Estimated reading time: 7 minutes.
Vegan dining in London is thriving and offers a vibrant array of options that cater to all tastes and preferences. This guide highlights the eight best vegan restaurants in the city, known for their creative dishes and unique atmospheres. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan, you’ll find a place that excites your palate. The detailed recommendations are perfect for anyone looking to explore vegan cuisine while visiting London, especially for guests of Thistle Holborn, which is at the heart of the vegan scene.
Table of Contents:
– Why vegan London is thriving
– Quick Tips: Navigating vegan food in London
– The eight best vegan restaurants in London
– Mildreds
– Mallow
– Jam Delish
– Purezza
– Club Mexicana
– Tofu Vegan
– Tendril
– Gauthier Soho
– Beyond the big eight: Noteworthy mentions
– Vegan dining near Thistle Holborn Hotel
– Practical advice for visiting vegan restaurants in London England
– Why stay at Thistle London Holborn for your vegan adventure
– FAQs for vegan restaurant lovers
Vegan London isn’t just a food trend – it’s a movement woven into the city’s diverse cultural fabric. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, dabbling with flexitarian eating, or a curious tourist, the array of vegan food London offers is unmatched. Thistle Holborn sits at the centre of this vibrant scene, making it a convenient base for anyone exploring the best vegan restaurants in London, from lively street food stalls to elegant fine dining.
– Book ahead for popular spots, especially weekends or anywhere Soho-adjacent.
– Many restaurants update menus seasonally; check before you go.
– Some venues are tucked into markets or upstairs – keep an eye out for subtle signage.
– London’s vegan eateries often cater brilliantly for gluten and nut allergies.
– Walk or hop on the Tube between tastings; London neighbourhoods are closer than you think.
From legendary institutions to emerging stars, here’s where to experience the best vegan restaurant London can offer. Each one brings something unique, all within easy reach of the West End, museums, and – handily for our guests – Thistle Holborn Hotel.
A cornerstone of vegan restaurants London England has to offer, Mildreds has been pioneering creative, international vegan food since the 1980s. The mood is lively but relaxed, the menu an ever-changing mix of hearty brunches, fragrant curries, burgers, and desserts. Mildreds welcomes everyone from seasoned vegans to first-timers, and it’s a joyful spot for groups or solo travellers alike.
Why visit? Besides its excellent reputation, you’ll always find something new and comforting. Dishes like Sri Lankan sweet potato curry and Polish pierogi jostle for space among tangy small plates and rainbow salads.
Booking and Practicalities: Multiple branches across London (Soho, Camden, King’s Cross, and Dalston).
For updates and menus, see the official Mildreds website.
From Mildreds’ inventive team, Mallow is a younger sibling making big impressions, located right by Borough Market. It’s entirely vegan, blending market-fresh ingredients into shareable plates, vibrant mains, and jazzy Sunday brunches.
Standout dishes include their wild mushroom tortelloni, fragrant adobo aubergine, and creative cocktails. The pared-back, airy interior makes it elegant but unstuffy.
Why choose Mallow? The attention to detail and seasonal twists make every meal here feel thoughtful – ideal for foodies and special nights out.
Reservations & Info: All-day service, weekends are especially busy.
See menus and book at the official Mallow website.
London’s vegan scene isn’t all salads and wraps – Jam Delish, a family-run spot in Islington, proves how bold and comforting vegan food can be. It brings the heat with plant-based reinventions of Caribbean classics, like their signature vegan jerk “chicken”, fried plantain, and rich, spice-laden curries.
Expect a friendly, lively atmosphere with weekend cocktails, small plates for sharing, and generous mains. The curly fries are a cult favourite.
Booking Tip: It’s intimate and fills up, so book ahead, especially for dinner.
For a first look at menus, head to the official Jam Delish website.
Pizza lovers, rejoice – Purezza in Camden is the UK’s first fully plant-based pizzeria. This friendly, informal space transforms vegan pizza into an art form, using their own mozzarella and flavour-packed bases. Gluten-free options and nut-free cheeses are available too.
Why try it? Their “Parmigiana Party” (melanzane and smoked mozzarella) is a winner, and sides like cheesy garlic bread are sensational.
Booking: Casual vibe but it gets busy at peak times.
Check the official Purezza site for menus and bookings.
For anyone in search of fun, unexpected vegan food London, Club Mexicana doesn’t disappoint. Vibrant, crowded, and ultra-casual, these venues (Soho, Shoreditch, and Seven Dials Market) riff on Mexican street food with jackfruit BBQ, “cheezeburger” tacos, nachos piled high, and frozen margaritas that are worth the queue.
Best for: Quick bites, late nights, and big flavours. This is not a quiet sit-down but a busy, social treat.
Practical info: Order at the counter; seating is usually casual or communal.
Menus and more, see the official Club Mexicana website.
A genuine surprise, Tofu Vegan celebrates the breadth of Chinese vegan cuisine through expertly made “fake meats” and bold, authentic seasoning. Dishes like their vegan mapo tofu and “chicken” in hot chilli oil are extremely satisfying and not over-sweetened for Western palates. There are now two locations (Islington and Golders Green).
Why it’s a must-try: It’s a challenge to find better vegan Sichuan food anywhere in Europe. Huge menu, friendly prices, and great for groups.
Check availability and menus at the official Tofu Vegan site.
Set in Soho, Tendril is a fine-dining venture that’s “mostly vegan” (the odd cheese or butter sneaks in, but it’s always clearly marked). Here, plant-based cooking feels elegant rather than earnest, with a focus on creative, global flavours think pickled beet tartare or charred leek with wild mushroom.
Perfect for: Impressing non-vegan friends, romantic meals, and anyone who thinks plant-based food “isn’t filling”.
Reservations: Recommended for tasting menus at dinner.
Book via the official Tendril Kitchen website.
One of the few Michelin-recognised, plant-based institutions, Gauthier Soho puts vegan London on the global culinary map. The restaurant pivoted entirely to vegan cuisine in 2021, transforming its classic French menu – think earthy terrines, delicate tarts, and imaginative desserts – into a celebration of vegetables.
Why make the reservation? This is special-occasion dining – complete with tasting menus and wine pairings – for those seeking a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
To read more and book, visit the official Gauthier Soho website.
If you’re staying more than a day or two, or just want alternative tastes, there’s no shortage of best vegan restaurants in London to try:
A more laid-back, equally refined sibling to Gauthier Soho, perfect for long lunches. Explore the Studio Gauthier website.
For those in pursuit of the city’s best falafel, head here for expert Middle Eastern street food. More details at the Pockets official instagram page.
For further media authority, the guides from Vegan Food Quest and My Vegan Travels are invaluable.
Thistle Holborn Hotel London anchors one of the best-connected corners of the city for vegan explorations. From the doorstep, stroll into Soho (home to Mildreds, Tendril, Gauthier Soho, and Club Mexicana), wander to Camden for Purezza, or hop on the Tube to Islington for Tofu Vegan or Jam Delish.
More local tips:
– Ask the Thistle Holborn reception team for walking directions or recommendations – they keep track of updated opening hours, vegan pop-ups, and market specials.
– For a quick bite between meetings, Seven Dials Market and Borough Market (both an easy journey from the hotel) feature plant-based stalls alongside other local favourites.
– If you fancy a takeaway, many of London’s top vegan spots deliver to Thistle Holborn – ideal after a long day sightseeing or working.
– Dress codes: Most restaurants are casual, but check before visiting higher-end venues like Gauthier Soho.
– Dietary requirements: London’s vegan eateries are skilled at accommodating allergies – just mention it on booking or arrival.
– Payments: Cashless is common everywhere, but bring a debit or credit card as not all venues accept cash.
– Tipping: 10–12.5% service charge is standard, though check if it’s automatically added.
– For groups: Book in advance or ask about private dining, especially for birthdays or business dinners near Thistle Holborn Hotel.
– Accessibility: Central London restaurants make big efforts with step-free access, but always enquire in advance.
No matter your reason for visiting London, a truly satisfying trip depends on two things: superb food and a central, friendly base. Thistle London Holborn places you within walking distance of many of the best vegan restaurants in London, museums, shopping, and nightlife. After a day of discovering new tastes and textures (or racing between meetings), you’ll be grateful for convenient transport links, thoughtful staff, and rooms made for unwinding.
The hotel’s local insight is hard to beat – from knowing which vegan spot opens late, to guiding you towards cosy public gardens for an impromptu lunchtime falafel, or suggesting theatre shows after dinner. Stay with us and make the most of everything vegan London has to offer – firm pillows, hot showers, and a world of plant-based cuisine just beyond the doors of Thistle Holborn.
Usually, yes. Many casual restaurants and markets have walk-in spots, but the best vegan restaurants in London (especially those mentioned above) often book out. Aim for early midweek lunches if you’re spontaneous.
Soho and Covent Garden are both under a 15-minute walk and packed with vegan bakeries and breakfast options. Many hotel guests also enjoy morning coffee at local cafés before venturing further – a quick inquiry at reception unlocks the latest insider tips.
Definitely. Mildreds, Tofu Vegan, and Club Mexicana all accommodate groups well; Gauthier Soho and Tendril offer private dining with advance booking. For business lunches or vegan-friendly work trips, staying at Thistle Holborn Hotel makes it easy to organise.
London’s city centre vegan eateries keep improving their step-free access, but do ring ahead or check websites before travelling. Thistle Holborn Hotel is wheelchair accessible and the staff can recommend suitable restaurants for any particular requirements.
For sheer choice and convenience, Bloomsbury and Soho (where Thistle Hotel Holborn is located) are unbeatable. Walk everywhere, eat everything – then retreat to the calm and comfort of your hotel with no long journeys at the end of the night.
