THE REGION’S tastiest vegan and veggie restaurants have been named.

Darlington Friends of the Earth compiled a list of their favourite eateries to coincide with the national Meat Free May initiative.

Coming out on top is the cosy café nestling at the back of Darlington’s The Health Warehouse, famed for its homemade chilli burgers and vegan-friendly fare.

Other Darlington restaurants on the list include the Buddhist café at the Atisha Meditation Centre and Café Spice, an Indian restaurant at Mechanics Yard.

Fresh local produce with an Italian influence netted the town’s Foffano’s restaurant and deli a mention while the Mexican food on offer at the Voodoo Café also impressed.

Further afield, mentions were given to the renowned and long-established Waiting Room restaurant in Egglescliffe, which offers a menu devoted solely to vegetarians and vegans.

The Labyrinth Holistic Cafe, known as the home of the region’s first vegan parmo, is the place to go for a meat-free meal in Stockton.

South Indian family-owned Dosa, on Middlesbrough’s Linthorpe Road, is another long-established favourite, offering an unusual menu with much to offer vegans and vegetarians.

Darlington Friends of the Earth put together their choices in a bid to demonstrate how enjoyable eating out can be for those living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Urging people to give it a go by giving up meat for May, a spokesman said: “Apart from the health benefits from cutting meat products from our diets, we can save money and benefit the environment at the same time.

“Many people will cook up a feast at home and enjoy the opportunity to refresh the food they serve, but that doesn’t mean eating out is off the menu.

“The region has some delightful places serving up mouth-watering meat and fish free dishes.”

For more information about Meat Free May, visit: foe.co.uk/page/meat-free-may