London consistently tops the list of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world. Nearly every restaurant in the city offers at least a couple of options for those embracing a greener lifestyle. But in this selection, I want to spotlight establishments that have taken things a step further — completely meat-free kitchens serving up culinary creations worthy of the Best Gourmet Vegan Dish award. And no, you won’t find falafel or green bowls here — this is plant-based dining at its most creative.
The idea that French cuisine can go fully vegan is nothing short of a revelation. Michelin-starred chef Alexis Gauthier has certainly turned heads with such a bold pivot. Honestly, it’s not one of those places you visit just because fine-dining vegan options are limited — I’d gladly choose it over a high-end, meat-heavy dinner any day. In fact, that’s exactly what I did.
The scene unfolds in a simply decorated room — it seems like the intention was to preserve the charm of the Soho townhouse without overhauling its character. When the fireplace is lit and candles flicker, the space takes on an especially romantic allure. The team offers degustation menus exclusively, and this autumn edition was a blast — from deeply aromatic truffle pasta and irresistibly buttery pain feuilleté to the main attraction: sea celeriac accompanied by beurre blanc and kelp caviar. I need to mention the wine flight — a fantastic selection, mostly French, as you might expect. Book Gauthier for any occasion, and you’re in for a magical soirée.
Grand Dîner — £95
Mildreds stands as a vanguard of meat-free gastronomy in London. They’ve now gone fully plant-based, embracing sustainability and showing no fear in experimenting with bold flavors. Their locations show a lively mix of creativity and fun, with dynamic energy reflected both in the dishes and the people serving them. With my well-trained sweet tooth, I can confidently swear by their desserts. Seriously, I could bar the door to keep you from leaving without trying that heavenly tiramisu — dairy-free yet bursting with all the decadent depth.
Beyond that, the menu is wonderfully eclectic, showcasing some of the best recipes from around the world. I was thrilled to try Japanese kimchi gyoza, Spanish patatas bravas, and Italian arancini rossi — all in one place (thankfully, they come as small plates). Sri Lankan curry was a standout, offering a deep, tangy flavor with a herbaceous burst of mint-coriander chutney that lingers on the palate.
Sri Lankan curry — £18
Plates reflects nature in both the dishes and the interior, which feels like a small, cozy cave bathed in soft beige, warm browns, and touches of okra, all enhanced by the tiny personal flame of a candle on your table. Chef Kirk Haworth is truly a magician. His expertly crafted degustation sets completely converted me. With a strong focus on sustainability, his food doesn’t scream “look, I’m plant-based”; instead, it says, “I’m absolutely delicious, intriguing, and satisfying.”
The menu here resembles an art piece on a canvas — you can see the dedication and many layers of thought that went into it. Speaking of layers, I was especially blown away by their laminated sourdough bread that arrived mid-meal (but then again, I have a real weakness for good bread). Otherwise, every dish served in irregularly shaped ceramics was innovative and gourmet, with some remarkable options such as slow-cooked leeks with chestnut cream and a hint of jalapeño, barbecued maitake mushrooms, and mung & urad bean lasagna.
Degustation menu — £75
Following its success as a pop-up, Holy Carrot has now opened its doors in Notting Hill — an ideal location for this venture. Another smart choice? Appointing Daniel Watkins as executive chef, who also co-owns the renowned Acme Fire Cult. The interior design is carefully considered — the space, with its softened angles, has a gently flowing feel, while raw-textured walls are enhanced by clever lighting, without the need for additional decor elements. In this refined setting, open flames and low-waste cooking meet sustainable wines to create a truly luxurious experience.
I do appreciate when vegan spots perfectly mimic meat and fish dishes, but what really made an impact on me at Holy Carrot was their respectful inventive approach to vegetables. Smoked beetroot, paired with blueberry agrodolce and pine nuts, transforms into something extraordinary, while foraged wild mushrooms with smoked tofu and chestnut come together in a comforting, sophisticated hot pot.
Winter hot pot — £16.5
I made my way to Oliveira Kitchen in Shoreditch to sample their signature faux gras, made from nuts and mushrooms and served with piccalilli on a lovely slice of sourdough. There’s no need to compare it to the real deal — it’s simply delicious, silky, and full of surprises for the palate. But the menu offers so much more at this laid-back spot with its simple, modern decor.
For instance, their incredible selection of artisan British organic cultured plant-based cheeses was a game-changer. If you're a vegan missing cheese, trust me, this will bring you immense pleasure. A bottle of rare Pinot Noir from Davenport was just as eye-opening. For the main course, wonderfully chewy trumpet mushrooms, paired with green peppercorn sauce and fried cassava, were both outstanding and wonderfully creative. Then there’s a trio of sorbets featuring unique flavors from Amazonian forest fruits — a delightful nod to the chef’s roots, which you’ll find reflected in other dishes as well.
Trumpet royale — £25