The best veggie and vegan restaurants in Cornwall
When it comes to food, Cornwall is famous for 3 things – seafood, pasties and cream teas. Not, it seems, an ideal destination for vegans. But that’s where you’re wrong because Cornwall has some wonderful cafes and restaurants feeding the plant-based crowd. Below are some of the best veggie and vegan restaurants in Cornwall. Note: there are also plenty of places which are not fully vegan/veggie but have amazing options. But those will have to wait for a separate post…
The Bean Inn
Located in Carbis Bay, just a short distance from St Ives, is The Bean Inn. They’ve been here for over 20 years and have perfected a short but sweet list of dishes. Technically they’re a vegetarian restaurant but absolutely everything on the menu can be made vegan. I’m not a wine drinker but I’ve also heard many compliments on their selection. This is definitely suitable for a casual meet up or a date night.
Vega
In the Arthurian village of Tintagel is the equally magical Vega. They’re a 100% vegan cafe serving wholefood, healthy dishes made of plants. It’s a tiny space and not always open so keep an eye on their Facebook here to ensure it’s not a wasted trip, and book in advance or get there early to snag a table.
Be Kind
A caravan on the outskirts of an Asda car park doesn’t sound like a foodie destination. But Be Kind coffee caravan is exactly that. Selling delicious sarnies, cakes and of course coffee, they are 100% vegan. If you catch it on a good day it’s lovely to sit on the benches outside and look over the Hayle estuary.
Sabzi
One of my favourite places to eat in Cornwall. Sabzi’s first brick and mortar location was in my home town of Truro but they’ve since expanded to Falmouth, Padstow and Nansledan. The menu changes daily and uses the veggies in creative, mouthwatering ways. The owner, Kate, brings Middle Eastern flavours to every dish, while using local and sustainable produce.
Wilder Kitchen
Inspired by a trip around India, the owner set up Wilder Kitchen to bring vegan thalis to the people of Cornwall. Served on a large round platter, a thali features a balanced variety of small dishes designed to incorporate sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and astringent tastes. It’s an explosion of flavour and with an ever changing menu it’s worth returning here several times over.
Sasparella
There’s something to be said about vegan food being considered ‘boring’ when almost every vegan place on this list has an ever changing menu. Sasparella specialise in vegan donuts, but they are not just bog-standard donuts. Think flavours such as mango lassi curd, butter pecan, Vietnamese coffee and pistachio creme brulee. These are the most delicious donuts you will ever try, plant based or not. Find them at Falmouth Market on Thursdays and Saturdays. Or if you are lucky enough to be living/staying in Falmouth you can order a delivery on Fridays.
Beats and Roots
Redruth is often overlooked by holiday makers but it’s worth seeking out this little gem. Beats and Roots is a quirky cafe serving up classics like burgers, soups and toasties with a rotating ‘world’ menu serving plant based versions of anything from French dishes to Korean food. And this is also one of the few places that you can find a fully vegan roast on Sundays.
Orange Cafe Bar
Mousehole is a tiny fishing village and an extremely popular tourist spot so I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this vegan restaurant. They do everything from brunch (the shakshuka is to die for) to lunchtime comfort food, and themed evenings like tapas and thali nights. Keep an eye on their socials for events and specials.
Sunshine Cafe and Yoga
Sunshine by name and sunshine by nature, the food in this cafe is all colourful, healthy and nourishing. With a yoga studio attached it’s the perfect place to go for smoothies and lunch after a workout. But it’s also a lovely spot to grab a quiet solo breakfast or catch up with friends over coffee and a cake. It’s a really tranquil space in the heart of Penryn.
So if you thought Cornwall was off the menu, hopefully this list of the best veggie and vegan restaurants in Cornwall has changed your mind. From cosy cafés and street food spots to creative kitchens serving globally inspired dishes, there’s a thriving plant-based scene waiting to be explored. Looking for more vegan inspo for Cornwall? Have a look at this post about pizza places, or this one for all the best breakfast spots. x
