If you’re taking part in Veganuary this year and want to eat out in London, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many places to choose from!
We asked Bex Lauenstein-Dean, London resident and Veganuary participant, to share her recommendations. Bex took part in Veganuary in 2022, which was her third attempt at veganism.
But having met her partner, who was already vegan, and with Veganuary’s help and support, Bex reached the end of Veganuary feeling great, with more energy and vitality, and believing she had made the best choice for animals.
Four years on, Bex is still vegan and this year married her partner Eva in a fully vegan ceremony. These are her top picks to try in January and beyond.
1. Studio Gauthier (W1)
You have to check out Studio Gauthier, the chic and stylish restaurant in W1. They do a seasonal tasting menu which is absolutely phenomenal! Alexis Gauthier has such an incredible talent for flavour combinations and the food is always so fresh and perfectly presented.
There’s normally a Brioche Feuilleté/croissant-style dish in the tasting menu which is always a highlight for me – such delectable flaky vegan pastry is a masterpiece!
Beyond the fancy tasting menu they also offer a more informal à la carte lunch and dinner with smaller plates, sushi, and burgers, or you can opt for bottomless sushi.
For an even fancier date night, the Michelin-listed Gauthier Soho is the place to be!
2. Unity Diner (Spitalfields)
Unity Diner in Spitalfields is one of our go-tos when we’re taking non-vegans out to eat as it has such a broad range of “fakeaway”-type food.
The Tofish and chips, Chilli lime calamari and Caesar salad are just a few of our faves but everything is really good.
The diner also helps to fund Surge Sanctuary, a safe haven for abused and unwanted animals, which is a nice little bonus for choosing to eat there.
3. Tofu Vegan (Islington)
If non-vegans can get past what can be a slightly off-putting name, then this is another go-to for trying plant-based Chinese food. The flavours are always perfect and I’m yet to have a dish I wouldn’t order again.
That being said, my firm favourites are the Wontons with a house special sauce, Gong bao king oyster mushrooms with cashew nuts, and the Sliced “fisc” in sizzling chilli oil or Twice cooked “fisc”.
4. Temple of Seitan (Camden and Hackney)
I will never turn down a trip to Temple of Seitan which has restaurants in Camden and Hackney.
It has authentic fried chicken-shop vibes and fantastic flavours without any chickens being killed. Great fries and the best vegan mac and cheese.
Fabulous comfort food!
5. Jam Delish (Islington)
Jam Delish is a family-owned Caribbean restaurant and cocktail bar in Angel, honouring traditional recipes with a modern, plant-based twist.
The food is beautifully presented and absolutely fantastic. From dumplings known as festivals to fishcakes and from rice and peas to ‘goat’ stew, this is a menu you will want to fully explore. Highly recommended!
Looking for more dining out ideas? Check out the best places to eat vegan in Exeter, Chester and Manchester.
