London’s Best Vegan Restaurants
Whether you’re turning vegan for a good time in just January, or a long time and making the change for good, having suitable options when dining out in The Big Smoke is a must. London’s foodie scene has boomed in recent years, and those who think that British cuisine is limited to fish and chips, anything in a gravy, and a mild curry or two, would be sorely mistaken. The capital city is nothing short of an eclectic melting pot, an amalgamation of cuisines from every corner of the globe and catering to all diets and requirements. Gone are the days of the only plant-based option on the menu being a variation of a salad or a plain pasta dish, and the city is not only chock-full of eateries with plenty of options without an animal product in sight but dedicated vegan restaurants that will take you on a true culinary journey. From high-end establishments to casual fast-food joints, here are some of the best vegan restaurants in London that prove a plant-based diet can be just as exciting as a carnivorous one.
The Vurger Co, Shoreditch
Myth-busting the preconception that vegan burgers are dry and tasteless, The Vurger Co is cool, funky, and delightfully delicious. The Shoreditch establishment offers fast food that you don’t need to feel guilty about, sandwiching an array of vegetables that don’t taste like vegetables between a fluffy brioche bun with all the trimmings. Try the ‘meat-like’ patties made to resemble pork and beef or sample the homemade soy-based chicken burgers that are completely gluten-free, add a side of fries or tater tots and wash it all down with a dairy-free shake. We know, it’s a little hard to believe.
123V, Mayfair
Did someone say bottomless vegan sushi? If you’ve made the transition from meat eater to vegan, cravings will undoubtedly creep in from time to time. And if you’re not convinced that spicy cauliflower is a substitute for fried chicken, 123V is a restaurant that doesn’t attempt to pull the wool over your eyes if you’re looking to satisfy a desperate need for sushi. From Monday to Saturday after 4pm, this Mayfair eatery opens its doors for all-you-can-eat vegan sushi for just £30 per person. Tuck into plant-based versions of spicy tuna rolls, dragon rolls, prawn tempura and more, or even be a little adventurous and try a sushi pizza! They also offer a vegan sushi making experience, perfect for recreating your favourite rolls at home.
Tendril, Soho
With a tagline of “a (mostly) vegan kitchen”, Tendril focuses on being “plant-first” rather than completely plant-based, so while they cater to most allergies and diets, you’ll find a few non-vegan dishes on the menu to ensure there’s something for everyone. Brunch is served on the weekends while there is a lunch, an early bird dinner menu and an á la carte menu, but the true star of the show is the Dinner Discovery tasting menu. Reasonably priced, filling and eclectic, this is the best way to dine at Tendril, perfect for sampling a little bit of everything and highlighting the best seasonal produce. The last dish on the tasting menu, dessert, is almost always guaranteed to be something sweet and comforting, ending the entire dining experience on a high note.
Holy Carrot, Knightsbridge
When you eat at Holy Carrot, the word ‘carrot’ may be replaced with something else as you taste how good the food is here. The venue is something special, located just a stone’s throw away from Knightsbridge’s Harrods and boasting contemporary soft-toned interiors that are just the beginning of the aesthetically pleasing experience. When the food comes, try to limit your Instagramming to less than 30 seconds – we guarantee the aromas will have you reaching for your fork well before then anyway. If you’re visiting in a group, order a variety of dishes for a taste of everything and ensure you order at least one item from the Holy Carrot Classics section which features truffle celeriac risotto, sexy tofu, and holy buffalo “wings”. Not only is Holy Carrot completely plant-based, but the entire menu is also free from preservatives, refined sugar, gluten, and additives. Oh, and did we mention that there’s a vegan wine selection too? If you ever needed to convince a meat eater that there’s more to veganism, Holy Carrot should be the first place you take them.
Mildreds, Soho
A London classic since the ‘80s! Perfect in the summer for a spot of alfresco dining, it’s safe to say that Mildreds is always packed – and for good reason. Every menu item here is more than worth the wait, and they even have Veganuary specials each year to ease new non-meat eaters into the lifestyle. International fare plays a huge part at Mildreds – think BBQ pulled pork buns, Sri Lankan coconut curry, harissa patatas bravas… but save some room because the desserts will steal the show. Caramel cookie cheesecake, white chocolate tiramisu, ginger sticky toffee pudding, crème brûlèe – it’s hard to believe that everything here is 100% plant based!
Powerplant, Camden
Camden is arguably the vegan capital of London, so if you’re in the funky North London neighborhood, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to non-animal product fare. The area’s energy can be felt as soon as you walk through the restaurant door, a uniquely designed space with bright colours but also plenty of greenery to bring you back to a sense of calm. Brunch is a popular pastime here, featuring classic favourites including avocado on toast, tofu scrambled eggs and a BLT made with grilled plant-based bacon. The dinner menu is the star of the show however, with novel twists on a katsu curry, lasagna, cheeseburgers and more, all washed down with an extensive drink’s menu.