Anyone who has been vegetarian for a good few years will remember those bleak days when dining out meant a choice between spinach and ricotta cannelloni or a plain side salad with bread roll.

Or if you were really lucky, perhaps a spicy beanburger.

But things have moved on since the 90s. Those who choose not to eat meat or animal products no longer have to put up with token dishes lacking in flavour and thought.

In fact there's never been a better time to be vegetarian or vegan, especially in Manchester.

So here's some of our favourite places. You can share yours with us at @MENnewsdesk and @CityLifeManc, email website@men-news.co.uk or post in the comments below.

Greens (Didsbury)

Probably the most famous vegetarian restaurant in Manchester, Greens opened in West Didsbury in 1990 and since then has become a bit of an institution - and not just among vegetarians.

The brainchild TV chef Simon Rimmer and pal Simon Connolly, this is a place loved as much by die-hard carnivores as it is by veggies, and the reason? A dedication to providing fresh, inventive dishes and plenty of choice, with extremely friendly and attentive staff.

With veggie black pudding, jerked halloumi and the ever-popular spinach, pistachio and feta filo pie, there really is something to suit everyone's taste.

Greens, 41-43 Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2NT

Teatime Collective (Hulme)

(Image: Facebook: Teatime Collective)

Despite what many people think, vegan food doesn't have to be boring. Far from it, in fact.

And the Teatime Collective can definitely not be accused of being boring.

For one diners can tuck into a whole range of classic and innovative dishes - while seated in an old shipping container.

With meat-free Seitan steak, mushroom bolognaise, dairy-free cheese and walnut ravoili and a dedicated ice cream parlour and array of vegan-friendly desserts on the menu, no one can say not eating meat means you miss out.

You can read our review here .

Teatime Collective, St Wilfrids Enterprise, Royce Road, Hulme, M15 5BJ

1847 (city centre)

Manchester is the birthplace of the Vegetarian Society, so it's only fitting that a veggie restaurant should be named after the year the society was formed.

And 1847 is a great champion of the cause. Founded five years ago in the city centre, the bistro serves boundary-pushing British vegetarian and vegan dishes using seasonal and local ingredients.

Diners can choose from smaller mezze-style grazing plates to share or go for the tasting menus.

And there's plenty to choose from, with 'fish' (battered halloumi) and chips, leek and bulgur stuffed mushrooms, and spicy lentil sausage with turnip and sage mash. The menu also changes seasonally, so you'll never get bored.

You can read our review here.

1847, 58 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HZ

The Earth Cafe (city centre)

You can eat well for the mind and body at this vegan cafe and juice bar at Manchester Buddhist Centre in the Northern Quarter.

The packed menu of healthy, home-cooked food is all prepared from scratch every day so the choice of dishes changes daily. There are also no hydro­gen­ated fats, MSG, col­our­ings, pre­ser­vat­ives or addit­ives lurking on your plate.

But what you can expect is plenty of fresh vegetable curries, home-made shepherd's pie stuffed full of lentils, spicy stews and nut roasts.

They also do an array of smoothies and juices and takeaway options if you are in a rush.

The Earth Cafe, 16-20 Turner Street, Manchester M4 1DZ

Sanskruti (Fallowfield)

(Image: Trip Advisor)

Located in the heart of Fallowfield, this has become a firm favourite among curry lovers bringing authentic Indian vegetarian and vegan cuisine to the masses.

And you will be overwhelmed by the choices on offer.

They offer everything from the ‘Thalis’ of Gujarat to the ‘Dosas’ of south India, the ‘Chaats’ of Mumbai to the unforgettable taste of North Indian curries - and everything is suitable for veggies.

Sanskruti states on its website 'Our meals are prepared with the belief that Indian food is not only about heat but also about the perfect marriage of aromatic herbs and spices', so you can expect plenty of flavour in a range of dishes from Vatana Bateta - potatoes and green peas in onion gravy, to Paneer Bhurji - crumbled Indian cottage cheese cooked in onions, tomatoes with a blend of spices.

You can read our review here. The restaurant is currently closed until January 19.

Sanskruti, 95 Mauldeth Road, Manchester M14 6SR

Lotus (Withington)

If you've ever looked longingly as other diners tuck into crispy duck pancakes or satay chicken while you 'enjoy' some limp vegetables in sweet and sour sauce then this is the place for you.

Specialising in vegetarian and vegan mock meats made with soya, what and whey proteins, you'll never feel like you're missing out again with a never-ending menu of creative and inspired dishes.

From sizzling 'chicken' steak in black bean sauce, 'seafood' with egg tofu, deep fried lamb, veggie prawns on toast - and amazing sweet and sour ribs - you can enjoy all the flavour without the meat.

Lotus Vegetarian Kitchen, 536 Wilmslow Road, M20 4BY

V Revolution (city centre)

Who said vegan food has to be healthy?

Bucking the idea that not eating anything animal-related means a limited, boring blend of lentils and quinoa comes V Revolution.

Offering fast food for the meat-free masses, the hip cafe is American junk food at its finest.

Think hamdogs, 'beef' and 'chicken' burgers, nachos and lots and lots of lovely toasted dairy-free cheese.

As one reviewer said: "Exactly what you would expect from Vegan Junk food :) Loved it, quick, messy, addictive and loads of animals still alive..."

V Revolution also sells vegan ice cream, milkshakes, cakes, chocolate, crisps, sandwiches and meat-replacement foods.

You can read our review here.

V Revolution, 88 Oldham Street, Manchester

Lily's Vegetarian Cafe (Ashton)

On your way to IKEA? Sack it off and go to Lily's Vegetarian Cafe instead. You'll thank us for it. This unassuming hidden gem won Best Cheap Eats at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards in 2015.

The menu is pretty huge - from curries to smaller dishes and a range of tempting bite-sized bits and bobs on display. Our tip is to set yourself a budget and ask the kitchen to go with what's good. For £20, you'll probably be able to fill the van you brought to transport all that flat pack furniture in.

Lily's is outstanding on every level. Who needs Swedish meatballs?

You can read our review here.

Lily’s, 75-83 Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7DF