The 10 Best Vegan Restaurants in London
Due to the increasing global demand for plant-based food, London has become a thriving hub for vegans. Whether you're a vegan resident or visiting the city, there are a plethora of options available to cater to your dietary needs. You can savor a vegan version of your favorite cuisine, from Mexican to Japanese, Caribbean to Chinese, or French.
Whether you're looking for vegan junk food or fine dining experiences, London has something for everyone. In fact, the city has over 150 fully vegan restaurants, and the vegan scene is constantly expanding and evolving.
Check out the list below to discover some of the delicious vegan cuisine options available while exploring the vibrant city of London!
Gauthier Soho
Courtesy Gauthier Soho
Gauthier Soho is a must-visit destination for food lovers looking for a truly exceptional dining experience. Considered the vegan king of London due to his commitment to creating outstanding plant-based dishes that rival even the best non-vegan options, Alexis Gauthier uses innovative cooking techniques and the highest quality ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and sustainable.
From the moment you step through the door, the elegant ambiance and impeccable service set the stage for a night to remember. The dishes are exquisite, with every ingredient carefully selected and expertly prepared to create a culinary masterpiece. An excellent wine list featuring a range of carefully chosen bottles accompanies the multi-course ineffable dining experience and complements the cuisine. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it the perfect setting for a special occasion or intimate dinner. Overall, Gauthier Soho is a gem in the heart of London's dining scene and is not to be missed.
Mildreds Covent Garden
Courtesy Mildreds Covent Garden
Mildreds is a well-established and popular vegan restaurant in London, with five locations throughout the city (Covent Garden, Dalston, King's Cross, Camden, and Soho), each with its own unique style and personality, offering laid-back and friendly service in a lively atmosphere where all are welcome.
Their menu is inspired by international cuisine and features a wide variety of plant-based dishes, from hearty burgers to flavorful curries and stir-fries. The restaurant's relaxed and casual atmosphere makes it a popular spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner with friends. Mildreds prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices.
With its welcoming vibe and delicious food, Mildreds has become a go-to destination for vegans and non-vegans alike in London's plant-based dining scene. Their fennel sausage and mustard mash is a must-try for something quintessentially British and vegan. The menu is generous, with plenty of options that make it difficult to choose. Mildred's Covent Garden also offers a private dining space for up to 10 people called Jane's table, named after the founder, Jane Muir, who opened the very first Mildred's restaurant in Soho in 1988.
123V
Courtesy 123V
123V is a trendy vegan restaurant also from Alexis Gauthier, the French Michelin-starred chef with over 30 years of culinary experience working in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens. His aim is simple: to open your eyes to how delicious plant-based food can be.
Located on the ground floor of the Fenwick department store in the affluent neighborhood of Mayfair, 123V offers a unique and creative dining experience. With a focus on sustainability and ethical practices, 123V serves up delicious plant-based dishes that are both healthy and environmentally friendly.
Their menu features a variety of dishes inspired by global cuisine, from vegan sushi rolls to plant-based burgers, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's casually chic and modern decor creates a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a spur-of-the-moment lunch whilst shopping or a romantic dinner. With attentive staff and a commitment to providing a top-notch dining experience, the only thing you'll want is more.
Club Mexicana Spitalfields
Photo by Lucy Williams Courtesy Club Mexicana
Club Mexicana is a vibrant queer and female-owned vegan restaurant in the bustling Spitalfields area of London, with trendy bars, boutique shops, and lively street markets nearby. The restaurant's menu is inspired by Mexican street food with a plant-based twist. From vegan tacos to loaded nachos, the dishes burst with bold and spicy flavors.
The restaurant's colorful decor creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a group brunch or a night out with friends. The frozen margaritas are also a 10/10, although, be warned, they are very strong! As well as popping up at festivals, including Glastonbury, the restaurant, with an almost cult-like following with vegan Londoners, has two other Club Mexicana's in London: Soho's Kingly Court and Seven Dials Market. Although currently, the Spitalfields location is the only one serving a weekend brunch.
If Alexis Gauthier is crowned the Vegan King of London, Club Mexicana owner Meriel Armitage is easily the Vegan People's Princess in that she tackles pretentious preconceptions about vegan food by pumping it with major Mexican flavors.
Jam Delish
Courtesy Jam Delish
Jam Delish, located in Angel, Islington, is a true hidden gem for foodies seeking a delicious and unique breakfast or brunch experience. Founded in 2020 by siblings Jordan and Chyna, their idea came purely from their desire to bring their grandparent's authentic, traditional Caribbean recipes from their family home to the London food scene, with a fresh and modern take inspired by their upbringing in a vegan household.
From the moment you enter, the charming decor and friendly staff make you feel right at home. The menu boasts a wide range of creative and mouth-watering dishes with generous proportions. Their XO Espresso Martini and Passionate Rum Punch are also top-notch, making Jam Delish the perfect spot for dinner and afterwork cocktails with colleagues or friends.
mallow Borough Market
Courtesy mallow Borough Market
With a menu filled with innovative and delicious plant-based dishes, mallow Borough Market caters to all dietary needs without compromising on taste or quality. The restaurant's atmosphere is inviting and warm, making it the perfect spot for a cozy lunch or an intimate dinner. The restaurant's name originates from a native British miracle plant, which is entirely edible.
Brought to you from the team behind Mildreds, the staff at mallow is friendly and knowledgeable, providing excellent service and recommendations to help you make the most of your dining experience. Their aim is minimal waste wherever possible, with ingredients sourced from small, sustainable businesses, including those right on their doorstep in London. The crème brûlée brioche french toast on their brunch menu and the sweet potato roast pepper laksa served with rice noodles and spicy tofu are heavenly.
Pastan
Courtesy Pastan
The menu at Pastan features a wide variety of delicious pasta dishes made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring both flavor and sustainability. The restaurant's minimalist and chic decor creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or friend group gatherings. The staff is friendly and accommodating, ensuring every customer has a fantastic dining experience. Whether you are a vegan or simply looking for a delicious meal, Pastan is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings and indulge in some of the best plant-based pasta in London.
The team at Pastan has partnered with Carbon Free Dining, an environmental initiative operated in partnership with Sustainably Run Restaurants, which allows restaurants and their diners to mitigate the environmental impact of their meals by planting life-changing fruit trees in the developing world. Adding an optional £1.23 to your bill will make a world of difference by offsetting the carbon footprint of your delicious meal.
Tofu Vegan
Courtesy Tofu Vegan
Tofu Vegan in Spitalfields is an exceptional restaurant that offers a range of delicious and innovative plant-based dishes focusing on tofu-based cuisine. The menu, filled with tasty and healthy options, is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal. The warm and inviting ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a cozy and casual lunch or dinner.
While many dishes are made with tofu, mushrooms and imitation meats made from bean proteins and other meat-free ingredients also make up many menu items. Their expert team includes chefs from Sichuan, the Cantonese south of China, and the northeastern Dongbei region, so the menu features a range of enticing regional flavors. Tofu Vegan has two other locations: Islington and Golders Green. Their steamed tofu and mushroom dumplings and the sizzling tofu in their house special sauce are must-orders.
Unity Diner
Courtesy Unity Diner
Unity Diner has been featured in many "Best Vegan Restaurant Lists," and it's no surprise why. The restaurant was founded in 2018 by a group of close friends (including vegan educator Earthling Ed) on a mission to make a positive difference, with a core aim of using the power of plants to revolutionize public perceptions surrounding vegan food. The menu features an array of classic American-style dishes that are entirely plant-based, including burgers, hot dogs, and their take on the traditional mac and cheese.
The restaurant's modern, chic, and Instagrammable decor provides a welcoming atmosphere. What's more, Unity Diner donates its profits to animal welfare organizations. Any suitable food waste is donated to animals rescued from slaughter, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to indulge in some delicious vegan food while supporting a good cause. Their award-winning beer battered "tofish" is a must-try!
Wulf & Lamb
Courtesy Wulf & Lamb
Wulf & Lamb in Marylebone is an all-day plant-based restaurant with another location in Chelsea. The restaurant offers a delightful and innovative menu focusing on comfort food, serving delicious burgers, wraps, salads, and so much more! The restaurant's chic decor with chandeliers, plush lavender, and mint-colored seating accented with marble walls and funky art fixtures creates an attractive ambiance perfect for a casual or romantic time.
They are perhaps best known for their indulgent vegan Mac'N'Cheese and burgers, but also offer healthy salads and whole-food plant-based dishes. Their Wulf Soup and Wulf Pie will undoubtedly fill you up and warm you on a rainy day in London, and their Wulf Punch, packing quite the punch, will have you howling for more!
While it can oftentimes be challenging to convince all your friends to dine at a fully vegan restaurant or café, some non-vegan dining spots have expanded their menus to include a wide range of plant-based options that may appeal to your companions. The honorable mentions below are examples of such places that offer delicious cruelty-free options.
The Plant-Based Tasting Menu at Pied à Terre
Courtesy Pied à Terre
Pied à Terre, a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by Irish restaurateur David Moore, offers exquisite plant-based Tasting Menus for lunch and dinner, showcasing the diversity and creativity of vegan cuisine. These menus comprise an array of dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that emphasize bold flavors and textures. Guests can elevate their dining experience by opting for wine pairings suggested by the restaurant's exceptional sommelier, whose descriptions of the pours transport patrons around the world while their taste buds are tantalized.
The menu features dishes such as beetroot meringue and pistachio, oven-roasted celeriac, and chocolate mousse made from ethically sourced 70% Mayan Red Honduras Cocoa. Notably, their red cabbage sorbet is a must-try that alone makes the trip to London worthwhile! Executive Chef Asimakis Chaniotis skillfully crafts the menu, combining innovative techniques with classic flavors to create an unforgettable dining experience for both vegans and non-vegans. Additionally, Pied à Terre offers bespoke private dining experiences on one of the upper floors of their three-story Fitzrovia townhouse.
The Vegan Afternoon Tea at Cheneston’s Restaurant at The Milestone Hotel & Residences
Courtesy Cheneston’s Restaurant at The Milestone Hotel & Residences
A beloved British custom, Afternoon Tea is a lavish ceremony that invites one to indulge at a leisurely pace. Its roots can be traced back to the 1800s, when the 7th Duchess of Bedford, feeling the long gap between lunch and dinner, initiated the tradition. Rapidly gaining popularity throughout the 19th century, it was eagerly adopted as a delightful way to enjoy a lovely slice of cake and a cup of tea for a mid-afternoon boost. Eventually, the practice took hold firmly in British society and grew to what it is today - a mid-day extravaganza!
With a reputation as one of the best in London, experience the epitome of British luxury with a delightful vegan afternoon tea at Cheneston's Restaurant, located within the elegant surroundings of The Milestone Hotel & Residences in the upscale Kensington neighborhood. Immerse yourself in the classic British ambiance and indulge in a selection of delectable sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam, and an array of tempting cakes and pastries. The expertly brewed tea and exceptional service will ensure a truly unforgettable experience.
The Vegan Pastel de Nata’s at Café de Nata
Courtesy Café de Nata
And last, but certainly not least, Café de Nata offers a delightful vegan twist on the iconic Portuguese pastry, the Pastel de Nata. Made with a delicious vegan custard, these tasty treats are baked to perfection in-house using traditional methods, resulting in a crispy, flaky exterior and a creamy, indulgent filling. Perfectly paired with a cup of their aromatic coffee, the vegan Pastel de Nata is a must-try at Café de Nata for anyone looking for a delicious and ethical indulgence in London.
