My favourite restaurants in Leicester

I often get asked what my favourite restaurants are in Leicester for a good vegan meal. I’ve reviewed a lot of places, but it’s difficult for readers to know which ones I’d recommend unless you read through them all (and some are not so shining reviews). Because of this, I thought I’d make it easy for you and compile all my faves in one post. I have purposefully left out chains likes Yo! Sushi and Wagamama as you probably already know about those places already. Plus, I’m all about supporting local as much as possible.

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Best pub

The Orange Tree

You will often catch me in the Orange Tree, whether it’s for lunch and a cheeky beer, or a couple drinks on a night out with friends. In the last couple of years they’ve really amped up their vegan game, and always have several vegan starters and mains on their seasonal menu. I’ve liked everything I’ve tried there, but the vegan calzone and the bbq tempeh burger are perfection.

The Donkey

I’ve only been to The Donkey a few times but it’s already a firm favourite. I love the decor and overall vibe of the place, and the vegan options on the menu are so delicious. I highly recommend the all day vegan breakfast – it’s huge, with homemade sausages and loads of veg, hashbrowns and toast, all for £6.95.

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Best curry

The Grand Durbar

There are so, so many great curry restaurants in Leicester that pinning down the best one is actually quite difficult as it is so subjective and personal. That said, mine is The Grand Durbar simply because they know our tastes so well now that every dish we get is custom made (and vegan, of course).

*2018 update* the Grand Durbar is now only open for takeaways.

Kayal

I love Kayal for something different. It’s a Southern Indian restaurant (rather than a traditional Bangladeshi balti house), so the dishes include a lot of milder spices and creamy coconut broths. They do a vegan thali that is just divine – just make sure you bring your appetite – those little bowls are surprisingly filling! A runner up to Kayal is Shivalli which is similar food, but fully vegetarian.

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Best high-end restaurant

The Case

I love the Case for special occasions. It’s beautiful and feels so romantic as soon as you step inside. If you let them know ahead of time that you’re vegan they’ll create a special menu with several choices including various starters, mains and desserts.

The White Peacock

The White Peacock has a similar atmosphere to The Case, and they’re very vegan friendly and will even do tasting menus. The wine menu is also almost completely vegan.

North Bar & Kitchen

Located on the West End, this lovely, small restaurant does a fantastic 3 and 5 course vegan tasting menu, and almost all their wines are vegan!

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Other

Oscar & Rosie’s

Oscar & Rosie’s is a little American-style pizza place (ie very casual and trendy). They are an omni restaurant, but EVERYTHING on their menu can be veganized, including things like the “meat sweats” pizza. Their pizza bases are fantastic, and they use violife cheese which is my fave. This is the best pizza in Leicester in my opinion!

Casa Romana

Casa Romana is one of the first restaurants I went to with my now husband, so it’s always held a special place in my heart. I love the small, intimate, busy feeling of the restaurant and the fact that there’s no sign so you have to know where to go. Vegan options aren’t marked on the menu, but they’re happy to accommodate a vegan diet. I usually have tomato bruschetta, penne arrabbiata and salad (and chips sometimes!).

World Peace Cafe

The World Peace Cafe is housed in a buddhist temple and is only open for lunch. They are completely vegetarian with lots of vegan options on the menu. It has a really nice feeling and is a great place to escape the insanity of the High Cross.

Currant Affairs

Currant Affairs is a 100% vegan shop in the city centre that also does a great variety of hot and cold food to takeaway, including sandwiches, sosage rolls, samosas, soup, cakes and more. We always stop in before a football match to stock up.

Cafe Mbriki

Cafe Mbriki serves up lots of different vegan cakes, cupcakes and sweets, all provided by Leicester’s own Vegan Cakery. It’s a great place to fulfil a sweet tooth over a hot coffee.

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So there you have it! What are your favourite places for a bite to eat in Leicester? Comment below!