Restaurants in Surrey for vegetarians
BEST RESTAURANTS FOR VEGETARIANS IN SURREY
TOP SURREY DINING SPOTS THAT NON-MEAT EATERS WILL LOVE
Top image: The Retreat Kitchen, Richmond
Words: Jess Woolridge
With many more people choosing to swap out animal products, for health, environmental and ethical reasons, there’s a big demand for veggie dining. We found the local eateries that offer excellent and diverse dishes for omnivores and herbivores alike – no need to settle for the only veggie option on the menu! From authentic Lebanese delicacies to meatless shepherd’s pies, here are the spots to head to…
1
THE GRUMPY MOLE
Cheam, Epsom, Tadworth
The Grumpy Mole is truly a hidden gem in terms of plant-based dining, offering a broad three-course multi-option menu for vegans alongside its regular a la carte selection. From mezze platters to teriyaki fried veggies, the variety of flavourful dishes available make for an exciting meal out. The delightful vegan shepherd’s pie is definitely one to try, as well as the selection of dairy-free desserts. There’s lovely outdoor seating for hotter days, though it’s the warm and cosy interior of the gastropub that really creates a homely, stylish dining experience.
2
CABALLO LOUNGE
Epsom
Step into the quirky and chic interior of the Caballo Lounge on Epsom High Street and take your pick from a quaint antique-style chair or cosy leather sofa. There’s also a lovely little terrace upstairs, the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing cocktail. The lounge’s all-day menu offers a great selection of food, from sweet and savoury brunches to the sumptuous tapas selection, a local favourite. The weekly Tapas Tuesday is definitely one to note on your calendar. The vegan alternatives are no less accommodating; there are still a great variety of tapas dishes and mains. The Moving Mountains Hot Dog is definitely the star of the menu, getting faux meat spot on. The dish comes with all the trimmings as well as a brioche-style roll, a real treasure for vegans since this isn’t something ordinarily made dairy-free.
3
ORGANICO
Epsom
Nestled in the middle of the bustling town centre, Organico takes on the role of both a lively veggie coffee shop and quaint grocery store. Though the friendly staff offer a range of all-day dishes, the brunch selection is the highlight of the menu. Choose something as simple as almond butter and banana on toast, or instead opt for sizzling menemen, a traditional Turkish breakfast served with sourdough bread. Organico’s rustic feel and fast service make it the perfect pit stop for a quick bite during your shopping spree.
4
CHIQUITO
Camberley
Serving up high-quality cuisine for over thirty years now, Chiquito expertly embraces Mexican culture to create an exciting and immersive fiesta with friends or family. Vegan options aren’t merely an add-on here; there are plant-based fajitas, paellas, burritos, ribs, enchiladas and nachos, as well as a sumptuous range of sides and desserts. Make sure to try the insanely good Mexican Mess. Take your pick from a rich collection of cocktails and wines, and sit back, relax, or celebrate.
5
TURTLE BAY
Guildford
Think exotic beach bar meets urban neon. Though there’s not a set vegan or vegetarian menu here, Turtle Bay still has loads of plant-based treats on offer. Specialising in Caribbean cuisine, there are all kinds of flavourful brunch, lunch and dinner options. The Vegan Yardbird, for instance, features a tasty sweet and savoury chicken-style bara roti stack that does not disappoint. Situated in Guildford’s lively town centre, Turtle Bay is also an absolute must for cocktail lovers; the generous happy hours and bottomless brunches are a local favourite.
6
RIVERSIDE VEGETARIA
Kingston
Nestled on the edge of the Thames, Riverside Vegetaria is a gorgeous spot for a hearty meal at a good price. The restaurant is entirely meat-free, with both vegetarian and vegan options on offer, as well as options for those with a gluten or wheat intolerance. The creative menu features a range of delicacies for all tastes, from tofu teriyaki to a fiery Jamaican stew. Even those who aren’t vegetarian won’t miss meat here. There’s something for the pickiest eaters amongst these tasty and generous portions.
7
CHATORA
Richmond
Deservedly featured in the 2021 Michelin Guide, Chatora excels in contemporary Indian cuisine. With elegant décor and perfectly presented dishes, it truly is a luxurious dining experience. The restaurant’s founders, Jamshed Rahman, Naseem Qureshi and Sunil D’souza, each have lots of experience in the culinary industry. As a team, they masterfully utilise British ingredients to showcase some of the best of India’s wide gastronomic culture. There is a brilliant three-course vegan menu, alongside delicious vegetarian options such as the Paneer Lababdar.
8
MEEJANA
Weybridge
On the corner of Church Street in Weybridge, gorgeous velvet seats and dimly lit chandeliers prepare you for an elegant Lebanese dining experience. Owners Rita Cherfan and Edward Terry’s contemporary flair, combined with traditional recipes discovered at the heart of Lebanon, create an authentic yet modern feel. There is an impressive vegetarian menu that features plenty of vegan options. Choose a few plates of hot or cold mezze, before finishing up with a rich crêpe or sweet sorbet.
9
FRANCO MANCA
Guildford
One for all the pizza lovers, Franco Manca offers the sourdough selection of your dreams. No cheese, no problem: they simply offer a tasty vegan alternative. With regularly changing seasonal toppings, you’ll have to pop in to find out which delectable veggie specials are available on the day. If you don’t fancy that, you can simply create your own by mixing and matching different toppings. The rustic pizzeria prides itself in its range of ‘slow fast food’, as each ingredient is produced carefully by small suppliers. Truly plant-based perfection.
Not into veggies? Check out this guide to your new favourite local butcher:
