The Best Vegan Restaurants In London
London's tastiest plant-powered gems – our guide to the city's best vegan restaurants proves that going green has never been so deliciously chic!
By Rex Adams | Updated Dec 14 2023
London's vegan revolution is in full swing, with plant-powered eateries mushrooming across the city like never before. From mind-blowing meaty alternatives to guilt-free feasts, our guide to the best vegan restaurants is your ticket to culinary nirvana. So, whether you're a seasoned vegan or just flirting with the idea of a plant-based affair, join us as we navigate the kaleidoscope of London's gastronomic scene, proving that saving the planet has never tasted so good!
Sisterwoman at Moko
39b Markfield Rd, London N15 4QA
At the heart of Moko, Tottenham's hip hi-fi bar, Sisterwoman's culinary magic unfolds, transforming the dining experience into flavors inspired by the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. Safiya Robinson, the culinary maestro, crafts modern vegan soul food that's nothing short of a revelation. Picture lunchtime delights featuring grilled okra, spelt cornbread, and the audacious 'Rudeboy' sandwich – a cornmeal-fried oyster mushroom masterpiece with spicy ackee remoulade and escovitch pickle. As the sun sets, prepare your taste buds for cheesy grits adorned with jerk grilled oyster mushrooms and hibiscus scotch bonnet chili oil, or indulge in stewed black-eyed peas with tempeh bacon and kale chips.
Gauthier
21 Romilly St, London W1D 5AF
This Michelin-starred French fine-dining haven, located in a regal Regency townhouse in the heart of Soho, shatters stereotypes with its fully plant-based menu, a testament to Gauthier's commitment to the vegan cause since 2021. Picture exquisite dishes like golden glazed swede with citrus marmalade and miso-infused dressing or the tantalizing tempeh and corn with kaffir lime, popcorn, and bean shoot salad. The restaurant's ambiance is a blend of refined decor and lively kitsch, creating an intimate setting for discerning diners. Open for lunch from 12 pm to 4 pm every Tuesday to Sunday, with the full menu served from 6 pm to 10 pm
Farmacy
74-76 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH
Tucked away in Notting Hill, this green gem cultivates its own biodynamic vegetables in the scenic Kent countryside, delivered fresh daily by an electric van. The entire menu is a celebration of plant-based goodness, free from refined sugars, additives, and chemicals. From the zesty chipotle mushroom tostada to the enticing pad Thai and the flavorful artichoke pizzetta, Farmacy proves that eating green means indulging in a palette of diverse flavors. With a 'food is medicine' ethos, it stands as the welcoming face of plant-based eating in London, where nutrition and taste coalesce seamlessly. Camilla Fayed's commitment to natural farming and biodynamics makes Farmacy a nutritional leader challenging conventions and growing internationally.
Purezza
45-47 Parkway, London NW1 7PN
Step into Camden's Purezza, where the name says it all – it's a haven of vegan pizza perfection. As the UK's first vegan pizzeria, Purezza lives up to its Italian meaning of 'purity,' offering a modern and relaxed setting buzzing with plant-powered excitement. The dough balls are sinful spheres oozing Purezza's convincing substitutes, while the Neapolitan-styled pizzas boast fluffy, bubbly, chewy sourdough bases or a hemp version with a nutty earthiness. Toppings range from wood-smoked tofu to beetroot carpaccio, creating a symphony of flavors without the stodge. Don't resist the temptation to indulge in some good old-fashioned gluttony – the Oreo pizza, a sweet gooey mess topped with Nutella and mascarpone, is a dessert delight.
Wulf and Lamb
At Wulf & Lamb, the mantra is simple: run with the wolves, eat with the lambs, and indulge in some seriously satisfying vegan comfort food. Nestled in the chic streets of Chelsea and Marylebone, this casual eatery boasts a stylish yet relaxed setting, offering a completely plant-based menu that's anything but boring. Head Chef Franco Casolin, a veteran from the groundbreaking vegetarian restaurant Vanilla Black, crafts dishes that range from the popular chilli 'non' carne to the Wulf burger, a 'meaty' patty made with marinated seitan and cashew aioli. Don't miss out on their indulgent mac'n'cheese and burgers – it's vegan comfort food at its finest.
Itadaki Zen
39 King's Cross Rd, London WC1X 9BJ
This cool little spot nea King's Cross station offers a zen-like tranquility, only disturbed by the blissful sound of udon noodle slurping. The predominantly noodle/tofu/seaweed lineup dazzles with a range of tastes and textures, from grilled spring rolls with soft mashed tofu filling to the 'kakiage' tempura, a crispy golden delight reminiscent of Brighton pier's chips. The laid-back staff at Itadaki Zen go with the flow, creating an atmosphere that matches the restaurant's frayed tie-dye hessian curtains and the lazy swaying of wheat bunches from the ceiling. With sugar-free puddings, daily specials like Passionfruit Mochi, and an array of vegan Japanese tapas, rice, and noodle dishes, Itadaki Zen crafts the perfect vegan expereience.
The Vurger Co.
6, Richmix, Unit 9, Richmix, Avant Garde, Cygnet St, London E1 6LD
Previously a pop-up sensation, The Vurger Co has transformed into a permanent haven for vegan food enthusiasts, securing funding for its Shoreditch location. Indulge in the protein-packed classic black bean patty, complemented by tangy burger sauce, tomato, red onion, gherkins, and properly cheesy vegan cheese. Don't miss out on their carb-tastic sides like skin-on and sweet potato fries or the delightful tater tots. Wrap up your feast on a sweet note with their plant-based shakes—Oreo, banana caramel, or Biscoff, with an optional shot of rum or whisky. Plus, they're dog-friendly, so bring along your furry friends for a fabulous vegan feast.
Naïfs
56 Goldsmith Rd, London SE15 5TN
Naïfs stands as a family-run vegan haven, offering a delightful escape from the city. Led by chef Tom Heale, whose culinary journey includes stints at the acclaimed Vanilla Black, Naïfs presents a seasonal set menu reminiscent of Greek meze. The intimate setting exudes a cozy, homely atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dining experience. Tom and his brother Finn work their magic in the kitchen, crafting Middle Eastern-inspired small plates with love and care. The £27 set menu changes monthly, offering a variety of dishes that celebrate the versatility of plants. Highlights include the mouthwateringly juicy red pepper kebab and the satisfyingly crunchy lentil fritters.
Wave
11 Dispensary Ln, London E8 1FT
Dive into the vegan wave at WAVE – the acronym for We Are Vegan Everything – a trendy café in Hackney that proves it's all about innovative, plant-based delights. From brekky bowls to Bali bowls, mock-salmon bagels to mac 'n' cheeze, and mighty freakshakes, WAVE delivers a tropical-meets-Scandi aesthetic alongside its scrumptious menu. The chic yet cozy interior invites you to linger over veg-heavy bowls and imaginative salads. The Golden Roasted Salad is a photographic masterpiece, and the roast cauliflower, paired with a coronation-ish sauce, dances with pomegranate and orange notes.
Temple of Seitan
London's first vegan chicken shop, Temple of Seitan, is the mecca for plant-based junk food lovers. Born from Hackney's
street stall, this cheeky establishment serves up 'meaty' wheat gluten wonders, whether you're sinking your teeth into peppery popcorn-style nuggets, battered strips, or indulging in a burger extravaganza. The menu showcases the seitan in various ways, providing a vegan alternative to the city's greasy glories. The bright and spartan atmosphere, complete with blaring music and a rich, greasy aroma, mimics the traditional chicken shop vibe but adds a hip, animal-product-free twist.