Veganism is in vogue in the United Kingdom. London, in particular, has built a steadfast reputation as one of the world’s most vegan-friendly cities. Most of its restaurants feature plant-based options, and the city is home to countless vegan eateries.
The Best Vegan Michelin Star Restaurants in London
London boasts a treasure trove of elevated vegan restaurants, presenting Michelin-starred fare. With a substantial portion of the city’s elite foraying into plant-based living, its luxury restaurateurs have kept up and risen to the challenge. Fine dining as a vegan is no longer a challenge in London. Here’s a rundown of London's Michelin-starred vegan restaurants.
1. Gauthier Soho
Tucked away in an old Regency townhouse on Romilly Street, Gauthier Soho is a vegan restaurant led by the acclaimed chef, Alexis Gauthier. Its seasonal menu of French fare has earned the restaurant one Michelin star and three Rosettes. The establishment spans three floors, pivoting around a winding staircase clad in rich red carpeting. The candle-lit dining room with only five tables creates a quiet ambience, ideal for indulging in the extensive tasting menu. The grand old fireplace juxtaposed with modern art and LED rosy hues in an uncluttered space exemplifies the understated refinement Gauthier Soho prides itself on.
Guests are welcomed with an amuse bouche and are taken on a plant-based French sojourn, packed with strong yet muted flavours. There is a petit menu and a grand menu, comprising several starters, main dishes, and desserts. Their drinks menu includes premium spirits and wines, in addition to a seasonal cocktail menu, which features drinks made with fresh ingredients. They also have a wine pairing experience, in which a sommelier will hand-pick the perfect bottle for you and keep your flute filled – their keen eye for your oenophilic palate will not disappoint you.
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2. Tendril
Sweeping the fake meats and processed ingredients under the rug, Tendril’s plant-based menu stars honest-to-goodness vegetables. The restaurant was born of Chef Rishim Sachdeva’s surprisingly successful experiment with Veganuary – the meat-loving chef was enamoured by the flavorful potential of vegetables. Its “mostly vegan” menu earned Tendril a Michelin star. Chef Sachdeva prides himself on his precision and technique. Their a la carte menu features handsome dishes such as “‘Chinatown’ purple potato” and “Chipotle Mushroom”. For those still transitioning to veganism, the non-vegan baked brie with sourdough is an appealing option. To finish off, there’s a surprise dessert of the day.
In addition to a private dining room with a 30-person seating capacity, the main group dining room is an unassuming lounge with maroon walls and oak furniture. Usually packed to capacity, Tendril is a buzzy establishment. Here, you are assured punchy flavours, meticulous cooking skills, and a vibrant atmosphere.
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3. Naïfs
Naïfs is a homely bistro with a signature mezze-inspired menu served family style. With an open kitchen, the restaurant evokes the ambience of eating at home. Naïfs’ creations are overtly biophilic – the fare is produce-led, the drinks menu features seasonal botanical cocktails, and plants are the showstoppers in every meal. They also have homemade kombucha and sodas.
At the time of writing, their set menu features grilled shiitake mushrooms with tofu; and braised golden beetroot with vadouvan and burnt brassica. For the raw vegans, there’s the raw courgette salad with avocados, peas, and lettuce. Desserts featuring fresh fruit, wines, and premium liquors enhance the spread.
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4. Bubala
Bubala translates to “darling” in Yiddish—the restaurant certainly epitomises this term of endearment with its loving nurture of the humble vegetable, elevating it to a Michelin-starred fare. While it is not entirely a vegan restaurant, 90% of its menu is vegan. Paying homage to the bold flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine, Bubala’s mezze spread includes oyster mushroom skewers, smoked Jerusalem artichokes, baba ganoush, and Chinese cabbage skewers, among other relishes.
Skilled chefs demonstrate their culinary prowess in the open kitchen. Exposed wood, palm plants, and a modest bar create a rustic atmosphere, which perfectly complements the wholesome meals and generous portion sizes. Their private dining experiences speak to the boujee in you. From customised menus to large centrepiece desserts and wine pairing with world-class sommeliers, Bubala’s family-style dishes can be enjoyed in style.
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5. Pied à Terre
Opened in 1991, it is one of London’s longest-running Michelin-starred restaurants. Its vegetarian and vegan feasts have earned it several awards, including the reputation of “No. 1 vegan tasting experience in the UK.” Led by celebrity chef David Moore, the restaurant secured a Michelin star within a year of its establishment. Guests have the privilege of engaging with the TV personality over a gourmet spread.
Pied à Terre offers a whole range of dining experiences, from group dining to private dining. The Chef’s Table affair affords guests the privilege of watching the chefs create and explain their masterpieces. The masterclasses unveil their techniques and culinary secrets. The French menu has strong Greek influences. There is a ten-course tasting menu and an a la carte menu that caters to plant-based guests. Their tasting menu includes soybean terrine with fennel seed bread, morel mushroom waffle canapés, tomato salad with vegan caviar and tomato sorbet, and rice dolma, among other mouth-watering bites. Desserts such as peanut butter rice crisps, madeleines, and souffles perfectly crown the handsome main course.
A chintzy carpeted floor, tastefully cracked glass adorning one wall, parallel to an immodest floral landscape painting, paired with velvet furniture exude opulence –less isn’t more at Pied à Terre. With plants in the spotlight and sustainability at the forefront, no other place has a plant-based culinary landscape like London. Explore the city’s Michelin-starred vegan restaurants, and experience the ultimate plant-fuelled gastronomic expedition.
