Lunch
Some of our top spots for a lovely lunch
CAFE BANANA: A tranquil escape
Hidden away just outside of Tiverton you’ll find a serene, wholesome dining experience like no other. In the setting of a picturesque plant nursery, you can tuck into a light lunch or a freshly baked cake, all while surrounded by the lovingly grown produce that’s gone into making your meal. We made our visit to the fully vegetarian Cafe Banana in August this year and found ourselves impressed with the tasty but modestly-priced food, as well as completely relaxed by the beautiful backdrop. Lots of vegan options are available, plus cake of course! Booking is recommended on colder days, as inside seating is limited. Sunrise Hill, Tiverton, EX16 8JGfacebook.com/CafeBananaDevonwithleighnurseries.co.uk/cafe-banana
SOUTH STREET STANDARD: Plant-based innovation in the heart of Exeter
At the top of South Street, in the centre of the city’s activity, you’ll find a cool and casual venue serving serious and quality food. Open all day, seven days a week, this place has you covered for a hefty breakfast, a lighter lunch, an indulgent burger, a warming curry or why not tuck into a mouthwatering mezze board – whatever you’re in the mood for, South Street Standard is bound to hit the spot with their inventive and varied menu. Look out for vegan specials! 3 South St, Exeter, EX1 1DZanythingbutstandard.co.uk
PUERTO LOUNGE: Casual quayside dining
One of a national chain of casual dining and drinking venues collectively known as ‘The Lounges’, you’ll find Exeter’s Puerto Lounge on the Quay at one end of the Cricklepit Suspension bridge. The separate vegan menu boasts a huge range of options, from a full vegan fry-up or a BLT to a Beyond cheese burger or Moving Mountains hot dog, as well as lighter options such as a supergreen salad or a mexican superbowl. With plenty of varied indoor seating, a dog-friendly section and a large outdoor dining terrace, Puerto Lounge is the place to enjoy long summer days and cosy winter evenings. Tuck in! 38 Commercial Rd, Exeter, EX2…
COMPTOIR LIBANAIS: A vegan feast for Veganuary
If the first few weeks of January are anything to go by, 2019 is going to be a pretty great year for veganism. With a huge new plant-based range at M&S, the Greggs vegan sausage roll gaining national coverage and even Gordon Ramsay opening up to a greener way of eating, this year is gathering a lot of momentum. As well as new ranges in supermarkets, restaurants all over are rolling out new vegan options left right and centre, making it easier than ever to go vegan. Among those restaurants is Lebanese canteen Comptoir Libanais in the centre of Exeter. By no means newbies to the veggie game, Comptoir have…
ODDFELLOWS: Vegan Sunday roast
Diving into Exeter’s Oddfellows to escape the busy High Street, you can expect a warm welcome, cosy atmosphere and a well-stocked bar. Their main lunch and evening menus have a small handful of vegan options between them, but their Sunday roast is the main reason to visit this quirky and eclectic gastro bar. Taking an unusual twist on the traditional Sunday roast, their veg wellington is a sumptuous mix of seasoned English vegetables all wrapped up in filo pastry and drenched in red pepper sauce. Served with all the trimmings you’d expect, including perfectly crispy roast potatoes. 60 New N Rd, Exeter EX4 4EP theoddfellowsbar.co.uk
BOSTON TEA PARTY: Brunchin’ and lunchin’
Perched opposite the Queen Street Dining quarter in the centre of Exeter, you’ll find the homey hangout that is Boston Tea Party. With several vegan breakfast options, the cafe also offers a couple of mains and usually at least one freshly baked plant-based cake of some kind. The large, airy upstairs dining room provides plenty of space to relax amongst the mis-matched furniture with a soy latte. As it’s such a firm favourite among students and locals, however, it can get crowded at busy times. You can also find a BTP in Honiton, Plymouth, Bath and Bristol, as well as several others around England. While Boston Tea Party is technically…
LAS IGUANAS: Latin re-written
With a lively, South American-themed dining experience, Las Iguanas has a separate vegetarian menu, marked where dishes are vegan or can be prepared to be. Nachos covered in vegan cheese, soft tacos, a creamy coconut curry, sizzling fajitas, a warming chilli and a couple of fresh salads (of course) are ready for sampling at Exeter’s Queen Street venue – along with a couple of 2-for-1 cocktails perhaps? 79-81 Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RPlasiguanas.co.uk
PHOENIX CAFE BAR: Creative cooking in the city centre
With art exhibitions, film screenings, a variety of workshops and regular live music, Exeter Phoenix is the city’s hub for all things creative. What you really don’t want to miss is the awesome vegan food they serve every day. From breakfasts to burgers, you’ll find a great selection in a relaxed setting. Their vegan fish finger butty with homemade mint pea sauce is deliciously indulgent with top notch chips on the side, and the crispy bean burger is packed with flavour. Gandy St, Exeter EX4 3LS exeterphoenix.org.uk/about-the-cafe-bar
HERBIES: Exeter’s veggie landmark
One of Exeter’s oldest vegan-friendly eateries, Herbies’ large menu offers diners many nourishing plant-based dishes in a friendly and relaxed setting. Choose from a delicious range of freshly-made burgers, sandwiches, falafel wraps, pizza, lasagne… plus much more! A well-loved and highly-rated restaurant, Herbies really has something for everyone. 15 North St, Exeter EX4 3QSfacebook.com/HerbiesVegetarian
THE FARMER’S UNION: An unsuspecting vegan heaven
A short walk from the city centre you’ll find a traditional pub with some untraditional food. Don’t be put off by the name of this place, as the talented vegetarian head chef at The Farmer’s Union provides a huge variety of amazing vegan options (on a separate menu), from cheesy potato skins to vegan fish and chips with mushy peas. On top of the extensive regular vegan menu, a plant-based roast dinner can be devoured every Sunday at their busy carvery. A lively, airy setting, friendly atmosphere and a large selection of food awaits – have fun trying to decide what to order! 16 Queen’s Terrace, Exeter, EX4 4HRfacebook.com/TheFarmersUnion
BOARD: Exeter’s board game cafe
If you’re after something a little different for an evening out, grab some friends and head to Board, Exeter’s board game cafe bar. For a small, niche place, their menu has a surprising amount of vegan options, including two mains, a dessert, snacks, milkshakes and vegan-friendly cider. From household favourites to more obscure card games, there is something for everyone here, and with friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere it’s great to know a bite to eat can be grabbed here too. Cider or milkshake – choose your vegan tipple! boardexeter.co.uk / facebook.com/BoardExeter / instagram.com/boardexeter
THE OLD FIREHOUSE: For legendary vegan pizzas
On the edge of Exeter’s main shopping district, The Old Firehouse is massively popular with students and locals alike – for very good reason. Touted as one of the best ale and cider pubs in the region, this historic building also provides some of the greatest – and biggest – vegan pizza money can buy (just trust us on this one), as well as a hearty and varied main menu, which includes a vegan burger, baguette and chips topped with bean chilli and cheese. If you head there on a Sunday you’ll find the main menu replaced with more than one vegan option for a very tasty roast dinner. Adorned…
