There is a brand new vegan restaurant in Bristol and it is doing something genuinely unique.
Plantuguese has opened its first bricks and mortar location and is proudly claiming the title of the UK’s only fully vegan Portuguese restaurant. I am very much here for that!
Read more below.
I am already familiar with the food by Plantuguese thanks to catching their street food stand at events around the UK over the years. Every time I ate with them it was a memorbale and delicious experience.
Plantuguese is rooted in heritage and personal history. Inspired by founder Tiago’s Portuguese upbringing and the cooking he learned from his grandmother, the food is a celebration of Portuguese culture reimagined through a plant based lens. Alongside Gerda, he has taken a leap away from previous business paths to focus fully on bringing these flavours to a wider audience.
The menu showcases classic Portuguese dishes thoughtfully adapted for veganism. You will find a vegan take on bacalhau à brás made with shredded hearts of plant-based cod, shoestring potatoes, onions, parsley, and olives. There is a francesinha that layers plant based meats and vegan cheese with a rich beer and tomato sauce. A thick cut lion’s mane mushroom steak stands in for bife à casa, marinated in garlic, red wine, and herbs and served with all the comforting sides you would hope for. Plant-based seafood lovers are not forgotten either, with an arroz de marisco style dish featuring vegan prawns, vegan cod and a nori broth that promises deep ocean flavour without harm. There is even frango assado with a house peri peri sauce for those who like a bit of heat.
Plantuguese is about showing that vegan food can honour tradition, celebrate culture, and still feel indulgent and satisfying. This is not about compromise.
If you are in Bristol or planning a visit, this feels like an essential stop. I for one cannot wait to sit down in their new space and experience these dishes, this time with a roof over my head and a menu in my hands. It is always a joy to see a street food favourite grow into something bigger, especially when it brings something completely new to the vegan landscape.
Click here to see the full menu or to book a table.
Follow Plantuguese on Instagram.
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