Spend any time in and around Padstow and you’ll be surrounded by the smells and flavours of the sea. Culinary bliss for many visitors, but less tempting for our vegetarian and vegan friends.
Fear not! Cornwall has been making great strides into providing meat free alternatives in recent years. Whether you’re after a pasty to take away or want to revel in fine Michelin starred dining, you can now experience fantastic veggie and vegan food that doesn’t taste second best. Locally grown produce is in abundance due to Cornwall’s rich land, now you can taste the delights.
Vega – Tintagel
You’ll find this restaurant a few doors down from King Arthur’s Great Halls but don’t expect to see medieval style roast boar or suckling pig on the menu. This café serves 100% vegan food, made from organic and fair trade ingredients where possible.
Vega is serious about promoting veganism and donates 50% of its profits to animal welfare charities. The menu is constantly changing but you can expect to find generous portions of curry and pasta as well as a tapas style tasting menu.
Olive Tree – Bude
Situated on Bude’s picturesque canal, Olive Tree is a relaxed all day restaurant offering alfresco dining and a cosy wood lined interior.
Whether you’re popping in for morning coffee and pastries or looking for more substantial veggie burgers and vegan ‘fish’ and chips later in the day, Olive tree has fantastic choice on its dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus. They pride themselves on using local suppliers, including Canara Farm and Westcountry Fruit in their dishes.
The Cornish Vegan – Truro
Not quite north Cornwall but we’d be failing you if we didn’t mention this vegan institution. 45 minutes’ drive from Padstow, the Cornish Vegan offers a mouth-watering selection of ‘vegan comfort food’ including curries, lasagne and nachos. A great place to bring veggie averse kids.
The Scarlet Hotel and Spa – Mawgan Porth
For something a bit special, book a table at the luxurious Scarlet. Offering a vegan taster menu served by candle-light with views of the north Atlantic coast, you’ll be treated to a blend of perfectly complimentary flavours and textures in gorgeous surroundings. The Scarlet is usually booked months in advance, so plan your visit carefully – we promise it’s worth the wait!
Embers Pizza – Padstow
Sometimes only crispy woodfired pizza will do, and Embers near Padstow harbour is a great place to grab a few slices made with vegan cheeses and bases. Make a meal of it with vegan friendly starters and desserts, including dairy free ice creams and sorbets from the Padstow Ice Cream Company.
Paul Ainsworth – Padstow
The celebrated Michelin starred chef has a clutch of terrific establishments across Padstow. Although his flagship restaurant, No.6, doesn’t cater for vegans it does cater for vegetarians. You’ll also find an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu at Caffe Rojano (serving Italian food) and the Mariners pub over the water in Rock (catch the water bus).
Down by the Ferry – Padstow
Veggie pasty lovers rejoice! Down by the Ferry, a café and souvenir shop, has excellent vegan options. Flatbreads, sausage rolls and cakes are all on the menu too, along with their always popular crimped pastries stuffed with goodies such as sun dried tomato, mushroom and sweet potato.
Strong Adelfos
Strong Adelfos is essentially a roadside cafe but with difference. Delightfully original, freshly cooked vegetarian breakfast, lunch and all day food. A chalkboard with daily specials and freshly baked cakes, including vegan options. Great coffee too.
