It's true that eco-everything has become such a buzzword that it’s almost lost its meaning. Some businesses just try to check the box, while others dig deep to create meaningful impact on both local and global scales. For the Best Eco-Friendly Dining award, I’ve curated a selection of London restaurants that bring real substance to sustainability — and I’m pleased to share the distinctive ways they do it.
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Silo — it’s a superhero, a pioneer, and a staple in conscious dining. It claims to be the first zero-waste restaurant in the world, operating without a bin. Drawing inspiration from pre-industrial methods, what the team is doing today is genuinely impressive. Chef-owner Douglas McMaster’s vibrant personality and enthusiasm carve out a new path for how we perceive waste, and I know it takes hard work.
This spot doesn’t just recycle plastic bottles; it’s on a mission to create systematic change across multiple levels. Here, they cook nose-to-tail, mill their own flour, make their own butter, utilize only reusable containers, and the list goes on. Silo’s collaboration with like-minded suppliers ensures that every ingredient fits into the principles. Don’t assume the food is bland or relies solely on concepts, though. You’ll find intriguing ever-rotating tasting menus, and while the portions could be a bit larger, they do deliver outstanding gourmet flavors.
Tasting menu — £75
Spring is one of my favorite London destinations in terms of aesthetics. It boasts a winning riverside location at Somerset House and combines a historical backdrop with artful design and dish presentations. I love catching up with friends in the plant-filled room — it has such a chic yet effortless vibe. What’s more compelling about this elegant venue is its commitment to sustainability.
Back in 2019, Spring became London’s first single-use plastic-free restaurant, and even before that, Chef Skye Gyngell introduced the Scratch set menu, aimed at transforming what’s often considered food waste into culinary treasures. I can assure you, it feels like turning water into wine. These creations, beautiful in every way, can inspire you to rewrite the destiny of the forgotten veggies lurking at the back of your fridge. The à la carte selection stays true to the principles of mindful eating, featuring produce-driven seasonal delights such as Jerusalem artichokes paired with raw porcini or wild sea bass served with fennel purée and mussel butter.
Scratch menu — £30
Pizza Pilgrims is definitely not your typical joint; it’s a beautiful story of passion for the craft and a deep love for both humanity and the planet. Their Neapolitan pizza is famous and nearly addictive, and for me, it’s all about that delicate, chewy, and airy crust. Sinking your teeth into that heavenly slice, you can tell they have learned well from the best Italian masters. However, the team doesn’t just stop at whipping up delicious food.
With a commitment to making the world a better place, the establishment achieved B Corp certification this year, officially joining the ranks of socially and environmentally conscious companies. For years, they’ve been dedicated to collaborating with suppliers who prioritize sustainability, even setting up their own vertical farm in London to grow pesticide-free basil with minimal water. I love that at the Selfridges branch, you can dine surrounded by flourishing racks of fresh basil — both a nod to their concept and a practical solution.
Margherita — £14.95
The founders of Acme Fire Cult specialize in live-fire cooking and in bringing a naturally joyful atmosphere to the experience. The spot shares the yard with 40FT Brewery, and while the interior is pleasant, I love sitting out on the terrace watching the grill — it overall feels like a friends’ BBQ gathering. However, the barbecue vibe gets a serious upgrade here.
Rather than the usual meat-heavy spread you might expect, the focus is on seasonal, mostly organic vegetables. And let me tell you, humble leeks can be phenomenal. Elevated with pistachio cream, they’re a real standout — right up there with marmite & pecorino sourdough. The sustainable approach is evident in the local sourcing of ingredients, including meat from regenerative farms and fish from small day boats. My special recognition goes to their ambitious zero-waste commitment: by-products are sent straight to the in-house ferment lab to be transformed into delicious sauces.
Roast leeks — £9
EDIT is a hidden gem in Hackney, which seems to be a natural location for a plant-based environment-friendly spot. I can’t help but mention the clever name, inspired by “the act of altering to improve.” Indeed, fully embracing the concept of low impact, EDIT invites patrons to redefine their perspectives through elevated hyper-seasonal dishes created in alignment with a philosophy of regeneration and root-to-leaf cooking.
The menu is dynamic, but during my visit, I was particularly impressed by the foraged mushroom dish, which was sublime, as well as squash adorned with delightful touches of vegan cheese and pickled onions. Don’t skip the wine pairings that also come from sustainable producers, and importantly, there is a great selection to choose from. I think it is important to note that the project is backed by an eco-conscious architect, a fact beautifully reflected in the interiors, showcasing a sophisticated effort to preserve and mindfully enhance the existing space.
5-course menu — £48