BackToday is World Vegan Day, a day to celebrate plant-based foods and the health benefits they provide. However, you need not limit your exploration of meatless dining to just one day. These are some that serve fantastic plant-focused meals, from alternative takes on classic dishes (such as vegan burgers or ‘steaks’) to completely unique creations.
Top Places For Vegetarian Food In Dubai 2023
| 1. Akiba Dori | 2. Bounty Beets | 3. Common Grounds |
| 4. Comptoir 102 | 5. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro | 6. Leen's Casual to Gourmet |
| 7. Little Erth by Nabz & G | 8. Local | 9. Ronda Locatelli |
| 10. Seva | 11. Wild & The Moon |
1. Akiba Dori
Image Credit: Akiba Dori
Japanese food typically conjures up images of sashimi and Wagyu beef. However, there is a strong vegetarian component to the cuisine that is seldom celebrated. Akiba Dori, located within Dubai Design District, features stylish decor inspired by the vibrant streets of Tokyo and Japan’s love of pop culture. The menu, while featuring an extensive range of meat and seafood dishes, also has several vegan options, from maki rolls and salads to vegetable curry and a vegan pizza.
2. Bounty Beets
Image Credit: Bounty Beets
If you are looking for a healthy and nutritious meal that is made with organic produce, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, then you will find a true bounty at Bounty Beets. This laidback bistro at the Mena Seyahi Resort in Dubai Marina features a nature-inspired aesthetic and dishes that include avocado toast and a tofu ‘scramble’.
3. Common Grounds
Image Credit: Common Grounds
Tom Arndel and Sergio Lopez are synonymous with casual dining concepts that make use of the highest quality ingredients and deliver in terms of both flavour and nutritional value. From their first restaurant - Tom & Serg - they have branched out to open several more dining venues around Dubai.
4. Comptoir 102
Image Credit: Comptoir 102
5. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Image Credit: Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
One of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai, Il Borro launched a new vegan menu last year, showcasing authentic flavours that don’t need to be dressed up in rich cheese and cream. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are a big part of the experience, so you can expect to enjoy dishes such as beetroot tartare, steamed pumpkin, risotto with roasted peppers and eggplant parmigiana, all in a gorgeous waterfront setting that harkens back to the Tuscan countryside.
6. Leen's Casual to Gourmet
Image Credit: Leen's Casual to Gourmet
This restaurant’s unique name is a play on the name of its founder (Claudio Leenders) and speaks to its concept - offering refined dining in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Part of the gourmet experience comes from its vegan and gluten-free offerings, as well as options such as superfood bowls that feature one-of-a-kind South American ingredients.
7. Little Erth by Nabz & G
Image Credit: Little Erth by Nabz & G
While there are non-vegan options on the menu, the vegan dishes take centre stage and include the likes of spaghetti with vegan meatballs, vegan curries and vegan desserts that swap out sugar and cream for ingredients such as dates and sweet potato.
8. Local
Image Credit: Local
As the name implies, the ingredients used in this restaurant at Tryp by Wyndham are sourced from local farmers or grown on-site. Each dish is bursting with fresh flavours, and the introduction of a vegan menu makes it an even better choice for a meal that tastes good and makes you feel good as well.
9. Ronda Locatelli
Image Credit: Ronda Locatelli
10. Seva
Image Credit: SEVA
Formerly known as Life’n One, this wellness centre at the heart of Jumeirah features a yoga and meditation studio as well as an outdoor plant-based cafe. Menu items include some of the usual suspects such as avocado toast, smoothies and vegan burgers, as well as the intriguing ‘eggless omelette’ and a range of popular vegan desserts.
11. Wild & The Moon
Image Credit: Wild & The Moon
Based in Alserkal Avenue (with a second outlet in DIFC), Wild & The Moon is a joint venture between chefs, nutritionists and nature lovers to create a dining concept that provides a well-balanced and delicious meal for guests while also being good for the planet. The restaurant offers mains, desserts and snacks, and also has a retail concept where you can pick up protein powders, specialist teas and organic chocolate.