Introduction
Gone are the days when “vegan food” meant a sad salad and a bland tofu scramble. The UK’s vegan scene is booming, with creative, delicious, and downright indulgent plant-based restaurants popping up everywhere. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, flexitarian, or just curious, these spots will make you forget meat even exists.
In this guide, we’ll cover the absolute best vegan restaurants in the UK, from fancy fine dining to cozy cafés. Get ready to drool—your next food adventure starts here!
Why Vegan Dining in the UK is a Big Deal
The UK is one of the fastest-growing vegan markets in the world. Here’s why:
✔ More options than ever – From gourmet burgers to vegan fish & chips, there’s something for everyone.
Health & planet-friendly – Eating plant-based reduces your carbon footprint (and guilt).
✔ Even meat-eaters love it – These restaurants are so good, they’re converting carnivores.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the best places to eat.
The Best Vegan Restaurants in the UK
1. Mildreds (London & Beyond)
“The OG of vegan dining—reliable, delicious, and always packed!”
🔹 Why go? A pioneer in vegan food since 1988, Mildreds serves globally inspired dishes like Sri Lankan curry and Korean pancakes.
Must-try: Their famous vegan burger—it’s legendary.
🔹 Locations: London (Soho, Camden, King’s Cross, Dalston), plus Manchester and Brighton.
2. Gauthier Soho (London)
“Fancy vegan? This is your spot.”
🔹 Why go? A Michelin-starred chef turned this French restaurant fully vegan. Think truffle risotto and chocolate fondant.
Must-try: The tasting menu—perfect for a special occasion.
🔹 Location: Soho, London.
3. The Allotment Vegan (Manchester & Liverpool)
“Gourmet vegan food that even steak lovers rave about.”
🔹 Why go? Fine dining without the meat. Their seitan steak and cashew cheese platter are unreal.
Must-try: The 5-course tasting menu (worth every penny).
🔹 Locations: Manchester & Liverpool.
4. The Vurger Co. (Nationwide)
“Fast food, but make it vegan (and actually good for you).”
🔹 Why go? Craving a dirty burger? Their plant-based patties and loaded fries hit the spot.
Must-try: The Auburger (with smoky BBQ sauce and crispy onions).
🔹 Locations: London, Brighton, Manchester, and more.
5. Erpingham House (Norwich)
“The UK’s largest vegan restaurant—and it’s stunning.”
🔹 Why go? A 100% plant-based eatery with a gorgeous interior and Instagram-worthy dishes.
Must-try: The “fish” & chips (made with banana blossom—trust us).
🔹 Location: Norwich.
6. Sgaia’s Mheats (Glasgow & Online)
“Vegan meats so good, you’ll question reality.”
🔹 Why go? If you miss deli meats, their plant-based pastrami and chorizo are game-changers.
Must-try: The “meat” platter—great for sharing (or not).
🔹 Locations: Glasgow & online delivery.
7. The Coconut Tree (Bristol, Oxford, Cardiff & more)
“Sri Lankan street food that’s accidentally vegan (and insanely tasty).”
🔹 Why go? Most dishes are naturally plant-based, spicy, flavorful, and cheap.
Must-try: The jackfruit curry—it’s a flavor explosion.
🔹 Locations: Bristol, Oxford, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Bournemouth.
Honorable Mentions
- What The Pitta (London & Brighton) – Best vegan kebabs.
- Biff’s Jack Shack (London) – Legendary vegan fried “chicken.”
- Purezza (London & Brighton) – The UK’s first fully vegan pizzeria.
Conclusion
The UK’s vegan food scene is better than ever, with options for every craving—whether you want a quick burger, a fancy tasting menu, or global flavors. These restaurants prove that plant-based eating is anything but boring.
FAQs About Vegan Dining in the UK
Q: Are these restaurants 100% vegan?
A: Most are fully vegan, but some (like The Coconut Tree) have mostly vegan options—just ask!
Q: Is vegan food expensive in the UK?
A: Not always! While fine dining can be pricey, spots like The Vurger Co. and What The Pitta are affordable.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: For places like Gauthier Soho and The Allotment, yes! Casual spots usually don’t need reservations.
Q: Are these places good for non-vegans?
A: Absolutely! Many meat-eaters love these spots—the flavors win everyone over.
Ready to dig in? Pick a restaurant, grab a friend (or go solo—no judgment), and enjoy some of the best vegan food the UK has to offer.
Got a favorite spot we missed? Let us know in the comments!
