It doesn't matter how long you've been vegetarian, eating out with omnivorous friends and family doesn't get any easier. It's an uphill battle trying to get steak-loving friends excited about the idea of going to a vegetarian bistro for a nice meal no matter how good a friend they are. And you can forget spontaneously entering a new restaurant with your family without having looked at the menu online beforehand, only to realise they have nothing for you and then make the awkward exit once you've already sat down.
Most restaurants nowadays are pretty good at having a vegetarian option, usually a classic 'mushroom whatever' or 'goats' cheese and something.' But wouldn't it be great to find a normal restaurant, serving decent meaty options for your meat-eating friends while still offering a decent spread for your falafel-loving self? Here is a selection of popular restaurants in Manchester which offer great veggie options for all occasions.
For a roast dinner: The Blue Pig
The Blue Pig regularly tops everyone's best roast dinner in the Northern Quarter list and it's no surprise why. The vegetarian option changes every week but they're always extremely tasty, plus you get all the usual roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and veg just like all the meaty roast dinners so you don't feel like you're having anything different.
Other places to try: The Knott and Volta.
For breakfast: Moose Coffee
No where quite does breakfast in Manchester like Moose Coffee does breakfast. They have an extensive breakfast and brunch menu that are not only served all day, but around half of their breakfast options are suitable for vegetarians. For veggies that have got used to not making any decisions when it comes to menus this might be a bit of an adjustment - but for the rest of us it's a chance to go wild.
Other places to try: Gorilla and Chorlton Green Brasserie.
For a night out with friends: Common
Did you know that Common has pretty darn good vegetarian options? It's their best kept secret; you may go in there several times just for drinks before you happen to notice their extensive menu with veggie friendly signs splattered all over. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just want a few picky bits for you and your mates, there's ample choice which makes for a very happy veggie.
Other places to try: Electrik and Juan Sanchez Bar de Tapas.
For a family get-together: Thaikhun
Thaikhun is relatively new to Spinningfields' ever growing list of eateries, but for veggies it's definitely a welcome addition. South Asian cuisine can be very veggie friendly and Thaikhun have reflected this in having a part of their menu dedicated entirely to vegetarians with plenty of choice.
Other places to try: Annie's and Sapporo Teppanyaki.
For lunch on the go: Barbakan Deli
The best thing about Barbakan Deli in Chorlton has to be the huge selection of breads, spreads and fillings they have on offer and their willingness for you to create a sandwich just how you want it even if it's not exactly how it is on the menu. There's no skimping out anything here, be warned that you'll leave with a sandwich as big as your face - especially if you order the Mediterranean sizzler which is always winner.
Other places to try: Pancho's Burritos and Kukoos.
For a cosy catch-up: Richmond Tea Rooms
It's fairly standard that if someone is getting married/having a milestone birthday/treating their loved one to afternoon tea then the Richmond Tea Rooms are an excellent shout as a result of with their beautiful decor and excellent attention to detail. What you might not know is that it will also be a winner with your vegetarian significant other as every choice of afternoon tea can be ordered as a vegetarian option. In fact, if you were to order the standard option, it's served with half meat and half vegetarian sandwiches anyway so everyone is happy.
Other places to try: Sugar Junction and Caffeine & Co.
After more meat-free grub? See Time Out's guide to Manchester's best vegetarian restaurants.