Otley’s restaurant scene is wide and varied with cuisine ranging from Greek, Middle Eastern, Thai, Indian and Italian to Modern English. An increasing number of eateries are now offering vegetarian and vegan options too. Here are some of our favourite picks.

The Cheerful Chilli Restaurant and Tearooms
At the top of East Chevin Road, and perfectly located for walkers on the Chevin, the Cheerful Chilli is a long-standing family restaurant serving up vegetarian and vegan delights. Open from 6.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday and throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays, dishes include sweet peppers stuffed with feta and chilli with homemade apple and pear chutney, Kerala curry with aubergine, courgette, sweet potato and minted couscous, and veggie enchiladas (pictured). Picked as one of Leeds List’s best places for vegan food in the city, it’s a real treat.
East Chevin Road, LS21 3DD. See here for more

Sift Café & Bakery
Sift is not exclusively vegan, but this cute café in a former bank (complete with its own vault) does some fabulous options for those that are sticking to a meat-free diet. Dishes are simple – we love the peanut butter and jam toastie, and the hummus and roast veg sandwich – and the cakes and coffees are great too. Dairy-free spread and plant milks are also available as options.
11 Manor Square LS21 3AP. See here for more

O’ Deli
This rustic deli, cafe and prosecco bar on New Market quickly became an Otley favourite when it opened in October 2016. As well as fabulous coffees, there’s always a chilled bottle of fizz to enjoy and a fine selection of snacks and cakes, many of which are dairy-free or cater for those with food intolerances. The café has recently opened O’Fresh round the corner on Market Street – the first shop-based greengrocer in Otley for many years.
4 New Market Street, LS21 3AE. See here for more

Nam Jai Thai
This tiny, superlative Thai restaurant overlooking Manor Square is a great choice for evening meals. It’s not strictly vegan or veggie but offers tofu- and veggie-based versions of classic Thai dishes such as red, green and massaman curries. There’s a ‘bring-your-own-booze’ policy too, so you can really keep the cost of a night out down.
13 Manor Square, LS21 3AP. See here for more

Otta’s Leah
Taking it’s name from the original Anglo-Saxon for the town, Otta’s Leah offers wholesome British cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere and the menu has plenty of vegan/vegetarian options. The Otta’s veg burger (sweet potato and mixed bean) and curried root casserole are both great choices. Plant milks are available for those wanting dairy-free coffee and tea.
13 Boroughgate LS21 3AG. See here for more

Bloomfield Square
Another colourful café that’s conscious that many clients will have dietary preferences. Bloomfield Square has a relaxed shabby-chic feel and serves fab coffee, cake and sandwiches. Regular music nights also take place here – and there’s an old-style printers out the back if you want to pick up a new skill.
28-30 Gay Lane, LS21 1BR. See here for more