. They have a killer wine list and affordable set menus, including lunch and early bird deals. Plus, they’re even doing brunch now, offering veggie-friendly versions of mid-morning classics like smoked carrot and potato hash with crispy hen’s egg or squash pancakes with chimichurri and pumpkin seed crumble.
What to order:
The menu changes frequently but try the Fried Jerusalem Artichoke if you can
2 Courses: €45
3 Courses €52
The Spiritual Experience
83 Middle Abbey Street
This place truly is the mecca of fast-casual vegetarian food. Operating under a Krishna Temple, the restaurant runs on a not-for-profit basis in line with Krishna teachings. They serve simple, homely, generously portioned meals that are incredibly wholesome and nutritious, designed to promote a peaceful and balanced mind. You’ll leave feeling as nourished spiritually as you do physically after dining here
What to order:
A little of everything but especially the paneer!
The Coffee Break
81 Aungier Street
Not only is It’s a Trap one of Dublin’s best cafés, but it also happens to be fully plant-based. The cinnamon buns are the star of the show here. A great cinnamon bun is hard to come by in these parts, and the fact that these are possibly the best in town—and still vegan—just goes to show what a triumph they are. Soft, comforting, and smothered in luscious icing, they are the ultimate sweet treat. They also have a range of sandwiches and wraps, mostly made from everyone’s favourite meat substitute, seitan.
What to order:
Cashew Cream Cheese Cinnamon roll €5.49
