There’s no doubt about it, London is home to some of the best vegan restaurants and food businesses in the UK. The bustling capital is home to a plethora of plant-based eateries, cafes, pop-ups, and delivery services (for those days when you just want to cozy up on the sofa with a plate of expertly cooked vegan grub).
All of these vegan restaurants and food businesses are Black-owned, and they offer some of the best plant-based fare in London town. You won’t be able to stop yourself from going back for more again and again.
Livity Plant Based Cuisine
Livity Plant Based Cuisine’s delicious offerings include vegan and soy-free versions of Ital dishes like green banana salad, fried plantain, pumpkin patties, and jerk aubergine, all cooked by the eatery’s founders: twin sisters Kareema and Kaleema Shakur-Muhammad.
For now, you can find the sisters, who used to have a food stall at Surrey Street Market, serving up their signature dishes at the occasional festival. But it’s all because there are bigger things on the horizon: the duo are on the lookout for a new spot in South London to open a bricks ‘n’ mortar location. (To help them on their journey, find their Go Fund Me page here.)
All Nations Vegan House
Now on Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, All Nations Vegan House serves up plant-based Caribbean dishes, like pan-fried butter beans, curry jackfruit, and smoky-sweet potatoes. The popular family-owned Dalston eatery is widely loved across the city. It even appeared on Vogue’s 2020 list of best vegan restaurants in London.
Beza
Elephant and Castle restaurant Beza Vegan Food specializes in plant-based whole foods, cooked using traditional Ethiopian methods for optimum flavor. Choose from dishes like miser wot (red lentils with red onion, garlic, and turmeric); difin miser wot (brown lentils with red onion and garlic); and kik wot (yellow split beans cooked with red onion, garlic, and Ethiopian berbere).
Marlis Kitchen
For fried chicken cravings, we prescribe Walthamstow-based Marlis Kitchen. The company was founded in 2019, when founder Belinda Manfo spotted a gap in the market for her “really good vegan fried chick’un” and veganized dishes from her Ghanian heritage.
Despite having no restaurant experience, Manfo has now built a thriving business that specializes in pop-ups, catering, events, and deliveries. You don’t even need to be based in London to sample Marlis Kitchen’s delights. The business is currently delivering its frozen chicken meal kits nationwide.
Try the Crispy Fried Oyster Mushroom & Plantain Burger Meal Kit, which comes complete with skin-on-fries and seasoning. Or for something super meaty, opt for the Crispy Fried Seitan Chicken Burgers.
Eat of Eden
With an entirely vegan menu inspired by both Caribbean Ital food and European dishes, popular Eat of Eden was “borne out of the needs of the local community in Brixton,” said director Tony Swann. The restaurant now has six locations in total, with each offering a selection of tasty plant-based platters. Or if you’re not really into sharing, solo dishes include Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Curry, Wheat Meat Burgers, and Vegetable Patties.
Deserted Cactus
Deserted Cactus is one of London’s most unique dining spots. Based in Peckham, it’s run by just one chef, Esme, aka London Afro Vegan on Instagram, and there’s no menu. Esme cooks up small-batch, plant-based food for her customers, and the restaurant has a cozy, homely, welcoming vibe.
Patty By Nature
East London-based Patty By Nature does one thing and one thing only, and it does it exceptionally: vegan patties. Try The Jack, which features “intensely flavorsome” curried jackfruit, or The Island Girl, with jerk sweet plantain and spicy vegetables. Whatever you choose, your taste buds will be thrilled.
Young Vegans
Hearty, delicious, comforting, that’s everything you need from a pie. Young Vegans delivers on that golden trio, and more. Sadly, the company’s pie shop in Camden Town closed down last year. But don’t worry — the business is planning to open a hot food counter in Planet Organic’s Camden location later this year, serving pie and mash. Plus, it also has a pizza shop in Bethnal Green and an online shop that delivers its tasty fare all across the UK. Choose from options like the Mac and Cheese Pie, the Cheeseburger Pie, the Farmhouse Pie, and the classic Steak and Ale Pie.
