averagejanes.co.uk
The term 'vegan' may have been coined in Britain, but the nation as a whole still lags behind in offering truly appetizing vegan cuisine. Fortunately, London steps up to the plate. From cozy cafés to upscale restaurants and everything in between, here’s our curated list of the best vegan destinations across the city.
222 Veggie Vegan
Location: 222 North End Road, W14 9NU. Nearest Tube: Bond Street
If you're a dedicated London vegan, you're likely familiar with North End Road in W14. It's not only home to the city's sole vegan supermarket but also packed with fantastic restaurants. Our top pick is the aptly named 222 Veggie Vegan, serving some of the freshest plant-based dishes in London. Their food is low in fat and salt, non-GM, and organic when possible. Best of all, it's incredibly tasty—try their Quinoa & Spinach 'Meatballs' or the Asparagus & Petit Pois Burger.
Sagar
Location: 157 King Street, W6 9JT. Nearest Tube: Hammersmith
While many cuisines still overlook vegans, Indian food is a reliable go-to. Our top choice in London is Sagar. This restaurant serves exclusively vegetarian dishes rooted in South India's Udupi region. All four branches are excellent, but we recommend the Hammersmith location. Their menus are clearly labeled, offering a wide selection of vegan curries and even vegan lentil pizzas.
Rubys of London
Location: Greenwich Market, 6 College Approach, SE10 9HY. Nearest Station: Cutty Sark DLR
Vegans love sweets too, and Rubys of London delivers something extraordinary. This award-winning vegan patisserie appears most weekends at Greenwich Market, offering dairy-free cupcakes, doughnuts, and large cakes that can also be made gluten-free, wheat-free, or sugar-free. Made with premium ingredients, each creation looks as stunning as it tastes. Can't make it to Greenwich? You can order cakes and doughnuts online.
Mildred’s
Location: 45 Lexington Street, W1F 9AN. Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Mildred’s is a true London vegetarian institution. Since opening in Soho in 1988, it has expanded to multiple locations including King's Cross, Dalston, and Camden. Our favorite remains the original 18th-century townhouse on Lexington Street. The vibe is lively and casual—no reservations, but you can enjoy a cocktail at the bar while waiting. Their menu is one of the most extensive around, and the lunchtime takeaway bar features fresh salads, soups, quiches, and daily specials.
Biff’s Jack Shack
Location: 182 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7UY. Nearest Station: Dalston Kingsland
If you've recently gone vegan but still crave the taste of meat, head to Biff’s Jack Shack. They specialize in 'filthy AF' vegan junk food, all made from jackfruit—which mimics pulled pork when cooked. Their deep-fried jackfruit comes as 'wingz' or piled into burgers with chipotle slaw, smoky bacun jam, and vegan cheese. Biff frequently appears at street food markets like Broadway Market on Saturdays, but the Dalston restaurant is a must-visit.
Crosstown Marylebone
Location: 5-6 Picton Place, W1U 1BL. Nearest Tube: Bond Street
Vegans no longer have to miss out on doughnuts, thanks to Crosstown's new Marylebone shop—completely butter-free and fully vegan. Their menu features inventive flavors like a pink beetroot doughnut with crushed pistachios and blood orange glaze, plus a spirulina doughnut filled with coconut custard and topped with lime glaze. Seating is limited (three bar stools and two outdoor tables), but you can grab a coffee and a vegan doughnut to take away.
Vanilla Black
Location: 17-18 Took’s Court, EC4A 1LB. Nearest Tube: Holborn
For a more refined dining experience, Vanilla Black in Holborn ranks among London's finest vegetarian restaurants. Their meat-free dishes are designed to be innovative and thought-provoking, accommodating all dietary needs seamlessly. It's not inexpensive—the vegan five-course dinner with wine pairings costs £87 per person—but you'll be hard-pressed to find superior dedicated vegan cuisine.
If you've given up chocolate for Lent, here's a list of London's best chocolate cafés and shops to look forward to!
