London has become one of the UK’s most exciting places to eat vegan, with restaurants ranging from sleek fine-dining venues to relaxed cafés and neighbourhood hangouts. This guide focuses on three districts that really stand out for their plant-based offering, highlighting everything from innovative new openings to long-standing local favourites.
Why London is a haven for vegan dining
London has seen an impressive surge in plant-based dining, fuelled by environmental and health awareness as well as chefs’ creativity. London diners can choose from upscale vegan-only establishments, all-day cafés and informal spots that include vegan options in their menus.
Diversity in cuisine is a hallmark: flavours from east Asia, Latin America, the Mediterranean and refined European gastronomy are all represented. And innovation is strong, with many kitchens pushing boundaries in texture, presentation and combinations that surprise even non-vegans.
In this article, I’m recommending a few hand-picked options in Soho, Shoreditch, and Hackney. You can find more inspiration in this complete guide to London. Just search for “vegan restaurants”.
Vegan Soho: where classic meets contemporary
Soho is full of history, and today it’s one of London’s liveliest districts, especially when it comes to restaurants. Here, tradition meets modernity. For those exploring vegan Soho, the joy often comes from wandering between the contrasts – elegant versus relaxed, subdued versus lively – and discovering personal favourites along the way.
In Soho, Gauthier stands out with its exclusive profile, offering French-inspired meat-free gastronomy in an elegant yet cosy environment.
Mildreds in Soho offers a more relaxed yet refined vegan experience, focusing on creative plant-based food in a welcoming atmosphere, relaxed and perfect for long conversations.
Meanwhile, if you want to enjoy colourful Latin flavour, Club Mexicana at Kingly Court is the place to be, with spices, bold flavours, and lively energy all part of the charm.
These three restaurants capture the very spirit of Soho – eclectic and ever-changing. All are within walking distance, making it easy to experience a mix of refined dining, relaxed meals, and festive energy in a single evening. This makes Soho a natural starting point for exploring London’s diverse vegan food scene.
Vegan Shoreditch: bold flavours and neighbourhood soul
Shoreditch is another part of the town that has become something of a hub for plant-based dining that refuses to be predictable. In this district, vegan food is often experimental and well rooted in its surroundings.
Visit Dauns for a Scandinavian-inspired setting with a focus on seasonal, high-quality plant-based ingredients. The atmosphere here is perfect for dinner parties, with style and substance. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Swedish “fika” with a cup of delicious tea or coffee and a classic kanelbulle (cinnamon bun).
Sen Viet Chay is the place that truly brought East Asian plant-based food to Shoreditch, pairing vibrant Vietnamese flavours with calm, minimalist interiors.
For something more relaxed but equally well thought-out, What The Pitta offers vegan wraps and Middle Eastern-inspire fast food. This is the place to go if you want good food on-the-o, or a nice meal without any formalities.
These restaurants reflect Shoreditch’s split personality: on one hand, you’ll find cutting-edge venues pushing London’s vegan food scene forward; on the other, relaxed spots drawing on food traditions from around the world. They suit different occasions too – whether you’re in the mood for a refined evening out or a quick, flavour-packed bite before wandering past the street art and vintage shops.
Together, they create a snapshot of Shoreditch that makes exploring its plant-based food scene all the more rewarding.
Vegan Hackney: where to go and what to expect
Hackney is synonymous with creativity, and the vegan scene here is both bold and community-oriented.
Temple of Seitan is a prime example. This restaurant has become an institution for anyone craving delicious, fried plant-based dishes combined with socialising in a lively but unpretentious environment. The décor, atmosphere and menu are all geared towards being fun – and the dishes satisfy the craving for fast food with entirely vegan ingredients.
Facing Heaven, on the other hand, offers something completely different. Here, it’s all about light, elegant vegan and vegetarian Hong Kong-style cuisine in a refined yet relaxed setting. It’s perfect for those who want food with subtle flavours, lighter textures and a dining experience that is both visually appealing and flavourful.
Together these two restaurants exemplify Hackney’s strength: the ability to cater both to those who want maximalism – rich, deep fried, bold flavours – and to those seeking finesse, measured seasoning, and culinary craft.
Hackney is an area that offers these contrasts without being pretentious. Restaurants are often nestled within neighbourhoods rather than being destinations in themselves. This means that when looking for vegan food, you will also encounter local markets, community art and everyday life in East London. Everything feels vibrant, diverse, and well-rooted in this part of the city.
London’s vegan restaurants reflect the city itself: diverse, inventive, and full of contrasts. Whether you’re sitting down to French-inspired fine dining in Soho, sampling Vietnamese flavours in Shoreditch, or grabbing a plate of vegan fried “chicken” in Hackney, each area has its own take on plant-based food. What unites them is creativity and a commitment to making vegan dining accessible and exciting – proof that in London, eating vegan is anything but limiting.
Have you tried any of these vegan spots in London, or do you have a favourite I should add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.