Finding a good vegetarian meal in Ireland used to mean a lot of potatoes and a side of hope. But the scene has changed dramatically. Dublin alone now has over 60 dedicated vegetarian and vegan venues, according to Dublin Tourism (the city’s official visitor guide), and Cork has its own celebrated institutions like the legendary Paradiso. This guide walks you through the best veg restaurants near you, from Dublin city centre to Cork’s quiet lanes, with a look at the traditional Irish dishes that are naturally plant-based.

4 related posts

Top-rated vegetarian restaurants in Dublin: 10 ·
Vegetarian-friendly restaurants across Ireland featured: 5 ·
Years since iconic vegetarian restaurant Paradiso opened: 31 (since 1993) ·
Popular vegan establishments in Dublin mentioned: 3 (Kale + Coco, Vegan Sandwich Company, Sova Vegan Butcher)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Dublin has over 60 dedicated vegetarian and vegan venues (Dublin Tourism)
  • Cornucopia is a long-running vegetarian institution dating to 1986 (Dublin Tourism)
  • Glas Restaurant is fully vegetarian and vegan (Glas Restaurant)
  • Vegan Food Ireland rates Cornucopia, Glas, and The Saucy Cow as the top vegan spots in Dublin (Vegan Food Ireland)
2What’s unclear
  • The exact number of all vegetarian restaurants across Ireland is not specified in available guides
  • Whether Gordon Ramsay’s comments about vegans are relevant to this guide is disputed
3Timeline signal
  • Cornucopia has been operating since 1986 (Dublin Tourism)
  • Paradiso in Cork has been a vegetarian fixture since 1993, with vegan tasting menus on request (Vegan Food Ireland)
4What’s next
  • Supermarkets like Lidl are expanding their vegan ranges (Visit Dublin)
  • More restaurants are adding clearly labelled vegetarian and vegan options (Visit Dublin)

Dublin’s density and Cork’s independent charm create two distinct experiences for plant-based diners.

Key facts at a glance
Label Value
Number of vegetarian restaurants in Dublin 10+ (Tripadvisor top 10)
Iconic vegetarian restaurant Paradiso in Cork, open since 1993
Popular vegan spots in Dublin Kale + Coco, Vegan Sandwich Company, Sova Vegan Butcher
Traditional vegetarian Irish dish Colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage)

What are the best veg restaurants near me?

How to find veg restaurants using Google Maps

Location-based search is the most effective way to find nearby vegetarian options. Open Google Maps, type “vegetarian restaurant” or “vegan restaurant”, and filter by location. Many restaurants now label their menus with vegetarian and vegan symbols, making it easier to spot options. Dedicated apps like HappyCow also provide crowd-sourced reviews and updated lists.

What to look for in a vegetarian restaurant menu

  • Check for clearly marked “V” or “VG” symbols on menus
  • Look for restaurants that are 100% vegetarian or vegan, such as Glas Restaurant in Dublin, which describes itself as “Vegetarian & Vegan dining in Dublin City”
  • Read recent reviews on Visit Dublin (updated July 2026) for curated recommendations
Bottom line: Dublin’s veg scene is thriving with over 60 dedicated venues. For first-time visitors: start with Cornucopia, Glas, or The Saucy Cow. For locals: explore Cork’s Paradiso for a fine-dining vegetarian experience.

The implication: proximity matters more than reputation when hunger strikes. A restaurant five minutes away with solid reviews beats a top-rated spot across town.

What Irish food is vegetarian?

Traditional Irish dishes that are vegetarian

Several classic Irish dishes are naturally vegetarian. Colcannon, a mash of potatoes and kale or cabbage, is a staple. Champ is similar but uses scallions. Boxty, a potato pancake, is also plant-based. Soda bread, made with flour, buttermilk, and baking soda, is vegetarian-friendly. Irish stew can be made vegetarian by replacing meat with root vegetables and using vegetable broth — many restaurants now offer this version.

How to order vegetarian versions of Irish classics

  • Ask for colcannon or champ as a main dish — many pubs serve it
  • Request vegetarian Irish stew — increasingly common in Dublin and Cork
  • Try boxty from a traditional bakery — it’s almost always vegetarian
Bottom line: Traditional Irish food is more vegetarian-friendly than many assume. Colcannon, champ, boxty, and soda bread are all naturally meat-free. When dining out, just ask.

The catch: not all pubs advertise these dishes as mains, so proactive ordering is key.

Is Ireland vegetarian friendly?

Overall vegetarian scene in Ireland

Ireland is increasingly vegetarian-friendly. Dublin Tourism reports that Dublin alone has over 60 dedicated vegetarian and vegan venues. Cork also has a strong showing, with CorkBeo listing 10 best restaurants for vegans in the city. The country’s attitude toward plant-based eating has shifted dramatically in the last decade.

Vegan options in Dublin and Cork

Dublin’s top vegan restaurants include Cornucopia, Glas, and The Saucy Cow, according to Vegan Food Ireland. In Cork, Vegan Food Ireland highlights Son Flour (Italian street food with clearly labelled vegan dishes), Quay Co-Op (a wholefood institution with a café), and Paradiso (vegetarian with vegan tasting menus).

Supermarkets like Lidl catering to vegans

Lidl Ireland offers a growing range of meat-free products, including plant-based burgers, sausages, and ready meals. Visit Dublin notes that supermarkets have become key players in the vegan food scene, making it easy to eat plant-based on a budget.

Bottom line: Ireland is genuinely vegetarian-friendly. Dublin leads with over 60 dedicated venues, Cork follows with a strong independent scene, and supermarkets like Lidl make vegan meals accessible everywhere.

What this means: plant-based travellers no longer need to pack snacks. The infrastructure for vegetarian dining exists across the country.

What are Dublin’s top rated vegan restaurants?

Kale + Coco

Kale + Coco is a popular spot offering a range of vegan bowls, smoothies, and desserts. It’s consistently rated highly on Tripadvisor and blog lists. The Irish Road Trip includes it in their 2023 guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Dublin.

The Vegan Sandwich Company

Known for its hearty, plant-based sandwiches and wraps, The Vegan Sandwich Company is a go-to for quick lunch near Grafton Street. It’s listed among Dublin’s best vegan / veggie establishments by Vegan Food Ireland.

Sova Vegan Butcher

Sova Vegan Butcher offers a full menu of faux-meat dishes, from burgers to “chicken” wings. It’s a favourite for those craving a meaty texture without the animal products. Reservations are recommended.

Umi Falafel

Umi Falafel is a 100% vegetarian falafel chain with many naturally vegan orders. Branches are located in George’s Street Arcade, Mary Street, and Rathmines, according to Vegan Food Ireland.

The Saucy Cow

The Saucy Cow in Temple Bar is a burger-focused vegan option. It’s described by Vegan Food Ireland as one of the top fully vegan restaurants in Dublin.

Why this matters

Dublin’s vegan scene is not just a handful of token options — it’s a diverse ecosystem. From fast-casual falafel to upscale vegan tasting menus, the city offers genuine choice for plant-based eaters. The trade-off: some top spots require advance booking, especially on weekends.

The implication: variety comes with a planning cost. Weekend diners should book ahead at popular spots like Sova Vegan Butcher and The Saucy Cow.

What to eat on St. Patrick’s Day vegetarian?

Classic St. Patrick’s Day dishes made plant-based

Traditional corned beef and cabbage can be easily veganized using seitan or jackfruit. Many restaurants now offer special St. Patrick’s Day menus with plant-based versions. Colcannon and soda bread are naturally vegetarian and perfect for the holiday.

Ideas for a vegetarian St. Patrick’s Day meal

  • Vegan Irish stew with root vegetables and Guinness broth
  • Colcannon with a side of roasted vegetables
  • Soda bread with vegan butter and a pint of plant-based stout
Bottom line: St. Patrick’s Day can be fully vegetarian. Many Dublin pubs now offer plant-based specials. Your best bet: call ahead to confirm the menu, or cook at home using traditional recipes.

The pattern: the holiday’s most iconic dishes have straightforward plant-based alternatives, so vegetarians can participate fully.

Two cities, two distinct scenes: Dublin’s restaurant density versus Cork’s independent charm. The real difference lies in style and history.

Feature Dublin Cork
Number of dedicated veg venues Over 60 (Dublin Tourism) Growing, with a strong independent scene (CorkBeo)
Iconic restaurant Cornucopia (since 1986) Paradiso (since 1993)
Best for quick eats Umi Falafel, The Vegan Sandwich Company Son Flour
Best for fine dining Glas Restaurant Paradiso (vegan tasting menus on request)
Supermarket vegan range Lidl, Tesco, Dunnes Stores Lidl, Tesco, Dunnes Stores
The trade-off

Dublin offers more quantity and variety, but Cork’s smaller scene means each restaurant tends to be a destination with a loyal following. For a first-time visitor, Dublin is easier to navigate; for a foodie, Cork’s Paradiso alone is worth the trip.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Ireland is vegetarian-friendly, with Dublin having over 60 dedicated venues (Dublin Tourism)
  • Dublin has many dedicated vegan restaurants like Cornucopia, Glas, and The Saucy Cow (Vegan Food Ireland)
  • Lidl offers a range of meat-free products (Visit Dublin)
  • Traditional Irish dishes like colcannon, champ, and boxty are vegetarian

What’s unclear

  • The exact number of all vegetarian restaurants in Ireland is not specified in available guides
  • Gordon Ramsay’s comments about vegans are not relevant to this guide

Paradiso has been churning out excellent vegetarian food since 1993, and its vegan tasting menus are a highlight.

— Denis Cotter’s Paradiso, as featured in Vegan Food Ireland

Dublin’s best vegan / veggie establishments include Kale + Coco, The Vegan Sandwich Company and Sova Vegan Butcher.

— AllTheFood guide

The Saucy Cow is the best vegan restaurant in the heart of Dublin City.

— The Saucy Cow

Ireland is no longer a culinary challenge for vegetarians. Dublin and Cork offer real, diverse options — from traditional Irish dishes made plant-based to dedicated vegan restaurants that rival any European capital. For the traveller searching for “veg restaurants near me,” the choice is straightforward: head to Dublin for maximum variety, or Cork for a slower, more curated experience. Either way, you’ll eat well.

Related reading: The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Dublin · The 12 Best Vegan Restaurants in Dublin (Updated June 2026)

Additional sources

veganclt.com, curioustravelbug.com, veganfood.ie, instagram.com, allthefood.ie

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Frequently asked questions

How do you say vegetarian in Irish?

“Vegetarian” in Irish is “feoilséantóir” (literally “meat-refuser”) or “glasraíoch” (vegetarian). The phrase “I am vegetarian” is “Is feoilséantóir mé”.

Is Lidl good for vegans?

Yes, Lidl Ireland has a growing range of meat-free products, including plant-based burgers, sausages, and ready meals. Visit Dublin notes that supermarkets have become key players in the vegan food scene.

What did Gordon Ramsay say about vegans?

Gordon Ramsay has made controversial statements about vegans in the past, but these are not relevant to finding vegetarian restaurants in Ireland. Focus on the excellent local options instead.

What are the best vegetarian restaurants in Cork?

Top vegetarian restaurants in Cork include Paradiso (fine dining, vegan tasting menus on request), Son Flour (Italian street food with vegan options), and Quay Co-Op (wholefood café). Vegan Food Ireland provides a verified list.

What are the best vegan food options in Ireland?

Dublin leads with venues like Cornucopia, Glas, The Saucy Cow, and Umi Falafel. Cork offers Paradiso and Son Flour. Supermarkets like Lidl, Tesco, and Dunnes Stores also stock vegan products.

Where can I find Indian vegetarian restaurants in Dublin?

Indian vegetarian restaurants in Dublin include Udupi Krishna (South Indian vegetarian) and Ananda’s (Mughlai with veg options). Check Google Maps for current listings near you.