Vegan Delights: Discover London’s Must-Try Plant-Based Gems
Mildred’s Vegetarian Restaurant in Covent Garden
Let’s talk vibes first—because as a solo traveler, we all know the ambiance matters, especially when there’s no one around to distract you from a restaurant’s quirky decor (or bad decor, let’s be real). Luckily, Mildreds got the memo. The place has a cool, fresh, contemporary feel, with lush greenery spilling out in just the right places. It’s like they wanted to say, "Hey, here’s some oxygen to go with your morning smoothie." And the modern artwork on the walls? Perfect for pretending you’re in an art gallery while munching your avocado toast. Pro tip: grab a seat by the window if you can. It’s the ideal people-watching spot, and let's be honest, that’s half the fun.
The food? Oh, you’ll love it. I went for breakfast, and let me tell you, they nailed it. Everything was gorgeous—yes, I’m talking food you want to Instagram even if you’re starving. But more than looking good, it tasted amazing and didn’t make my wallet cry. The portions were perfect, the flavors were all there, and, honestly, I wasn’t ready for how full of flavor a vegan breakfast could be.
And I have to give a shoutout to Kate, who was my server and probably the kindest person ever. It was like dining in the living room of that one friend who always seems to know how to make people feel at home. Her attention and warmth made the whole experience next-level comforting—exactly what you need when you’re solo dining.
Holy Carrot Restaurant in Belgravia
If you're on the hunt for some drool-worthy vegan food in London, let me introduce you to Holy Carrot in Belgravia. This isn’t just another plant-based place; it’s got some serious class, and the moment I walked in, I thought, “Am I still in a restaurant, or did I step into a chic botanical retreat?” Picture muted dried flowers hanging overhead, a refined luxe dining room, and even a cozy fireplace. Honestly, the decor alone could tempt even the most die-hard carnivore to venture in.
But, of course, I wasn’t just here for the ambiance—let’s talk about the food. Holy Carrot isn’t kidding around with its mission: everything on the menu is vegan, ethically sourced, and gloriously free from sugar, gluten, and preservatives. Yup, even your health-nut friend can’t complain here. Their menu reads like a dream, with sliders, ceviche, sushi, and more. They really went all out on the flavors and textures. My top pick? The coal-roasted leeks. It’s this beautifully balanced dish with layers of flavors and a surprising mix of textures that just works.
Other must-tries include the sweet potato hummus (a very close second favorite), the padrón peppers, the grilled trombetta, and the smoked carrot. And if you have a sweet tooth, save room for dessert—especially the strawberry creation. This was hands-down one of the standout dishes, and it’s worth every spoonful.
So, if you're looking for a vegan spot with both style and substance, Holy Carrot might just be your next go-to. Would you be up for trying coal-roasted leeks? Or are you more of a dessert-first kind of person? Either way, trust me, you’ll leave Holy Carrot with zero regrets (except maybe wondering when you can go back!).
Govinda's Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
If you're after some wholesome, affordable, and flavorful vegetarian and vegan food in London, Govinda's Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant is a must-visit. This place serves up a variety of dishes that are not just meat, fish, and egg-free but also leave out onions, garlic, and mushrooms. So if you thought "flavor" was just a synonym for "garlic," think again—Govinda's will surprise you!
The vibe at Govinda’s is all about fresh, nutritious meals made throughout the day right on the premises. And they serve it with a twist: everything here is first offered to Lord Krishna, making it "prasadam" or, as they like to say, the "Mercy of God." That means you're not just grabbing a bite; you're having a blessed, karma-free experience. Talk about a meal that’s good for the soul!
Now, if you’re new to Indian cuisine or just want the full experience, try the thali, which literally means "plate." This beauty comes loaded with two veggie dishes, rice, bread, and a little side salad. And if you're in the mood for something more Western, they’ve got veggie pizza, lasagna, and egg-free quiche. Yep, you read that right—lasagna and quiche, totally egg-free!
One of the best parts? Their salads. And we're not talking about a lonely lettuce leaf here. There’s an incredible daily lineup of salads, from mango, celery, and walnut creations to fried marinated courgettes and eggplant. And don’t even get me started on the tahini dressing—it’s practically a meal in itself.
And let’s talk desserts for a second. Govinda’s has you covered whether you want a slice of cheesecake, a scoop of homemade ice cream, or something traditional like laddhu (little gram flour sweets) or barfi (condensed milk balls). If you’re trying to cut back on sweets, though…well, good luck here!
Tendril - A (mostly) Vegan Kitchen & Bar
If you’re up for some plant-based fine dining with a twist, you have to try Tendril in London. This spot is all about flavor-packed, creative vegan dishes that put veggies front and center. If you’re here for the usual plant-based sausages or burgers, though, you might need a quick change of expectations. At Tendril, the vegetables are the true stars of the show, and Chef Rishim Sachdeva is a total pro at bringing them to life.A quick backstory—Tendril began as a pop-up in Bethnal Green back in 2019, then moved to Soho’s Sun & 13 Cantons, and now has a permanent home on Princess Street, thanks to a successful crowdfunding project. So, this place has clearly been on a journey, but it’s found its roots now—pun intended.
Being the curious type, I actually looked up the word “Tendril” before visiting. Turns out it’s that tiny, climbing part of a plant that clings to surfaces for support. Not exactly sure why Rishim chose this name, but hey, maybe it’s all about growth and staying grounded. I’ll have to ask him next time!The space itself? Beautiful. It’s an elegant townhouse, with two dining areas. I sat up front, which has an informal vibe, while the back area feels cozy and intimate. Rishim himself is from India but trained in French cuisine—yup, he worked at places like The Fat Duck and Chiltern Firehouse. So, the guy knows his way around a kitchen, and it shows in every bite.
The “Discovery Lunch” came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. It kicked off with a stunning grilled mushroom parfait served with sourdough bread. The mushrooms were perfectly charred, adding a hint of smokiness, and the white bean dip with a splash of chili was the kind of thing you’d want to eat by the spoonful. Then came the Pak Choi in Massaman sauce—imagine tender, spiced greens that are finally the star of the dish, not just a soggy side! Another standout? The baked brie on truffle toast. Creamy, dreamy, and just downright delicious, this was the kind of food that makes you rethink everything you know about plant-based cuisine.
So, what’s the verdict? Tendril absolutely lives up to the hype. If you’re into creative, beautiful, and seriously tasty vegan food, this place should be on your list. Would you give up your burger for a night to try a dish centered around Pak Choi? If you’re willing to take the plunge, Tendril might just make you a believer in the veggie revolution.
