Once upon a time being vegan meant ordering the only non-meat dish on a menu, but not anymore! Restaurants, cafés and street food stalls specialising in plant-based cuisine are popping up all over the UK capital, so we thought we had better see what all the fuss is about … Here’s our guide to the best vegan restaurants in London.

1. Mildreds Soho

Where? 45 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AN

Why go? For its delicious and creative plant-based dishes, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to sustainability

Price: ££

Known for their creative and seasonal menus, they’ve been named London’s favourite vegan restaurant in 2023. Led by creative director Sarah Wasserman, Mildreds is all about bold flavours and minimal waste, using every part of their fresh, organic ingredients. They support small, local suppliers and are committed to making a positive impact on the community. Mildreds is the go-to spot for fantastic vegan food and friendly service.

2. Mallow Borough Market

Where? 1 Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE

Why go? For a delicious, eco-friendly plant-based dining experience inspired by global cuisines.

Price: ££

Mallow Borough Market, from the team behind Mildreds, is a 100% plant-based restaurant located in the heart of London’s Borough Market and Canary Wharf. They serve fresh, seasonal, and sustainable food inspired by cuisines from around the world. Their dishes are colorful, very tasty, and crafted with minimal waste in mind, using ingredients from small, sustainable businesses, including local London suppliers. Mallow offers a delicious, eco-friendly dining experience that celebrates the best of plant-based cooking.

Read: The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in London

3. Vantra

Where? 5 Wardour St, London W1D 6PB

Why go? For a delicious and healthy vegan buffet that nourishes both you and the planet.

Price: ££

Since 1999, Vantra has been a go-to spot in London for delicious and healthy vegan food. Their lunchtime buffet is packed with tasty plant-based dishes that are good for you and the planet. Vantra uses fresh ingredients and three simple technique: raw, fermented, and steamed, to keep all the nutrients and flavours. Whether you’re enjoying a raw salad, a tangy fermented dish, or a flavourful steamed meal, everything at Vantra is made to make you feel great. Come to Vantra for a meal that’s healthy, yummy, and kind to the planet!

4. Plants of Roselyn

Where? 102 Tooley St, London SE1 2TH

Why go? For tasty and authentic plant-based Thai cuisine in a relaxing environment

Price: ££

Plants of Roselyn offers a delightful plant-based twist on traditional Thai cuisine near London Bridge. They preserve authentic Thai flavours while crafting wholesome, contemporary recipes that are both delicious and true to their roots. With a large selection of dishes, such as pad Thai, burgers, and tofu red curry with butterfly rice, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The restaurant is dog-friendly and boasts refreshing cocktails, lovely staff, and a relaxing environment. Reservations are recommended to secure a spot at this popular vegan Thai eatery with great food and exceptional service.

5. Bubala Spitalfields

Where? 65 Commercial St, London E1 6BD

Why go? For its tasty Middle Eastern-inspired vegetable dishes and exceptional natural wines.

Price: ££

Bubala, meaning ‘darling’ in Yiddish, is a welcoming restaurant that started as a pop-up and now has two permanent locations in Spitalfields and Soho. Inspired by the bold and complex flavours of the Middle East, Bubala offers playful, vegetable-centric dishes that celebrate the best and most exciting produce without using synthetic or processed substitutes. Their commitment to quality extends to their drink selection, featuring some of the best natural wines from UK suppliers and delicious homemade sparkling gazoz. At Bubala, you’ll experience generous hospitality and a passion for exceptional food and drink.

6. What The Pitta?

Where?

• 89-91 Bayham St, London NW1 0AG
• 53 Brick Ln, London E1 6PU

Why go? A meatless kebab that rivals your favourite late night doner

Price: ££

What the Pitta? specialises in vegan junk food that is flavoursome, healthy and environmentally friendly – no small feat for a pop-up street food stall. Typically when a vegan dish attempts to rival their meat-based equivalent they fall short of the mark. However, that is not the case with What the Pittas plant-based doner. The yummy vegan kebab has left many wondering how something void of meat could be so tasty. But don’t just take our word for it, go and try it for yourself. 

7. Itadakizen

Where? 139 King’s Cross Rd, London WC1X 9BJ

Why go? Visit Europe’s first organic and vegan Japanese restaurant 

Price: ££

Last but not least on our guide to the best vegan food in London is Japanese restaurant Itadakizen. Located just two minutes walk away from Clink78 this plant-based restaurant is the perfect spot for a bite to eat when you don’t want to venture far from the hostel. If you’re a regular meat eater we recommend trying the Bento Box for a selection of dishes… We promise you’ll find at least one that you like!

8. Unity Diner

Where? 60 Wentworth St, London E1 7AL

Why go? For healthy vegan food that supports animal rights and sustainability in a friendly atmosphere.

Price: ££

Unity Diner, founded in September 2018 by a group of friends, aims to revolutionise perceptions of vegan food through delicious, lovingly made dishes. Located in the heart of East London, this non-profit diner creates a friendly atmosphere. Their profits support animal rights work, including the Surge Sanctuary, a haven for rescued animals. Committed to sustainability, Unity Diner uses biodegradable packaging, ethically made staff uniforms, and a paperless payment system. Dog-friendly, they even offer free vegan dog treats and donate suitable food waste to rescued animals.

9. Dauns

Where? 77 Wentworth St, London E1 7TD

Why go? For a unique, fully vegan Scandinavian dining experience with tasty homemade dishes.

Price: ££

Dauns, created by Rickard Daun from Sweden, is the world’s first fully vegan Scandinavian-inspired restaurant, café, bar, and deli. Located in Dalston, Hackney, Dauns offers a traditional fika with cinnamon buns and locally roasted coffee, plus sandwiches, daily Scandinavian dishes, and locally produced vegan deli items. Enjoy Swedish snacks, crispbread, jams, and a selection of Scandi designs, along with a curated wine list, Nordic and local beers, cocktails, and Swedish Aquavit. Rickard’s passion for homemade, plant-based food brings the flavourful charm of Scandinavian cuisine to London.

10. Club Mexicana Soho

Where? Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW

Why go? For innovative, mouthwatering vegan tacos and margaritas in a fun atmosphere.

Price: ££

Club Mexicana is shaking up the vegan food scene with tacos, nachos, and burritos like you’ve never seen before, all topped off with their famous frozen margaritas and unbeatable vibes. Founded in 2014 to dispel the myth that vegan food is boring, Club Mexicana brings bold, great-tasting dishes that just happen to be vegan. Starting as a Saturday night supper club in Hackney, they’ve been at the forefront of London’s street food revolution, making waves at Street Feast, KERB, and the UK’s biggest music festivals. Now, they have permanent spots in Kingly Court, Shoreditch, and Brixton, with more exciting projects coming soon.

11. Beza Ethiopian Food

Where? 8A Sayer St, London SE17 1FH

Why go? For an authentic vegan Ethiopian dining experience with locally sourced ingredients.

Price: £

Discover the rich flavours of Ethiopia at Beza Ethiopian Food, a completely vegan restaurant located in the heart of Elephant Park. Their menu features savoury stews made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a delightful culinary journey for everyone, whether you’re a vegan or just seeking a unique dining experience. Popular dishes include Injera, a spongy sourdough bread perfect for scooping up tasty stews like Misir Wot and Shiro Wot, all spiced with traditional Ethiopian flavours. At Beza, authenticity is key, with dishes served in local pottery and baskets to honour Ethiopian traditions. Come visit and enjoy a delicious meal that showcases the best of Ethiopian vegan cuisine.

12. Tofu Vegan Islington

Where? 105 Upper St, London N1 1QN

Why go? For an authentic and tasty plant-based dining experience that delights both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Price: ££

At Tofu Vegan, you’ll find a completely plant-based menu that delights vegans, vegetarians, and even meat-eaters. Specialising in tofu, mushrooms, and Asian imitation meats made from bean proteins, the restaurant offers an exciting variety of dishes. The expert chefs, hailing from Sichuan, Cantonese, and Dongbei regions of China, bring authentic and enticing regional flavours to every plate. The welcoming staff provide helpful guidance on ordering, ensuring a great dining experience. Tofu Vegan is not just a vegan version of Chinese takeaway, it’s a culinary adventure with unique flavours and professional service that will leave you impressed.

13. Sen Viet

Where? 120 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DP

Why go? For authentic, flavourful Vietnamese vegan cuisine served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Price: ££

Sen Viet is a charming vegan restaurant dedicated to bringing the authentic flavors of Vietnam to your table. Inspired by cultural and religious beliefs, they transitioned to a completely vegan menu in April 2022, offering a variety of healthy and delicious dishes. The restaurant provides a warm atmosphere with simple decor, featuring carved scenes under the glass at each table. Dishes like spicy noodle soup, morning glory, Halong fried cakes, and a clay pot of tofu and mushrooms showcase their commitment to quality and taste. With polite staff and quick service, Sen Viet is perfect for vegans and vegetarians seeking hearty, flavorful Vietnamese cuisine.

14. 222 Vegan Cuisine

Where? 222 North End Rd, London W14 9NU

Why go? For delicious, freshly prepared vegan meals that are both healthy and satisfying.

Price: ££

222 is a beloved vegan restaurant in London that has been delighting customers since 2004 with its delicious and nutritious food. Every dish is made to order by Ben and his team, using fresh, natural ingredients and techniques that preserve both taste and nutritional value. Their menu is low-fat, low-salt, non-GM, and organic where possible, with a commitment to never deep-fry or microwave food. Known for their unique dining experience, 222 offers a variety of tasty vegan bowls that combine fresh ingredients into balanced, satisfying meals. Whether you have special dietary needs or just love great vegan food, 222 is ready to welcome you.

15. Love Shack

Where? Arch 298, 299 Cambridge Heath Rd, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9HA

Why go? For its welcoming community vibe, delicious vegan food, and eclectic events that offer both education and entertainment.

Price: ££

Love Shack is a unique vegan space in Cambridge Heath, born from a dream to create a welcoming community hub. Founded on the principles of peace, love, and fun, it offers a warm atmosphere where everyone, vegan or not, can enjoy delicious food prepared by passionate chefs, baristas, and mixologists. From talks on mushroom cultivation to lively raves, Love Shack is a place that educates, inspires, and entertains. Despite starting in a rundown old garage, the founders’ passion and optimism transformed it into a thriving hotspot known for its incredible hospitality and eclectic events.

Ready to visit London and try some of this delicious vegan food for yourself? Find out more about Clink78 Backpackers Youth Hostel in King’s Cross and Clink261 Budget Hostel in London.