Best vegetarian restaurants in Birmingham: 11 spots to get your meat-free fix

Known as the UK’s second city, Birmingham is spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in the centre. Whilst it has a reputation for incredible curry houses, and hosting the most Michelin starred restaurants outside of London, the spots to get your meat free fix are a little harder to find. Up until recently, the best vegetarian restaurants in Birmingham haven’t been the talk of the town, and dining out as a veggie would consist of combining some meat free sides to create a makeshift meal which paled in comparison to the rest of the menu. Now, veggie chefs have upped the ante, and meat free eateries are popping up across Birmingham, varying from spots that serve up junk food favourites, to more fine dining styles in a sophisticated setting.

The change is down to a group of chefs who want to make a difference in the food scene, whether it’s down to their own dietary requirement, or because they’re looking to have an impact on the environment. Whatever their reason, the outcome is a delicious one.

Times have changed since a vegetarian meal lacked in flavour, texture and general appeal, as creative plates now take centre stage, showcasing carefully considered dishes that leave a lasting mark in your memory. Expect everything from chickpea socca with spiced harissa and leeks, to deep fried ‘chicken’ burgers with cheese, 'slaw and onion rings. So whether you’re a fully fledged vegetarian or just looking to reduce your meat intake, there’s something for everyone in Birmingham’s city centre.

To take the guesswork out of where to get a decent meat-free meal, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best vegetarian restaurants in Birmingham, whether it’s a casual midweek meal you’re after, or you want to celebrate a special occasion in a slightly fancier setting.

Land

What: Land isn’t your average vegetarian restaurant. This unique spot puts a fine dining twist on veg-focused dishes to prove that truly great cooking doesn't have to contain meat. Inspired by flavours from around the world, dishes use fresh, seasonal produce, so expect an ever changing menu made up of nature's best larder. Its reputation precedes it, and for good reason too - this is one not to miss when looking for your meat free meal in Birmingham.
Where: 30 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU
Book now: Land

Cafe Soya

What: Whilst this may not be an entirely meat-free restaurant, it has such an impressive vegetarian menu that we had to include it in this list. Serving up some of the best Chinese and Vietnamese food in the city, you can expect dishes like pan fried dumplings, mock crispy duck pancakes and even a veggie sesame prawn toast. Whether you’re a fully fledged veggie, or just looking to reduce your meat intake, this menu packs such a punch that you won’t even notice it’s made entirely out of vegetables.
Where: Unit B106 Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD
Book now: Cafe Soya

Dishoom

What: The Dishoom culinary success story has seen Irani-inspired cafe restaurants take hold across the UK, spreading the best Bombay food and plenty of vegetarian options. Dishoom Birmingham is an all-day cafe serving some top-notch meat-free small plates and Ruby Murrays, like an unmissable 24-hour house black daal, as well as breakfasts and traditional meatless street food.
Where: 1 Chamberlain Square, B3 3AX
Book now: Dishoom

Pieminister

What: When you think of pies, vegetarian versions probably don’t come to mind. Fighting against the common perception is Pieminister, with plenty of plant-based and vegetarian filo and shortcrust pies with fillings like feta and spinach, goat’s cheese and sweet potato, and a jackfruit and craft ale. Plus, all the sustainability boxes are ticked - pies, planet, and people are at the heart of Pieminister’s sustainability goals. 
Where: 16 Waterloo Street, B2 5UG
Book now: Pieminister

Opheem

What: Opheem is the twice Michelin-starred restaurant of Aston-born Great British Menu chef Aktar Islam. Through several seasonal tasting menus, Opheem explores regional Indian cuisine by reinventing traditional recipes tweaked with modern cooking methods. This includes a seasonal 10-course vegetarian menu with plates inspired by Kashmiri tabak maas, Tamil pata gobhi, and Delhi aloo tuk.
Where: 48 Summer Row, B3 1JJ
Book now: Opheem

Jyoti’s

What: Jyoti’s is the only vegetarian Indian restaurant in Birmingham, and boasts an extensive menu of meat free dishes from dhosas and curries to daals and sag aloo. However, this eatery goes beyond just plates of hot food, as it also doubles up as a sweet shop, with 30 different options to choose from - with some even being vegan. Want our advice? Get the thali, so you can enjoy a little bit of everything.
Where: 1045 Stratford Road, B28 8AS
Book now: Jyoti

The Coconut Tree

What: The Coconut Tree Birmingham does three things extremely well: flavour, fun, and affordable meat-free food. Located in the Westside district, this Sri Lankan restaurant offers an extensive selection of vegetarian kotthu and curry, plus a must-order egg hopper coconut pancake. True to its no-fuss no-frills philosophy you’ll get a roll of paper towels instead of a napkin - trust us, you’ll be glad of it.
Where: 35 Gas Street, B1 2JT
Book now: The Coconut Tree

Damascena

What: This may be another restaurant that doesn’t fit under the heading of vegetarian restaurant, but that doesn’t stop Damascena from being one of the city’s top spots for trying delicious meat free dishes. With Middle Eastern dishes like falafel wraps, aubergine flatbreads and a selection of salads, it’s no wonder that this has become one of the top spots to get plant based meals in Birmingham.
Where: 5-7 Temple Row W, B2 5NY
Book now: Damascena

BA-HA

What: BA-HA was co-founded by couple Frankie Heekin and Becky Powell, who had spent years working in hospitality and wanted to escape the meat heavy environment, so opened somewhere where they could create their own style of veggie food whilst offering staff a good work life balance. Whether you’re after some plant based junk food or a Sunday roast, BA-HA has some seriously tempting offerings for veggies and meat eaters alike.
Where: 160 High Street, B12 0LD
Book now: BA-HA

Lasan

What: With over 20 years under its belt, Lasan knows what it’s doing, and it does it well. So well, that it’s been recognised with several awards and received the seal of approval from various celebrity figures. Though it’s not an entirely meat-free restaurant, a track record of exceptional vibes and a dedicated vegetarian menu with biryani, curries, and spiced potatoes make Lasan a serious contender.
Where: 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James Street, B3 1SD
Book now: Lasan

Mr Singh’s Pizza

What: If you love pizza, and you love curry, then this may well be the perfect place for you. Mr Singh’s Pizza is a legend amongst locals as it offers some of the best comfort food in the city. Think paneer and jalapenos pizza, chilli vegetarian chicken toppings, and a desi calzone with masala paneer and green chillies. It will also cater for a range of allergies, so it’s a safe spot to bring a group of friends where everyone can eat.
Where: 103 Cornwall Road, B20 2HY
Book now: Mr Singh's Pizza

Curious about what else this city has to offer? Check out our line-up of the best restaurants in Birmingham, which includes restaurants that are quickly gaining notoriety as some of the finest in the country.