I set off without any big expectations, checking out restaurants that claim to have a sustainable approach — and was absolutely stunned by what we discovered. From seaweed paper menus to carbon-neutral steaks, here are my top picks for the Conscious Cuisine award in London!
When it comes to eco-conscious dining, Apricity by Chantelle Nicholson with a MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability immediately comes to mind. Nestled in the sophisticated Mayfair district, where traditional restaurants are more common than eco-friendly ones, Apricity truly stands out for its dedication to low-waste practices.
Though I’ve dined here before, I still love the raw yet luxurious feel of the décor — soft pink plaster with a vintage patina, reclaimed brick walls, and chairs made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles. The servers' uniforms, partially crafted from repurposed PET bottles, are a clever touch, too. This time, I tried their vegan tasting menu, featuring hydroponically grown veggies, and the cabbage on a hummus base absolutely won me over. By the way, the menus are available via QR code only, as they change frequently based on fresh deliveries from local farms, avoiding unnecessary reprinting.
Dinner — £90
Next on my eco-conscious food journey was Fallow, the creation of chefs Jack Croft and Will Murray, who honed their skills together at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. The standout concept here is their 'nose to tail' and 'root to stem' philosophy, which means nothing goes to waste. That’s why don’t be surprised when their signature cod’s head with sriracha butter sauce — and yes, I’ve tried it, and can confirm it tastes as incredible as it looks.
Fallow’s sustainable touches don't stop there. The menus are made from algae and mushrooms grown onsite, and the walls feature striking panels made from oyster and mussel shells. Pair that with their collection of biodynamic wines and no-waste cocktails, and you’ve got an experience like no other.
The atmosphere is as laid-back as it is innovative, and despite the high culinary standards, Fallow has no dress code — so you can enjoy this eco-chic dining experience in total comfort. Highly recommended!
Lunch — £50-60
Even with eco-conscious friends constantly raising the bar for sustainability, I was surprised to learn that steak production could actually be carbon neutral. Intrigued, I headed to Gaucho, the acclaimed Argentine restaurant group, to taste their guilt-free beef — part of the Sustainable Steak Movement. As a result, the meat was incredible, and knowing that each bite’s carbon footprint had been meticulously calculated and offset by reforestation in the Amazon made it all the more satisfying.
But Gaucho’s sustainability mission goes beyond steaks: it extends to the wine list, strict zero food waste, and green energy policies. For me, this mix of high-end dining and environmental consciousness was truly memorable — if you haven’t been, I highly recommend checking it out.
I personally dined at their Covent Garden outpost, which sits within the iconic Royal Opera House — perfect for pre-theatre dining or a post-show drink in the West End. Plus, don’t miss their legendary Secret Tango performances on Friday and Saturday nights!
Dinner — £90
Rucola is a treasure trove of sustainable stories, and I’ll do my best to keep it concise. This eco-conscious rooftop eatery offers breathtaking panoramic views of London’s skyline while serving up Northern Italian cuisine that champions zero waste and net carbon neutrality.
Inside, the ambiance radiates a Brooklyn vibe, and the decor reflects their commitment to sustainability. A friendly waiter shared that the floor tiles are crafted by female artisans in South Africa, and the plants are sourced from Glass House, a social enterprise providing horticultural training to women in prison.
After indulging in a delightful plate of Pesto alla Genovese, I found myself torn between a glass of natural wine and a signature cocktail. Ultimately, I chose the latter — a zero-waste Jalisco Sour made with tequila and aquafaba, the leftover chickpea water from their kitchen. It was the perfect, refreshing conclusion to a fantastic meal!
Dinner — £30-40
Last but certainly not least on our list of nominees for the Conscious Cuisine award is Spring, a vegetarian restaurant tucked away in a 19th-century drawing room within Somerset House. Notably, it is the first plastic-free venue in London, and it embraces a zero-waste concept that enhances its commitment to sustainability. I brought along my staunch carnivore friend, and to my surprise, he had no desire to escape. Instead, he was mesmerized by the stunning interior and beautifully plated dishes, like ajo blanco with fennel and miyagawa and peppers piedmontese with green lentils, which we eagerly shared as intended by the chefs.
Every bite was a revelation — how could it be anything less with ingredients grown by small organic producers, according to the biodynamic calendar? The menu also features a variety of dishes for flexitarians, catering to those who enjoy both plant-based and occasional meat options. After indulging in a hearty dinner, our feet naturally led us to their cozy open terrace in the backyard, where we clinked glasses of Prosecco Col Fondo, celebrating my friend’s newfound appreciation for vegetarian fare.
Lunch — from £29.00