The 12 Must-Try Vegan Restaurants in London
In light of social, political, and ethical changes, London is witnessing a significant shift towards reducing animal product consumption. As more diners prioritize their health, environmental concerns, and animal welfare, vegan options have increasingly populated restaurant menus, especially over the last five years (some even argue that veganism became “mainstream” in London around 2018). However, it's important to recognize that this narrative often highlights a white-centric view of “plant-based” diets, overlooking numerous rich culinary traditions and a wide variety of vegan ingredients and dishes. In many global cuisines, veganism has long been the primary dietary choice. Here are some top spots to enjoy diverse vegan cuisine in London.
Note: Not all restaurants on this list are exclusively vegan. Please verify menu items to suit your dietary requirements directly with the restaurants.
Adam Coghlan is a London-based writer and editor. He founded Dinogo London in 2017 and managed the site until it stopped daily updates in 2023. Follow him on Instagram @adamcoghlan.
Horizon Foods
Horizon is London's leading source for Trinidadian dhal puri roti, buss up shut, and pholourie balls, opening its doors to the public Thursday through Saturday. Drop by for doubles, a delectable Trinidadian breakfast treat featuring fried bara and chickpea curry topped with tamarind and a hint of pepper sauce. Enjoy your meal on the forecourt or in your car.
Hiba Taboun
This charming Palestinian cafe on Wood Street in Walthamstow has garnered an impressive reputation for its freshly baked pita, transformed into mouthwatering sandwiches, and its delectable manakeesh, which can be topped with olive oil and za’atar (along with other non-vegan options). The standout sandwich features fragrant and crispy falafel (fried fresh), paired with roasted cauliflower and fried aubergine, all complemented by a crunchy cucumber-and-tomato salad drizzled with tahini and lemon.
Loving Hut Archway
This global chain is part of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s mission to transform the world through her teachings of Quan Yin. At the Archway location, the focus is on the food. A subtle portrait of Hai observes as diners enjoy plant-based offerings that range from hot pot and burgers to generous slices of carrot cake. The vegan shrimp are so delightful that they may prompt a post-meal visit to the vegan shop across the street. Loving Hut’s extensive menu, quick service, and affordable prices make it an ideal spot for those who are hesitant to give up meat.
Rasa South Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
This beloved vegetarian Mytoury has been a fixture in Stoke Newington for over two decades. Its menu primarily showcases dishes from Kerala, the southern Indian state, with generous portion sizes. The bhel mix, a favorite snack from Mumbai, offers delightful texture and balanced flavors; the medhu vadai, akin to a deep-fried dumpling or savory doughnut, serves as ultimate comfort food; and the dosas are both soft and crisp perfection. Be sure to try the Vegan Feast, a communal platter designed for sharing with friends.
Andu Cafe
Andu Cafe began as an internet café on Kingsland Road, serving coffee and light snacks. However, as noted by Riaz Phillips in his guide to East African cuisine in London, Andu’s popularity has soared with Dalston’s growing community, leading to an expansion into the neighboring space. It has rightfully become a beloved establishment, known for its simple yet brilliant dishes. Injera platters come heaped with delights like misir wot (lentils simmered in berbere spices and onions), tikil gomen (spiced cabbage and potatoes), blended split pea shiro, collards sautéed with garlic, and fesolia (a mixed vegetable stew infused with ginger and turmeric). Andu provides a master class in savory flavors in one of London’s coziest dining atmospheres.
Tofu Vegan
This innovative all-vegan Sichuan Mytoury in Islington offers much more than just tofu. Elevating the concept of mock meats, it infuses dishes with bold peppercorns and chiles, akin to the city’s finest non-vegan Sichuan spots over the past decade. Be sure to try the Dongbei sweet potato noodles, delightfully spicy deep-fried asparagus, Chongqing-style ‘chicken,’ Xinjiang-style cumin ‘lamb,’ traditional mapo tofu, and salt-and-pepper king oyster mushrooms. The entire menu is a paradise of umami flavors tailored for vegan diners.
Itadakizen
This quaint Mytoury offers a focused menu, specializing in udon noodle soups that are subtly flavored and generously portioned, garnished with crispy seaweed and scallions. For a satisfying midweek lunch, opt for the hearty bento box featuring light and crunchy kakiage tempura. If you choose udon, consider adding a side of kakiage and spring rolls if you have the appetite.
Ravishankar Bhelpoori House
Since the 1980s, bhel puri establishments have been catering to the crowd around Drummond Street and Euston. Open late, Ravishankar serves as an ideal post-show stop after a performance at Camden’s People’s Theatre, where diners can refuel with dosas, exceptional sambar, and fresh chutneys. Guests coming from the British Library or Wellcome Collection can also indulge in a diverse vegetarian buffet featuring salads, curries, mini dosas, and desserts. Don’t miss the signature bhel puri and other chaat offerings.
Bubala
Marc Summers’s Tel Aviv-inspired mini-chain showcases some of the finest modern vegetarian cuisine in the city. The irresistible tahini-rich hummus is a highlight, accompanied by inventive dishes like oyster mushroom skewers seasoned with tamari and coriander seeds, or fried eggplant paired with zhoug and date syrup. It's an ideal spot for a special vegan dinner, offering a set menu with multiple small plates across three courses for 40 pounds ($49) per person.
Govinda's Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
Govinda’s, a staple of the Hare Krishna movement, has been serving diners on Soho Street since 1977, after relocating from Bury Place where it resided for over ten years. The restaurant operates like a canteen, providing an affordable selection of thalis alongside à la carte options. While primarily vegetarian, many dishes are vegan, and the attentive staff are happy to guide patrons towards suitable choices. With quick service, Govinda’s is an excellent spot for a casual lunch or a speedy dinner.
Gauthier Soho
In 2018, Alexis Gauthier made waves by announcing that his upscale French restaurant in Soho would transition to a fully plant-based menu by 2020. With options for both à la carte and tasting menus, the elegant setting is perfect for special celebrations like birthdays. Among the creative offerings, try the Jar of Faux Gras, made with lentils, walnuts, and shallots, and served with toast.
Nandine
This beloved south London Mytoury, known as “Kitchen” in Kurdish, is operated by chef Pary Baban, her husband Pola, and their sons, Rang and Raman. By day, it offers a selection of brunch options, meze, and delicate pastries, while in the evening, generous platters fill the tables. Create your own vegan feast with dishes like smoky eggplant with chickpeas, baba ghanoush, delightful flatbread, vibrant pickles, stuffed dolma, and decadent baklava to round off your meal.
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