Crowned the most vegan-friendly city in the world in Happy Cow’s 2024 rankings, London is a utopia of plant-based eats. The city is home to a rich diversity of cultures, making for an eclectic mix of cuisines on offer, with plenty of 100% vegan establishments. From fully plant-based Chinese food to animal-free pizza and pasta joints, and modern Caribbean eats, there is something for everyone. To make your visit easier and ensure you’re enjoying the very best plant-based delights that the city can provide, our Digital Communications Specialist and local, Vic, has put together this list of her seven favorite vegan restaurants to eat in London. Enjoy!
Unity Diner: mission-driven food
Earthling Ed’s non-profit restaurant Unity Diner serves up a selection of burgers, pub classics and desserts that don’t just taste great but help animals too, by funding the Surge Sanctuary and Ed’s activism efforts. The restaurant is famous for its epic Tofish and Chips – which was so popular that Ed also opened a vegan fish and chip shop on Brighton seafront. Marinated tofu is beer-battered and served up on a stack of chunky chips, mushy peas, and house-made tartare sauce – it’s traditional British fare at its finest! Other highlights on the menu include Steak and Chips using Redefine Meat’s 3D-printed steak, the Double Bacon Cheeseburger featuring Beyond Meat, and the vanilla Crème Brulée. If you love eating great food and supporting vegan activism, Unity Diner is definitely worth a visit!
Pastan: pasta, but make it plant-based
If you’re a self-proclaimed pasta lover, there’s no better place to visit to get your carb fix than Pastan. Famed for its ever-changing seasonal menu, Pastan offers a mouth-watering selection of plant-based dishes inspired by Italian cuisine, with influences from around the world. From vegan versions of Italian classics like Puttanesca and Carbonara to innovative twists on world dishes such as an orzo-based Paella and Umami Stroganoff, the varied menu offers something for everyone. But make sure you leave room for dessert, as Pastan’s legendary mini Biscoff-filled doughnuts are not to be missed. With locations in Barbican, Brighton, Bristol, Barcelona, and Fuengirola, Pastan is on a mission to bring plant-based pasta to the masses!
Vegan Planet: authentic Sichuan cuisine
Located in London’s plant-based haven of Camden, Vegan Planet is not to be skipped on your food tour of the city. Offering an extensive menu of vegan versions of classic Sichuan dishes such as Peking Duck served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and spring onion, Sesame Prawn Toast, Cantonese Style Sweet and Sour with Prawn or Chicken, and Special Fried Rice. If you have a taste for spice, try the Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Vegan Prawn, and the Vegetable Dumplings in Spicy Sauce. I’d recommend sharing several dishes to try as much of the menu as possible, so make sure to go hungry and bring a friend! Note: booking in advance is highly recommended!
Jam Delish: modern Caribbean fare
Islington-based Jam Delish offers something different to the typical vegan restaurant, by putting a modern, plant-based twist on traditional Caribbean fare. Headed up by talented chef Nathan Collymore, the innovative menu features small plates such as Bajan Fried Fish Tacos and Saltfish Sushi, and big plates delivering classics like Curry Goat, Jerk Chicken Skewers, and Oxtail Chow Mein. The sides are packed with Caribbean flavor too, with scotch bonnet spiked Rice and Peas, BBQ Jerk Plantain Fries, and Tropical Mango Salad all on offer. If you want to try something different from the classic vegan burger that packs a punch, Jam Delish should definitely be on your list!
Purezza: plant-based pizza heaven
Anyone familiar with the vegan scene in London will know Purezza, a fully plant-based pizzeria that now has locations in Manchester and Brighton too. With a passion for sustainability, the Purezza team strive to minimize their ecological footprint and work with local suppliers to source organic and seasonal produce whenever possible. Their sourdough pizzas are made fresh daily using organic whole grain flour, and feature their own perfectly melty plant-based ‘Mozella’. On the menu you’ll find the BBQ Bourbon Pizza featuring a white base with Fable pulled mushrooms, the Pepperoni & Agave Pizza which provides a vegan version of the hot honey trend, and the Four Cheese Pizza made with a mix of Honestly Tasty artisan cheeses and La Vie Bacon. If pizza isn’t your thing, the restaurant also offers a selection of small plates such as Caesar Salad, Courgetti Spaghetti, Slow-Cooked Meatballs, and Parmigiana, all 100% vegan! Of course, no Italian feast is complete without Tiramisu, so make sure to save room for their plant-based version of the espresso-infused classic.
Mildreds: a plant-based OG
Serving delicious animal-free food to Londoners for almost 40 years, Mildreds is a pioneer in the plant-based dining scene. What started as a vegetarian restaurant is now a collection of fully vegan eateries with locations in Camden, Soho, Covent Garden, Dalston, Victoria, King’s Cross, and sophisticated sister restaurant Mallow in Borough Market and Canary Wharf. The menu changes seasonally to make use of the best produce available, offering a selection of small plates, buns, and big plates that provide an eclectic mix of cuisines. A mainstay is the Kiri Hodi, a colorful platter of Sri Lankan curry and all the trimmings, but the summer menu also features Korean Fried Chick+n Burger with gochujang sesame glaze served with lemon pepper chips, plus Grilled Roman Artichoke and Hemp Caesar Salad. If you prefer sharing a selection of small plates, try the Arancini Rosso with garlic aioli, Mango Glazed Corn Ribs, Kimchi Gyoza, and Taktouka Whipped Marscapone with Moroccan roast pepper salad. If you’re in London this summer, don’t skip this OG plant-based favorite! Note: booking in advance is highly recommended!
Mali Vegan: a taste of Thailand
Tucked away in Earl’s Court is Mali Vegan, an authentic Thai restaurant that transports patrons to the land of smiles. With a gorgeous suntrap courtyard garden and a beautifully decorated indoor restaurant, this hidden gem is truly unmissable. My favorite dish is the classic Pad Thai with crispy tofu skin, fresh crunchy vegetables, and crushed peanuts, but other highlights include the Crispy Chive Cakes, Tofu and Mushroom Satay Skewers, and Red Curry with Vegan Fish. There’s always room for ice cream, so don’t skip their twist on the classic Mango Sticky Rice featuring mango sorbet, sweet sticky rice, and coconut jelly cubes. Every dish is made using traditional family recipes and is absolutely packed with flavor, so don’t miss out on a taste of Thailand on your trip to London.
London: a must-visit for foodies
There are plenty of plant-based eateries and vegan options to explore across the city of London: and my top seven represent just a small taster of what’s on offer in the city. So if you’re looking for a travel destination that offers a diverse selection of cuisines to dive into, book a trip today! You won’t regret it.
For more plant-based travel recommendations, check out our guides to Berlin, Budapest, and Amsterdam.
Victoria Smith
International Digital Communications Specialist
