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Looking for more inspiration? Discover our favourite places to stay in London, neighbourhood guides and hand-picked restaurants to help you plan a slower, more delicious visit.
Ima Sushi
If you think vegetarian and vegan sushi sounds like a compromise, Ima will change your mind entirely.
Tucked into the lively Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell, this plant-based Japanese restaurant has built a devoted following and it is not hard to see why.
The menu is inventive without being gimmicky, built around the idea that vegetables deserve the same care and creativity as anything that swims. We worked our way through the viral sesame butternut squash toast, the miso black ‘cod’, the mango ‘tuna’ roll with its seaweed caviar and fresh mango, kimchi gyoza, edamame, sticky aubergine unagi and ‘chicken’ karaage. I finally a cheesecake that was one of the best we have had.
The service matched the food at every turn, attentive, knowledgeable and full of genuine enthusiasm for what they are doing. We were celebrating a birthday and the team did not disappoint, arriving with party hats, a polaroid photo and a song, which is exactly the kind of thing that turns a good dinner into a proper occasion. There is outdoor seating on the market which is lovely in warmer weather. Book ahead, it fills up quickly and for very good reason.
£40–60 per person (sharing several dishes and dessert)
16 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE, United Kingdom
Mildreds
Mildreds has been one of London’s best-known names in plant-based dining since opening its first restaurant in Soho in 1988. Its Covent Garden branch brings the same colourful, internationally inspired cooking to the heart of the West End, making it a convenient choice before a show or after a day exploring central London.
The menu is entirely vegan, but its appeal extends far beyond those following a plant-based diet. Expect generous, flavour-packed dishes drawing inspiration from around the world, with options such as curries, burgers, dumplings, sharing plates and creative seasonal specials. Rather than relying on simple meat substitutes, the menu combines vegetables, grains, herbs and spices in dishes designed to feel satisfying in their own right.
The atmosphere is lively and informal, making Mildreds particularly well suited to groups, casual lunches and relaxed dinners. It also offers a weekday pre-theatre menu, while the Taste of Mildreds sharing menu is a good option for diners who would like to sample several dishes.
Approximately £25–45 per person, excluding drinks. The Taste of Mildreds dinner menu is currently £39 per person.
79 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AA, United Kingdom
Naïfs
Hidden away on a quiet residential street in Peckham (close to where my daughter is currently living), Naïfs feels more like being invited into someone’s home than visiting a restaurant. The tiny dining room and the gorgeous terrace gives it a relaxed atmosphere.
Everything here is entirely plant based, with seasonal ingredients taking centre stage. The menu changes regularly depending on what is available, but expect colourful small plates to share packed with flavour rather than trying to imitate meat. Fermented vegetables, creative sauces and beautifully balanced combinations showcase just how exciting vegan cooking can be when it follows the seasons instead of trends.
The team are warm, welcoming and passionate about what they do, happily explaining each dish and the inspiration behind it. It is intimate, unpretentious and one of those places where you leave feeling that every detail has been carefully considered.
£30–70 per person depending on whether you choose the set menu or à la carte.
56 Goldsmith Road, London SE15 5TN, United Kingdom
Plates
Plates is proof that plant based dining belongs comfortably in the world of fine dining. Created by chef Kirk Haworth, London’s first Michelin-starred vegan restaurant offers a tasting menu that is elegant, refined and deeply connected to nature.
Each course celebrates vegetables, grains, herbs and fermentation with remarkable precision. Rather than trying to recreate traditional dishes, the kitchen lets exceptional produce shine through thoughtful techniques and beautiful presentation. Every plate feels balanced, colourful and surprisingly satisfying.
The dining room is calm and minimalist, allowing the food to remain in the spotlight. Whereas the service is polished without ever feeling formal. It is the sort of restaurant that makes even committed meat eaters rethink what fine dining can be.
From £165 per person for the Michelin-starred tasting menu, excluding drinks. With wine
320 Old Street, London EC1V 9DR, United Kingdom
Planning a weekend in London? Pair a dinner at Plates with one of our favourite boutique hotels.
Holy Carrot
Holy Carrot has quickly become one of London’s most exciting destinations for modern vegetable-led cooking. Located in the heart of Notting Hill and in Spitalfields, it combines a stylish interior with an ambitious menu that celebrates vegetables in bold, imaginative ways.
The cooking draws inspiration from around the world, combining wood fired techniques (which absolutely love), fermentation and vibrant spices to create dishes that are full of depth and texture. Even if you never usually order vegetarian food, it is impossible not to appreciate the creativity behind every plate. Seasonal produce takes centre stage and each dish feels carefully composed without becoming overly complicated.
The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, making it equally suited to a leisurely lunch or an evening with friends. The knowledgeable team guide diners through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, creating an experience that feels welcoming rather than intimidating.
156 Portobello Road, London W11 2EB, United Kingdom
61, 63 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA, United Kingdom
If you’re spending the day exploring Notting Hill, don’t miss our guide to one of the neighbourhood’s favourite brunch spots.
Cod Fellas
Not every vegetarian or vegan meal has to be fine dining, and Cod Fellas proves that classic British comfort food can cater to everyone. The restaurant is best known for its traditional fish and chips, but it also offers a dedicated selection of vegan and vegetarian options. This makes it an excellent choice for mixed groups with different dietary preferences.
The menu includes plant-based alternatives such as tofish (tofu with nori seaweed), grilled hallumi burgers and a variety of sides. Whether you are craving a traditional chip shop experience or simply looking for a relaxed and affordable meal, Cod Fellas ensures that vegetarians and vegans are not limited to a token salad or side dish.
With its casual atmosphere, generous portions and accessible prices, it is a great option for families, friends or anyone wanting to enjoy a classic British takeaway or dine-in experience without compromising on dietary choices.
125 Bellenden Road, London SE15 4QY, United Kingdom
£10–20 per person, making it the most budget-friendly option on the list.
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