Despite the rubbish weather, summer is in fact on its way to the British Isles. Chances are most Londoners are making the last minute dash to lose 3lbs, but failing miserably. Are you currently on a diet of cucumbers and crispbread and it’s making your days ever so glum? Fear no more, because we’ve scoured the capital and its wealth of healthy restaurants, so that your taste buds can jump with delight, without your conscience weighing down on you.
1. Nama
[Nama]Nama is a raw food restaurant based in Notting Hill, but far from offering you an unappetising array of obscure uncooked vegetables, they’ve a well put-together collection of mouthwateringly-prepared raw food dishes. Whilst their salads are truly scrumptious, their desserts are where it’s at: blueberry cheesecake with cashew cheese, chocolate ganache torte with sprouted sunflower seed, activated pecan. A true nom is to be had at Nama.
110 Talbot Road, W11 1JR
2. Mildreds
[Mildred]Just look at those juicy mango spring rolls… Get in mah belleh! Mildreds, if you haven’t already heard of it, is somewhat of a vegan/veggie institution with restaurants in Soho, Camden and Kings Cross. If you’ve got a veggie friend coming to visit, this is the place to hit. Their burgers are the ultimate in guilt-free “dirty” flavours, coming in three variants: the Classic features smoked tofu and lentil; the Polish burger consists of beetroot, white bean and dill; whilst the Halloumi with chargrilled aubergine burger will leave you full and with an unburdened conscience.
[Detox Kitchen]When you’ve got Gwyneth Paltrow listed as a fan of your eatery, you know you’re doing something right. The Detox Kitchen specialises in clean, detox-friendly food (who’da thunk?), and are praised for their range free from wheat, dairy and refined sugar. With two delis (Soho, Fitzrovia) and a handful of stockists, finding some detoxifying snacks has never been easier.
[Bonnington Cafe]For a meal healthy for both purse and body, you can’t go wrong with the Bonnington Cafe. It’s a cute, co-operatively run veggie/vegan eatery located in the Bonnington Square Community Centre in the heart of Vauxhall. With a healthy 3 course meal costing as little as £14, count us in!
11 Vauxhall Grove, Sw8 1TD
5. Grill Market
[Grill Market]The stylish Grill Market is located in both Holborn and Chelsea and specialises in locally sourced food that’s fresh, fast and good for the soul. With meaty, veggie and vegan options available, everyone’s happy! Does a wholesome BBQ pork belly whet your appetite? Check ‘em out.
[Comptoir Libanais]Chances are you’ve heard of Comptoir Libanais, they’ve a few branches spread out over the city and have even made it up north as far as Manchester! Just look at those succulent figs, will ya? We recommend you try this Lebanese eatery’s baba ghanuj, a middle eastern speciality of smoked aubergine, tahini and lemon juice with pomegranate seeds. Getting full doesn’t have to mean getting fat!
Chelsea: 53-54 Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY Stratford: Westfield, Stratford City, E20 1EJ
7. Redemption Bar
[Redemption Bar]“Spoil yourself without spoiling yourself” is the motto of the crew at Redemption Bar. Clean eating is their game, so everything on the menu is 100% vegan, wheat-free and refined sugar-free. Having been reviewed highly in most of the press, they’re cooking is obviously top notch. Meals include zucchini pasta with pesto, maki rolls, sweetcorn & red pepper pancakes, lime & coconut cheesecake, apple, sultana & cinnamon crumble and a whole host of refreshing non-boozy cocktails. Let the feast commence!
[Bel-Air]Grub’s up in Shoreditch, but there’s nary a dirty burger in sight. Instead they’re pleasuring all of your senses with their feel-good fast food menu. Wholesome breakfasts are among their strengths and feature delicious dishes like the protein-packed Muscle Beach, which is a steak served on a sweet potato with spinach hash and a poached egg. Their fun Build Your Own Breakfast Pots include homemade pineapple granola (almond) milk or yoghurt and toppings such rhubarb compote or maca/spirulina super powders. No more greasy spoon!
