Five of My Favourite Vegan Restaurants in London
Since returning to London for hybrid working schedules in 2022, I have made it my mission to unearth more vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants to dine at. I love a solo dinner and somehow am always the designated restaurant-finder-and-booker whenever I make plans with friends, which means I’ve managed to try several incredible places. That being said, there are a lot of duds out there, particularly if you prefer to eat plant-based vegan when out.
Here, I’m sharing my top five vegan restaurants to try in London…
Tendril Kitchen
I first discovered Tendril Kitchen when it was a pop-up. My friend Hannah, who is always on the pulse with the best eats, planned us a #girldinner last summer and I’ve been smitten ever since. This summer saw them take permanent residence in their Mayfair spot, and I’m so glad – the food is a dream. Their dishes put a focus on plant-first food, with vegetables at the centre, which I LOVE since processed meat alternatives are not it for me. I really recommend the chipotle mushrooms and their Chinatown potatoes.
Address: 5 Princes Street, London, W1B 2LQ
Tofu Vegan
Tucked away on Islington’s Upper Street, this entirely vegan Chinese restaurant has captured my heart and stolen those of hundreds of Londoners – this joint is always fully booked. If you can snag a reservation, however, it is so worth it. The dishes are all delicious: my friend Emmie and I now have a ‘regular order’ that we opt for every time we visit. What’s more, they really remind me of my childhood when we’d eat traditional Chinese cuisine, family style, all around the dining table at home. Try their twice-cooked fish and the ‘Three Delicacies of the Earth’, as well as the house special wontons.
Address: 105 Upper Street, London, N1 1QN
Mali Vegan
A relatively new find for me, Mali Vegan has become my safe haven for solo dining and incredible, flavourful dishes. Thai cuisine is naturally abundant in vegetables and vegan-friendly, and that’s exactly what Mali Vegan offers. Tucked down a teeny alley opposite Earl’s Court station, I always look forward to dinner here. My favourites? Their Yum Tao Hoo Foo (tofu salad), Pad Ma Khia Muang (stir-fried aubergine and minced ‘pork’) and the Omnicrab.
Address: 5a Hogarth Place, London, SW5 0QT
Facing Heaven
Over in London Fields is the extraordinary Facing Heaven – another vegan Chinese food joint. Their menu changes regularly, but you can always expect fun punches of flavour with a fiery kick and distinctive twists.
Address: 1A Bayford Street, London, E8 3SE
Pastan
Finally, I couldn’t finish this post without mentioning Pastan, an entirely vegan fresh pasta restaurant. This one is beside the Barbican – a no-brainer day out right here! – and the menu is just great. The restaurant itself is quite small and gets loud, but I love a little solo date here. Try their focaccia, and go for the Umami Stroganoff main. You won’t regret it.
Address: 12 – 14 St. John Street, London, EC1M 4AY
What are your favourite vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants? And, don’t forget to save this post for your next London trip!
