Vegan Food Options: Where to Eat Vegan for Lunch & Dinner Near You

The world of vegan food is more exciting and accessible than ever before, and London stands as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world. Whether you’re a long-time vegan, a curious newcomer, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, finding delicious vegan options for lunch and dinner in the capital is a breeze.

This guide explores London’s status as a global vegan capital. We highlight the best tools for finding plant-based meals, showcase top dedicated restaurants, and list mainstream chains with extensive vegan menus. With thousands of options across the city, eating vegan in London has never been more flavorful or convenient.

The Thrill of the Hunt: Finding Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

Your journey to a delicious vegan meal in London starts with a little exploration. Fortunately, excellent online tools can help you discover the city’s best plant-based offerings. One of the most trusted resources is HappyCow, a global platform that evaluates cities based on their vegan density and community activity.

According to the HappyCow 2025 Global Rankings, London has been crowned the world’s #1 vegan-friendly city for the fourth year in a row, boasting over 3,600 vegan-friendly listings and a 12% increase in fully vegan restaurants over the last year. This makes the capital an unparalleled “hub” for anyone seeking plant-based lunch and dinner.

London’s Dedicated Vegan Gems

London is home to a fantastic array of 100% vegan restaurants, offering everything from casual comfort food to fine dining. This growth reflects a massive shift in the UK’s dietary landscape. Indeed, research from Finder indicates that by 2026, an estimated 3.5 million UK adults (6.3% of the population) plan to follow a vegan diet, with nearly 13% of Gen Z identifying as vegan.

Restaurant	Cuisine	Highlights
Mildreds	International	A beloved institution known for its colourful, globally inspired dishes.
Club Mexicana	Mexican	Famous for vibrant, flavour-packed tacos and “Cheezeburger” burritos.
Purezza	Italian / Pizza	The UK’s first vegan pizzeria, offering award-winning sourdough pizzas.
Tofu Vegan	Chinese	A game-changer for traditional Sichuan flavours and dim sum.
Gauthier Soho	French Fine Dining	A Michelin-starred, fully plant-based establishment for elevated dining.
Temple of Seitan	Fast Food	Famous for indulgent, seitan-based “chicken” burgers and wings.

Mainstream Munchies: Vegan-Friendly Chains

You don’t always have to seek out a specialty vegan restaurant. Most popular UK chains have embraced the plant-based movement with impressive menus that cater to the “flexitarian” majority.

Wagamama: A leader in vegan-friendly dining where 50% of the menu is plant-based.
Nando’s: Offers the “Great Imitator” pea-protein alternative and various vegan sides.
Leon: Known for the LOVe Burger and seasonal plant-based salads.
Pizza Express & Zizzi: Both provide dedicated vegan menus featuring plant-based cheeses and desserts.
Wetherspoon: A reliable pub chain with a large vegan menu, including a full English breakfast and curries.

Pro-Tips for Ordering at Any Restaurant

Check the Menu in Advance: Most London restaurants have digital menus. Look for the “V” or “VG” symbols beforehand.
Explore Ethnic Cuisines: Indian, Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern restaurants are natural havens for vegans. Dishes like Chana Masala or Misir Wot are traditionally plant-based.
Communicate Clearly: Don’t hesitate to tell your server you are vegan. London hospitality staff are highly trained in dietary requirements.