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33 of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London

• Emily Marten

Published: July 22, 2026 at 2:50 PM

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From Middle Eastern small plates and seitan burgers, to plant-based tasting menus, here’s our pick of the capital's best vegan and veggie restaurants

Want to find the best vegan restaurants in London? Read our expert foodie guide to the best plant-based restaurants in the capital serving vegetarian and vegan menus.

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For a more intimate restaurant experience, find out the best private dining rooms in the UK and for something extra special, try the best chef's table experiences in the UK and the best dining experiences in London. For specific cuisines, check out the best Indian restaurants in London. Further afield, discover the best female-owned restaurants in the U.K and out the best food and drink festivals to visit.

Best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London

Tangra, Soho — for inventive Indo-Chinese dishes

Tangra celebrates India's Indo-Chinese food culture in the heart of Soho. At the helm is chef Nikesh Sawant, formerly of Mildreds and Mallow, who brings his experience in proving that vegetables never need play second fiddle.

The Frith Street room is every bit as fun as the menu. Warm timber and exposed brick are lit by neon signs, Bollywood legends gaze down from the walls, and bright red booths invite lingering late into the evening. It feels more like a buzzing late-night diner than a polished Soho restaurant.

The food is bold, inventive and packed with texture. Crunchy smacked cucumbers were slicked with soy, vinegar and crackling with chilli oil, while burrata watermelon chaat balanced creamy cheese with tamarind, green chutney and crisp lotus root. Lollipop Chick’n & Gobi was gloriously crisp beneath a sticky Bombay chilli glaze but the standout was the laccha paneer: delicate layers of paneer threaded with green chutney and kashmiri chilli, scattered with smoked almonds and served in a rich makhani sauce. Parathas and jeera rice were essential for mopping up the sauce.

To drink, we started with one of Tangra's playful cocktails – the mezcal-laced Spice Trader, or if you prefer, the house Tangra beer.

We finished with soft serve in rotating flavours such as mango darsaan or smoked oil chai. tangrarestaurant.com

Plates, Hoxton – for high-end vegan

Siblings Kirk and Keeley Haworth have created a one of a kind menu and vibe at this entirely plant-based Hoxton restaurant. Each dish combines highly seasonal, sustainable, occasionally unfamiliar ingredients which makes a fun journey of discovery. A tasting menu kicks off with – depending on the season – hibiscus and white tea granita with a beetroot and buckwheat truffle, savoury but surprisingly the exact texture of a rich chocolate treat. Laminated sourdough has both crunch and flakiness, served with a vibrant spirulina butter. You might recognise ‘lasagne’ from Kirk’s win on Great British Menu – his deconstructed version combines an umami-packed ragu with a miso and chive sauce. There’s no refined sugar but plenty of flavour in cacao gateaux with sour cherry, coconut blossom ice cream and caramel sauce. Low-intervention wines and cocktails are equally inspiring. Book a seat at the counter for a ringside view. plates-london.com

Gauthier, Soho – for tasting menus showcasing plant-based French cuisine

When your meal starts with ringing the doorbell of an elegant townhouse in central London, you know you’re in for a treat. A visit to Alexis Gauthier’s vegan brainchild just off Oxford Street most certainly is that.

The Grand Dîner of eight seasonal courses – or the Petit Dîner for five courses – marries classic French cuisine with entirely plant-based ingredients. Stand-out dishes include the flaky, croissant-esque toast with an implausibly silky wild mushroom pâté with crunchy cornichons to cut through the richness. The palate cleanser features a clove and black pepper poached quince with creamy stracciatella from handmade plant-based cheesemaker Julienne Bruno.

The wine pairings by head sommelier David Havlik include crisp dry white wine from the Basque Country to whet your appetite, followed by more complex, aged wines from France and a fortified sweet red wine to complement the crisp open walnut macaroon for dessert. Non-alcoholic drink pairings are offered with no less thoughtfulness – seasonal creations include black darjeeling tea, a woody infused bergamot inspired by Guerlain’s Habit Rouge perfume and a dark ginger ale with smoked hickory and fermented roasted swede.

The classic, understated elegance of the décor contrasts with brightly coloured contemporary art – perhaps a nod to Alexis’s modern take on traditional French cuisine. gauthiersoho.co.uk

Holy Carrot, Spitalfields – for a sultry candlelit vegetarian bistro

Where the Notting Hill site is an exercise in contemporary chic minimalism (read below), this new outpost brings an upscale bistro to Spitalfields with white tablecloths, flickering candles, gleaming ceramic tiles and a hand-painted mural from Studio Toogood that stretches almost the entire breadth of one wall.

Not only does the décor differentiate itself from the west London location but the new menu also expands into vegetarian cooking with the likes of baked egg khachapuri and English ricotta with radicchio. Nevertheless, ferments and fire-grilled dishes remain at the core of the offering, with charred silken tofu pizzettas and the iconic coal-roasted leeks.

Koji-cured vegetables of carrots and celeriac have a meaty bite and smokiness, served with refreshing pickles to awaken the palate, while the ‘sexy’ tofu with a homemade smoked carrot xo sauce has a delightfully crunchy exterior. Thin and crisp schnitzel made with tempeh and tofu, and served with café de paris butter, is an impressive dish which truly hits the flavour and textural touchpoints of the classic golden breaded cutlet. No-waste lemon posset with a delicately torched meringue and buttery biscuit crumbs is a pleasantly zingy end to the meal.

Cocktails are conveniently thematic, ranging from floral to smoky, spicy, citrussy and salty. The spin on a spicy margarita has a gentle fire which is well balanced with pineapple and aromatic coriander. Biodynamic rosé, red, white and skin-contact wines from small-scale producers are available by the bottle and glass. holycarrot.co.uk

Holy Carrot, Notting Hill – for impressive plant-based credentials

Previously rubbing shoulders with Harrods in Knightsbridge, fully plant-based Holy Carrot finds its new home on Portobello Road. The menu has been completely revamped – headed up by Acme Fire Cult’s co-founder Daniel Watkins – as has the décor, which is minimalist, chic and neutral, allowing the food to take centre stage. A pleasant smokiness permeates the restaurant from the coal-roasted leeks which are lifted from Acme’s Dalston menu. Ingredients from the seasonal menu are sourced from small-scale producers, including squidgy focaccia from Alma Bakery. The delicate grilled watermelon with cucumber, seaweed and togarashi is pleasantly refreshing, while hen of the woods with tofu soubise, mala sauce and kombu is umami heaven. For dessert, we inhaled the matcha tiramisu topped with candied pecans.

The stellar credentials continue to the cocktail menu from Dalston’s A Bar with Shapes for a Name (one of the world’s 50 best bars, no less). The extensive wine list outdoes itself with bubbles, pink, skin-contact and orange wines from across Europe, including rare wines – all low-intervention, organic and biodynamic. For the teetotal there are low- and no-alcohol wines as well as a sprinkling of the more unusual with cordyceps and lion’s mane lattes. holycarrot.co.uk

Bubala, King's Cross – for Middle Eastern vegetarian small plates

Bubala has done it again, this time at a brand-new spot in Coal Drops Yard. The third spot from founder Marc Summers (Berber & Q) boasts its very own wood-fired oven, as well as a bright, light-filled space and high ceilings – unlike its cosier counterparts in Soho and Shoreditch – and with shelves adorned with pickle jars and greenery.

Trust that ‘Bubala Knows Best’ with the vegetarian or vegan set menus. Start with a pickle plate – three types all in different brines – closely followed by the superlative dips. The beyond silky baba ganoush comes with a well of curry leaf oil and toasted pine nuts, alongside a sleek fava bean dip with vadouvan. Smoky laffa bread is fresh off the grill and wonderfully charred. The oyster mushroom skewer with tamari and coriander seed is a stand-out dish with umami meatiness that will convince even the staunchest mushroom naysayers. Crisp falafel with a vibrant green centre is served with tangy mango pickle amba and sumac onions.

Even something as simple as a side salad is pepped with Bubala flair – oak and mustard leaves with onion, pomegranate molasses and mint is a refreshing complement to the deep-fried falafel, charred, smoky vegetables and creamy dips. Wash it all down with a spicy margarita rimmed with flecks of char from the grill. bubala.co.uk

Bubala, Shoreditch - for vibrant sharing feasts

Bubala's original Spitalfields location expands its offering of plentiful Middle Eastern sharing plates with Bubala Knows Better, an evening set menu for a more generous feast than the Bubala Knows Best option.

Starting with some of the familiar favourites such as the impossibly smooth hummus and baba ganoush, deliciously meaty mushroom kebabs and smacked cucumber drenched in rich tahini, each outpost adds its own unique elements, with this one serving pillowy pita for scooping from London Fields' cult success Pockets. The jewel in the crown is the cauliflower shawarma centrepiece, served with hawaij onions, pickled friggitelli peppers, tahini, shatta, amba and butter lettuce all to be piled on top of warm mini laffa breads.

The pretty pomegranate sour, a bright glass of orange wine or zingy sumac lemonade all make refreshing counterparts to the vibrant plates, while you must squeeze in a bite of the seed-covered coconut and tahini fudge to finish. bubala.co.uk/spitalfields

naïfs, Peckham - for small plates celebrating vegetables

Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Peckham Rye sits vegan naïfs. Immediately warm and welcoming, it feels as though you’ve stepped right into the home of co-owner Anne Stokes, who runs the restaurant with partner Tom Heale. Subtle Japanese references in the décor - including garlands of origami birds - transcend into the food, through their Japanese grill in the kitchen as well as some of the ingredients.

The signature lentil pâté starter is an earthy foil for sweet fig jam, punchy pickles and a rye sourdough from renowned local bakery TOAD. The seasonal set menu of four dishes includes sticky glazed aubergines, smoky celeriac and crunchy sunchoke crisps. All the mains come at once, family style, creating a relaxed dining experience. For drinks, try the tall and refreshing Rhum & Ginger or a warming, gently spiced Paper Plane with bourbon. There are two dessert options, on our visit a feather-light filo with whipped almond custard and umeboshi alongside a silken chocolate mousse with yuzu curd. naifs.co.uk

Kin, Fitzrovia – for stylish, well-considered vegetable dishes

Beginning life as a vegetarian café in 2014, Kin restaurant in Fitzrovia opened the doors to its fully fledged and 100% plant-based restaurant towards the end of 2024. Seasonal ingredients shine across the thoughtful menu whose inspiration draws from across the globe.

Golden broad bean croquettes are served with a smooth butter bean and dill cream, crisp gyoza is complemented by a coco wasabi mayo and toasted coconut flakes, while miso-glazed aubergine is delightfully soft and umami-rich. There is no fake meat in sight and gluten-free options aplenty. Enticing sauces and pickles – including the likes of pickled figs and smoked red pepper relish - can be paired with the dishes for even more variety and vibrancy.

On drinks, the Sol Picante with tequila, passion fruit and pickle juice strikes just the right tang from the mango pickle alongside passion fruit’s tart, sweet counterbalance, served with an ostentatiously large red chilli for a touch of drama. The No 47 with pineapple, Campari and dark rum is a sip of sunshine, whatever the weather.

Round off your meal with a light and creamy gluten-free lemon cheesecake with ponzu foam. Keep an eye out for the hidden downstairs table, if you’re looking for an intimate dinner for two. kinlondon.com

WAVE, Hackney - for leisurely plant-based brunches

Tucked down a quiet backstreet off buzzy Hackney Central lies a plant-based oasis. WAVE (We Are Vegan Everything) does exactly what it says on the tin and more: a fully vegan menu of brunches, pastries, bakes and drinks, set among Bali beach-inspired interiors with a neutral colour palette, rattan furniture and hanging macramé plants.

Deliciously cooked brunches are available until 4pm for laid-back weekends. The shakshuka with creamy butter beans comes topped with a convincing vegan egg made from whipped tahini yogurt and hollandaise. Eat the rainbow with the brekkie bowl of scrambled tofu, perfectly ripe avocado, roast tomatoes, hummus, sautéed kale and homemade barbecue beans. Açai bowls can be levelled up with Trip CBD, protein powder, maca powder and nut butters.

Daily fresh treats from the counter include pasty perfection from up-and-coming plant-based bakery Okja in Spitalfields. Don’t sleep on these – the pistachio and lemon one is zesty and refreshing, while the chocolate hazelnut pastry hits the vegan Nutella spot (read our full review of Okja below).

Standard coffee fare is available but it’s worth trying the salted coffee or peanut butter latte for a punchy caffeine hit, while the vibrant turmeric and beetroot lattes provide plant-powered goodness. Take it one step further with a medicinal lion’s mane latte or cordyceps chai – or make it a boozy brunch with a bloody mary. Walk-ins only. weareveganeverything.com

Jam Delish, Islington - for modern Caribbean vegan dishes

Sibling duo Jordan and Chyna have drawn upon their vegan upbringing to create a union of traditional Caribbean dishes with a modern, London twist in their restaurant and cocktail bar in Islington. Start with tacos with soft-shell tortillas, brown stew ‘codfish’, plantain crisps, avocado and coconut purée. Head chef Nathan Collymore (ex-Jamie Oliver's Fifteen)'s Caribbean fried ‘chicken’ with an umami-rich Jamaican gravy on silky garlic mash and tender vegan ‘goat’ meat in a thick, aromatic curry sauce are must-order mains. When it comes to sides, we particularly enjoyed the creamy mac and cheese with crispy ‘bacon’ and classic fluffy rice and peas. Try to keep a little room for the sticky banana sponge cake with caramelised bananas.

The extensive cocktail menu includes the classics as well as inventive sorrel margaritas with warming ginger, cinnamon and cloves and grown-up, Appleton Estate rum-spiked slushies. Intimate enough for date-night with the plush royal blue upholstery and gold fittings, offset by a vibrant green ‘living wall’, the restaurant also caters to larger groups (make the most of the ‘cakeage’ fee if you want to bring your own cake). jamdelish.co.uk

LD’s Kitchen, Hackney - for smoked vegan meats made from plants

LD’s Kitchen brings London’s first vegan smokehouse to east London. Tucked into the arches by London Fields, everything is handmade and smoked on-site with cherry oak infused smoke.

Choose between glazed brisket made from tofu, mushrooms and vital wheat gluten, tofu and mushroom ribs or two-hour smoked tofu, topped with a choice of four signature barbecue sauces made from the likes of stout and bourbon. Enjoy in a brioche bun or with sides.

The vegan mac is spot-on in texture and flavour with a silky, creamy sauce, a crisp topping and delicate smokiness. The fresh, crunchy slaw makes a nice counterpart to the vegan meatiness, otherwise double down on barbecue flavour with the family BBQ beer beans. All are served with tangy homemade pickles. Deep-fried sides are deliberately absent – these can be found at the kitchen at The Black Heart in Camden, along with Sunday roasts and brunch.

Also housing Saint Monday, an on-site brewery and taproom, you can expect its beers on tap, including rotating collaborations such as a recent one with metal band Green Lung. Metal and rock music with décor to match adds a fun atmosphere – beer in collab with the pub in Camden is priced at a tongue-in-cheek £6.66. ourblackheart.com/lds-kitchen

Dauns, Spitalfields – for Scandinavian-inspired vegan dishes

Opened in December 2021, Dauns is the UK’s first fully vegan Scandinavian café. The extensive all-day menu includes breakfast, brunch (at the weekends), lunch and dinner as well as a small but thoughtful wine list and Scandi-inspired cocktails.

Freshly prepared dishes include Scandi classics such as open sandwiches turned vegan, including a skagen tofish with pickled red onion on thickly cut organic sourdough toast. We couldn’t miss the plant-based Swedish meatballs, served with fluffy mash, creamy gravy, fried onions, pickled gherkins and råröda lingonberries. The 'tuna' toastie made with baked jackfruit has a seriously convincing texture and umami depth of flavour, topped with a perfectly melted cheese sauce.

There’s also plenty to keep your sweet tooth happy. Seasonal specials include the dammsugare we tried during our visit. This typical Swedish treat is made with a chocolate filling and rum wrapped in green marzipan and dipped in dark chocolate. Or choose a classic cinnamon bun, which you can also buy frozen to keep at home and bake whenever the craving hits.

Local deli items from small independent brands include Eaten Alive kimchi and locally produced vegan cheeses from Honestly Tasty, while coffee is from nearby La Tostadora in Bethnal Green. dauns.co.uk

Third Culture Deli, Hackney - for cool coffees and focaccia with homemade vegan cheeses

This fully vegan deli in Broadway Market comes from the people behind plant-based cheese brand I Am Nut OK. Inspired by their Italian American cultural heritage, the owners’ influences translate not only to the menu but also to the bright and airy interior with mid-century modern seating at the tiled countertop and a vibrant painted orange façade, making for a pleasant eat-in experience.

Don’t miss the daily prepared sandwiches using I Am Nut OK cheeses in incredible squidgy and salty focaccia. The vegan caprese sandwich was a real highlight, with creamy vegan mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and homemade pistachio pesto. Pastries are from olive favourite Okja in Spitalfields – see our full Okja review below for more on these.

Speciality coffee comes from Hackney’s Dark Arts Coffee, with pandan and palo santo syrups available for jazzing up your cup of joe – the pandan iced latte had a pleasant nuttiness and vanilla sweetness. The drinks menu is graced with inventive new items such as their recently launched hojicha iced latte with salted caramel cream.

Deli items include I Am Nut OK cheeses as well as a wide variety of snacks, fermented foods such as handmade kimchi and every canned sparkling drink you could dream of. Occasional supper clubs are hosted in collaborations with vegan chefs – keep an eye on Instagram for more information. thirdculturedeli.com

Okja, Spitalfields – for plant-based pastry perfection

When Bethnal Green bakery Knead a Little Love sadly closed its doors in 2024 there was a serious vegan pastry shaped hole in east London. Opening later that year in August, South African Okja has more than filled that spot with seriously flaky vegan pastries to rival non-vegan counterparts.

Making vegan butter with cashew nuts and high-quality deodorised coconut oil truly knocks the socks off other plant-based pastries, with the likes of buttery pistachio, frangipane and lemon swirls (our favourite), as well as a chocolate and hazelnut version, squidgy cookies and other delights.

Transparency is key – you can find every single ingredient in the pastries on Instagram. Visit the flagship store in Spitalfields to see the vegan wizardry in action as Okja bakers prep, roll out and bake their treats throughout the day. Enjoy your pastry alongside Portuguese coffee with Okja's own oat milk.

There is a concerted effort to minimise waste – offcuts are recycled into the next day’s dough, and used oat milk cartons are fashioned into takeaway cup holders. It’s takeaway only here but if you want the sit-down experience you can find the pastries at WAVE and Third Culture Deli. Keep your eyes peeled for a second London location. okja.co

Mildreds, multiple locations - for crowd-pleasing and diverse plant-based dishes

Plant-based stalwart Mildreds started life as a vegetarian restaurant in Soho in 1988 and now happily serves a fully vegan menu across four London locations inspired by a variety of global influences - from Spanish and Italian to Korean and Sri Lankan.

The menu starts with dips, snack and small plates, with triple cooked cherry harissa patatas bravas served alongside pan-fried gyoza with kimchi and a sweet gochugaru sesame dip. Highly recommended 'chef select plates' include a Sri Lankan coconut curry served with fluffy sweet potato and green bean pilau and three delightful condiments - punchy cherry tomato chutney, sweet pineapple pandan sambol and refreshing mint coriander chutney. Definitely add on the flaky paratha for making the most of the inviting sauces.

If you're in the mood for comfort food, Mildreds has all based covered here too. Statuesque burgers served with a soft brioche bun and lemon pepper fries include the likes of Caesar or Korean 'chick+n' and a crunchy beetroot and potato patty. When it comes to dessert, those with a sweet tooth will not leave hungry after tucking into the warm cookie dough blondie served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. As with sister restaurant Mallow (see below), Mildreds serves modern twists on classic cocktails with its own gin as well as craft beer collaborations and a comprehensive wine list. mildreds.com

Mallow, Borough Market – for elevated vegan dining

From the team behind pioneering plant-based restaurant Mildreds (see above) comes another fully vegan restaurant in London Bridge. Seasonal and sustainable ingredients are the threads that brings the menu together, which draws from a diversity of influences across the globe.

The Taste of Mallow tasting menu is front-loaded with small plates which shine brightest, starting with a flatbread with tempered curry leaf oil to dunk into a smoky sweet potato pepper mojo and creamy white bean and confit garlic hummus. Aromatic pickled seasonal vegetables and a charred fennel and citrus salad add welcome balance and crunch. These are followed by innovative root chop croquettes and a charcoal brioche, while the main to share is a creamy tomato and potato masala with a crisp pakora, dhal tarka and fluffy pea-studded pilau rice. The chocolate cherry truffles complete the meal when all you can manage is one last bite.

Take a break between courses to enjoy the warm low lighting and cosy velvet cushioned chairs. The extensive drinks menu includes cocktails made with Mallow’s own gin, such as the dry vermouth and chilli martini, as well as beers made in collaboration with UnBarred Brewery and Harbour Brewing Co. You won’t miss the booze with a non-alcoholic and utterly delightful citrussy and red chilli-spiced pineapple martini. mallowlondon.com

Mallow, Canary Wharf – for plant-based fare inspired by global cuisines

Mallow Canary Wharf also offers a fully plant-based menu. Seasonal and sustainable ingredients are the threads that brings the menu together, which draws from a diversity of influences across the globe. Think earthy mushroom ravioli topped with fried basil, a coconutty Kashmiri gobi and fluffy basmati rice or fattoush salad packed with juicy tomatoes paired with a creamy garlic labneh.

Indulgent desserts include passion fruit tart topped with the bitter crunch of sesame tuile. Enjoy cocktails made with Mallow's gin, such as the dry apricot negroni, along with beers made in collaboration with UnBarred Brewery and Harbour Brewing Co. You won’t miss the booze with a non-alcoholic and utterly delicious lychee jasmine martini. mallowlondon.com

Cafe Petiole, Somerset House – for grab and go vegan dishes or a leisurely sit-down lunch

Chef/owner Rishim Sachdeva of plant-based Tendril in Mayfair (see our review below) has opened a new, similarly plant-forward, café in Somerset House. Enjoy a laidback lunch in the Old Navy Office overlooking the expansive courtyard or opt for a baked good à emporter. The air of French chic is spot on, with muted Renaissance-esque tones on the walls, pastel marble touches and large windows flooding the dining room with light. It would be easy to wile away the hours with a glass from its extensive (and not only French) wine list, or seek non-alcoholic refreshment from LA Brewery kombucha.

It’s pleasing to see vegan dishes are the norm, with the handful of vegetarian options such as whipped feta and baked brie marked as ‘NV’ (not vegan). It’s veg-first – from the specials we loved the cacio e pepe with courgette ragout and walnut purée as well as the silky aubergine with warming spices. The crispy leek fritter with fennel in a soft vegan brioche bun was a highlight among the sandwiches. Something sweet to finish is a non-negotiable – Tendril’s famous tiramisu with pillowy plant-based cream and a light cocoa and coffee sponge is a must-try, as was the pleasantly orange-spiked chocolate babka. cafepetiole.co.uk

Palm Greens, various locations – for nourishing salads

Plant-based pioneer Palm Greens has popped up across London with a stint of residencies this year. In October 2024 it could be found at Neal’s Yard’s 26 Grains with a Mexican-infused, seasonal menu including crisp tostadas with sweet, earthy beetroot, a spicy and creamy vegan take on aguachile, salt and pepper mushroom tempura and a delightful, deconstructed pear cheesecake for dessert.

Similarly fresh, bold and exciting flavours and textures will be appearing on its four-course tasting menu at Loom Club in Islington. LA Brewery is providing the drinks and live music is from Patterns – a soothing blend of atmospheric jazz, soul, broken beat and hip-hop.

A mix of masterclass and supper club is in the pipeline at Fortnum & Mason's third floor studio in January around the theme of 'good mood food'. Think nourishing, vibrant and seasonal dishes inspired by sunnier climes, and owners Kali and Memby's passion for travel and heritage – which are as good for you as they are delicious. Later in 2025 promises to bring its own bricks and mortar space as well as more collaborations with like-minded brands – keep an eye on the website for the latest updates. palmgreens.co.uk

En Root, Peckham – for Indian-inspired vegan dishes

Brothers Nish and Harsh have come a long way since selling hot sauce at markets in 2016, expanding to a bricks-and-mortar in Clapham and, more recently, a plant-based restaurant in Peckham decked with plants, draped mandala tapestries and decorative cushions.

Sip on the watermelon juice with beetroot, apple, ginger and mint during summer evenings, or ask for the modestly priced cocktail menu, where juices are livened with rum. Nourishing vegan fare lies at the heart of En Root, offering Indian classics and street food nibbles infused with Gujarati spices. Start with sharing bites: puri is filled with beetroot, onion and chickpea and submerged in date tamarind masala water, while the plantain chaat – seasoned plantain on a bed of beetroot, onion, chickpea, ‘spice krispies’ and chutney – is an explosion of sweet crunch.

For mains, saag aloo-filled dosas come with lentil soup and coconut chutney. Or, for optimum health, try the buddha bowl, generously filled with rainbow salad, baba ganesh, sprouted lentils, curried chickpeas, plantain and avocado. To finish, the mango lassi cheesecake on an oaty coconut base offers a healthier twist on the original – best served with creamy chai. enrootldn.co.uk

Tendril, Oxford Circus – for veg-first small plates

Chef Rishim Sachdeva’s mostly vegan menu is a masterclass in considered, delicate veg cooking. Dishes are vegan unless otherwise specified (dairy occasionally features) and sing with incredible balance. Small plates include crispy beetroot bao and roast squash tostada, and his vegan tiramisu is a must order. tendrilkitchen.co.uk

The Gate, Hammersmith – for refined vegan and gluten-free dining

From miso-glazed aubergines with toasted cashews to stuffed plantains, the menu at at The Gate Hammersmith could not, in its fusion of global flavours, be any more on-trend. However, its owners, Adrian and Michael Daniel, have been cooking this way since 1989.

For the London-born sons of Indian parents of Iraqi descent, as Michael puts it, “Using chilli and spices is in our DNA. We grew up on a fusion of Arabic and Indian with local influences, so it was easy to mix cuisines”. The Daniels are pioneers in other ways, too: the Gate Islington was the UK’s first accredited, autism-friendly restaurant. 28 years in, they’re as focussed as ever. “If food doesn’t pass my test, it’s not served. If the passion goes, we’re gone.” says Michael. thegaterestaurants.com

The Spread Eagle, Homerton - for vegan pub grub and brunches

Sitting on the corner of Homerton High Street, The Spread Eagle is London’s first 100% vegan pub serving Mexican inspired street-food, cooked by residents/vegan street-food specialists Club Mexicana. Sit around a rustic wooden table sipping on punchy Bloody Mary’s made with horseradish-infused vodka, tea mojitos brewed with earl grey syrup or funky, gently-spiced ginger kombuchas produced locally in Hackney Wick. The brunch menu takes Mexican and American classics like burritos and huevos rancheros and gives them a vegan twist. If you're after something really indulgent, go for the fluffy waffles drizzled with spicy chilli-infused maple syrup, smoky tempeh bacon and fried ‘chicken’. thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk

Temple of Seitan, Hackney – for vegan burgers

With a second site in Camden opening on the back of the success of its pop-ups and the Hackney mothership, Temple of Seitan is a restaurant and takeaway that’s widely regarded as the mother of all plant-based fast-food joints. Since it launched three years ago, Temple of Seitan has gained a fanatical following for its delicious Temple Spicy Burger (crispy seitan fillet, cheese, coleslaw, jalapeños with hot sauce and chipotle mayo) and the proudly poultry-free version of KFC’s double-down fried chicken sandwich. templeofseitan.co.uk

Purezza, Camden – for vegan pizza

The UK’s first 100% vegan pizzeria, Purezza specialises in plant-based pizzas that respect the Neapolitan heritage. Where possible, this means using alternative versions of animal products, such as a plant-based mozzarella, which took more than two years to develop – this organic cheese (that’s dairy-free, low in fat and allergen-free) is made with brown rice milk and is unique to Purezza. In 2018, the restaurant secured investment to begin producing the cheese from a factory for retail. The original Brighton restaurant opened in 2015 and was followed three years later by a Camden branch and plans for more later this year. In 2018, Purezza won National Pizza of the Year for its Parmigiana Party pizza, despite being the only plant-based entrant. purezza.co.uk

Hogless Roast, Hackney – for casual plant-based comfort food

Bored of the standard bean burgers when eating plant-based meat alternatives, founders Matt and Ross set themselves the ambitious aim of creating a vegan hog roast in 2018. Recently voted the UK’s best plant-based takeaway, their juicy vegan meat alternatives can be found in Hackney Wick's Colour Factory.

The must-try hogless burger consists of seasoned pieces of sustainably sourced soy protein dripping with apple sauce in a soft vegan brioche bun, complete with crispy vegan crackling. Tater tots are a non-negotiable when it comes to sides – perfectly crisp with a soft centre and a seriously moreish, sweet seasoning. An impressive addition to the menu is the lamb burger with Redefine Meat’s 3D printed plant-based protein. For pure comfort food heaven, there’s a choice of mac ’n’ cheeses and loaded fries. Make sure to order your sauces of choice as they don’t come with the sides as standard.

With an outdoor seated area in Queen’s Yard, it’s a great casual spot to enjoy some delicious plant-based comfort food with a refreshing pint on a summery evening. Hogless Roast can also be found at street food markets and festivals around the UK. thehoglessroast.com

The Fields Beneath, Kentish Town West – for vegan breakfast and cakes

The Fields Beneath has three aims – to make great coffee and great food, and to make veganism normal. The colourful spot mixes exposed brickwork with mosaic tiles and blackboards with the menu written in vibrant chalk. For breakfast tuck into glossy baps filled with tofu, mushroom bacon and smoky tomato sauce, or cinnamon waffles with nut butter if you fancy something sweet. All day the counter is covered in tempting baked goods (a few of which are gluten-free, too), from peanut butter bars and chewy cookies to slices of quinoa and berry cake. In 2020, there are three Costa Rican coffees on offer, so fill your cup with natural, honey or washed beans. thefieldsbeneath.com

Persepolis, Peckham – for vegetarian Persian cuisine

Pay a visit to Persepolis for a taste of Persia in the heart of Peckham. Beyond the deli’s impressive selection of tins, spices, Persian yogurts and display of shisha pipes, you’ll find a cosy hideout where diners feast on freshly made meze platters and veggie and vegan delights such as eggs scrambled with dates and fragrant spices, and dairy-free knickerbocker glories. This popular café is a favourite among locals for its no-nonsense, avocado-free breakfasts (think mango and tamarind smoothies and pots of Persian tea with cardamom), however the £20 tasting menu is the real standout: a colourful carousel of food spanning meze, soup, mains and a dessert platter filled with ice cream, paklava and fruit. foratasteofpersia.co.uk

My Village, Camden – for fuss-free vegan fare

Hewn wood, exposed brick and twinkling fairy lights adorn this charming vegan café in Camden. Its grotto-like interior and cosy secret garden isolated from Camden’s high street makes the perfect set-up to spend a leisurely lunch, whether it’s tucking into toasted halloumi wraps or grandma’s daily vegan soup. Or, if it’s just a cup of coffee you’re after, they’ll still bring you a tiny snack to enjoy with it. myvillagecafebar.co.uk

Club Mexicana, multiple locations – for casual Tex-Mex

Starting out as a successful street-food concept, you can now find Club Mexicana serving its veganised versions of Tex-Mex classics at food hall locations including Boxhall City and Mercato Mayfair. The vibrant and buzzy atmosphere matches the zingy flavours spanning the menu, with highlights including the buffalo fried chick’n burrito, loaded with buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salsa verde, pink onions and pickled jalapeños. Beer-battered tacos and nachos are not to be missed either, with the latter resembling a mountain of tortilla chips, queso, ground ‘beef’, guacamole, salsa, pink onions and pickled jalapeños, finished with a drizzle of chipotle oil and sprinkle of chilli-lime salt. clubmexicana.com

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Mr Falafel, Shepherd's Bush – for vegan wraps

This simple takeaway-café on Shepherd’s Bush Market dispenses crisp, herb-laden falafel of staggering lightness. Packed into wraps with his zippy pickled veg, delicious additions such as fried cauliflower and dressed with various tahini, garlic and pomegranate syrup sauces, they abound in flavour. mrfalafel.co.uk

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Emily MartenDigital Content Producer

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