10 Best Vegetarian and Vegan places to eat in Cornwall

Canteen Cornwall – Porthtowan

The Canteen is a charming and vibrant eatery located just outside Porthtowan, Cornwall on the Mount Pleasant Eco Park. Situated amidst the scenic beauty of the area, The Canteen run by owner and head chef Ben Quinn, offers not only a communal and friendly dining experience but also a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. There is a ‘no book ahead’ policy and everyone is welcome between 9 am and 3 pm every day of the week.

What sets The Canteen apart is its emphasis on using fresh, organic, fruit and vegetables as well as locally-sourced ingredients. The menu is entirely plant-based, from mouth watering herby salads to inventive dishes crafted with homegrown vegetables. Ben’s dedication to supporting local suppliers not only ensures the finest quality but also reflects the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and community.

The interior of The Canteen exudes a rustic and cosy ambience, creating a perfect setting for diners to unwind and enjoy their meals. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day, a delicious lunch to recharge after exploring the nearby beaches, or a delightful dinner to conclude a memorable day, The Canteen has something to offer for everyone.

Apart from its scrumptious food, The Canteen also boasts a selection of locally brewed beers, ciders, and a thoughtfully curated wine list to complement the dining experience. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a connoisseur of drinks, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your taste buds here.

The Canteen also does catering at regular events at the Eco park, during the summer evenings, such as weekly live folk music and grilled plant-based food. There are theatre groups and also well-being sessions so check out their website to get a wholesome experience enjoying vegan food and taking in the fresh coastal air at one with nature.

Photo Credit: Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Canteen

The Bean Inn, Carbis Bay

The Bean Inn is a delightful vegetarian and vegan restaurant nestled in the coastal village of Carbis Bay just a mile from St Ives in Cornwall. With its focus on fresh and wholesome plant-based cuisine, The Bean Inn offers a unique and inviting dining experience with no sign of meat on the menu at all! There are options to swap tofu for halloumi or Helford Blue cheese instead of vegan cheddar if you are vegetarian but you will have absolutely delicious and creative dishes galore on the menu at The Bean Inn.

Situated in the picturesque Carbis Bay, the restaurant’s location provides a serene and scenic backdrop for a memorable meal. The interior of The Bean Inn is cosy and charming, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch or a special evening out.

The use of locally sourced ingredients further enhances the dining experience at The Bean Inn. Supporting local producers not only contributes to the restaurant’s sustainability ethos but also adds a distinctive Cornish touch to the flavours of each dish.

The friendly and attentive staff at The Bean Inn adds to the overall charm of the place. They are always happy to recommend dishes and accommodate dietary requirements such as gluten-free options, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.

The Bean Inn welcomes diners from 5 pm onwards Tuesday to Saturday. There is roadside parking nearby and they are so sorry but they can’t accommodate dogs.

Photo Credit: The Bean Inn, Carbis Bay

Box and Barber, Newquay

Box & Barber, on Fore Street in Newquay, is right in the heart of this popular coastal town (infamous for its surf) on the north coast of Cornwall. The team focuses on delivering delicious, nutritious food within a cool and casual ambience for everyone to enjoy.

Box and Barber strive to use organic, locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients to make up their menu which is for all those that love brunches, coffee, pastries, pancakes and smoothies. For the health-conscious, choose from their delectable salads, juices and acai bowls. If you want to be a little naughty, grab a breakfast burrito or a stacked pancake!

They are open every day between 8 am and 3 pm with food being served until 2 pm so a perfect place for an early-bird breakfast before hitting the beach or a long walk. Ideal for lazy Sunday brunches and multiple coffees too!

Photo Credit: Box and Barber, Newquay

The Cornish Vegan – Truro

The Cornish Vegan is a purely plant-based restaurant nestled in the heart of Truro, Cornwall. You can find it on Kenwyn Street tucked behind Truro Cathedral so its central location makes it easily accessible for day-trippers.

The Cornish Vegan takes pride in offering a diverse and mouthwatering menu, showcasing the best of plant-based cuisine. If you are a meat eater simply curious to try something new, their menu will leave you switching to plant-based a few extra days a week. For vegans, the menu is purely designed for you so everything is open for trying.

The Cornish Vegan takes great care to use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, ensuring that their dishes are not only delicious but also environmentally conscious. They also offer gluten-free options to accommodate various dietary preferences and requirements.

With its inviting atmosphere and delectable plant-based offerings, The Cornish Vegan in Truro is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of Cornwall’s vibrant vegan cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to explore new flavors, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience in the heart of Truro.

Sabzi, Falmouth & Truro

If you are travelling from your holiday cottage in Cornwall to Falmouth or Truro then we highly recommend lunch at Sabzi’s. Their concept is a simple one; a creative and colourful menu of purely vegan and vegetarian dishes that are changed every day, all available to takeaway (in sustainable packaging), all mouth-wateringly enjoyed together or alone, and all upholding humble, sustainable ingredients.

Sabzi is the creation of Kate Attlee who’s passion for Cornwall and its local ingredients means she creates inspirational and delicious vegan dishes. Sabzi’s food takes its inspiration from the cuisine of Kate’s childhood; Iranian and Middle Eastern cooking, and the super-friendly and incredibly positive teams who work at both the Truro and Falmouth branches take enormous pride that all dishes are prepared on site, to Sabzi’s own recipes.

Whether you choose to have a Rising Ground Coffee (locally roasted in Wadebridge, Cornwall) and one of their incredible pastries or an Ultimate lunch box, you will be blown away by the taste sensation and the slightly smug feeling that all the food is so good for you that eating a lot is definitely allowed!

We can whole-heartedly say that every team member of Orange Roofs heads straight to Sabzi when in Truro or Falmouth.

Kate Attlee of Sabzi
Photo Credit: James Ram

The Gurnard’s Head, Nr. Zennor

The Gurnard’s Head is a charming coastal inn and restaurant located in West Cornwall, just a couple of miles further west past Zennor. Situated in a picturesque spot overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, its location means, post lunch or dinner, a short walk takes you to the South West coast path where there are breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and surrounding countryside. A small beach is exposed at low tide and can be accessed (if you’re part mountain goat!) by scrambling down some rocks.

For diners traveling by car, The Gurnard’s Head offers convenient parking facilities, making it easy to access and enjoy the stunning surroundings without any hassle.

The pub is steeped in history and has wonderful rustic, stylish charm. The Gurnard’s Head has excellent selection of vegan options with their supper menu offering 3 out of 7 choices in their mains list and 2 out the 7 are vegan in their choice of starters . The restaurant takes pride in offering a diverse and delicious menu that caters to plant-based eaters as well as vegetarians and  will always cater to those with special dietary needs. The Orange Roofs team enjoyed a most delicious three-course Christmas meal at The Gurnard’s Head; the wine, setting, service and overall experience means we will be booking our next Christmas team outing there this year!

Whether you’re looking to explore the beautiful coastal paths, consume delectable vegan cuisine with delicious accompanying drinks, or simply relax in the serene ambiance, The Gurnard’s Head proves to be an idyllic destination that combines nature’s beauty with gastro dining.

Vegan Pakora – Photo Credit: Elisha Roberts

Yvette’s Pantry, Carbis Bay

A perfect option for take out salads, savoury treats and sweet vegan cakes, Yvette’s Pantry, on the main road in Carbis Bay, proudly caters to both vegans and vegetarians, offering a delightful range of plant-based options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From delectable vegan pastries to savory vegetarian pies, they have crafted a menu that celebrates the beauty of plant-based cuisine.

Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to explore new flavors, Yvette’s Pantry has you covered with their creative and delicious vegan and vegetarian offerings. Indulge in mouthwatering treats like vegan cupcakes, dairy-free scones, and plant-based quiches that are sure to leave you craving for more.

As a primarily a takeaway business being a small cafe, Yvette’s Pantry can be the secret to perfect picnics or a healthy stop for a coffee and a smoothie. All of their vegan and vegetarian goodies are conveniently packaged for on-the-go enjoyment in sustainable boxes. Whether you’re heading to the beach or exploring the town, their delicious menu makes for a happy day.

As you are travelling through Carbis Bay towards St Ives, we would recommend you pull up in one of the side streets, like Count House Lane to be on the same side of the road as the pantry or Valley Road on the opposite side (so be careful crossing the road) as there is only room for one car to pull up in front of the pantry and that is normally taken! Remember to take a shopping bag, you will need it as the flavoursome looking vegan and vegetarian treats will get you buying more than you first intended.

The Hub, St Ives

The Hub promises breathtaking sea views and the bliss of outdoor dining options while sat in the warm glow of the Cornish sun.  Sat along the stunning coastline on St Ives Harbour front, The Hub offers diners an experience that combines delectable food and drink, invigorating sea vistas, and the joy of al fresco dining.

At The Hub, you’ll discover a dining experience that immerses you in the Cornish way of life in St Ives. Situated in a prime location along the harbour front, their outdoor seating area provides a front-row seat to the mesmerizing sea views and the busy comings and goings of the harbour. Inside the restaurant is a funky, rustic vibe with tunes to match. The staff are all friendly and the bartenders are eager to mix you the right pre-meal cocktails or draw you a cold Cornish beer to toast the start of your relax.

Out of their 9 burger choices, 5 can be made vegan and 8 are gluten-free which is exciting news for those unable to eat meat and gluten. Their choice of 8 side dishes gives a whopping 5 vegan choices, 7 vegetarian options and ALL are gluten-free. In the chargrill section of their menu, there are 4 options and 1 is a grilled cauliflower steak. They really do cater to everyone’s tastes and needs offering a decent sized menu for both vegetarians, pescatarians, vegans and meat-eaters.

Whenever a member of the Orange Roofs team passes The Hub on the harbour front, it’s always thriving, which says a lot!

Porthmeor Beach Cafe, St Ives

Who doesn’t love some beachfront dining?  Porthmeor Beach Cafe, an iconic place to eat on the picturesque Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, ticks all the boxes. It has front row seats to the golden sand beach and  sparkling turquoise sea; this award-winning cafe offers a special blend of breathtaking views, relaxed ambiance, and delicious food. Porthmeor Beach Cafe prides itself on using local ingredients, whether it is a plant-based meal or fresh fish.

Their menu has many options for vegetarians (V) and for those needing gluten free options (GF) as well as vegan (V+) dishes. On their tapas menu, out of 20 dishes, 6 are vegan, 5 are vegetarian and 11 are gluten free. From their dessert menu, out of 6 choices, 4 are vegetarian, 2 are vegan and there are 5 gluten free options too.

The cafe’s stunning beachfront terrace is the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine and enjoy a leisurely meal. Immerse yourself in the relaxed coastal atmosphere, breathe in the fresh sea air, and savor the flavors of your expertly prepared meal while gazing out at the panoramic views in front of you. Indulge in a feast for the senses at Porthmeor Beach Cafe, where exceptional cuisine, breathtaking views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere converge. A visit to this very popular beachfront cafe promises an unforgettable dining experience that embodies the spirit of coastal Cornwall. Book well ahead of your stay to St Ives, it gets booked up quickly!

Photo Credit: Porthmeor Beach Cafe

Bier Huis Grand Cafe, St Ives

Bier Huis Grand Cafe is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of St Ives on St Andrew’s Street which is just a short walk from Lambeth Walk and St Ives Harbour. It blends Dutch charm with a vibrant atmosphere, and welcomes everyone to try their huge selection of beers and Belgian food.

At Bier Huis, you will find a carefully crafted menu that caters to a range of tastes and preferences. Their menu meets carnivores desires but also has many options for vegetarians and vegans. Indulge in traditional Dutch delights like bitterballen, loaded with a vegan filling, or try their signature Dutch gluten free pancakes, both savory and sweet varieties available. On their menu you will see the symbols that signify if it’s gluten free (GF), vegan (VE), dairy-free (DF) and even vegetarian (V) meals can be made vegan to suit. There is a limited menu available on Sundays, but they still offer a vegan and vegetarian option.

Beer enthusiasts will be in heaven with the extensive selection of craft beers on offer. Bier Huis boasts an impressive range of local and international brews, carefully curated to complement the flavors of the menu and if you don’t know which one to order, the staff are very happy to make suggestions from their personal experience.

The ambiance at Bier Huis Grand Cafe is as inviting as the menu. It is a colourful place to be with friendly staff and much memorabilia and artwork to look at; it’s the perfect place to unwind with friends and family. It’s dog-friendly too! Sit back, relax, and soak up the charming atmosphere while savoring the delicious food and drinks.

Photo Credit: Bier Huis Grand Cafe

Happy restaurant planning and the team at Orange Roofs wish you bon appetit!