A few years ago, many people dismissed the rise of veganism as ‘just a trend’. Nowadays, however, it’s pretty clear that’s not the case. Swathes of the UK population are moving to a plant-based diet, and with good reason. According to researchers at the University of Oxford, going vegan can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 73%, making it the single biggest step individuals can make towards helping the environment. There are also many health benefits to going vegan, and it can also work out cheaper than a meat and dairy-filled diet.
Those curious about trying veganism might feel a little daunted. After all, many of us are pretty reliant on animal products and consume them multiple times a day. Luckily, there are lots of different ways to start making the change – you could try out some vegan recipes in your own kitchen or start off by testing out some brilliant vegan meal kits, but our favourite way to get started is visiting one of London’s amazing vegan restaurants.
The vegan scene in the capital is only getting better, with new openings practically every week, great vegan menus at restaurants that support the movement and even some top-tier eateries going fully plant-based for good. There are vegan fast-food joints, serving up huge burgers and ‘wings’, without an animal product in sight, casual eateries where a vegan meal won’t break the bank, and even eight-course vegan tasting menus for a true culinary journey. We’ve split up this list accordingly so that you can jump to exactly what you’re looking for.
Without further ado, here are the best vegan restaurants in London (in our humble opinion). Each restaurant has its own page with more info, so hit ‘book now’ if any take your fancy. Some of the restaurants below have even earned a SquareMeal gold award, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!
Casual vegan restaurants
For days when you just can’t be bothered to cook or want a quick catch-up with a friend, casual dining restaurants are exactly what you need. From simple dishes to fun and laid-back décor, these restaurants are for last-minute dinner plans and casual meet-ups. Since they all have a host of vegan options, you can keep everyone happy at these restaurants.
Palm Greens, Tottenham Court Road
What: Arcade Food Hall continues to rotate and ring the changes, and one of the newer counters to join London’s liveliest food hall is Palm Greens, a healthy vegan concept that delivers big on flavour. Founding pair Kali and Memby started their journey from a belief that plant-based eating is the future for us all, but Kali’s flavour-packed dishes manage to hit a comforting spot – the Green Goddess Noodles are a sensational swirl of seaweed umami and spicy jalapeno oil, and there are more options besides. Save room for the decadent choc chip and banana bread too.
Where: 103-105 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DB
Book now: Arcade Food Hall
VE Kitchen, Clapham
Why: VE Kitchen defines itself as a ‘no-excuse’ plant food kitchen diner. Located on the bustling Northcote Road, this vegan eatery offers up three categories of plant-based pleasure: guilty pleasures such as a spicy Korean burger topped with kimchi and creamy slaw; game-changers like the Vata bowls filled with rainbow veggies and modern classics, including mac and cheese, katsu curry and smoked bean chilli. Finish with gelato, brownies or hot cookies for an all-out vegan feast.
Where: 39 Northcote Road, SW11 1NJ
Book now: VE Kitchen
Pastan, Barbican
Why: Pastan is at the forefront of vegan pasta in the capital. Not only is the restaurant 100% plant-based, but it’s also highly sustainable. For example, all the vegetables are sourced from within 50 miles, and the durum wheat production is carbon negative. Alongside seasonal specials, staples include carbonara, cacio e pepe and pea and shallot ravioli – all plant-based of course!
Where: 12-14 St John’s Street, EC1M 4AY
Book now: Pastan
Facing Heaven, Hackney
Why: Reborn from the ashes of cult hangout Mao Chow, Facing Heaven is named after the upward-pointing chilli plant. Here you’ll find a fiery menu of feisty vegan fun, from crispy cauliflower florets and creamy matchstick potato salad to crunchy tofu skin, seaweed toast and more. Expect plenty of Sichuan pepper that will make your mouth tingle. Finish with a decadent Hong Kong French toast (vegan too, of course).
Where: 1a Bayford Street, E8 3SE
Book now: Facing Heaven
Mallow, London Bridge
Why: Younger sister to the well-established Mildreds, Mallow serves up fresh, colourful and globally-inspired plant-based cuisine amidst the buzz of Borough Market. Here, guests can choose from some spectacular plant-based fare off the low-waste menu. Swing by at any time – we love it for a midweek cocktail or brunch at the weekend.
Where: 1 Cathedral Street, SE1 9DE
Book now: Mallow
En Root, Peckham, Clapham and Brixton
What: En Root’s casual Indian vegan food has proven popular in the capital, with the original Clapham restaurant spawning another two restaurants in Peckham and Brixton. Get stuck into poppadoms, dosas, curries, salads and more, as well as a range of healthy, nutritious drinks.
Where: Various London locations
Book now: En Root Peckham
Naifs, Peckham
What: This vegan bistro in Peckham serves up seasonal bistro style dishes alongside a biodynamic wine list, handcrafted botanical cocktails and kombuchas made in-house. The team here boasts a solid pedigree too, coming from restaurants like Vanilla Black and Noble Rot. Dinner comes as a set meal, designed to be shared between the group, with optional additions of desserts and appetisers.
Where: 56 Goldsmith Road, SE15 5TN
Book now: Naifs
Mildreds, Soho
Why: Launched in the 80s with the aim to modernise London’s vegetarian restaurant offering, Mildreds has become a key fixture on Soho’s dining scene. Now with four locations across the city and a host of vegan options on the menu – including shiitake tempeh noodles, korean fried chick’n, and a caramel cookie cheesecake with blackberry coulis – Mildred’s has become a favourite among vegans and non-vegans alike.
Where: 45 Lexington Street, W1F 9AN
Book now: Mildreds
Andu Ethiopian Cafe, Dalston
What: This legendary little vegan cafe on Dalston Kingsland Road does one thing and one thing only – delicious, vegan Ethiopian platters. All you have to do is sit down, say how many people you are and a few minutes later, tuck into tasty Ethiopian lentils, shiro, veggies and injera (a fermented flatbread). At a tenner a head, it’s phenomenal value as well.
Where: 528 Kingsland Road, E8 4AH
Book now: Andu Ethiopian Cafe
Powerplant, Camden
Why: Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to vegan restaurants in Camden – nay, in the whole city – but Powerplant is definitely worth noting. Bright, modern and plant pot-adorned interiors feel very on brand and reflect the colourful plates on the menu. Look out for a selection of brunch options, as well as Italian-inspired dishes spanning antipasti, pasta and pizzetta. Think pumpkin and sage tortellini and truffle and mushroom bruschetta.
Where: 89 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AR
Book now: Powerplant
Black Cat Café, Hackney
Why: Hackney’s Black Cat Café is a cracking lunch or brunch spot that’s truly committed to all things vegan – all its food, cleaning products and materials are 100% plant-based, it offers its space to causes that support animal rights and sells products from other local businesses. Great stuff. The food (and portions) are brilliant, too, from deep-filled sarnies to global main plates. The neighbourhood vibes are another serious pull – we just love it.
Where: 76A Clarence Road, E5 8HB
Book now: Black Cat Café
Club Mexicana, Carnaby
Why: Fun street food spot – Club Mexicana – finds a home in Soho’s Kingly Court, where it serves up Mexican snacks and dishes with a plant-based makeover. Think ‘to-fish’ tacos filled with beer-battered tofu, tartare sauce and avocado salsa. It also runs a cracking Taco Tuesdays offers where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat tacos for £20 per person.
Where: Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
Book now: Club Mexicana
Wulf & Lamb, Chelsea
Why: This casual Chelsea eatery serves an entirely vegan menu in a stylish and relaxed setting. Wulf & Lamb offers a variety of novel plant-based takes on classics including a green coconut curry and glazed miso aubergine, while the sides aren’t to be missed either – particularly the vegan mac ‘n’ cheese. Once you’ve finished eating, enjoy a stroll around Chelsea’s wealth of independent boutiques.
Where: 243 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
Book now: Wulf & Lamb
Atis, City of London
Why: Lunchtime can be a minefield for vegans in London, with many places offering just one or two (not overly) appealing grab-and-go options for plant-based eaters. Atis aims to remedy this with its selection of hot and cold salad bowls which combine nutritious ingredients with clever dressings to smarten up your lunch break. The food outlet’s sustainable credentials go beyond what’s on the plate though, with all its packaging being recyclable or compostable and various food waste schemes employed to ensure nothing goes to landfill. While Atis isn’t entirely plant-based, there are plenty of options for vegans, plus you can build your own!
Where: The Atlas Building, 145 City Road, EC1V 1AZ
Book now: Atis
WAVE, Hackney
Why: The name WAVE is an acronym for ‘we are vegan everything’, and comes from the founders of vegan cake company ‘Cupcakes and Shhht’. With Californian vibes and a menu that definitely won’t make you miss meat, WAVE’s visually stunning dishes are bound to pop up on your Instagram feed soon if they haven’t already. Try the smoked carrot ‘salmon’ bagel or a stuffed croissant with cheeze and Marmite.
Where: 11 Dispensary Lane, E8 1FT
Book now: WAVE
Farmacy, Notting Hill
Why: Growing its own biodynamic vegetables in Kent, which are transported daily by electric van to its London restaurants, not only will your food be vegan at Farmacy, but sustainable too. The entire menu is now plant-based and free from refined sugars, additives and chemicals. The chipotle mushroom tostada, pad Thai and artichoke pizzetta, are well worth a try.
Where: 74 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH
Book now: Farmacy
Stem & Glory, Barbican
Why: With sleek minimal décor, pastel colours and more greenery than a small London garden, the plant-based theme of Stem & Glory is evident before you even take a look at the menu. Dishes are vibrantly coloured, completely plant-based and extremely Instagram-worthy. Taking influence from Spanish and South American cuisine, expect to find blue corn tacos with king oyster mushroom, bang bang broccoli with kimchi rice and an avocado, chocolate and hazelnut torte.
Where: 60 Bartholomew Close, EC1A 7BF
Book now: Stem & Glory
Fine dining vegan restaurants
Fancy restaurants really are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and with so many dotted around the city you’ll be happy to know that vegans don’t have to be left out when it comes to fine dining. Although fine dining has connotations of meaty dishes and creamy desserts we’ve managed to find a host of fine dining restaurants specialising in spectacular plant-based goodness.
Bokan, Canary Wharf
Why: Sky-high spot Bokan offers a seven-course vegan tasting menu that’s all about seasonal produce and innovative ideas. Dishes include borlotti beans with leek confit, sea broth with seaweed spaghetti and tofu, beetroot zeppole with pomegranate and indulgent blackcurrant, Timur pepper and chocolate tart with ice cream for dessert.
Where: 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP
Book now: Bokan
Gauthier, Soho
Why: Alexis Gauthier, chef-patron of this French fine-dining spot, has made his restaurant one of the only vegan French restaurants in the country. Guests can enjoy seven or ten-course plant-based tasting menus, which change with the seasons. Courses include elegant creations like crisp butternut tatin with cardamom, ras el hanout and green olive bun with preserved lemon, and English plum with pear ice. There are even vegan seasonal aperitifs to whet your whistle.
Where: 21 Romilly Street, W1D 5AF
Book now: Gauthier
Tendril, Soho
Why: Tendril was founded by award-winning chef Rishim Sachdeva and is a vegan restaurant with a twist. In fact, it calls itself a mostly vegan restaurant, but that certainly doesn’t make it any less worthy of a place in this guide. Determined to not be pigeon-holed by cuisine or nationality, Sachdeva’s plates are bold and adventurous. Sure, you’ll find a few non-vegan options on the menu, such as grilled Ticklemore with smoked honey and cranberry chutney, but the majority are plant-based delights such as chargrilled squash with peanut sage crumble, and apple cherry crumble with Calvados cream.
Where: 5 Princes Street, W1B 2LQ
Book now: Tendril
Vegan fast-food restaurants
Although veganism may have connotations of health, we don’t always fancy a salad. While there is no way of getting around the indulgent nature of fast food, we all need a treat sometimes, and vegan fast food is quickly becoming a strong competitor to your classic fast-food joints (we mean you, Five Guys). From burgers and tacos through to fried ‘chicken’ you can get vegan alternatives to almost anything now – you won’t miss a Big Mac after trying this stuff.
Halo Burger, Brixton
Why: Halo Burger is a favourite amongst vegan burger fans and we can see why. Teaming up with Beyond Meat to create its signature patty, the eponymous burger is everything you could want from a plant-based fast food kick. You can pimp your burger with extras if you like, while sides include pink salt fries, and crispy onion strips. Don’t miss the milkshakes, with ingredients like Lotus Biscoff and peanut butter.
Where: 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ
Book now: POP Brixton
Unity Diner, Aldgate
Why: This non-profit vegan diner and cocktail bar donates its profits towards animal rights campaigning work, doing as much good for the planet as it possibly can. Chow down on vegan burgers, hotdogs and ‘chicken’ satay skewers safe in the knowledge that your money has gone towards a great cause.
Where: 60 Wentworth Street, E1 7AL
Book now: Unity Diner
What the Pitta!, Camden
Why: A night out isn’t complete without waking up to half a kebab on your bedside table. There’s no chance you’re leaving half of this kebab uneaten though – What The Pitta’s secret vegan doner recipe is absolutely delicious. Order the classic doner with tzatziki, hummus and chilli sauce or go for the homemade falafel wrap. The end-of-night kebab just got a vegan makeover and we’re not sad about it.
Where: 89-91 Bayham Street, NW1 0AG
Book now: What The Pitta
The Vurger Co, Shoreditch
Why: The Vurger Co is one of the most well-known vegan burger spots in the capital, and for good reason. Try the Hunny ‘Chicken’ featuring honey mustard aioli, tangy slaw and gherkins, or the Bacon Cheeze Melt which is filled with its addictive house-made burger sauce. Alongside its signature burgers, you can also opt for some slightly lighter options including salads, wraps and sides.
Where: 6 Richmix Square, E1 6LD
Book now: The Vurger Co’s
Neat Burger, Oxford Circus
Why: Endorsed by champion F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, who has been vocal about his vegan lifestyle, Neat Burger’s signature patty uses Beyond meat for the ultimate beef-like flavour and texture. Alongside its Neat burger and Chick’n burger, you can get tater tots and a plant-based hotdog.
Where: 4 Princes Street, W1B 2LE
Book now: Neat Burger
Temple of Seitan, Hackney
Why: This is perhaps the strangest vegan alternative to hit the market, but definitely one that is gaining popularity. Temple of Seitan specialises in a vegan fried chicken alternative. Looking almost identical to the real thing, the food here is similar to any regular fried chicken shop you will find in the city, but as mentioned before, completely vegan (we still can’t get our heads around how real it looks).
Where: 5 Morning Lane, E9 6NA
Book now: Temple of Seitan
Restaurants with vegan options
Since the plant-based food revolution over the last few years, the amount of vegan restaurants in London has exploded with there being at least a few good ones in every major part of the city. But sometimes you have lots of different people and personalities to feed which is why we have put together a list of restaurants that have good vegan dishes on their main menus. Turns out you can please everyone after all.
Pollen Street Social, Mayfair
Why: Not many restaurants earn a Michelin star in their first six months. But back in 2011, that’s exactly what Jason Atherton did. Having gone from strength to strength since then, he has now created a truly stellar vegan tasting menu at Pollen Street Social. Expect sumptuous creations such as celeriac cooked in walnut oil with celery marmalade, pickled walnut, granny smith apple and Yorkshire yoghurt.
Where: 8-10 Pollen Street, W1S 1NQ
Book now: Pollen Street Social
Bubala, Spitalfields and Soho
Why: Bubala is a cracking restaurant in its own right (so much so that the team has expanded to a second site in Soho), but it’s especially popular with vegan diners. The entire menu is veggie, with plenty of plant-based options to choose from including charred oyster mushroom skewers with tamari, hummus with harissa, apricot and jalapeno oil, and smacked cucumbers with tahini and chilli crunch.
Where: 15 Poland Street, W1F 8PR; 65 Commerical Street, E1 6BD
Book now: Bubala Soho, Bubala Shoreditch
Pied à Terre, Fitzrovia
Why: From its prized modern art and impeccable wine list to legions of suited staff, Pied à Terre remains a timeless classic on the London dining scene. So, if you’re looking for a fancy meal out, why not try one of the restaurant’s six, eight or ten-course vegan tasting menus? Dishes might include things like a carrot and ginger velouté, and salt-baked beetroot with grilled baby leeks, while dessert could include a 100% chocolate mousse paired with apricot and cinnamon.
Where: 34 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NH
Book now: Pied à Terre
BAO, Various locations
Why: Beloved bun-broker BAO has thrown its hat in the ring, and it’s safe to say we’re stoked. There’s now a full vegan menu to choose from. BAO’s vegan options are just as mouth-watering as the rest of the menu, with entries like mapo aubergine with chi shiang rice, Sanbei tofu balls with basil ranch, and whipped tofu with cong zhua bing. The XO sweetcorn and daikon bao buns are also a must (to be honest, we recommend you order all of it).
Where: Various London locations
Book now: BAO Soho, BAO Shoreditch, BAO Borough, BAO Marylebone
Scully, St James’s
Why: Scully’s intricate, idiosyncratic tasting menus have really come into their own. This is a restaurant that takes bold, sometimes bizarre flavours and somehow makes them work, and the vegan tasting menu is totally unique in London. For example, dishes at the time of writing include delica pumpkin with sour cherry agrodolce, pasilla and sesame chilli sauce, and crispy mochi dumplings with green mango and szechuan pepper.
Where: 4 St James’s Market, SW1Y 4AH
Book now: Scully
ROBATA, Soho
Why: While the menu at ROBATA caters for all, the restaurant does have a good selection of vegan mains perfect for when you want to dine in a mixed group. On the small plates section, you’ll find kimchi gyoza, Padron peppers and edamame beans, while mains include a miso aubergine with pickled mushrooms and red chilli plus an inventive broccoli steak.
Where: 56 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UE
Book now: ROBATA
Sutton & Sons, Hackney
Why: Vegan and fish and chips don’t tend to come in the same sentence, but Sutton & Sons has found a way to make the classic British favourite completely vegan. Using seaweed-marinated, deep-fried banana blossom it has managed to get pretty close to the taste of your standard deep-fried cod and chips combo. It doesn’t stop at the classic fish and chips either – ‘prawn cocktail’ and ‘scampi’ also feature on the vegan menu.
Where: 218 Graham Road, E8 1BP
Book now: Sutton & Sons
Not quite ready to go fully vegan? We’ve put together a list of the best vegetarian restaurants in the city too. Of course, going vegan isn’t the only way to improve your diet; there are tons of super healthy restaurants in London where you can eat out with a clear conscience. Cutting down on alcohol is nearly as fashionable as going vegan now (dry January and Veganuary do coincide after all), so it might be worth sampling some great non-alcoholic drinks too. And, if you think your booze should be animal product free too, you definitely need to read all about vegan wine. You’d be surprised how many wine producers use milk, egg or even fish oil!
For those of you who don’t live in London, you haven’t been forgotten. We’ve also covered the best vegan restaurants in Edinburgh, top plant-based spots in Brighton and animal-free eateries in Liverpool too!
