Finding a good vegetarian or vegan restaurant in the UK is much easier than it used to be. From casual plant-based cafés to elegant tasting-menu restaurants, there are now plenty of places where vegetables are treated as the main event rather than an afterthought. For this guide, I’ve picked 15 restaurants that stand out for different reasons. Some are ideal for a relaxed lunch, while others are better suited to a special dinner. Most importantly, these restaurants offer genuinely interesting food rather than simply removing meat from traditional dishes.
1. Mildreds – London
If you want a reliable starting point for vegan food in London, Mildreds is hard to overlook. The restaurant began in Soho in 1988 and has since expanded to several London locations. It became completely plant-based in 2021.
What makes Mildreds interesting is the international influence behind its menu. Rather than sticking to one style of cooking, the restaurant serves colourful dishes inspired by different cuisines.
There are also locations in areas including Covent Garden, King’s Cross and Victoria, making it convenient if you’re exploring central London. The King’s Cross restaurant, for example, is a short walk from King’s Cross and St Pancras stations.
- 100% plant-based
- Globally inspired food
- Several London locations
- Good choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner
- Suitable for groups and casual meals
- Best for: First-time vegan diners and visitors exploring London.
- Website: Mildreds official website
2. Mallow – London
Located beside Borough Market, Mallow is another excellent choice for plant-based dining in London. The restaurant describes itself as 100% plant-based, with a strong focus on seasonal and sustainable food.
One thing I particularly like about Mallow is the variety. The menu takes inspiration from cuisines around the world, so it doesn’t feel like you’re eating the same type of vegetarian food again and again.
Its location is also a major advantage. You can combine lunch or dinner here with a visit to Borough Market and the surrounding South Bank area.
Mallow has also highlighted its relationships with smaller producers and local businesses, including suppliers of tofu and tempeh.
- Completely plant-based
- Seasonal menu
- International flavours
- Near Borough Market
- Good option for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Best for: Food lovers who want creative vegan dishes in a lively London setting.
- Website: Mallow official website
3. Gauthier Soho – London
For something more sophisticated, Gauthier Soho offers a very different experience. This is the place to consider when you want vegan food with a fine-dining feel.
Chef Alexis Gauthier has a long history of vegetable-focused cooking. The restaurant moved to fully vegan menus, and today it offers multi-course tasting experiences based on modern plant-based interpretations of French gastronomy.
The restaurant is located on Romilly Street in Soho and operates mainly for dinner, with Saturday lunch also available.
This isn’t the kind of restaurant I’d choose for a quick meal. Instead, it’s better suited to a special occasion when you want to take your time and enjoy several courses.
- High-end vegan dining
- French-inspired cooking
- Multi-course tasting menus
- Elegant Soho setting
- A strong choice for a special meal
- Best for: Special occasions and diners looking for a fine-dining vegan experience.
- Website: Gauthier Soho official website
4. Tendril – London
Tendril takes a slightly different approach to plant-based dining. Based in central London, it describes itself as a mostly vegan kitchen and bar, making it an interesting option for diners who want modern, creative vegetable-led food.
The restaurant works particularly well for people who enjoy sharing dishes and trying combinations that go beyond the usual salads, burgers and vegan substitutes.
Its central location on Princes Street also makes it convenient for visitors spending time around Mayfair, Piccadilly and the West End.
- Modern plant-focused cooking
- Mostly vegan menu
- Stylish central-London setting
- Good choice for an evening meal
- Suitable for diners who want something different
- Best for: Modern plant-based dining and a more contemporary restaurant atmosphere.
- Website: Tendril official website
5. Tofu Vegan – London
If you’re looking for something more casual and Asian-inspired, Tofu Vegan in Spitalfields is worth considering. The restaurant specialises in vegan Chinese-style food and offers a different experience from the European-inspired menus found at several other restaurants on this list.
The Spitalfields location is particularly handy if you’re exploring Brick Lane, Shoreditch and the wider East London area. There is also a Tofu Vegan location in Islington.
This is the sort of place I’d recommend when the priority is flavourful, comforting food rather than a formal dining experience.
- Fully vegan
- Chinese-inspired cuisine
- Casual atmosphere
- Convenient East London location
- Good option for trying something different
- Best for: Asian food lovers and casual vegan dining.
6. Unity Diner – London
Unity Diner is a fully vegan restaurant in East London, located on Wentworth Street near Spitalfields. It is a good choice if you want a casual meal with a modern plant-based approach.
The restaurant is particularly suitable for people who enjoy familiar comfort food prepared without animal products. Its location also makes it convenient to combine a meal with a visit to Spitalfields, Brick Lane or the City of London.
- Fully vegan dining
- Casual atmosphere
- Convenient East London location
- Good for lunch or dinner
- A useful option for groups with different food preferences
- Best for: Casual vegan food and exploring East London.
7. KIN Restaurant – London
KIN Restaurant is a plant-based restaurant on Foley Street in central London. Its location makes it particularly convenient for visitors exploring Fitzrovia, Oxford Street and the West End.
KIN focuses on fresh, vegetable-led food and offers a more relaxed alternative to London’s formal vegan restaurants. It’s worth considering when you want a sit-down meal without making the occasion overly formal.
- Plant-based menu
- Central London location
- Relaxed dining environment
- Good choice for lunch or dinner
- Convenient for West End visitors
- Best for: A relaxed plant-based meal in central London.
8. Addis Vegan Kitchen – London
Addis Vegan Kitchen Gluten-Free Restaurant offers something a little different from many of the better-known London vegan restaurants. Located on Old Kent Road, it combines vegan dining with Ethiopian-inspired food.
The restaurant is also listed as gluten-free, which can make it an interesting option for diners looking for a menu outside the usual burgers, pizzas and plant-based versions of British comfort food.
Its evening-focused opening hours make it particularly suitable for dinner.
- Vegan food
- Ethiopian-inspired cuisine
- Gluten-free focus
- Affordable dining option
- Something different from mainstream vegan menus
- Best for: Diners who want to explore Ethiopian-style plant-based food.
9. Plants of Roselyn – London
Plants of Roselyn is located on Tooley Street, close to London Bridge and the South Bank area. It offers a convenient option if you’re sightseeing around central London and want a plant-based meal.
The restaurant works well for both daytime and evening dining, making it flexible for travellers. Its location is also useful for anyone planning a day around Borough Market, Tower Bridge or the Thames.
- Plant-based dining
- Central location
- Lunch and dinner options
- Convenient for sightseeing
- Suitable for casual meals
- Best for: Visitors combining sightseeing with vegan dining.
10. Vegan Yes – London
Vegan Yes on Brick Lane is another interesting addition to a London vegan food itinerary. Brick Lane is already famous for its diverse food scene, so this restaurant fits naturally into the neighbourhood.
The restaurant is a good option if you’re looking for casual vegan food while exploring East London. The area around Brick Lane also has plenty of independent shops, cafés and street-food options, making it easy to build a full afternoon or evening around the visit.
- Fully vegan restaurant
- Brick Lane location
- Casual dining
- Good for exploring East London
- Suitable for an informal meal
- Best for: Casual vegan dining during a Brick Lane visit
11. Purezza Manchester – Manchester
Purezza Manchester is a strong choice if pizza is what you’re craving. The Manchester restaurant focuses on vegan pizza, making it an easy recommendation for both dedicated vegans and people who simply want to try a plant-based version of a familiar favourite.
Located on High Street, it’s also convenient for exploring Manchester city centre. Current restaurant guides continue to highlight Purezza among Manchester’s notable vegan dining options.
- Fully vegan dining
- Plant-based pizza
- Central Manchester location
- Casual atmosphere
- Good choice for groups
- Best for: Vegan pizza lovers and casual dinners.
12. Sthan M1 – Manchester
Sthan-M1 offers a different style of plant-based dining, with food inspired by South Asian flavours. Its Princess Street location puts it within easy reach of Manchester city centre.
This is a good option when you want something more interesting than standard vegan burgers or sandwiches. The menu gives diners an opportunity to explore spiced dishes and flavours associated with the region.
- Vegan-friendly dining
- South Asian-inspired flavours
- Central location
- Good for lunch or dinner
- Suitable for casual dining
- Best for: Diners who enjoy Indian and South Asian flavours.
13. Lotus Plant Based Kitchen – Manchester
Lotus Plant Based Kitchen is a fully vegan restaurant in Withington. It focuses on Chinese-inspired plant-based food and is a particularly interesting choice if you want to explore vegan Asian cuisine.
The restaurant is away from the busiest central area, so it can be worth adding to your itinerary if you’re exploring South Manchester.
- Fully vegan
- Chinese-inspired cuisine
- Plant-based dim sum and mains
- Relaxed setting
- Good choice for dinner
- Best for: Vegan diners who enjoy Chinese food.
14. Sanskruti Restaurant – Manchester
Sanskruti Restaurant is another excellent option for Indian vegetarian and vegan food in Manchester. Indian cuisine naturally offers a wide range of meat-free dishes, and Sanskruti is known for its vegetarian-focused approach.
It’s located on Mauldeth Road and offers a broader choice for diners who want a sit-down Indian meal rather than fast food.
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly
- Indian cuisine
- Extensive meat-free choices
- Good for dinner
- Suitable for sharing
- Best for: Indian food lovers and families looking for varied vegetarian choices.
15. Fuel Café Bar – Manchester
Fuel Cafe Bar is a more relaxed vegetarian option in Withington. It is a useful choice for travellers who want affordable plant-based food without the formality of a traditional restaurant.
Fuel is also known for its casual, social atmosphere. Manchester’s tourism and food guides continue to include Fuel among the city’s vegetarian and vegan options.
- Vegetarian-focused menu
- Vegan options
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Casual dining
- Good for budget-conscious diners
- Best for: Students, casual meals and relaxed evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the UK?
Mildreds, Mallow, Gauthier Soho, Tendril and Purezza are some popular choices, with options ranging from casual meals to fine dining.
What is the difference between vegetarian and vegan food?
Vegetarian food avoids meat and fish, while vegan food also excludes animal-derived ingredients such as dairy, eggs and honey.
Are vegan restaurants suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Vegetarians can generally eat at vegan restaurants because vegan food contains no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
Which UK city is best for vegan food?
London has one of the UK’s widest selections, but Manchester, Brighton, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow also have excellent plant-based dining options.
Should I book a vegan restaurant in advance?
For popular restaurants and busy weekend periods, booking ahead is recommended. Always check the restaurant’s latest opening hours and menu before visiting.
Can vegan restaurants accommodate food allergies?
Many restaurants provide allergen information, but policies vary. If you have a serious allergy, contact the restaurant before dining.
Are vegetarian and vegan restaurants expensive in the UK?
Prices vary widely. You can find affordable cafés and casual restaurants as well as premium tasting-menu experiences.
Can non-vegans enjoy vegan restaurants?
Absolutely. Many vegan restaurants create dishes designed around flavour and quality rather than simply replacing meat, making them enjoyable for all diners.
Hi, I’m Rasel Miah, the creator of Ultimate Travel Diary. I enjoy exploring travel destinations, hotels, local food, and hidden gems across the USA and beyond. Through this blog, I share travel guides, hotel reviews, and helpful tips based on personal research and experience to help travelers plan better trips.