Once upon a time, being vegan was about as fashionable as wearing socks with sandals. Now, of course, both are right on-trend. But it’s looking like meat-free eating will endure. Veganism has grown exponentially in the past few years where more than half a million people in the UK are now vegan, a rise of 360 per cent in 10 years. The result: a refreshing slew of meat and dairy substitutes and more excitingly, restaurants are now more available than ever. Chefs including Yotam Ottolenghi and Bruno Loubet have brought zingy fresh ingredients, spices and recipes to the table and expanded our palates, while food-bloggers such as the Hemsley sisters have championed meaty but meat-free alternatives such as tempeh and seitan. Heck, there’s even a vegan Magnum; Greggs launched a vegan sausage roll; THIS products became a household name and Beyond Meat signed a multi-year partnership with McDonald’s, KFC and Taco Bell. There’s even a glossy vegan cookbook from Phaidon to leave lying on your sustainably sourced coffee table.
When it comes to eating out, we salute pioneers such as Mildred’s in Soho – open more than 30 years, which scooped vegetarian food away from the clumpy brown plate-breaking efforts of the 1960s – and neighbourhood joints such as Finsbury Park’s Jai Krishna, which has served southern Indian dishes to generations of herbivores, alongside Michelin-starred Gauthier in Soho, who made the same waves as NYC’s Eleven Madison Park, when it announced it would transform its meat-clad fine dining menu fully vegan.
But now a new species of vegan and vegetarian café have arrived – less earnest, shinier, and with far more pizzazz. These are some of the best vegan restaurants in London (in no particular order).
What’s the difference between a plant-based and vegan diet?
While a plant-based and vegan diet is similar, the two are not interchangeable. Those on a vegan diet eliminate all animal products, including meat, dairy and even honey. By contrast, those on a plant-based diet can choose to eat animal products but their focus is on consuming whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seeds.
How many vegan restaurants are there in London?
In 2022, London was crowned the most vegan-friendly city in the world with a whopping 400 vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants across the capital – so it’s safe to say you’re spoiled for choice around here.
What are vegan-friendly restaurants?
This is when the restaurant caters to vegans while also serving meat- or dairy-based dishes, whether through an entirely separate menu or a simple ‘VG’ mark on the menu.
Are there any Michelin-star vegan restaurants in London?
Veganism may not scream Michelin-worthy but surprisingly, many establishments across the capital have been rewarded the prestigious title. With a total of 31 Michelin-star restaurants in London, the ones that have garnered a cult following (for good reason) are Pied à Terre, Pollen Street Social and Gauthier so we suggest placing these top of your foodie list.
