Trying Veganuary this year? Plant-based eating doesn’t have to end when January does. This guide showcases a selection of Cheltenham’s cafés and restaurants where vegan food is firmly on the menu year-round. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast, leisurely lunch or dinner with friends, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar
Regent Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1JZ
For more than 10 years, award-winning hot kitchen, ramen and sushi bar KIBOU has been the go-to destination for Japanese dining in Cheltenham. And vegan diners don't need to miss out, with a range of delicious options on the menu throughout the year.
One of the highlights is the Yasai Volcano Roll, a vegan take on KIBOU's signature Volcano Roll featuring a 10-piece futomaki sushi roll stuffed with red pepper and avocado, dipped in tempura batter, fried and drizzled with their own very special sauces. Or feast on Hokkaido-style ramen with tofu, fresh California rolls and katsu curry with pumpkin croquettes.
The Coconut Tree
59 St Paul's Road, Cheltenham GL50 4JA
Taste the flavours of Sri Lanka at The Coconut Tree, a bar and restaurant serving up authentic street food in small plates and sweet and fiery cocktails. Step inside for an ‘island vibe’ setting accompanied by great tunes and the tastiest vegan dishes.
Many Sri Lankan dishes are naturally vegan, using coconut milk instead of dairy. Their Roots Menu, inspired by Sri Lanka's culture, climate and natural ingredients, includes popular vegan dishes like a pineapple curry that packs a punch, cashew nut curry and a beetroot baduma.
Mowgli Street Food
The Brewery Quarter, Henrietta Street, Cheltenham GL50 4FA
Mowgli opened in The Brewery Quarter in 2021 and has become a firm favourite by locals and visitors alike. It's all about how Indians eat at home and on their streets, born to feed the raw need Indians have for tiffins full of fresh bright intense flavours.
Their comprehensive vegan menu features the Holy Chow – described as their 'vegan showstopper' with spiced chickpea, potato, spinach, ginger and mango served in a loaf of bread. Or try the new Diwali Cauliflower, bursting with vibrant colour from turmeric, pomegranate and coriander.
Images - Pho, Woodkraft and The Mahal
The Mahal
Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham GL50 1TY
Meaning ‘a mansion or a palace’, The Mahal restaurant brings together glamour, opulence, sensational dishes and superior service. Take a culinary journey through India, with progressive Indian dishes from across the country combined with the finest British ingredients.
Choose from the à la carte menu, or treat yourself to their seven-course vegan tasting menu. This features a medley of seasonal delights such as zucchini onion pakora with Wye Valley asparagus, Malabar vegetable curry and a vegan coconut caramel pudding.
Nagomi
1B Crescent Place, Cheltenham GL50 3PG
One of Cheltenham's newest vegan-friendly restaurants is Nagomi, serving up flavour-packed Korean and Japanese dishes. From Korean corn dogs and Bibimbap to Yakisoba Japanese noodles and vegan kimchi, you'll find all the classics on their menu.
They're also home to the only indoor Japanese BBQ in the Cotswolds, or you can try a Japanese or Korean hot pot and keep the broth bubbling while you cook fresh vegetables right at your table. Both are fun and interactive ways to share amazing food with your friends and family.
Pho Cafe
The Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham GL50 4FA
Pho is the brainchild of husband-and-wife-team Stephen and Juliette Wall, who've brought the vibrant taste of Southeast Asia to Cheltenham's Brewery Quarter. As you'd guess from the name, they specialise in pho, a delicious and nutritious rice noodle soup that's the national dish of Vietnam.
Tofu, mushrooms and ‘THIS Isn't Chicken’ provide mouth-watering alternatives to their meat-filled counterparts. Or you can enjoy a vegan take on Asian specialities like wok-fried rice or noodles, green papaya salad, fragrant curry and Vietnamese pancakes.
The Swan
35–37 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 1DX
The Swan is a fun and relaxed traditional free house serving the best local, independent drinks and authentic Indian dishes in the heart of Cheltenham.
The menu has a mix of chaat (snacks), small plates and large plates, so you can easily mix and match and share with friends. Vegan options include tandoori soya chaaps, pani puri and smoked jackfruit curry. They also do a brilliant vegan-friendly Sunday lunch, with a mushroom and spinach pie served with organic vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy.
WoodKraft
13 Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HE
Spread across three floors of a beautiful period property on Regent Street, Woodkraft Cheltenham has a farm to fork philosophy, showcasing the best locally sourced produce in their menu, which changes with every season.
For breakfast, why not try their sweet potato and black bean rosti with avocado or a vegan fry up? While for lunch, there's a Cajun corn and sweet potato wrap, Asian noodle salad or tikka cauliflower flatbread. Several dishes are gluten-free too if you have food allergies or intolerances.
Images - The Coconut Tree & KIBOU
Settebello
Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB
Indulge in vegan versions of your favourite Italian dishes at Belgrave House Settebello, where their chefs bring you the flavours Southern Italy in recipes passed down through generations. Start your night with a cocktail at Sotto, the chic cocktail bar nestled within Settebello.
Then their famous hand-stretched sourdough pizzas are naturally fermented for over 48 hours and come topped with a choice of vegetables, with or without vegan cheese. Or enjoy homemade pasta, sweet potato risotto and starters including bruschetta and roasted polenta with rosemary.
The Alchemist
The Brewery Quarter, Henrietta Street, Cheltenham, GL50 4FA
The Alchemist is stylish, theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant that celebrates molecular mixology, alchemy and craftsmanship. As well as a showstopping cocktail menu, with drinks smoking and flaming at every corner, it's also a firm favourite for vegans thanks to its range of flavours.
Delectable dishes include small plates of crispy gyozas and chilli and lime tofu tacos, or large plates of Bang Bang salad, coconut tofu curry and plant burgers. There are some delectable vegan sides to choose from too, including onion rings and edamame beans.
Planted Community Cafe
197 London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6HU
Planted is a volunteer-run café in Charlton Kings open Tuesday to Saturday serving a 100% plant-based menu. Whether you fancy breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake, their fresh, tasty and inventive vegan menu changes every week.
Start the day with an acai smoothie bowl or tofu scramble, or lunch on a Mediterranean sun-dried tomato focaccia, meze plate or Lebanese flatbread. Planted also has a loose food refill shop where you can stock up on ingredients and a Community Hub with cooking workshops, community lunches and more.
Looking for more inspiration for your next dining experience?
Check out our guides for even more Cheltenham gluten free and vegan places to eat, as well as the best sustainable and independent restaurants in Cheltenham.
