In this post I’ve shared what I think are some of Southampton’s best plant-based restaurants. Make sure you check them out if you haven’t already.
I’ve lived in Southampton for 7 years now and have grown fond of this bustling coastal city on the southern coast of the UK. Living by the sea brings me a lot of joy. I can walk from my house to the water’s edge in less than 10 minutes! Being by the water fills me with a sense of calm. Perhaps it’s because I’m a Pisces.
Although Southampton isn’t known for pristine sandy beaches or crystal clear waters like its coastal neighbors in Dorset, it has a lot to offer in terms of food and culture. Southampton is a very ethnically diverse city, which means there is a multitude of wonderful restaurants offering various cuisines throughout the area – and there is a lot on offer in terms of plant based food too!
Fully Plant-based restaurants in Southampton
Cafe Thrive
I have lost count of the number of times I’ve set foot in Cafe Thrive. It is a 100% plant based restaurant, offering a variety of choice, from cooked breakfasts to healthy bubba bowl style dishes, tasty wraps and sandwiches and even the perhaps less healthy but delicious burgers. They even make a really indulgent, totally dairy free, mac n cheese!
They also do great coffee, smoothies and milkshakes, and they have many very tempting cakes on display – the brownies are pretty divine.
Cafe Thrive is situated in the city centre on Hannover Buildings. I often pop into Cafe Thrive on my lunch break as I work in the city centre so it’s only a short walk away. The wait time can sometimes be a little slow, since they’re always super busy! So just bear that in mind if you are in a rush.
In terms of ambiance, the restaurant has a pretty chilled vibe and it’s an ‘order at the cashier’ kind of place so pretty informal. You won’t feel uncomfortable turning up in your cycling gear for breakfast and coffee before a day out in the saddle.
Website: www.cafethrive.co.uk
Instagram: @cafethrivesouthampton
Késarum
Sitting on the QE2 mile, just a short walk down the high street in the centre of town, is a true gem when it comes to modern Indian cuisine. Another 100% plant based eatery that offers some pretty spectacular dishes that don’t just taste amazing, they tell a story. The dishes are inspired by India’s geography and culture which shape its culinary diversity.
Every time I’ve dined at Kesarum, I’ve found the flavours to be fantastic and really unique. The dishes really do take you on a culinary journey through India. It gets you talking and discussing the food while you’re eating it. The presentation is also really thought out. The dishes look like pieces of art.
Kesarum is a small independent restaurant created from a huge amount of passion and dedication to creating something special for their guests. This really shines through in their impecible service. I can’t recommend Kesarum enough and I worry that this short review really doesn’t do them justice! Please check out their website to read their full story – it’s truly something of a triumph!
Website: www.kesarum.co.uk
Instagram: @kesarumbistro
Restaurants in Southampton with good plant-based options
Thaikhun
Situated in West Quays new restaurant complex, Thaikhun offers delicious Thai food in a very Thai setting. The decor is very much inline with that of the street food vendors and restaurants I’ve been to in Thailand and the food is pretty spot on too! Beware, some of the dishes are VERY spicy, so if you’re not into spice, you may want to avoid some of the curries. If spice is your thing though, then you’re in for a treat because the curries pack a punch and are delicious. The portion sizes are also very generous. You certainly won’t be left hungry after a meal at Thaikhun!
They do have a couple restaurants across the country, so they are not a Southampton independent, but I’ve included them here because I’m a big fan of Thai food and this is one of the best Thai restaurants I’ve tried.
My personal favourite is the Masaman curry or the Penang curry. They aren’t as spicy as the green or red curry and are full of flavour. They offer Tofu as a plant-based protein option. I know that the masaman curry does contain shrimp paste so is not 100% plant-based, but I believe you can ask for this to be removed and they will serve you a fully vegan version or alternative at your request. Best check with your waitress/waiter to be sure.
Website: www.thaikhun.co.uk
Instagram: @thaikhun
Popsis Pizza
Located on Bedford Place, this little restaurants claim to make the best pizzas in town, and they might just be right! They’ve recently won a Trip Advisor Travelers Choice award too.
Popsis Pizza pride themselves on making proper homemade pizza dough, made the Italian way with no additives, chemicals or preservatives. They have loads of great vegan options on their menu. I love the ‘Vegan Forest’, which is topped with Vegan Cheese, Fresh Basil, Portobello Mushrooms, Black Olives and their own homemade Smoked Vegan ‘Ham’.
What’s more, they are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint by using only recyclable packaging, paper straws and they even have a DEFRA approved ‘low smoke’ pizza oven.
They also support the local charities through donating a portion of their profits and support the local community by offering a 10% discount to to emergency and armed service personnel.
They’re a really fantastic little restaurant with great principles and the pizza will not disappoint!
Website: www.popsis.co.uk
Instagram: @popsispizza
I will continue to add to this list as I discover more great restaurants across the city! Look out for more restaurant guides for other cities across the UK and beyond soon as well.
Have you tried any of the above restaurants or have others you would recommend? Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
Have a beautiful day!
Faine
Discover more from Tellurian Treasures
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.