Looking for a menu of meat-free and plant-based delights? Check out our list of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Lincoln.
Whether you’re meat-free, dairy-free or just fancy something different, Lincoln is home to a growing number of vegan and vegetarian options. As well as specialist restaurants, you will also find many of the city’s top eateries now offer a fantastic range of plant-based versions of your favourite food.
1. Olé Olé Tapas Bar
If you’re in the mood for sangria, tapas and foot-tapping flamenco beats, Olé Olé is the place to be! Situated in the grounds of the Lawn, this quirky family-run restaurant offers delicious food and an extremely welcoming atmosphere. The rustic interiors are traditional, bringing a real sense of Spain (and sunshine) to the centre of Lincoln.
The Spanish chefs have created an authentic menu, featuring a fantastic range of meat-free dishes - the majority of which are also suitable for vegans. Popular vegan small plates include vegetable paella, roasted croquettes and delicious oven-baked cauliflower florets – seasoned with southern Spanish spices and quince syrup.
2. Cosy Club
Situated in the original Corn Exchange building, Cosy Club is at the centre of Lincoln’s restaurant scene. Packed with personality, this eclectic bar and restaurant expertly combines vintage nostalgia with modern fine dining.
Whether you’re looking for a boozy brunch or a family-friendly meal, Cosy Club is renowned for the quality of their food and drink. 40% of the restaurant’s menu is suitable for vegetarians, and there is an entire section dedicated to vegan and plant-based options.
3. Pho
Opened in Lincoln in 2021, Pho is a Vietnamese street-food specialist. Best known for its ‘Pho’ noodle dishes, over a quarter of the main menu here is suitable for vegans. In addition to this, the restaurant also recently teamed up with plant-based company ‘THIS’ to launch their first ever fully vegan menu.
As a whole, Pho generally use very little dairy or egg in their cooking - making it a great option for both veggie and vegan diets. There are vegan options within every section of the restaurant’s menu and any vegetarian dish on the menu can also be made vegan - just let a member of the team know your requirements and they will be more than happy to help!
Popular vegan dishes here include the classic Pho noodle soups, the Vietnamese tofu curry and the fresh rice paper rolls, which are served with a delicious peanut or soy ginger sauce.
4. Rising Café
Rising Café is situated inside the Alive Church on Newland. Serving up delicious homemade food, excellent desserts and a variety of heart-warming hot drinks, this welcoming café is the perfect place to pick up some tasty treats. The menu features everything from salads and sandwiches, to full cooked meals – with prices starting at just £2! There is a great selection of vegan options and the café also offer gluten-free alternatives.
Rising Café doesn’t just offer good food, every penny earned at the café goes directly to charity. Run by previously homeless and substance-addicted men and women, 100% of proceeds go directly towards funding their recovery, and that of many others around the country, through the charity work of Betel UK.
5. Bailgate Deli
Tucked down a side street, away from the hustle and bustle of the Cathedral Quarter, the Bailgate Deli is one of Lincoln’s hidden treasures. A dedicated vegan and vegetarian café, the Deli’s innovative menu is plant-based, with dishes cooked to order in the open kitchen.
The talented team here are passionate about cooking, and regularly add new options to the menu – which also includes a selection of daily specials. If you just want to pop in for a drink, the Bailgate Deli also serve great coffee, tasty hot chocolates and plenty of delicious vegan cakes, pastries and savouries.
As well as offering a fantastically varied menu in the café, the deli itself is stocked with a wide selection of takeaway items, including plant-based cooking staples, fresh bread and confectionary.
6. Slow Rise
Initially set up as a mobile business, Slow Rise secured its first premises in July 2020. Situated on St Martin’s Lane, this popular restaurant offers a creative menu of vegetarian and vegan pizzas.
Freshly made onsite, the delicious slow proved dough is hand stretched and topped with only the freshest ingredients. Options range from traditional toppings, to more innovative flavour combinations - we recommend the truffle mushroom!
f you’ve got room for pudding, Slow Rise doesn’t disappoint. The restaurant offers a range of homemade tiramisus, each bursting with sweet, creamy and boozy flavours.
7. Olivares Tapas Bar
Olivares may be situated in the heart of Lincoln, but it is the home of Spanish cuisine. Just a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral, this family-run restaurant offers a vast menu of authentic tapas dishes. Although traditional tapas typically features a lot of meat-based dishes, 45% of the menu at Olivares is made up vegetarian options - many of which are also vegan.
The tapas here is all made with fresh Spanish ingredients and cooked using authentic techniques. Veggie options include classic dishes such as patatas bravas, sautéed garlic mushrooms and spicy padron peppers. On a warm summer’s day, grab a table outside - Olivares’ alfresco dining area is the perfect place to enjoy a sangria in the sunshine!
8. 200 Degrees Coffee Shop
First opened in 2019, 200 Degrees is an independent coffee shop and barista school. Situated in the recently renovated Cornhill Quarter, this popular café serves up handcrafted food and artisan coffee – roasted just an hour away in Nottingham.
Takeaway is available, but dine-in and you can enjoy a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. Hot drinks are served with a variety of dairy-free milk options, and you will find a creative selection of homemade snacks on offer every day - from vegan sandwiches and salads, to porridge and pastries. All of the food is freshly prepared on-site throughout the day, using produce from local suppliers.
