Global Major Cities Guide

An overview of meat-free dining options, catering to vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences.

Sections

1. Restaurants and Cafes with Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Waterford has a mix of dedicated vegetarian/vegan establishments and mainstream restaurants with excellent plant-based options. Here are some of the best places to eat:

a. Momo Restaurant

Cuisine: European with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Momo offers a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu with dishes like vegan curries, risottos, and hearty salads. They are known for their creative use of seasonal vegetables.
Atmosphere: Casual yet stylish, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cost: €15–€25 per main course.
Location: Patrick Street, Waterford City.
Tip: Call ahead to confirm vegan options, as the menu changes seasonally.

b. GROW HQ

Cuisine: Farm-to-table, organic, and sustainable.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: GROW HQ specializes in plant-based dishes made with ingredients grown on-site. Try their vegan soups, salads, and daily specials.
Atmosphere: Relaxed and eco-conscious, with a focus on sustainability.
Cost: €10–€20 per dish.
Location: Dunmore Road, Waterford.
Tip: This is a great spot for brunch or lunch, and they also offer cooking classes.

c. The Granary Café

Cuisine: Casual café fare.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Offers vegan soups, sandwiches, and salads. Their vegetarian quiches and desserts are also popular.
Atmosphere: Cozy and welcoming, ideal for a quick bite.
Cost: €8–€15 per meal.
Location: Hanover Street, Waterford City.
Tip: Check the daily specials board for vegan-friendly options.

d. Sabai Thai & Vietnamese Restaurant

Cuisine: Thai and Vietnamese.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Many dishes can be made vegan upon request, including tofu curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.
Atmosphere: Upscale yet relaxed, great for dinner.
Cost: €15–€25 per main course.
Location: The Mall, Waterford City.
Tip: Inform the staff about your dietary preferences, as they are very accommodating.

e. Loko

Cuisine: Contemporary Irish with global influences.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Offers a variety of plant-based dishes, including vegan burgers, salads, and creative starters.
Atmosphere: Trendy and family-friendly.
Cost: €15–€25 per main course.
Location: Dunmore Road, Waterford.
Tip: Their vegan desserts are a must-try!

f. No. 9 Café

Cuisine: Casual café with a mix of Irish and international dishes.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Offers vegan breakfast options, soups, and sandwiches.
Atmosphere: Relaxed and popular with locals.
Cost: €10–€15 per meal.
Location: Georges Court Shopping Centre, Waterford.
Tip: Arrive early for breakfast, as it can get busy.

2. Grocery Stores and Markets for Plant-Based Ingredients

If you prefer to cook at home, Waterford has several grocery stores and markets where you can find vegetarian and vegan ingredients.

a. Ardkeen Quality Food Store

What to Expect: A high-end grocery store with a focus on local, organic, and artisan products. They stock a wide range of plant-based items, including vegan cheeses, plant milks, tofu, tempeh, and fresh produce.
Cost: Slightly higher than standard supermarkets, but the quality is excellent.
Location: Dunmore Road, Waterford.
Tip: Look for Irish-made vegan products like NutShed spreads and Moodley Manor vegan meats.

b. Tesco and Dunnes Stores

What to Expect: Large supermarket chains with dedicated sections for vegetarian and vegan products. You’ll find plant-based staples like oat milk, vegan butter, frozen vegan meals, and meat substitutes.
Cost: Affordable, with frequent discounts on plant-based items.
Location: Multiple locations across Waterford City.
Tip: Check the "Free From" aisle for vegan-friendly snacks and treats.

c. Waterford Farmers Market

What to Expect: A weekly market featuring local produce, artisan bread, and vegan-friendly stalls. Great for fresh fruits, vegetables, and handmade vegan products.
Cost: Varies depending on the vendor.
Location: Waterford City Centre (usually held on Saturdays).
Tip: Bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards.

d. Holland & Barrett

What to Expect: A health food store specializing in vegan and vegetarian products, including nutritional yeast, protein powders, and vegan snacks.
Cost: Mid-range to high, depending on the product.
Location: City Square Shopping Centre, Waterford.
Tip: Sign up for their rewards program to save on future purchases.

3. Cultural and Local Considerations

Traditional Irish Cuisine: While traditional Irish food often includes meat and dairy, many restaurants are now offering plant-based versions of classic dishes like Irish stew (made with root vegetables and lentils) and shepherd’s pie (made with lentils or mushrooms).
Hospitality: Irish people are generally very accommodating, and most restaurants will try to adapt their menu to suit your dietary needs if you ask politely.
Seasonality: Irish cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. Expect menus to change with the seasons, especially in places like Momo and GROW HQ.
Language: While English is the primary language, you may encounter some Irish (Gaelic) terms. For example, "glasraí" means vegetables, and "veganach" means vegan.

4. Tips for Navigating the Food Scene

Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask restaurant staff about ingredients or request modifications to make a dish vegan. Most places are happy to accommodate.
Explore Local Vegan Brands: Look for Irish vegan brands like Moodley Manor (vegan meats) and NutShed (vegan spreads and snacks) in grocery stores.
Join Local Groups: Consider joining Facebook groups or Meetup communities for vegans and vegetarians in Waterford. These groups often share tips, recipes, and recommendations.
Be Prepared for Smaller Towns: If you venture outside Waterford City, vegetarian and vegan options may be limited. Carry snacks or research ahead of time.

5. Approximate Costs

Dining Out: €10–€25 per meal, depending on the restaurant.
Groceries: €30–€50 per week for plant-based staples, depending on your preferences.
Specialty Items: Vegan cheeses, meat substitutes, and organic products may cost €3–€7 per item.

Waterford is a welcoming city with a growing awareness of plant-based diets. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs. Enjoy exploring the city’s vibrant food scene!