From strawberry gazpacho to spring greens scotch eggs, these vibrant vegetarian eateries around the world offer non-meat cuisine in deliciously alluring destinations. Ready to seek them out?
1. Kajitsu, New York City
Fine Japanese dining is at its veggie and vegan best at this sushi restaurant on East 39th Street in NYC. Dinner includes either a four-course or eight-course menu and is prepared in the shojin style that originated in Zen Buddhism. It’s said to be the foundation of traditional Japanese cuisine. Oh, and in case you were wondering, this place is so good it’s Michelin rated!
2. Fivelements, Bali
Whether you’re vegetarian or not, it’s hard to beat dining in a bamboo hut next to the Ayung River. The Sakti Dining Room offers a luxurious, plant-based gastronomical experience that comes a la carte or in three, five or seven courses. We especially love the Strawberry Gazpacho, the Kimchi Dumplings and the Beetroot and Red Rice Risotto.
3. Kaffi Vinyl, Reykjavik
Most Icelandic cuisine is focused around meat and seafood, but this refreshing little record-shop-cross-café is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly – reportedly the first vegan café in the country. Treat yourself to meals like curry, sandwiches and even vegan lasagne. Live music and DJs take up shop at night.
4. Bircher Benner, Lima
A popular and well-known stop-off in Lima for vegetarians, Bircher Benner is a must if you want to sample classic Peruvian dishes minus the meat. Pizzas and juices are staples here but if you get the chance, branch out and try one of the veggie cebiches or the sautéed rice with white cheese, fried egg and vegetables (Arroz Paracas Con Milanesa).
5. Ethos, London
Fancy a trip to Oxford Circus? Ethos is open all day long and is not only vegetarian but also vegan, gluten free and refined-sugar free! It labels itself ‘deliciously different’ and our best-pick dishes include Spring Greens Scotch Eggs, Hungarian Style Stuffed Peppers and the Black Bean Brownie. Yummo!
6. Govinda’s Restaurant, Mumbai
If you’ve ever wanted to eat vegetarian inside a temple, Govinda’s is the spot to be. Set in ISKCON Juhu (or Hare Krishna Land), the temple complex is one of the most popular places to visit in India. Govinda’s buffet dishes draw veggie inspiration from Indian, Mexican, Italian, Chinese and Thai cuisines. If you’re there on a Sunday, show up for the ‘exclusive’ buffet breakfast (7.30am) or lunch (12pm).
7. Transformer, Melbourne
Hidden away inside a cosy, old transformer warehouse, you can expect to find a wealth of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired vegetarian meals at Transformer in Fitzroy. For a bit of everything or if you’re visiting for the first time, try the Feed Me option, which offers a chef’s selection of great dishes.