THE BEST VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY FOOD IN JERSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS
Last Updated on 25th March 2024 by Bejal
The British Island of Jersey is well known for its fine mix of British and French culture but with a location surrounded by the sea and an abundance of seafood specialities, where can the best vegetarian-friendly food in Jersey be found? Vegetarians and in most cases vegan’s fear not, the simple answer is that the vast majority of restaurants, even those specialising in seafood, do have at least a few vegetarian-friendly options. There are also an array of vegetarian-specialist restaurants located. In Jersey, however many of us tend to go out in groups or with a partner who isn’t necessarily vegetarian. Cue this guide, which focuses on vegetarian-friendly food in Jersey which can be enjoyed by carnivores, pescatarians and herbivores alike.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Jet2holidays and aims to showcase the unique island of Jersey in collaboration with the Jersey tourist board (Visit Jersey). All views and opinions are our own and together with the photography ,remains a copyright of Be-lavie. This post contains affiliate links with no extra cost to you .For further details, view our disclosure policy.
Pin & Save
But First…
Have You Read The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Jersey?
// Related Article
Is The Food In Jersey Vegetarian-Friendly?
The simple answer here is yes. There is lots of vegetarian-friendly food in Jersey! Almost all of the restaurants, cafes and bars have a few vegetarian and vegan options. If you don’t see anything on the menu it’s worth talking to your server or contacting the restaurant ahead to discuss dietary requirements.
What local Food Specialities Are Vegetarian-friendly in Jersey?
Black Butter
Almost an institution in Jersey, this is a sweet spread made from cider apples. The flavour of the apples is brought out with spices, sugar, liquorice and treacle. Its traditionally cooked over an open fire for 48 hours until it appears to be caramelised and thick in texture. Black butter is a bit of a community affair and to this day is made a lot during autumn. It’s flavour is reminiscent of Christmas time, warming an spicy!
Black butter can. be eaten swirled in porridge for breakfast, in brownie batter and can also be added to ice-cream.
Be-lavie Tip: La Mare Wine Estate, makes a wonderful Black Butter and is available from their winery shop as well as at Jersey Airport.
Jersey Royals
You’ve got to have heard of these famous spuds which were founded by Hugh de la Haye, a farmer in 1880 in St Ouen’s Bay. If you’re driving around Jersey or stop at the airport, you’ll see the famous Jersey honesty boxes. All you have to do is grab a sack of the spuds and pay the suggested amount..
Woodland’s Farm, has a potato shack and cafe close to the highest point of Jersey, located on the outskirts of the farm. It’s run by the same family for the past 5 generations with a picturesque scene of cows grazing and idyllic farm life.
Be-lavie Tip: Jersey Royals are great served with butter and some herbs or can be used for a number of dishes as with usual potato varieties.
Jersey Dairy
Jersey cows are purebred and did you know they can be traced back to the Jersey Herd Book? The cattle are beautiful with long dark eyelashes, glossy beige coats and creamy white faces, with a friendly temperament.
Jersey milk is truly like no other to drink. It’s thick and creamy and contains 20% more calcium than milk from other breeds.
Jersey Dairy products include butter (great for running through Royals), yoghurts, cream and the most delicious ice-cream which you can purchase throughout Jersey,
Jersey Dairy products are a must-try in Jersey if you can tolerate a dairy-based diet. Trust us, yoghurt especially will never be the same again.
Beer & Cider
Jersey in general but particularly St. Helier has a booming real ales scene with excellent lagers, session IPAs and pale ales. Those who love craft beer will be spoilt for choice. Check out the real ales from Stinky Bay a Jersey-based Microbrewery.
La Robeline Cider is a family run award -winning cider crafter who only use Jersey-grown cider apples. They make a great artisan cider but in the summer months open up their barn as a restaurant, so well worth a try.
Gin
You’ll see artisan gins in many places around Jersey but one that sticks out is the Gin distillery at La Mare Wine Estate where they make a great pink Gin as well as other varieties at their sustainable Gold Award Winning Estate..
// Related Article
The Best Vegetarian-friendly Food In Jersey
Cafes Perfect For Light Bites
The Hungry Man Cafe
Taking pride of place at a picture-perfect location along the harbour wall on Rozel Bay, The Hungry Man is a fun brightly coloured kiosk style eatery with all the old-school seaside vibes. Think British summer holiday!
They offer a pretty wide variety of food and do a great job catering for vegans and vegetarians with plenty of alternative options. Infact it has one of the best range of vegetarian-friendly food in Jersey. At The Hungry Man you can count on a range of gourmet burgers, delicious sandwiches as well as hearty portions of homemade cakes.
All the seating is al fresco, on benches overlooking the pretty fishing harbour, so if you are visiting in the cooler months be prepared with some warm layers. The cafe has great chilled beach vibes and a laid back sleepy fishing village air about it.
Visiting Suggestion: The Hungry Man is a great place to refuel before taking a coastal walk or just a mooch around the village of Rozel.
Be-lavie Recommendations: The vegetarian burger with crisp lettuce salad with a generous helping of chip shop style chips, smothered in vinegar and ketchup of course!
Location: La Brecque du Nord Rozel JE, JE3 5BN, Jersey I Tel. +44 1534 863227 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: The Hungry Man Cafe
Reservations: Not Applicable
Price Range: £
Le Frégate Café
This striking cafe, which looks a little bit like an upside down ship, is family run and serves proper cafe fodder. Think breakfasts, burgers, pizzas, panini’s and chef’s specials such as homemade soups and cakes, pies pastries and fresh salads. The cafe also delivers within a certain radius and has a take-out option too.
Their nod to sustainability comes with a strong ethos of sourcing products from local and genuine Jersey produce.
Visiting Suggestion: Why not stop off for a drink and some food after visiting St. Elizabeths Castle. The cafe is located a stone’s throw from the Duck boat ferry offices.
Be-lavie Recommendations: Sip on the selection of cold drinks on a warm day. The breakfast comes highly recommended too.
Location: Jardin de la Mer, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4ZT I Tel: +44 1534 733488 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: La Frégate Café
Reservations: Not essential
Price Range: £
El Tico Beach Cantina
Known as Jersey’s original beach-side cafe, El Tico has an almost ‘Baywatch-style beach right outside. It’s location is overlooking the the longest beach in Jersey, St Ouen’s Bay and is also referred to as one of Britain’s first surf schools as they’ve been hiring out surf boards since 1948.
Sat on the edge of the beach up on an elevation, you’ll spot lifeguards with their black shades doing their finest Venice beach stance guarding the beach areas – after all the area is one of Europe’s finest surfing bays.
El Tico is well-known for its great food, in particular seafood, however there are a couple of vegetarian-friendly dishes. They serve a wonderfully crisp and slightly sweet Provencal rosé.
The style of food includes a mix of British, Portuguese and Thai-inspired cuisine. There’s lots of outdoor seating available to fully appreciate the location but booking is imperative.
Visiting Suggestion: St Ouen’s Bay is one of the best places on the island to see the sunset, so with that in mind dinner is a great option. Lunches are laid back. Due to El Tico’s proximity to the airport (only 5 minutes drive) you can head here pre or post jetting off!
Be-lavie Recommendations: The vegan mezze platter is a great lunchtime option washed down with a glass of Provencal rosé.
Location: La Grande Route des Mielles, Jersey JE3 7FN, I Tel: +44 1534 482009 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: El Tico Beach Cantina
Reservations: Not Necessary
Price Range: ££
Restaurants for Dinner
The Oyster Box
Situated overlooking the absolutely beautiful golden sand beach of St Brelade’s Bay, is the Oyster Box. With sustainability at its heart, the restaurant marries sea views with sophisticated dining which also feel pretty casual, with the interiors donning neutral beach tones and blue accents.
As well as local seafood and fresh meat, the vegan and vegetarian options have been well curated, making them aesthetically as pleasing as the alternatives yet celebrating the humble vegetable, legumes and lentils that are turned into beautiful meat-free meals.
The cocktail selection is fantastic and can be enjoyed on the terrace as you watch the sunset or on a cosy winter’s evening from inside. The food is a wonderful selection of gourmet and fusion dishes.
Visiting Suggestion: Combine a trip with a long beach walk to St Brelade’s Bay and work up an appetite!
Be-lavie Recommendations: To start, the Jersey asparagus with Hollandaise sauce. For Mains, Lentil Mujadara with roasted sweet potato, fried tofu, grilled cos lettuce and a lime and herb yoghurt. End with a scoop of homemade chocolate and banana ice-cream with white chocolate biscotti.
Location: St Brelade’s Bay, JE3 8EF, Jersey I Tel.+44 1534 850888 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: The Oyster Box
Reservations: Recommended
Price Range: ££/£££
La Bastille
This bar & and brasserie is housed in a beautiful 17th century building in the heart of St. Helier, around 5 minutes walk from the Club Hotel & Spa. This is a place where medieval style meets modern design. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with a charming French sophisticated vibe
La Bastille has. a wonderful selection of wines as well as real ales and feels a little like you’re seated in a French vaulted ceiling with wood fronted cabinets and cross back wooden chairs.
The cuisine is a mix between traditional British and French-style.
Visiting Suggestion: Due to it’s ideal location centrally in St. Helier, it’s very easy to get to and is close to many bars, shops and main points of interest in the capital
Be-lavie Recommendations: To start the Halloumi Salad with leafy greens, sweetcorn, sesame Seeds and pomegranate, French Dressing. Mains: The crispy Gnocchi & sun blushed tomatoes with vegan cheese, spinach and oil. Dessert included the orange Panacotta with strawberry compote.
Location: 35 Queen St, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4WD I Tel. +44 1534 874059 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: La Bastille
Reservations: Essential
Price Range: ££/£££
The Bass & Lobster
Two very important things with The Bass & Lobster is that they pride themselves on local produce as well as top notch service.They definitely achieved top marks on these two! They also ensure that the title dishes, bass and lobster are served daily on their menu.
Located along a road not far from the stunning Gorey coastline, husband and wife team plus a great suite of staff bring this restaurant alive with their chef and front-of-house partnership!
Dining is very much open plan, light and airy decor and even featuring some beautifully decorated shells adoring the tables, created by one of the owners. One part of the restaurant is more public house whilst the other is catered for dining and it works perfectly. There is also an outside terrace for the warmer months.
The Bass and Lobster has a good range of vegetarian dishes to choose from so you’ll be very spoilt.
Fun Fact: Check out the largest choice of interesting flavours of ice-cream, you’ll find in Jersey. How about stilton, sourdough and red Thai curry to name a few? Worry not, there are also conventional flavours!
Visiting Suggestion: Have dinner at The Bass & Lobster following an exhilarating RIB boat ride to the Écréhous Islands or a visit to Mont Orgeuil Castle.
Be-lavie Recommendations: Drinks: Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, Provencal Rose, Starters: Spring vegetable arancini with pea puree and sauce vierge. Mains: Cumin roasted butternut squash & lentil parcel with steamed greens & veggie gravy. Dessert: Espresso Martini and Dulce de Leche ice-cream. We also tried the wild garlic ice-cream but this is somewhat of an acquired taste, even for garlic lovers!
Location: Gorey Coast Road, A3, Jersey JE3 6EU I Tel: +44 1534 859590 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: Bass & Lobster
Reservations: Recommended
Price Range:££/£££
Drinks
La Mare Wine Estate
If you’ve read the article about The Best of Sustainable Jersey, you’ll be familiar with La Mar Wine Estate which is located in a dreamy part of St Mary La Mare. The winery has over 20 acres of vineyards and apple orchards with an opportunity to taste wines as well as have a guided tour (behind the scenes) of the estates processes including Gin distillation.
The estate has a cafe style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating where you can sample the wine produced on-site. as well as enjoy a tasty lunch. Much of the food is cafe style with options such as delicious fresh salads, burgers and light bites.
It’s advisable to book lunch in ahead to guarantee a table, especially in peak summer season.
Visiting Suggestion: Why not organise your trip to La Mare with lunch first in the cafe followed by a guided tour of the winery and wine tasting?
IMPORTANT TIP: Drinking responsibly and not drinking and driving is paramount. You can get transfers via Bay Tours Jersey, who can also give you a tour of the island with real-time commentary, before heading to the vineyard. Alternatively Domino Cabs are a reliable and friendly taxi firm.
Be-lavie Recommendations: La Mare Estate rosé Perquage 2022 with a Vegan Platter (hummus, aromatic roasted chickpeas, falafel, olives, vegan feta, raw and roasted vegetables and crispy flatbread.
Location: La Rue de la Hougue Mauger, St Mary, Jersey JE3 3BA I Tel: +44 1534 481178 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: La Mare Wine Estate
Reservations: Essential
Price Range: Included in Winery Tour Price (Wines with lunch are paid as extra)
The Porter’s Store
Quite possibly, one of the coolest cocktail bars you’ll step foot into in Jersey! The inconspicuous building, the walk down into the basement, welcomes you into a space filled with eclectic decor from a bygone era, a bustling atmosphere but most of all some of the most inventive cocktails you’ll try. Think dry ice, smoke, a fusion of flavours and friendly bartenders.
The cocktails are inspired by stories and characters within the hotelier world. It’s a mysterious underground location, part of Seymour Hotels and is guaranteed a fab drinks night out. Perfect for post work drinks, nightcaps and any other time you desire. A Must add to your Jersey drinking list!
Visiting Suggestion: The Porter’s Store’s central location in St. Helier makes it perfect to visit anytime. Maybe dinner at La Bastille and then a nightcap perhaps?
Be Informed: The bar only opens Thursday-Saturday, 17:00-01:00
Be-lavie Recommendations: The Jer-Sea (When in Jersey and all that!!) A fine blend of sea level gin, chambord, cinnamon, syrup, fresh lemon juice and mint leaves.
Location: Wharf St, St Helier, Jersey JE4 0ZX I Tel +44 1534 880110 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: The Porter’s Store
Reservations: Recommended
Price Range: ££/£££
Michelin Star
Bohemia Bar & Restaurant
For fans of fine dining, there is the One Michelin-Star Bohemia Bar & Restaurant located on the ground level of the Club Hotel & Spa. Bohemia has retained it’s Michelin Star for the past 16 years. The restaurant has all the art-deco-inspired vibes and is headed by Chef Callum Graham. It prides itself on artistic gastronomy and is hailed as being one of the UK’s leading dining experiences, Bohemia was voted in the Top 1000 Restaurants in the World 2020.
The cuisine served at Bohemia is a mix of traditional British and French-style cooking.
Visiting Suggestion: Located in St. Helier, it’s easy to get to but if you are staying at The Club Hotel & Spa, it makes complete sense for a fancy evening out! Booking is essential.
Be-lavie Recommendations: Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to try Bohemia but there is a dedicated 7-course Vegetarian Tasting menu, (priced at £120 per person) I would 100% try when I’m in Jersey again.
Location: The Club Hotel & Spa, Green Street, St Helier, Jersey, UK JE2 4UH I Tel. 01534 880588 I Locate on Google Maps
Website: Bohemia Bar & Restaurant
Reservations: Essential
Price Range: £££
Instagram -Friendly Food & Drinks Spots In Jersey
If you can’t resist snapping some great content for the ‘gram. here are a few of Jersey’s insta-famous places to eat and drink, handles included…
- Nude Food Beach – @nudefoodbeach
- The Boat House Jersey @theboathousejsy
- The Porter’s Store @the_porters_store
- The Colmar Jersey @colmar_jersey
- Bohemia Jersey @bohemiajersey
- The Oyster Box @theoysterboxjersey
Gratuities Culture
Tipping in Jersey is not mandatory as in other parts of the world, it’s optional. If the customer enjoys their food and drink and would like to tip the staff for their service, hospitality and quality of food from the kitchen team, a 10% tip is adequate. However if the hospitality received from the team is above and beyond, it is possible to tip more than 10%. Gratuities are really up to the customer and what they feel their whole experience is worth
Food Portion Sizes
One thing that many visitors will notice, especially if they’re travelling from the UK, is the size of the portions. Starters are large and can sometimes be half the size of what a main dish back home would be. Mains are also pretty generous so go in prepared. Desserts however are true to regular-size considering the former courses. If you have a sweet tooth, then definitely order a main and dessert otherwise you’ll be good with a starter and main dish. If in doubt, ask your server who will be well versed in the restaurants menu and can advise you accordingly.
Vegetarian-Friendly Food in Jersey Round-Up
This guide illustrates that there are many Vegetarian-friendly food options in Jersey. If you are intending to dine in a group, the best thing to do is contact the restaurant before hand and ask them about their vegetarian options. This will enable chefs to be prepared with seasonal ingredients and hopefully tailor a dish that can potentially rival the non-vegetarian alternatives. From past experience, many restaurants may not be vegetarian but will go out of their way to accommodate vegetarian options.
Jersey does have a number of vegetarian restaurants, if you prefer to see what these have on offer, celebrating the vegetable with locally and seasonal produce from around the island.
The vegetarian-friendly food in Jersey is some of the best we’ve sampled around the world so it’s safe to say, veggies will definitely not go hungry!
Related Reading
- The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Jersey
- The Best 5 Spa Hotels in Jersey
- Photos of Jersey that will make you want to visit right now
- Places to visit in the UK
- Sustainable travel inspiration
- Plant-based & Vegetarian articles
Handy Sustainable Jersey Travel Resources
- Find Flights and package holidays to Jersey with Jet2holidays
- Book Car Hire in Jersey with Europcar
- Book Jersey Activities & Tours with Viator
- Get your guidebooks and Jersey reading from Foyles
- Good Value for money entry to Heritage sites The Heritage Pass
- Do not leave without Travel Insurance, Get a quote with Safetywing
- Grab your eco-friendly travel must-haves with &Keep
Alex
I didn’t realise there was such a vibrant vegetarian friendly foodie scene in Jersey, I now have a great excuse to visit for a long weekend with my wife who will love this.
Bejal
AlexThanks for stopping by Alex. There are so many great vegetarian options in Jersey and you don’t necessarily have to go to a vegetarian-specific restaurant either. I hope you and your wife can visit and that you have a wonderful time.
Kateryna
Wonderful list, The oyster Box sounds and looks amazing especially
Bejal
KaterynaThankyou so much Kateryna for stopping by. The Oyster Box fro sure was one of my absolute favourites in food and vibes.
myfabfiftieslife
I visited Jersey last September and you represent it so perfectly here! The Jersey Royals are amazing…I think we had them at every meal! We really enjoyed La Bastille!
Bejal
myfabfiftieslifeAww thankyou. I feel like Jersey is so under represented and absolutely loved everything about island life there. The Jersey Royals are insanely good aren’t they and I agree La Bastille is exquisite. Really wanting to go back now reminiscing.
mohanaandaninda
The food looks amazing! I should plan to visit the Channel Islands soon. I really want to try the black butter.
Bejal
mohanaandanindaOh you should one day, Jersey is stunning. The butter is absolutely delicious too.