ULTIMATE VEGETARIAN FOOD GUIDE TO LONDON - WITH MAP
The definitive vegetarian food guide to London.
Feed Me Fast
The City
London, so much to do and so little time. We could spend hours just walking the streets exploring the many delights on offer. Pop to Buckingham Palace to say “Hi” to the Queen, head on over to Westminster to wave at Big Ben, go for a spin on the London Eye. Even after hours or days of exploring you still would have only skimmed the surface of this big, beautiful city.
And big she is…32 boroughs make up London all with their own piece of history to enlighten you with. Thus you likely won’t have time to check out each district on your visit. But you’ll have fun trying.
London is a city that wears many hats: it’s got great culture, world-class museums, oodles of pubs, a great zoo, and most importantly ALL THE FOOD. Sure, there is an intimidating amount to see and do but luckily for you they’ve got one of the best transport systems in the world so no matter where you are you’ll get around easily.
Nonetheless do yourself a favour and try to not to book when there is tube strike going on. Otherwise you’ll find yourself stuck and surrounded by irritable Londoners.
The Food
AKA the highlight of any trip. Firstly, let us start by saying, you will not be disappointed. Yes, we know historically British cuisine is the mockery of the rest of the culinary world, but that’s all callous lies. Well maybe not all lies…there are some questionable dishes. Let’s not get into the jellied eel popular in some parts of the country.
Despite this British food has genuinely come a long way since that label was harshly attributed to it. Especially in London, a rich melting pot of different cultural influences which always has an incredible impact on any food scene. Excellent Italian, outrageously flavourful Indian, authentic Jerk. It really is one of those cities where no matter what you fancy or what you’re in the mood for, you’ll be able to find it, and that is complete food satisfaction at its finest.
There are approximately nine million people living in London. Which is more than the entire population of Scotland. Hence they have an obscene number of restaurants. However we’re not complaining but faced with deciding where to go for a short trip (even a long-haul break) can be quite the challenge.
We want you to embark on your journey to London not worried about being served some spotted dick or faggots with meaty gravy. But giddy knowing that you’re about to touch down in one of the best food cities in the world.
Another tidbit of advice for you, if you want to eat well in London, you might just have to queue. Which, if you’re an optimist, can only mean great foods awaits you at the end of a long line. A worthy cause.
Indulge in our suggestions by trying out the lovingly curated selection below from our London vegetarian food guide.
REMEMBER:
🌱 Vegan options
🍗 Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
Brunch in London
In a city of this size you better believe they have some great options all day.
Our favourites of the bunch for brunch below.
Dishoom 🌱 🍗
For those of you perhaps not accustomed to having Indian food for breakfast or lunch prepare yourself for a gastronomy delight. Dishoom is an enormously popular restaurant with a few sites in the city. Don’t get us wrong the dinner here is also phenomenal but their brunch is, in a word, special.
You’re bound to find surprising twists on your favourite breakfast dishes along with dishes you will certainly never have tried before. Never before eaten an egg naan roll for breakfast? You are going to be amazed at just how perfect that sunset orange yolk tastes swept up by a soft naan.
Warning: brunch does stop earlyish at 11:45. We assure you it’s worth getting out of bed for.
Pophams Bakery 🍗
If you’re in East London (and you should be at some point) then a great option for lunch is the artisan bakery and café Pophams. It’s generally very casual, you order at the counter from a changing menu of lunch dishes and daily pastries that are on offer.
It’s a spot for locals and very popular indeed so expect to find a queue that will go down relatively quickly (we promise) since they have tables inside and outside. Surely there is nothing quite like basking in the sunshine with a latte and an almond croissant?
The Good Egg 🌱 🍗
As proof that you can have whatever cuisine you’re craving when in London we bring to you, The Good Egg. Tel Aviv street food inspired deliciousness. Presently they have two restaurants, one in centrally located Soho, and one in Stoke Newington – a little further out but undeniably worth a visit if you’re more an off the beaten track type of tourist.
Of course their food is entrenched with flavour, it’s built into its middle eastern roots after all. We highly recommend the Sabih, a pita pocket overflowing with salty, sour, and satisfying ingredients. Also please don’t leave without getting a slice of babka, you might never forgive yourself.
Some Other Spots Worth Shouting About…
A small menu usually with two or three vegetarian options. Gorgeous produce, and always delicious. Furthermore their sourdough bread is probably the best you’ve ever had.
A few locations about town, basically if you love pancakes you will love this place, and of course you love pancakes because who wouldn’t? Besides it has you covered for both a sweet and savoury filled good time.
Dinner in London
Need something substantial after treading up and down The Mall?
The offerings on the London food scene will not let you down.
Ottolenghi 🌱 🍗
If you love food, you may already be aware of Ottolenghi. Maybe you have a few of his cookbooks on your shelf or have already booked your spot at one of his seven London restaurants (including Nopi & Rovi). If not, then we encourage you to do so.
Vegetables are the supreme star of the show here, they are never just an after thought thrown together for the purposes of tagging “Vegetarian friendly” on Tripadvisor. Moreover these are Middle Eastern, Mediterranean flavour propelled vegetable dishes that might just encourage you to change how you cook your own moving forward.
Mildreds 🌱
Any vegetarian or vegan list of London eateries is not complete without an appearance from Mildreds. Long before it was popular to love plant food Mildreds was a haven for veggies. Once vegetarian but now fully vegan you will be spoilt for choice.
There is little point in recommending a specific dish, they all have something special to offer depending on your mood. Too bad, you’ll just have to try the whole menu. Indeed one of our favourite eateries on our vegetarian food guide to London.
Bancone 🌱 🍗
I’m afraid we will have to preface Bancone with a warning: once you eat it, you may never enjoy regular old pasta again. It is, phenomenal. It’s one of those restaurants where the dishes seem so simple (we’re sure they aren’t) but still unbelievably delicious. The silk handkerchiefs are other worldly. The type of creation you wish you could recreate at home but would no doubt result in a plate of scrambled egg goop.
It is an Italian restaurant which means the parmesan is free flowing. So if you’re strict on your animal rennet cheeses keep an out for that waiter with a grater and a huge block of it in his grip abundantly dishing it out. Great news for pasta loving vegans amongst us, they usually have at least one option for you too.
More Deliciousness If You’re Not Satisfied…
Spanish tapas in the heart of East London, yes please. Excellent vegetarian options plus a vegan Monday that is not to be missed.
Love Chinese food but struggle to find great vegetarian or vegan options. Prepare to have your mind and tastebuds blown clean off the earth at Tofu Vegan. Be sure to book as it is extremely popular.
You might be surprised to find Berber & Q on a list for vegetarians. It’s a renowned BBQ restaurant. And BBQ is usually a big red waving flag for veggies. But it’s also middle eastern and north African influenced which means huge flavours that they use creatively in their veggie options.
Finding green gold in amongst the ubiquitous meat options is really what we’re all about. Give it a try, it might just blow your mind.
CHEAP EASY EATS (SWEET & SAVOURY)
Down to your last pennies? Need something fast?
Don’t worry our London vegetarian food guide also comes with a cheap eats menu! Try one of these tasty frugal options.
The Dusty Knuckle 🌱 🍗
Tucked away in a little yard in Dalston you’ll find bursting at the seams sandwiches here and tons of pastries. Okay, it’s not cheap cheap (we are in London people) but the sandwiches are satisfying and filling.
Box Park 🌱 🍗
Made from refitted shipping containers (very London) there are three Boxparks in total. You’ll find plenty of street food vendors serving good food and you also have the option to browse some independent shops or have a drink in one of the outdoor spaces.
Pockets 🌱
A food stand in a small market just off the better-known Broadway Market. It’s a plant-based pitta bar serving what could be the best falafel you’ve ever eaten.
ICCO Pizzeria 🌱 🍗
Cheap pizza in London that tastes pretty great for the price point.
Max’s Sandwich Shop 🍗
Finally, perhaps the most popular sandwiches in all of London. Unusual concoctions bulk up this mouth-watering menu created by a former fancy chef, Max Helley.
REMEMBER:
🌱 Vegan options
🍗 Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
Food Map of Dreams
Also to complete our London vegetarian food guide journey. Here is a handy map with a list of all the restaurants on our list and their locations.
