The perks of vegetarianism truly are endless. It’s good for the body, for the mind, and for the planet – recent studies even suggest that going veggie could help cut carbon emissions, meaning you’re doing some good for our world simply by going meat-free! And with loads of brilliant, ethical restaurants popping up all over Glasgow, going vegetarian is easier than ever. Here are some of the best vegetarian restaurants in the city!
1. Mono
Address: 12 Kings Court, King Street, Glasgow, G1 5RB
First opened in 2002, Mono has been bringing some of the best beer and vegan food to Glasgow from its charmingly ramshackle headquarters in Kings Court. They always live up to their self-proclaimed “reputation of good beer, good vegan food, good gigs and good times”, serving up delicious fresh food free from animal products. Their sourdough pizzas always go down a treat, and their vegan take on the cheesesteak sandwich will make you wonder why you didn’t switch to a meat-free diet sooner. The venue itself – with its colourful interior, lovely outdoor seating, cool central skylight and strings of bunting – makes for a perfect, cheerful backdrop to its equally cheerful cuisine, as well as its many diverse and exciting live gigs and performances it so often hosts. As if all that isn’t enough, Mono also has its own in-house record store, Monorail, for some vintage and independent record browsing.
2. Stereo
Address: 22 Renfield Lane, Glasgow, G2 5AR
Mono’s more alternative sister venue Stereo is next on our list. First opened in 2007, Stereo carries on the proud family tradition of brilliant vegan and vegetarian food. All food and drink on offer is completely vegan, from their battered buffalo cauliflower (a great alternative to buffalo wings) and vegan mac and cheese to their banana blossom tacos and hearty Stereo burger. Their menu is seasonal and forever evolving to ensure you get the best quality produce every day of the year. Wash it all down with a cocktail, or one of their draft beers, and choose a sweet treat to finish from their selection of fresh cakes and pastries. Stereo, much like Mono, also hosts many exciting and varied live events in their edgy downstairs space, from gigs and DJ sets to club nights and spoken word performances.
3. The Flying Duck
Address: 142 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3AU
Keeping it in the family, the Flying Duck is another sister venue of Mono and Stereo. The Duck is another great vegan spot and popular student watering hole in the heart of Glasgow, with its poster-plastered walls and its dark, grungy, underground vibe. It’s the perfect spot for all your plant-based junk food desires – think burgers, mac and cheese, nachos, burritos, loaded fries, old school ice cream floats. And all 100% vegan! Finally, comfort food you can enjoy without feeling too guilty! You can even make your trip there a boozy one with one of their delicious vegan cocktails, a drink from their well-stocked bar, or a pitcher of Birra Moretti. But the Duck isn’t just your average bar; there’s pool tables, movie screenings, board games, pub quizzes, live gigs, club nights – there’s even a raucous Drag Karaoke night on the last Friday of the month. What more could you ask for?
4. Glasvegan
Address: 50 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DH
The aptly-named Glasvegan is the vegan takeaway and deli you’ve been dreaming of, for those days when you need something on the go. Need to pick up a vegan doner kebab in between lectures, or a latte with almond milk on the way to the library? Glasvegan has you covered. The range of plant-based food options Glasvegan has to offer is truly wild – there’s loaded “not dogs” (you guessed it, vegan hotdogs), sandwiches, nachos, sweet and savoury crepes, pancakes and plant-based burgers. There’s haggis, chicken, chilli, black pudding, square or link sausage and bacon, all 100% free from animal products. There are full Scottish breakfasts, locally sourced cakes and a full menu devoted to gluten-free options. Their menu is truly chock-a-block with delicious vegan and vegetarian meals and snacks. Their milkshakes are also somewhat iconic – I can never decide which one is nicest, their Cookie Monster with Oreos and chocolate syrup, or their Catch the Rainbow with Skittles, Millions and Nerds. Do yourself a favour, and pay a visit to Glasvegan for a “pure deid vegan” treat.
5. Serenity Now
Address: 380 Great Western Road, Glasgow G4 9HT
Possibly the most Instagrammable and aesthetically pleasing spot on this list, Serenity Now is easily recognisable and stands out to even the most oblivious passers-by, with its distinctive pastel blue and pink décor. Serenity Now is a lovely vegan café in the stylish West End, offering hand-cooked plant-based food made with “plenty of love and care”. Their mac and cheese loaded fries and brunch burrito are to die for, as is their Biscoff banana bread and their mochi donut waffle. And their smoothies are straight-up legendary – seriously, get the Cherry Bakewall smoothie the next time you pass by and thank me later. The place is just as stylish as its West End setting, with little wooden tables, walls trailing with climbing plants and big windows that make the place feel bright and cheerful. They’ve even got a board game shelf! Play a bit of Cluedo or Scrabble while you chow down on some delicious vegan scran!
6. The 13th Note
Address: 50-60 King St, Glasgow, G1 5QT
Next up, we have the 13th Note, a cool, classy bar and restaurant serving up delicious and ethically sourced vegan food that is bound to hit the spot. The 13th Note are the proud winners of several different awards – in 2018 alone, they claimed the award for Best Vegetarian Food in Scotland, Dog-Friendly Pub, and Best Bloody Mary, to name just a few, and they have repeatedly ranked in Glasgow’s Top 100 Restaurants list for several years running. And if you tried their food, you’d understand why they’re widely considered one of the best vegetarian and vegan joints in the city. Their vegan haggis, neeps and tatties are hearty and warming, their crispy gnocchi is just as delicious as the real stuff, if not more, their brunch menu is varied and served every weekend until 5 pm, and their hand-cut chips are famous and award-winning. They also host live gigs and performances in their downstairs basement space and even offer an art exhibition space for artists to display their work for free (you can submit your own artwork if you’re interested! Find out more about how to submit here.)
