Passing through Liverpool Street and want to find yourself a vegan restaurant with delicious food?
Whether you’re after a quick bite, a wholesome meal, or a trendy spot to meet friends, our list of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Liverpool Street has you covered.
1. The Vurger Co.
Located in the buzzing heart of London, The Vurger Co. stands out as a beacon for those seeking a vegan fast food haven. Since its inception in 2016, this all-vegan spot has been redefining what it means to enjoy a guilt-free junk food experience.
Once you step inside, you’ll instantly feel the vibrant energy that sets this place apart.
The menu is a parade of plant-based burgers, each meticulously crafted to deliver an explosive burst of flavors.
Their patties, made from a diverse mix of ingredients like earthy mushrooms, rich beetroots, and exotic jackfruit, are an absolute treat to the taste buds.
Adding an extra layer of decadence, the house-made vegan sauces elevate each bite to a whole new level of deliciousness.
The one that comes with a Beyond Meat burger and vegan cheese, in particular, could easily be crowned the best burger in town. It’s that good.
The Vurger Co. also offers a delightful assortment of sides. Their sweet potato fries are a crowd favorite — perfectly crisp on the outside, and soft and sweet on the inside.
They also serve a black bean patty Classic burger that pairs wonderfully with a banana caramel smoothie for a balanced, satisfying meal.
But it’s not just the food that makes this place special. The Vurger Co. values the environment as much as they value taste. Though they use plastic utensils, their commitment to sustainability is evident, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make the switch to more eco-friendly alternatives soon.
Even for those who aren’t fully committed to a plant-based lifestyle, The Vurger Co. is a must-visit. It’s a place that proves vegan food can be exciting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
With its massive burgers, dairy-free shakes that taste just like the real thing, and arguably the best coleslaw in London, The Vurger Co. is a testament to the fact that vegan food can be truly amazing.
So, whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or someone who’s looking to reduce their meat and dairy consumption, The Vurger Co. is a place you should visit, especially if you’re passing by.
2. What The Pitta
What The Pitta, in all its glory, is a vegan kebab haven that has won the hearts of many Londoners. The origin of their beloved vegan döner kebab began over a cold beer on a hot day in Bodrum, Turkey.
The founders, Cem and Roj, decided to bring a top-secret, delicious vegan döner recipe from Germany to the UK, and since then, the success of What The Pitta has been nothing short of remarkable.
Now, with three branches in London, one in Brighton, and their latest venture set to open in Camden, What The Pitta can be crowned as the King of vegan kebabs.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the irresistible aroma of their signature kebab ‘meat’, made from non-GMO soy chunks marinated in secret spices.
The kebabs are served on a homemade flatbread, packed with fresh, crunchy salad, and a medley of creamy sauces, including soya yogurt, tzatziki, and hummus.
The love and care put into each ingredient is evident. The bread, thin and floury, is made in-house and serves as a light but sturdy vessel for the hefty kebab. The vegan doner kebab tastes a lot like a ‘real’ kebab – not a late-night regret but a well-made, upscale version you’d happily eat again, sober.
The menu doesn’t stop at kebabs, though. It extends to other items like a couscous salad box, Turkish pizza, mixed meze, and the irresistible vegan baklava. The baklava, syrupy and sweet, is enough to put you into a mild sugar coma, but it’s absolutely worth it.
What The Pitta caters to both eat-in and takeaway customers. If you’re after the full kebab shop experience, you can always buy one and enjoy it while strolling around the city, which might be just what you’re looking for if you’re just visiting London.
Another aspect that stands out about What The Pitta is its affordability. An average dinner for two (without drinks or service) costs around £30.
The portions are generous, so you might want to come in hungry. In fact, they’re so large you might end up taking some home.
What The Pitta has undoubtedly made a name for itself in the vegan food scene. It’s not just the quality of the food that wins you over; it’s also the story, the ethos, and the passion behind the brand that makes it a truly special place to visit.
3. Vegan Yes Shoreditch
Nestled amidst the rich culinary tapestry of London, Vegan Yes is a treasure trove for those yearning for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Run by an Italian chef and his Korean spouse, this fusion restaurant artfully merges the gastronomic traditions of both countries to birth an innovative, health-centric cuisine that stands in a league of its own.
Vegan Yes draws on the tenets of traditional medicine to influence its dishes. It prioritizes nourishing your mind, body, and soul with food that’s pure, unprocessed, and laden with health benefits.
Their entirely plant-based menu, devoid of preservatives or refined sugars, also features raw dishes. They champion the benefits of probiotics through their homemade kimchi – a selection of four distinct types, each served with a creative twist.
As soon as you walk through their doors, you’re greeted by an Italian/Korean fusion concept like no other, with delicacies like Kimchi being cheekily paired with Italian classics like lasagne and gnocchi. Weird, I get it, but it works!
In other words, Vegan Yes is an intriguing alternative for anyone seeking a different take on vegan food. The Kimchi Viola, Kimchi Lasagne, and Chocolate Mousse, perfectly complemented by a glass of vegan Italian wine, create a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.
The café may be small, but it compensates with excellent service and a unique fusion menu that delivers value for money.
The owners go the extra mile to ensure you understand the menu, and they graciously offer samplers of their kimchi, which some diners claim is the best they’ve ever tasted.
The Kimbap and Toppognocchi stand out as crowd favorites, often paired with their signature red kimchi.
And the experience is enhanced by the owners’ warm hospitality, as they casually engage in friendly chatter with customers, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
The food at Vegan Yes is not just unique and satisfying, but their service is top-notch, making the restaurant an essential stop for vegan and fusion food enthusiasts alike.
4. Dauns
In the vibrant urban tableau of London, on the way to the Aldgate East station, lies another hidden gastronomic gem – Dauns.
Far from your typical vegan café, Dauns is a merger of Scandinavian simplicity and innovative plant-based cuisine, leaving a unique impression on your palate.
The inviting atmosphere is palpable; and while exploring the menu, the Scrambled Tofu on Toast, served alongside Richmond’s Meat-Free Sausage and Harissa Mayo, presents itself as a pleasantly affordable surprise.
Despite the affordability, there’s a clear lack of compromise on either food quality or service. One commendable feature is the restaurant’s accessibility, with an entrance easy for wheelchair users and the provision of outdoor seating on fair-weather days.
Dauns has carved a distinct niche in London’s vibrant food scene with its diverse offerings and unmistakable Scandinavian influence.
A visit to this café isn’t just about feeding your hunger; it’s about immersing yourself in a unique culinary narrative that tells a different story than one you might be used to.
Whether you’re a vegan for life or just interested in something delicious to eat, a short stop by Dauns will surely be a highlight of your London experience.
5. Unity Dinner
Stepping into the energetic hustle and bustle of Shoreditch, a stone’s throw away from Brick Lane, you’re met with an intriguing dining establishment that breaks the mold of conventional eateries – Unity Diner.
This is not your average diner. Instead, it’s a gastronomic venture co-founded by renowned vegan activist Earthling Ed, aiming to serve diner-style vegan food while actively supporting animal rights.
At Unity Diner, you’re not just having a meal; you’re partaking in a movement that revolutionizes public perception of vegan cuisine, making it accessible and enjoyable to all, vegan or not.
Launched in 2018, Unity Diner has been tempting taste buds with an array of lip-smacking delicacies ranging from loaded fries and burgers to mac and cheese, all while using their profits to make a positive impact on our planet.
But don’t forget, junk food is still junk food, so not the healthiest joint!
One can’t help but be impressed by Unity Diner’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
They’ve embraced a zero-waste approach, with straws, takeaway containers, and coffee cups all biodegradable and plastic-free.
Additionally, they champion ethical clothing with staff uniforms and merchandise made from 100% organic cotton and vegan ink that’s chemical-free.
Even their energy provider, Ecotricity, is vegan. Furthermore, their commitment extends to being dog-friendly, and any suitable food waste is thoughtfully donated to animals rescued from slaughter.
The atmosphere in Unity Diner buzzes with a distinctive fusion of neon and sleek, cubist modernity, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.
While the service may sometimes be unhurried, the delectable meals compensate for any wait.
The selection is vast, including gluten-free options and an enticing drinks menu.
The standout dish has to be the VFC Chicken burger, which has won accolades from both vegans and non-vegans alike. The varied dessert selection and creatively named cocktails add a splash of whimsy to the experience.
The restaurant tends to be crowded and a bit noisy, with tables positioned quite closely, but this only signals its popularity and demand. The occasional rushed feeling due to high turnover could be considered a testament to its success.
Of course, not all dishes may hit the mark for everyone.
For instance, the lobster mac, though a daring choice, may not offer the cheesy indulgence expected from a traditional mac and cheese.
But the delightful surprises that await, such as the salted caramel cake, more than make up for any misses.
Unity Diner, with its compelling blend of mouthwatering cuisine and social activism, is a must-visit spot in London.
6. Alter
Situated amid an array of uniform glass tower blocks stands Alter, a unique vegan eatery that defies initial impressions.
Founded by Andy Goodwin, a former Dabbous, Som Saa & Andrew Wong associate, Alter isn’t your typical vegan restaurant.
Rather than mimicking meat and dairy substitutes, it finds its muse in the diverse cultures of global street food, crafting a vegan menu that extends a warm welcome to everyone – vegans or not.
First impressions might not seem delightful as the restaurant is tucked away on the first floor of an unassuming glass building, its panoramic windows offering views of similar structures around it.
Stray from the path to the restrooms, and you might find yourself navigating the labyrinthine passages of the adjoining four-star hotel.
However, the moment you step into Alter, its unappealing exterior melts away, replaced by an immersive experience that exudes warmth and playful charm.
Andy Goodwin, the mastermind behind Alter’s innovative menu, crafts dishes that burst with flavor and character, putting a unique spin on the stereotypical virtue of vegan cuisine.
Take, for instance, the ‘pizza’, which is not your usual pizza but rather whimsical triangles of bread dusted with an addictive pizza-flavored seasoning, perfect for dipping into a pool of garlicky ajo blanco.
This interpretation of pizza is so compelling that it has won accolades from Off Menu podcast host, James Acaster.
Drawing inspiration from Asia, the menu at Alter is a medley of shareable, vegan-friendly delights.
From peanut-filled miang laos wrapped in tangy mustard green leaves to umami-packed shiitake and yellow bean dumplings swimming in a savory kelp broth, each dish offers an adventure for your palate. The creamy, mushroom-infused laksa, in particular, is a flavourful escapade not to be missed.
While London is awash with vegan joints that rely heavily on mysterious, often bland, meat substitutes, Alter offers a breath of fresh air. The dishes here are light and fresh, exploring classic favorites with an inventive twist.
If you’re after an experience that celebrates the power of plant-based cuisine in a setting that’s far removed from the monotonous grey of its surrounding buildings, then Alter is the place to be.
In the world of vegan cuisine, Alter lives up to its name, altering perceptions and satisfying appetites in an unconventional way.
Got More Suggestions?
While I’ve only included 6 vegan restaurants in this list, I don’t discard the possibility of adding new eateries or even replacing the current ones.
If you have any suggestions that deserve to be mentioned, feel free to leave them in the comments below while also explaining the reason why they might be worth it.
