Craving some tasty meat-free food? There’s no shortage of fab vegetarian restaurants in London. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a little fine dining, have some good old-fashioned comfort food, or enjoy some cuisine from all around the world, the British capital will see you right! The following are some of the best meat-free restaurants serving up inviting, creative dishes for both veggies and meat eaters alike – all with a healthy side of eco-consciousness. From New York ‘burgers’ to Indian curries, these 10 places have something to whet everyone’s appetite. So explore the thriving meat-free food scene today with this roundup of the best vegetarian restaurants in London:
1. Bubala
‘Bubala’ is a Yiddish term of endearment for ‘darling’ and so rightfully, the menu embraces gorgeous Middle-Eastern flavours packed in sharing plates that may look small but trust me are filling and fulfilling. Originally starting as a pop up, they now have two restaurants in Soho and Spitalfields. With no veggie “substitutes,” they embrace all and every kind of vegetable on the menu and it’s done beautifully. If you’re a bread and dips kinda person, you’ll have a field day with the choices. Pair the laffa bread with the hummus and burnt butter, laben with confit garlic and za’atar and the babaganoush with curry leaf oil, pine nuts. Definitely get your hands on the Oyster mushroom skewer, tamari, coriander seed, smacked cucumbers drizzled with tahini and chilli, halloumi with chamomile and fennel honey. The Butter lettuce, quince molasses, chestnut & sesame and Confit potato latkes, toum are absolutely divine and must-trys!
You’ll find Bubala at 15 Poland St, W1F 8QE and 65 Commercial St, E1 6BD.
2. Persepolis
Persepolis on Peckham High Street is definitely one of the best value and tasting veggie meals one can have in London. Not only is it a Persian inspired deli, but it’s also a shop selling loads of ingredients and a BYOB restaurant. For £30, you can try the sharing menu exploring every bit of the menu. Famous for their meze platters, tuck into hot and cold appetisers including 536 different types of salad & at least 26 types of houmous. If you’re not keen on the menu but still want to try as much as possible, I recommend the cotelettes to start with – a trio of Persian-style spiced potato bites served with mustard labneh, pan fried halloumi with sesame and honey, sarasura which is a herby oven roasted courgettes and peppers—served over chips and topped with labneh. The highlights aside of those are the fattet – a fried bread with spinach and chick peas, tossed in “our super sexy tahini sauce” as described in the menu and Borani Bon-Jon, a lovely and garlicky stack of aubergines drizzled with yoghurt and tomato sauce and served with thick bread.
And if you must, indulge in the dessert menu, you’re spoiled for choice!
You’ll find Persepolis at 28-30 Peckham High St, London SE15 5DT.
3. Amrutha Lounge
You’ll receive a warm welcome at the low-key Amrutha Lounge. The staff are friendly and passionate, with an eye for detail that shows how much they really care about their work. Kick back, relax and enjoy the ‘vegan soul food’ experience.
There’s a generous selection of interesting dishes to choose from, all bursting with colour and flavour. The Thai-style vegetable curry is so beautiful, you’ll have a snap on the old Instagram before you can say ‘kale salad’ which we also recommend because – seriously – who knew kale salad could taste so good?
The fair-minded folk at this BYOB establishment charge no corkage, and if you don’t think your meal was worth the asking price, you don’t have to pay it. Their principle of ‘no soul goes hungry’ means that those without the means to pay for a meal can volunteer some of their time instead.
You’ll find Amrutha Lounge at 326 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, London, SW18 4EJ. Nearest station is Earlsfield.
4. Mildreds Soho
The report cards are in, and the menu at this 100% plant-based restaurant is a real hit! You’ll be hooked on the appetising cuisine served in this favourite spot for those looking to get their veggies without sacrificing good old taste.
Situated in a Soho townhouse, the flagship Mildreds restaurant oozes atmosphere and charm. The second-floor, 14-seat dining room is a cosy space for anyone wanting to host a private event. Dig into delicious, seasonal vegan fare while raising a toast with a cheeky cocktail (espresso orange martini, anyone?). Trust us when we say the plant chick’n burgers (ranch BBQ or Korean fried) are hard to beat.
You’ll find Mildreds Soho at 45 Lexington Street, Carnaby, London, W1F 9AN. There are other branches and you can find out more here.
5. 222 Vegan Cuisine
This claims to be London’s ‘most popular vegan restaurant‘ – and we’re not ones to argue! But despite the ‘vegan’ tag, the grub here is so good that even carnivores will love it. This is ‘healthy, ethical food’ that everyone will enjoy – that’s the aim of owner and head chef Ben Asamani.
Serving up influences from around the world, the 222 menu features a heavenly seitan stroganoff with cashew cream and mushrooms, and a cinnamon Spice Island Pie dessert that will keep you coming back for more and more.
You’ll find 222 Vegan Cuisine at 222 North End Road, London, W14 9NU. Nearest station is West Brompton.
6. Farmacy
The clue’s in the name – Farmacy have their own farm in Kent where they grow the produce for their restaurant biodynamically. Any ingredients that are not homegrown are sourced from local, sustainable suppliers with eco credentials. These guys are all about supporting health and nature.
As for the restaurant, five stars don’t do it justice! Every dish is exquisite, and the service is faultless. Take a tip from us and try the Mexican bowl and loaded nachos. Fresh ingredients, decadent flavours and healthy with it – what’s not to love?
You’ll find Farmacy at 74 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5SH. Nearest station is Bayswater.
7. The Clove Club
This place is tucked away in Shoreditch, but it’s well worth seeking out. Located in the Grade II-listed town hall, this fine dining establishment isn’t veggie, but it earns a spot on the list of best vegetarian restaurants in London for due to its seasonal ‘vegetarian tasting menu’. It’s a meal you really won’t forget in a hurry.
The chef and the sommelier know how to conjure a dining experience that will stand out. By pairing the right ingredients and flavours, they create an elegant meal that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. If you’re looking to push the boat out, then take a punt on The Clove Club.
You’ll find The Clove Club at 380 Old Street, Shoreditch Town Hall, London, EC1V 9LT. Nearest stations are Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street.
8. The Gate
The Gate is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in London and it’s not hard to work out why. With Arabic, Indian and Jewish influences, the healthy menu created by brothers Michael and Adrian Daniel is inventive and mouth-watering. Why not start with the miso-glazed aubergine before moving on to the beetroot burger with applewood smoked cheddar and BBQ oyster mushroom? Delish! And don’t forget to leave room for dessert – we’ll have the Bailey’s cheesecake, please!
With a secret garden for outdoor dining, the Hammersmith restaurant is the perfect place for a date night or romantic occasion. It’s a great spot to meet mates for brunch, too.
You’ll find The Gate at 51 Queen Caroline St, London, W6 9QL. There are also restaurants in Islington and Marylebone and you can find out more here.
9. KIN
KIN café is all about celebrating plant-based food. The menu is ever changing, so there’s always something new to try. And the best part? Everything is made from scratch using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or just looking to eat more plants, KIN is the perfect place for you. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
The all-day breakfast menu boasts a burrito that is a work of art, the perfect blend of savoury spices. The sourdough toast comes with your choice of tasty toppings. Or bag a granola-and-berries acai bowl big enough to share (or not – eat it all yourself; we won’t tell).
With great coffee, and evening and cocktail menus too, this just-happens-be-vegan café is a recommended place to visit at any time of day when you’re out and about in Fitzrovia.
You’ll find KIN at 22 Foley Street, London, W1W 6DT. Nearest station is Goodge Street.
10. Bühler + Co
From the moment you walk into Bühler + Co in Walthamstow, you’ll feel like you’re in for a treat. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home in this light, bright café. Just imagining the vege fry-up featuring feta and polenta cake, halloumi, garlic butter spinach and loads more, is enough to make your mouth water. Pop in and grab a bite for one, or make a date with your mates for a catch-up over coffee – or something stronger.
They use a range of local suppliers for their coffee, bread, sodas and juices, including Climpson & Sons and Seven Seeded. So come on in and enjoy a tasty meal that’s good for you and the planet.
You’ll find Bühler + Co at 8 Chingford Road, London, E17 4PJ. Nearest station is Walthamstow Central.
11. The Vurger Co
The Vurger Co is on a mission to revolutionize fast food through the power of plants. The menu at this wholly vegan joint has been created to ‘feed your soul’. The line-up of vurgers (that’s vegan burgers) features tempting choices such as ‘Hunny Chicken’ – crispy ‘chicken’ with vegan honey glaze, honey mustard, pink slaw and gherkins – and ‘New York Melt’ – a meat-free patty with vegan cheese, gherkins, tomato and burger sauce. You’ll also discover salad bowls, fries, mac n cheese and shakes.
These guys take ethics, sustainability and inclusivity seriously. Initiatives to support their values include compostable packaging, green energy and the support of socially conscious and local brands. So tuck in and feel good while you eat well!
You’ll find The Vurger Co at Unit 9, Avant Garde Building, 6 Richmix Square, Cygnet Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6LD. There’s also another branch at Canary Wharf. You can find out more here.
12. Spicebox
Spicebox is a vegan Indian restaurant that will tantalise your taste buds – and possibly also your eyes with the bright sunset colours of the pink, orange and yellow décor! They have all the Indian flavours you love without any of the eco guilt.
The chana masala (chickpea curry) is a must-try, and the organic naan bread is something else. If you’re craving something refreshingly creamy, the mango lassi – with soya yoghurt, oat milk and lime – will slip down a treat.
Whether you’re an established vegan, just starting out, or not even veggie at all, Spicebox is well worth a visit if you want to spice up your life with some award-winning Indian cuisine.
You’ll find Spicebox at 58 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 4PG. Nearest station is Walthamstow Central.
Whether you’re a vegan, a veggie or none of the above but just looking for somewhere new to eat, these best vegetarian restaurants in London are sure to satisfy your hunger! So what are you waiting for? We’ll see you there!