The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London
Forget dry falafels and lacklustre quinoa – London's vegan and vegetarian restaurants are pushing the boundaries in flavour and presentation, with chic interiors to match
Mildreds, across London
A vegetarian institution: Mildreds opened back in 1988 and paved the way for vegetarian cooking in London. The trusted Soho stalwart is accompanied by outposts in Camden, King’s Cross and Dalston, all of which encompass Mildreds’ warm spirit and colourful cuisine. This Veganuary, try an autumnal menu spanning crispy tofu stir fry, Sri Lankan curry with roasted lime cashews and a vibrant, all-vegan dessert menu. You can also take a slice of Mildreds home with you by purchasing the inspiration-packed cookbook.
Redemption, Shoreditch, Notting Hill & Covent Garden
For hangover-free cocktails and the best vegan burger in town: Perfect for those also attempting Dry January, Redemption is London’s leading alcohol-free bar, with sites in Shoreditch, Notting Hill and Covent Garden. Nutrient-packed smoothies, hot drinks and colourful cocktails are complemented by an enticing menu of beautifully presented, vegan dishes. Try sweet and smoky barbecued jackfruit, warming wild mushroom risotto and creamy cashew cheeseboards with raw crackers. The protein-packed hemp and shiitake mushroom burger is arguably the best in London, loaded with quinoa, roasted chestnuts and toasted walnuts in a warm charcoal brioche bun, served with caramelised red onion marmalade and kimchi. Make sure you leave room for an array of sugar-free, decadent desserts – redemption has never been so sweet.
Farmacy, Notting Hill
For chic interiors: The brainchild of Harrods heiress Camilla Fayed, Farmacy in Notting Hill draws a fashionable, eco-conscious set. The plant-based menu reels off chickpea pancakes, hearty earth bowls and spelt pizza with macadamia ‘cheese’, while you can perk up with a zingy superfood ‘syringe shot’ or unwind with an impressive list of sulphur-free biodynamic wines. The restaurant lays claim to its own certified plot of land in Kent, where they grow biodynamic vegetables, fruits and herbs for a sustainable farm-to-plate model.
74-76 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH, farmacylondon.com
Wild Food Café, Covent Garden & Islington
For picture-perfect plant-based cuisine. A collaboration between Joel and Aiste Gazdar, the long-standing Wild Food Café is a Neal’s Yard institution, famed for its supersized vegan burgers, rainbow-hued desserts and pastel interiors. A larger site opened in Islington earlier this year, which also offers gluten-free wood-fired pizzas, alongside a considered menu of natural wines and superfood-charged smoothies.
Wild Food Café, 1st Floor, 14 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP; 269-270 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 2UQ, wildfoodcafe.com
WAVE, Hackney
For a laidback tropical jungle in the heart of Hackney (with yoga on the side). WAVE (We Are Vegan Everything) is the latest plant-based polymath to join Hackney’s thriving vegan scene. Start the day with porridge, topped with peanut butter and served in a coconut-style bowl, followed by loaded bagels and comforting vegan mac and ‘cheeze’, served amid bright and airy, Balinese-inspired interiors. Also tempting are the ultra-indulgent freakshakes and a bounty of fresh baking, from pretty cupcakes to croissants and slices. There are also yoga classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
11 dispensary Lane, Mare Street, London, England E8 1FT, weareveganeverything.com
Wulf & Lamb, Chelsea
For vegan comfort food: Wulf & Lamb sits on Pavilion Road, one of our favourite mews streets in London. The casual plant-based restaurant operates a 100% vegan menu, spanning fully-loaded burgers, burritos, creamy cashew mac ‘n’ cheese and a pulled jackfruit ‘Wulf Pie’.
Wulf & Lamb, 243 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, London SW1X 0BP
