Once upon a time, plant-based dining in London meant a sad bowl of lettuce, a lifeless veggie burger, and an eye-roll from your waiter.
Not anymore.
Today, London’s plant-based scene is thriving, with restaurants that prove you don’t need meat to have a meal that’s indulgent, flavorful, and exciting. From vegan fine dining to street food stalls pushing plant-based creativity, London is now one of the world’s best cities for vegan and vegetarian food lovers.
Whether you’re a lifelong herbivore or just dipping your toes into the plant-based world, here’s your ultimate guide to the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London.
1. The Evolution of Plant-Based Dining in London
🔸 The Early Days:
Not too long ago, veganism in London meant bland tofu, overcooked lentils, and restaurants that treated plant-based eaters as an afterthought.
🔸 The Shift:
In the past decade, plant-based food has gone mainstream, thanks to:
- A rise in flexitarian diets – people cutting down on meat without going fully vegan.
- Innovative chefs – proving that plant-based food can be just as indulgent as traditional dishes.
- Sustainability awareness – diners now care more about the environmental impact of their food choices.
🔸 The Result?
A food scene where vegan burgers bleed, cashew cheese melts, and jackfruit somehow tastes like pulled pork.
2. The Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in London
📍 Where to Eat the Best Plant-Based Food in the City:
🌱 Mildreds (Soho, Camden, King’s Cross, Covent Garden, Dalston)
🔸 Why It’s Famous:
- One of London’s original vegetarian restaurants, serving plant-based dishes since 1988.
- Global flavors, from Sri Lankan curries to Mexican mole enchiladas.
🔸 What to Eat:
- Smoked tofu and sweet potato burger – smoky, spicy, and seriously satisfying.
- Turmeric roasted cauliflower with pomegranate and tahini – a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
🍔 Biff’s Jack Shack (Dalston) – The Ultimate Vegan Junk Food
🔸 Why It’s Famous:
- Proof that vegan food doesn’t have to be healthy.
- Specializes in deep-fried, crispy jackfruit burgers and wings that could fool a meat eater.
🔸 What to Eat:
- The Father Jack Burger – crispy jackfruit patty, fake bacon, maple-chipotle mayo.
- Loaded ‘Duck’ Fries – hoisin jackfruit, spring onions, sesame seeds.
🌮 Club Mexicana (Soho, Seven Dials, Spitalfields) – Vegan Mexican Done Right
🔸 Why It’s Famous:
- London’s best vegan Mexican spot, with tacos, burritos, and nachos that hit the spot.
- No sad veggie replacements—just bold, spicy, real flavors.
🔸 What to Eat:
- Vegan al pastor tacos – made with pulled mushrooms and pineapple salsa.
- Fully loaded nachos – layers of guac, salsa, cashew cheese, and smoky chipotle beans.
🍜 Tendril (Mayfair) – Vegan Fine Dining at Its Best
🔸 Why It’s Famous:
- Chef Rishim Sachdeva’s take on elevated plant-based cuisine.
- Dishes inspired by seasonal produce, bold flavors, and artistic presentation.
🔸 What to Eat:
- Miso-glazed aubergine with sesame and coriander – rich, smoky, umami-packed.
- Celeriac steak with truffle sauce – so good, you won’t miss the meat.
🥟 Mao Chow (Hackney) – Spicy, Sichuan-Inspired Vegan Chinese
🔸 Why It’s Famous:
- The UK’s first fully vegan Chinese restaurant, and it doesn’t hold back on spice.
- Authentic Sichuan flavors, but entirely plant-based.
🔸 What to Eat:
- Dan dan noodles with spicy sesame sauce – silky, nutty, and packed with heat.
- Crispy wontons with chili oil – crunchy, spicy perfection.
🍕 Purezza (Camden) – The Best Vegan Pizza in London
🔸 Why It’s Famous:
- London’s first plant-based pizzeria, with cheese made from fermented brown rice.
- Wood-fired crusts, authentic Neapolitan style, and toppings that don’t compromise.
🔸 What to Eat:
- Black truffle pizza with wild mushrooms – earthy, creamy, addictive.
- ‘Parmigiana Party’ pizza – rich tomato base, smoked aubergine, vegan parmesan.
3. The Future of Vegan & Vegetarian Dining in London
London’s plant-based dining scene is only getting bigger, better, and bolder. What’s next?
✅ More vegan butchers – Meat-free shops offering plant-based sausages, steaks, and deli meats.
✅ Lab-grown alternatives – The rise of cultured meat and dairy products.
✅ Michelin-starred vegan restaurants – Fine dining with exclusively plant-based tasting menus.
Final Thoughts: Why London is the Perfect Place to Eat Plant-Based
You don’t need to be vegan or vegetarian to appreciate how exciting London’s plant-based food scene has become.
With its mix of street food, fine dining, and bold flavors, London is proving that plant-based dining isn’t just a trend—it’s the future.
So whether you’re all-in on veganism, flexing between meals, or just craving something delicious, there’s never been a better time to eat plant-based in London.