Vegan Eats: Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Portsmouth

Historical attractions, seaside fun and what is said to be the home of the Royal Navy, there’s more to this city than candy floss (though candy floss is the BEST seaside treat, and we’ll be taking no further questions on that at this time). Here’s our favourite vegan restaurants, cafes and bars in Portsmouth. Don’t spot yours below? Let us know in the comments.

Best vegan food in Portsmouth for... when you’re craving something naughty

Photo credit: Purely Scrumptious

Purely Scrumptious 

Where: Coward Road, Gosport, PO12 2LP

The team at Purely Scrumptious believe that eating consciously shouldn’t be synonymous with missing out. That’s why they sell 100% vegan cakes and bakes to the lovely people of Portsmouth. Many months of testing and tasting have gone into the creation of these recipes to ensure that neither flavour nor texture was compromised. For those who love chocolate (and if you don’t, are you ok?) you’ll be pleased to know there is a whole section of their menu dedicated to chocolate cakes. The chocolate salted caramel cupcake is a game-changer.

Photo credit: The Wave Maiden

The Wave Maiden 

Where: 36 Osborne Road, Southsea, PO5 3LT

The Wave Maiden is the perfect place to start, end or spend your night in Portsmouth if you’re looking for craft beer and a modern take on pub grub. They offer a unique range of micro and independently brewed beers and ciders alongside American comfort food. And if you’re a vegan in Portsmouth, you’ll be pleased to know they have vegan versions of all of their dishes. You’ll find treats including flatbread pizzas, poutine, seitan Reuben sandwiches, pulled jackfruit burritos and bean chilli nachos.

Best vegan food in Portsmouth for… when you need some vitamins 

Photo credit: Wild Thyme Wholefoods

Wild Thyme Wholefoods 

Where: 102 Palmerston Road, Southsea, PO5 3PT

Literally a vegan’s one-stop-shop in Portsmouth, Wild Thyme is part wholefoods store, part cafe, serving up nourishing soups and salads loaded with veggies, and refreshing smoothies. So if you’re looking to stock up on vegan essentials in Portsmouth, as well as taking home a healthy treat, this is the place to go. Selling everything from household cleaning products to cruelty-free toiletries, as well as kitchen cupboard staples, they have all vegan bases covered.

Photo credit: Simply Wholesome

Simply Wholesome 

Where: 100A Marmion Road, PO5 2BB

This spot does exactly what it says on the tin – they supply Portsmouth vegans with healthy, hearty takeaway food. All of their delights, from salads and smoothies to soups and tarts, are made in-house, with plenty of gluten-free options available, too. As well as nourishing food, they’re all about operating as consciously as possible, with a big emphasis on minimal waste.

Best vegan food in Portsmouth for… when you’re feeling fancy 

Photo credit: Becketts

Becketts

Where: 11 Bellevue Terrace, Southsea, PO5 3AT

Dive into the menus inside this stunning Grade II listed building, and you’ll find an innovative selection of British-inspired vibrant dishes. They create all our cuisine on the premises and use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients where possible. And the vegetarian and vegan menus aren’t an afterthought – the pumpkin and fig tart is a particularly delicious highlight. Stuffed yourself silly? There are beautiful rooms to book upstairs, making it the perfect staycation spot.

Photo credit: Restaurant 27

Restaurant 27

Where: 27a South Parade, Southsea, PO5 2JF

This elegant restaurant is professionally and passionately run. Attractively presented, contemporary dishes have a slight Scandi style; they only serve tasting menus, supplemented by a set priced Sunday lunch. As well as meaty menus they have a creative vegetarian menu, with substitution options for vegans, just let them know when booking.

Best vegan food in Portsmouth for... humble hipsters

Photo credit: Pie & Vinyl

Pie & Vinyl

Where: 61 Castle Road, Southsea, PO5 3AY

The idea behind Pie & Vinyl is deliciously simple; combine your love and passion for music with one of England’s favourite old fashioned comfort foods – the humble pie. In a stylish, cosy location in Castle Road, Southsea, this is a place where vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters can come together, enjoy a pie and listen to some great tunes. The vegan menu is as inventive as it is tasty, and our favourite has to be The King Creole, made with spiced lentils, black beans, mushrooms and okra, aka music to our ears. 

Photo credit: Southsea Coffee Co

Southsea Coffee Co

Where: 63 Osborne Road, Southsea, PO5 3LS

Caffeine fiends, there’s arguably no better place to get your coffee fix in Portsmouth than Southsea Coffee Co – an independent coffee shop serving speciality coffee and feel-good food. Open seven days a week, they serve their own seasonal espresso alongside single-origin, hand-poured options sourced from top UK roasters. Over the years they have become renowned for their unique style of feel-good food.  Delicious and healthy, with the odd treat thrown in, the menu serves up modern café classics with a distinctive twist. Expect smashed avocado, nourishing Buddha boards or delicious sandwiches, and finish off your meal with a raw, vegan cake.