Whether you’ve decided to go fully vegan or just want to cut down on the meat and/or dairy you’re eating, Ireland has been undergoing a plant-based revolution with exciting new eateries opening on an almost weekly basis.

Amidst all these start-ups, let us not forget the likes of Govinda’s and Cornucopia in Dublin and, as listed below, The Grove in Limerick who were dishing up tasty vegan fare before a lot of people even knew what the term meant.

We’ve picked five great Irish vegan restaurants, takeaways and delis to try, but in truth it could be fifty or even a hundred.

Needless to say, we’ll be returning to the topic over the course of 2023…

My Goodness

Princes Street Entrance, English Market, Cork
Tel: (087) 935 6652
mygoodnessfood.com

Living up to their “Food to make you feel good” promise – and then some! – Virginia O’Gara and her team bagged a Great Taste Award for their Gold Finger Rainwater Kefir, which truly is the nectar of the gods. Other reasons to pay them a visit in the Real Capital’s famous market are the Broth of the Day, Raw Wraps, Mezze and a dessert menu that presents a diabolically tough choice – the Vegan Snickers or Raw Salted Caramel Fudge?

Best Dish: Black Bean & Tempeh Chipotle Chilli with Tortilla Chips Notcho Cheese, Kimchi Pico de Gallo, Turmeric Rice, Vegan Sour Cream, Fermented Curtido & Jalapenos

Yumgrub

The Place Street Food Yard, Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2
facebook.com/yumgrubdub

You could hear vegan cheers last November when this award-winning plant-based takeaway re-opened in the bustling Place Street Food Yard.

Bigger and better than ever, visitors can enjoy all their classics – the Mac ‘n’ Cheeni Balls were one of the best things we tasted in ’22 – along with new offerings and value for money deals. Their succulent plant-based burgers, Chick*n Strips, Loaded Fries and Nachos also explain why Yumgrub picked up a 2021 Just Eat Best Vegetarian Award.

Pay them a visit at their new home, and treat yourself to a delicious lunch or dinner, from Wednesday to Sunday – open from 12pm to 9.30pm.

Best Dish: The Beyond Juan Burger with Chipotle Mayo, Shredded Lettuce, Jalapenos, Pico de Gallo, Vegan Queso & Guacamole on a Vegan Brioche Bun

Greens & Co.

4 Henry Street,
Galway
Tel: (091) 456 617
greensofgalway.com

It was love at first bite when we tried the Tofu Meatballs in Tomato Sauce served with Mashed Potato & Veggies in this terrific eatery, which gets extra marks for making all of its vegan cheeses in house. Along with Daily Specials that are as substantial as they are flavour-packed, Greens have desserts (we’re addicted to the Pistachio Loaf Cake) and Alaska Strawberry & Lime Vegan Cider to die for.

Best Dish: Vegan Meatloaf with Croquettes, Mashed Potato & Red Wine Sauce

The Cutting Vedge

4 Ormond Street, Kilkenny
Tel: (087) 243 6754
thecuttingvedge.ie

“Eat well, feel well, live well” is the mantra in this cosy-plant based deli, which also has twelve extremely coveted tables.

The Smoothy with Oats, Bananas and Berries; Nut Roast Wrap; Vegan Pizza Slices; and homemade Kefir and Kombucha are among the must-tries.

Best Dish: Lentil & veg Korma

The Grove

11 Cecil Street, Limerick
Tel: (061) 410 084
facebook.com/thegroveveggiecafe

Fighting the meat-free fight since 1981, this much-loved deli-café has gone increasingly vegan in recent year with the salads – think Beetroot Puree with Walnuts, Garlic, Parsley, Olive Oil & Salt – freshness personified. There’s also something very moreish about their falafel and accompanying dips.

Best Dish: Vegan Pizza