Great Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in London by Cuisine

Remember that social meet up where, as the minority vegetarian, you got dragged to a restaurant with all but two options on the menu? Or when being vegetarian implied you can only dine at fully vegetarian / vegan restaurants? Well, after much time discovering, here’s my myth-busting list of great places to meet, wine and dine in 2017 that are fun and fulfilling for one and all.

Chinese – Yauatcha

Yauatcha is a Chinese fine dining restaurant that offers not just authentic food and great ambience but also one of London’s best patisseries. It’s a great setting for a romantic or a special occasion with dimmed lighting and modern decor. From their Black Pepper Vegetarian Chicken Dim Sums to their feast of desserts including the Raspberry Delice, the food is delightful. Make sure you book in advance.

Price per person (avg): £35
Alcohol (avg): £13
Contact: +44 (0)20 7494 8888

German – Munich Cricket Club

Munich Cricket Club is an underground treasure in the middle of Victoria, offering authentic Bavarian cuisine alongside a buzzing Bierkeller (beer cellar). Very much a pleasant surprise, the menu has ample vegetarian options for foodies from salads to schnitzels (fritters). The Münchener Maultaschen (traditional Bavarian pasta filled with cauliflower) served with mushroom sauce, buttered broccoli and salad is particularly delicious. Try their Apfelstrudel Martini and, of course, the Apfelstrudel (apple pie) itself.

Price per person (avg): £10-£15
Alcohol (avg): £5
Contact: 61-71 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HW; +44 (0)20 7222 8972

Greek – The Real Greek

The Real Greek offers a wide variety of classic Greek fare and has fast grown into a chain of 12 restaurants across London. Reasonably priced, each of their dishes have distinct, delicate flavours, served up in elegantly layered trays. They make an exceptional effort to maintain a constantly evolving vegetarian selection. Their Htipiti (spicy feta dip), Halloumi Vegetable Skewers and Vegetarian Souvlakis are personal favourites.

Price per person (avg): £10-15
Alcohol (avg): £6
Contact: Check website for closest branch

Indian – My favourite picks across London

Italian – Al Forno Wimbledon

Al Forno has been a firm favourite since 2002 – they have 3 branches across South West London, each filled with Italian character, matched by the flavours of their hearty food and welcoming customer service. Don’t like what you see on the extensive menu? These guys will happily customise the food to suit your tastes. There is nothing you could go wrong with here, but their Vegetarian Lasagne, Spaghetti Arrabbiata and wood-fired oven pizzas are a must have. Finish up with their homemade Tiramisu for the perfect ending.

Price per person (avg): £10-15
Alcohol (avg): £7
Contact: 2A Kings Road, London SW19 8QN; +44 (0)20 8540 5710

Lebanese – Kenza

Kenza transports you into a world of Arab indulgence, away from the hustle and bustle of Liverpool Street. The restaurant decor is neo-traditional, featuring a swanky bar and dance floor to complement the majlis-style seating. The food is exquisitely Lebanese and the portions large. For a wholesome experience, arrive on a Friday to enjoy their belly dancing while sampling their Vegetarian Feasting menu that provides a selection of 7 mezzes, a main course and two desserts. Well worth the price!

Price per person (avg): £30
Alcohol (avg): £10
Contact: 10 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YP; +44 (0)20 7929 5533

Mexican / Peruvian – Leicester Square Kitchen

Leicester Square Kitchen (part of the Radisson Blue Edwardian Hotel) opened in May 2017 to become one of London’s very few Mexican / Peruvian fine dining restaurants offering small plates. The menu is equally split between the two cuisines and so far is the only place I know that brings the true flavours of the regions to London. The Chilli Lime Veggie Chicken Soft Tacos, Mexican Street-Spiced Asparagus and Seared Robata Broccoli are not to be missed. The presentation is immaculate and yet the prices are reasonable, a total win-win for anyone.

Price per person (avg): £20-£25
Alcohol (avg): £9
Contact: 31-36 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LH; +44 (0) 207 666 0902

Thai – Rosa’s Thai Cafe

Rosa’s Thai Cafe’s growing popularity has quickly led to its spread across 10 branches in London since launching in 2008. Rosa’s creates a cosy and compact setting, perfect for an informal yet fulfilling meal. They have a fully dedicated vegetarian menu and no item fails to please. Their Papaya Salad and Green Curry are particularly delicious.

Price per person (avg): £10-£20
Alcohol (avg): £6
Contact: Check website for closest branch

Turkish – Istanbul Meze Mangal

Hidden away in the suburban Colliers Wood area, Istanbul Meze Mangal is one of the best Turkish restaurants in London. The ambience is fun, relaxed and cost-effective, yet the food is taken very seriously here. The Ispanak Tarator served with their freshly-baked Dill Bread are favourites from the large mezze selection. For mains, their Vegetarian Moussaka served with couscous, salad and rice, are like no other you would have tasted in town.

Price per person (avg): £10-£15
Alcohol (avg): £6
Contact: 222 High Street Colliers Wood, London, SW19 2BH; +44 (0)20 8543 3123