It can often be tricky to travel if you’ve got dietary requirements, especially if you’re a vegan. Before you book anything, you end up scouring the internet for potential food options or walking miles to find a suitable spot.
Increasingly, vegan and vegetarian options are on the rise with many young people now adopting a meat-free diet. With this shift in eating attitudes, there’s never been a better time to travel as a vegan. One of the most vegan-friendly places in Europe? The bustling capital city that is London.
Due to the sprawling size of the city and the multicultural population, there are plenty of vegan places to eat, suitable for any budget, taste or cuisine. Wanhostel t to know where the best vegan restaurants in London are? Bring your appetite and let’s dive right in! Here are the 7 best vegan restaurants in London…
1. Unity Diner
Looking for a vegan restaurant and cocktail bar that has a conscience? Then Unity Diner in East London is the place for you. Founded by a vegan activist and run as a non-profit, this staple of London’s vegan scene offers plenty of delicious and innovative dishes that taste great and make you feel like you’re giving back to the community.
There are also a plethora of plant-based cocktails to choose from – no honey or egg whites here! The team at Unity Diner have also recently run an entirely vegan bottomless brunch if you’re looking to let your hair down.
In London during the festive period? Unity Diner now offers its own plant-based Christmas menu so there’s no need for roast dinner FOMO.
2. Thenga Cafe
In the mood for some delicious, authentic Indian cuisine that has rotating vegetarian and vegan options? Head to King’s Cross and check out Thenga Cafe. It’s an affordable and unpretentious spot right in the heart of the city. Before you hop on the train out of the city or get the Eurostar back to the continent, be sure to stop by this vegan favourite.
With a cosy atmosphere, friendly staff and owners, and a wide selection of delicious cakes, many of which are vegan, it’s a great spot to check out while you’re in London. It’s a little bit hidden, so head to the YMCA and you can get in that way.
3. FlipSide
Looking for something that’s delicious, nutritious and completely plant-free that you can enjoy on the go? Then look no further than Flipside in Farringdon. With generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, it’s a go-to for many vegans working in central London.
Choose from their extensive mac and cheese bar with tons of customisable options, burgers, loaded nachos, chickpea scrambles and more. They’re open from breakfast all the way through to dinner, so whenever you’re craving something quick and delicious, Flipside is there to sort you out.
4. Mildreds Soho
You can’t have a list of the best vegan restaurants in London without including one of the original plant-based pioneers of the capital. Mildred’s now has four locations including Kings Cross, Camden and Dalston, but its Soho location is the original and it’s been going for over 30 years.
A must-visit for veggies and vegans alike, their menu is extensive. From their legendary veggie and vegan burgers, to the dozens of side dishes, there’s something for everyone. The menu features flavours and specialties from all around the world, so whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll be able to find it at Mildred’s.
5. Mallow
Speaking of Mildred’s, the team behind the groundbreaking meat-free joint have taken their delicious expertise to the trendy food haven of Borough Market, with Mallow. Now, Borough Market is famous for its pop-up restaurants, street food vendors and hipster concepts. Mallow is as globally influenced as Mildred’s, but with a low-waste ethos that touches everything it does.
Offering a weekend brunch menu, a host of delicious cocktails, and offering surplus food to food banks and waste charities, you can enjoy a meal and support the community. Even 30 years on from the opening of Mildred’s, the team behind that and Mallow continue to be eco-friendly pioneers and champions.
6. Pipoca
Zero-waste restaurants and cafes are certainly having a moment right now, and rightly so. The environmentally friendly ethos fits sympathetically and naturally with the meat-free movement, so of course Pipoca in Brixton is bringing the two concepts together.
As well as being a zero-waste store where you can bulk buy ingredients, Pipoca also serves up vegan, gluten-free crepes! So, whether you’re plant-based, coeliac or just looking to help out the environment, Pipoca is a must-visit while you’re in London.
7. Purezza
Okay, so who doesn’t love pizza? It can be difficult to find great vegan pizza, but judging by the queues at Purezza in Camden, they’ve nailed it. With Neapolitan style pizzas made using sourdough bases, there’s a whole range of toppings and flavours to suit any tastes.
Although vegan cheese can be a bit hit and miss, the creaminess and richness of Purezza’s plant-based mozzarella is borderline witchcraft. If you love pizza and find yourself in Camden, you simply have to check this place out!
Best Vegan Restaurants Review?
So if you’re a plant-based traveller looking to visit the capital of the UK, there’s plenty to enjoy. From Indian to Thai to brunch-dishes to pizza, there’s so many amazing cuisines to chow down on, regardless of where in London you’re staying.
With the vegan movement only growing, there are always new places to check out and recommend. You’re definitely going to want to bring your appetite and your wallet for this trip. These are our personal favourite vegan restaurants in London, so make sure to give them a visit on your travels!
Looking for somewhere to stay in London? Our HostelPass membership unlocks a variety of awesome discounts on hostels and activities. Get your card and start saving!
