Few cities can boast the number of quality plant-free restaurants than London. In fact, no city can, if you’re to believe the accolade a few years ago that the UK capital topped the list of the most vegan-friendly city on the planet with more than 400 vegan eateries within the city limits.
Best of all, the quality level is noteworthy, as fine dining establishments have even gotten in on the meat-free act. Keep reading to discover our picks for the best vegan restaurants in London.
Where to find the best vegan restaurants in London
Temple of Seitan
With locations in Camden and Hackney, Temple of Seitan should make any “best vegan restaurants in London” list simply on the name alone. It doesn’t hurt, though, that this seitan-friendly eatery is also excellent. And it has a cult following to show.
They make excellent vegan versions of Nashville crispy and hot chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, and wraps stuffed with fresh veggies, and—wait for it—chicken. It’s so good, you’ll soon be hailing seitan too.
Insider tip: Temple of Seitan is also made our list of the best vegan burgers in London.
Gauthier
In 2019, acclaimed chef Alexis Gauthier announced his eponymous restaurant was going fully vegan and it got the attention of the dining public and food media. Gauthier, the restaurant and the chef, has been quickly changing minds and taste buds about the limits of vegan cuisine.
The Soho restaurant serves up two different tasting menus, a 5-course and a longer 8-course feast of refined, French-accented meat-free fare.
Unity Diner
A Spitfields favorite for herbivores (and the people who love them), Unity Diner has mastered faking meat. They serve delicious and realistic versions of burgers, fish and chips, meatballs, prawn tempura, and even steaks.
Bonus: Unity has an inventive cocktail program, mixing up a handful of signature drinks and classic libations.
Plates London
After chef Kirk Haworth was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2016, he went fully vegan. And so did his Shoreditch restaurant, Plates London.
Some of the tasting-menu highlights include barbecued maitake mushroom wading in a mole sauce, slow-cooked leeks doused in a chestnut cream, and rice pudding ice cream sprinkled with mulberries.
Purezza
Sustainable vegan pizza? That’s right. Get yourself to Camden.
The sourdough-based Neapolitan-style pizzas at Purezza are topped with vegan mozzarella and parmigiano and sprinkled liberally with flavor-popping ingredients black truffles, fresh tomatoes, and butternut squash.
The restaurant only uses ingredients from sustainable farms and sources and finds a way to use all of the product, instead of tossing some bits in the rubbish.
Naīfs
The affordable set menu at Naīfs, a neighborhood bistro in Peckham, leans into Greek cuisine (though not exclusively) and serves dishes family style—they’re meant to be shared.
Some of the palate-popping dishes include grilled zucchini accented with hummus and fried cauliflower with smoked chilies.
Itadaki Zen
Located a short stroll from the King’s Cross tube station, Itadaki Zen claims to be the first fully vegan Japanese restaurants in Europe.
Carnivores will certainly not miss meat here. Cucumber and kimchi salad, hearty curry-laced ramen, and ample amounts of grease-less tempura, make this affordable izakaya-like restaurant the place to point yourself for a meat-free meal in London.
Holy Carrot
Starting life as a pop-up in Kensington, Holy Carrot planted its roots on Portobello Road in Notting Hill in 2024. And London’s plant-based dining lovers are leaping with joy.
Open-flame cooking is the restaurant’s forte, so expect a lot of grilled veggies, such as coal-roasted leeks and smoked beetroot, but also sweet potato hummus and a hearty mushroom-and-tofu hotpot.
FAQ: Best vegan restaurants in London
Are vegan restaurants in London expensive?
London offers a wide range of vegan dining options for every budget. You can find affordable vegan cafes and food markets alongside mid-range and high-end dining experiences.
There are also Michelin-starred restaurants with sleek interiors and menus that can easily convert a carnivore into an herbivore in one forkful of vegan fare.
Do I need to book in advance for vegan restaurants in London?
While some vegan restaurants accept walk-ins, popular spots can get busy, especially during weekends or dinner hours. For highly rated restaurants or fine dining establishments, it’s a good idea to book a table in advance.
Are there gluten-free options available at vegan restaurants?
Yes, many vegan restaurants in London cater to other dietary preferences, including gluten-free. Be sure to check the menu online or contact the restaurant to confirm specific options.
What areas of London are best for vegan food?
Central London neighborhoods like Soho, Shoreditch, Camden, and Hackney are hotspots for vegan dining, offering a mix of trendy cafes, street food markets, and high-end restaurants.
However, you’ll find great vegan options throughout the city.
Do London pubs have vegan options?
Many pubs in London now offer vegan dishes on their menus, ranging from classic British fare like vegan pies and Sunday roasts to plant-based burgers.
Gastropubs are especially good for vegan options. You can even find vegan fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and full English breakfasts.
What makes vegan cafes different from traditional cafes?
Vegan cafes stand out for their innovation, offering creative plant-based dishes and drinks you might not find in traditional cafes. Vegan cafes in London are often big on sustainability, with zero-waste initiatives and eco-friendly packaging.
Along with hip décor, they usually serve innovative dishes like jackfruit tacos, aquafaba lattes, and plant-based pastries. With an emphasis on inclusivity, vegan cafes are a great option for those with various dietary preferences.
Are there vegan afternoon teas in London?
Yes, vegan afternoon tea experiences are available at several venues in London. At vegan afternoon tea, you’ll find plant-based takes on classic British treats like scones, quiches, and tarts.
Rest assured that the layers in the pastries and finger sandwiches are filled with their vegan counterparts. Dairy-free clotted cream and plant-based Victoria sponge, anyone?
Are there vegan-friendly food markets in London?
Yes, food markets like Borough Market, Camden Market, and Spitalfields Market feature a variety of veggie-friendly stalls offering fresh, delicious, and unique vegan options.
Now that you’ve filled up on delicious vegan food are you ready to get to know London? From royal landmarks to river views and historic towers, our unforgettable London in a Day Tour shows you London like no one else can—on foot, by boat, and from above. With expert guides, skip-the-line entry, and stories that bring the city to life, this is the ultimate way to explore the capital.
