Vegetarian & Vegan Food for Friends – Brighton, UK

The first time I went to Brighton a couple of years back (which incidentally was for my first ever Vegfest), I really wanted to dine at the well-renowned and award-winning vegetarian restaurant Food for Friends; sadly, it was completely booked out. I guess that’s what happens when you try to go the weekend a vegan festival is in town…

Last time, however, my friends and I were lucky enough to get a table after a short wait.

The restaurant is cosy and relaxed but a bit more upmarket than some of the other veggie restaurants and cafés in town. The menu is pretty big without being overwhelmingly so and there are several vegan or veganisable options, though I do feel like a few more wouldn’t be unwarranted.

My friend and I started with the sweet tofu pockets. They were so good that the couple next to us got a serious case of food envy and ordered a plate for themselves!

For my main, I chose the roast aubergine stuffed with bulgur wheat, Persian barberries and pistachios. It was vegan-friendly and absolutely delicious. The picture honestly does not do it an ounce of justice!

My friend had the halloumi burger with a side of sweet potato wedges. Sadly, he was little underwhelmed by this, which he put down to the sweet brioche bun; not a fan of sweet mixed with savoury. However, given that around one in two people around us had ordered the burger, it must be a firm favourite in the restaurant!

You can sub the halloumi for crispy tofu for a vegan version, which I was quite tempted by but I always feel a bit guilty ordering a veggie burger when there are so many other choices for once… maybe next time. It may be worth it just for those wedges!

We didn’t have dessert but I was really tempted the insanely delicious-sounding coconut and black sesame ‘arancini’ with fresh coconut, black sesame and trio of mango – sorbet, gel and diced. Nom!

With starters at £4.50 a pop, mains from £12-£13 and desserts from £5.5-£6.50, it is a little pricey for Brighton but decent in general (especially when you’re used to London prices) and well worth it for the food quality.

With Brighton’s seaside location, chilled atmosphere and alternative vibe, it is one of my favourite places in the UK to visit. I am looking forward to my next trip down and will definitely stop at Food for Friends for Round Two.

Here’s a few more Brighton-y snaps from our day.

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