12 best vegan restaurants in London

Nestled in East London's Spitalfields, Unity Diner has expanded to a much larger space shortly after opening, making this wholesome restaurant one of the biggest completely vegan diner and cocktail bars in the city. Founded by a couple friends, including vegan advocate Earthling Ed, this not-for-profit eatery is a safe haven for everyone, with options so good it's hard to tell the difference from traditional fish and meat dishes.

With a menu focusing on seasonal and ethically-sourced produce, Holy Carrot is the home of ultimate mindfulness. Located at Urban Retreat in Knightsbridge, the restaurant is fully plant-based and gluten free, serving some raw dishes. Highlights from the menu include a raw red pepper burrito, a British pea velouté and crispy quinoa maki. Pair your meal with a great range of drinks, including smoothies, vegan cocktails and wine.

Following the success of vegan fried chicken stall Temple of Seitan, you can now indulge at one of two permanent locations in Hackney and Camden. Try the Temple Burger – a crispy fillet burger with bacon, cheese, lettuce, pickles and mayo, or go for a chicken shop classic of hot wings (and, of course, chips).

Just a stone's throw away from Hackney's uber-cool Here East Canalside lies Mother, a quirky and casual vegan spot known for its organic plant-based nosh, from corn wings, 'grammable acai bowls to creamy smoothies. With the menu changing seasonally, this conscious cafe's motto focuses on less waste and more love, so grab a couple of friends and feast on Mother's sweet and savoury treats.

Try vegan Japanese food at Itadaki-Zen in King’s Cross, which makes its dishes as healthy as possible by using only organic ingredients. The result is a tempura that is light and perfectly golden, while grilled spring rolls are crisp rather than greasy. Go for a set menu to sample all there is on offer, from vegetable sushi to udon noodles.

Brunch lovers delight at this plant-based cafe in Richmond. The brunch omelettes and smashed avocado are favourites, as is the daily selection of cakes and sweet treats found at the counter. The Retreat Kitchen's smoothies are as lovely to look at as they are to drink, or for something a little stronger, it has a good choice of vegan wine.

Enjoy healthy yet indulgent food at Redemption, a vegan, sugar-free, wheat-free and alcohol-free restaurant. It's expanded from its original Notting Hill outpost and now has venues in Seven Dials and Shoreditch. Tuck in to a barbequed pulled jackfruit with smashed avocado, followed by pavlova with passionfruit and berries. Order from the extensive mocktail list to complete your meal.

Aiming to make vegan cuisine mainstream, you’ll find an extensive plant-based pizza menu, plus Vegan Express's popular “tofish” (vegan fish and chips) served with mushy peas, at this Tooting restaurant. Add in a range of smoothies, desserts and even a vegan cheeseboard for a full-on vegan feast.

Head to colourful Neal’s Yard for organic, raw, plant-based food at Wild Food Cafe. Choose something delicious from the seasonal menu, which includes salads, open sandwiches, smoothies and the restaurant’s famous raw chocolate tart. Enjoy your food in the relaxed communal seating area.

Get a vegan fast food fix at By CHLOE, an American, plant-based eatery. By CHLOE serves vegan burgers, salads, brunches and cupcakes, with a few London specials (including a roast dinner) on the menu. Join its busy Covent Garden venue, try its London Bridge outpost near Tower Bridge, or tuck in at Oxford Circus and ICON Outlet at The O2.

Find London’s first completely vegan pub, The Spread Eagle, in Homerton in east London. Serving up British food with a minimal-waste ethos, options include pie, mash and liquor, ploughmans and burgers, plus a Sunday roast. All drinks (including cask ales, cocktails and wines) are vegan too. Reservations recommended.

Going vegan doesn’t mean giving up pizza! Launched in Brighton, Purezza also serves delicious sourdough pizzas in Camden. Toppings include smoked beetroot carpaccio, marinated pulled BBQ and delicious mozzarella made from Italian brown rice. There are plenty of gluten-free and raw options on the menu too.

Enjoy delicious vegan street food at one of these regular London events, including Soho Vegan Market, Hackney Downs Vegan Market, Broadway Vegan Market and Vegan Nights.

Check out our guides to London’s best vegetarian, gluten-free and organic restaurants for more healthy options.