Ever wondered how to break the ice on a dating app if you're a vegetarian or vegan but don't want to seem limiting? If you're like me, anxiety is second nature, especially when meeting new people and appearing overly limiting with food choices, hoping they don't find you too choosy or, worse, that you don’t inconvenience a group.

If that sounds familiar, we’ve got you covered with a one-stop guide to the best vegetarian-friendly dating spots, including breakfast and dinner options that won't break the bank and still leave room for cocktails and dessert. Read along to find out some amazing vegetarian and vegan dishes to try around the most popular bar streets of Jing’an at the heart of Shanghai!

This good old joint never disappoints. Perfect for a weekday lunch date if salads are your preference. They run amazing deals on salads, with Tuesdays being the best of the lot – 3 salads for RMB 55! The menu also includes the famous plant-based burger, which is well worth a try. Sharing plates include a side of fries or sweet potato fries with a choice of dips. For our non-vegan friends, the cheeseboard is a good option for a wine-filled evening with your plus one.

This refreshingly crunchy, full of flavour salad is sure to leave you wanting more. Edamame, carrots, cucumber, red onions, and pancake chips mixed with orange, mango, and coriander to add that zing, tossed in a light soy garlic dressing and topped with sesame seeds.

Price ★★★☆☆

Yums ★★★★☆

Veggie friendly ★★★★☆

Ambience ★★★★☆

Service ★★★★☆

New on the block, joining the hippest and most happening weekend drinking spots on Yanping Lu and Wuding Lu. Specializing in waffles and the Instagram famous ‘croffle’ (croissant + waffle), this is a must-try, much-recommended brunch spot. They serve a wide range of waffles all day long with top-notch presentation. Quirky skateboard-like tables, easy chairs, and a dog-friendly space make this an ideal weekend spot. Having gained a loyal customer base in their first few months, they have now expanded their menu options to include lunch and dinner, too. On their vegetarian menu, one can find a veggie meal box, black truffle pasta, and several desserts and side dishes. Big ups for their Vege-O waffle and croffle – the salted, vegan-friendly delight.

Their waffles are made to perfection, every single time. You cannot go wrong with a brunch or dinner date here. The Blue Sky Yogurt Waffle comes in looking like a waffle fort on a plate, topped with fresh berries, yogurt, and some toasted coconut. You will come back for it over and over again.

Price ★★★★☆

Yums ★★★★☆

Veggie friendly ★★★★☆

Ambience ★★★★☆

Service ★★★★☆

Walk a few steps over from Circle towards the next block of drunkeries, and you cannot miss the vibe and music playing at Solana. Situated at the Wuding Lu and Jiaozhou Lu crossing, tucked between uber popular joints, this Mexican eatery is all about the ambience and food. Eccentric interior decoration elements such as embroidered pillows, a wooden ladder to access their internal stock supplies, dimmed lighting and ever buzzing music make this a date spot for already established couples who like hanging out, grooving to good music, and enjoying amazing food to end a hectic week.

Their vegetarian menu is extensive with customizations possible on all their offerings. Purple-potato chips with Jamaican mango salsa and their entire selection of churros are highly recommended. Thank me after the food coma.

I dare you to find me a more wholesome, simple, yet flavourful taco in all of Shanghai. With a very hearty filling of grilled avocado, white bean puree, roasted pumpkin and pepitas for crunch, the winning element to this dish is the kale salsa.

Price ★★★★☆

Yums ★★★★☆

Veggie friendly ★★★★☆

Ambience ★★★★☆

Service ★★★★☆

Vegan, wholesome, pet friendly. What more can you want? This quaint eatery is situated within the buzzing cocoon of eateries at Jing’an and offers unbelievable vegan options. Operated by Miss Green Shanghai, this gem is a rare find. Don’t get me wrong, there are several vegan restaurants one may find, but there are close to none that make meat eaters want to give up meat or believe they can. The meals on offer are made keeping in mind their nutritional values and provide a great option for your date whose dating profile was full of gym selfies and mindful living.

Seriously though, this is a must-try spot for veggie lovers or early adopters of plant-based diets. Their seasonal apple cinnamon tea will convert even non-believers to patrons – it is just that good!

There are no words to explain how addictive this bowl of goodness is. Bursting with flavour, mildly spicy, oh so filling and yum! I have absolutely no shame in admitting if you checked my order history on eleme and meituan, I have ordered this dish no less than 12 times this year and that’s excluding the times I’ve visited their green garden-like outlet!

Price ★★★★☆

Yums ★★★★☆

Veggie friendly ★★★★★

Ambience ★★★★☆

Service ★★★★☆

If this doesn’t get you salivating, wait for the holiday specials at these outlets and it’s sure to get even your meat-loving friends lining up at their doors! We will keep sharing the inside scoop on the must-try dishes in and around the city. Follow us to stay updated!