As anyone knows, no trip to any major city is complete without visiting as many vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants as possible, and that is just what we did. While this list is less than exhaustive for a city as diverse as London, we can personally vouch for each of these establishments and recommend trying them yourself when you’re “across the pond.”

Neat Burger

One of the must-try stops on our London lists was Neat Burger. Similar to PLNT Burger back home, Neat Burger is the go-to place for burgers, fries, tots, nuggets, shakes, and more (they even make a mean salad). We visited the bustling Camden Town location and had, quite literally, the best burger, fries, tots, and nuggets we ever had. With six locations around London, Neat Burger should be on everyone’s list for a quick lunch before a West End show (they also have a West End location).

Wagamama

Wagamama, which we already had on our list of places to visit, was three doors down from where we were staying near St. Paul’s Cathedral. While not a 100% vegan restaurant, it still has quite an extensive vegan menu. The full vegan menu is even available at its Heathrow Airport location. Visiting its St. John’s Wood location allowed us to finally try K-dogs (Korean-style corn dogs), which were doggone delicious.

Mildred’s

When we first visited Mildred’s years ago, there was only one location. Today, there are six. No matter what you hope to find, you can be confident they will exceed your expectations. Mildred’s has become one shining example of a small chain of plant-based restaurants that has grown through excellent food, outstanding service, and customer demand. We think they could expand into Mildred’s NYC and Mildred’s Philadelphia and do quite well.

Wulf & Lamb

One of the top restaurants in London we wanted to check out was Wulf and Lamb. We stopped by for breakfast the morning we were leaving, and we were not disappointed. We tried the scramble, which is made with ackee instead of tofu. Ackee is another example of a versatile fruit native to West Africa that creative vegans have turned into a delicious egg alternative. In addition to our scramble, we enjoyed a Toastie, toasted sourdough bread with smoked aioli, sliced tomato, viola cheese, and oregano. Finally, we finished our breakfast with chocolate pancakes with a coconut chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and strawberries. The meal was as amazing as the service and atmosphere. We highly recommend Wulf & Lamb for any meal while in the Swinging City.

Pho

Again, not a dedicated vegan restaurant but an affordable and casual Vietnamese restaurant with amazing vegan options (including “THIS is not chicken,” plant-based chicken protein) as an option for nearly every dish. Whether you are into pho or spicy noodles, Pho has countless options and a relaxing atmosphere in three convenient locations.

McDonald’s

If there were one item we wish would make its way across the pond to America, it would be the McPlant Burger from McDonald’s. While we are not big fans of the Golden Arches, the sheer volume of sales for a plant-based burger at the world’s largest fast-food franchise could change the course of the availability of planet-based food forever. We ordered a McPlantBurger (made with a Beyond patty), Veggie Sticks, and fries (since the fries in Europe are vegan). The burger and fries were amazing and exactly what we remembered from our pre-vegan days, but the Veggie Sticks were not great.

Gregg’s

Gregg’s vegan sausage rolls are one of the most talked-about plant-based items unavailable in the U.S. These are a hot topic in the U.K. because there was a backlash from locals who felt sausage rolls were never meant to be vegan. Controversy aside, these vegan sausage rolls are incredible. At just £1,25 each, we each had to buy two while walking Balham High Road. Again, they were delicious and proof that England’s vegan options are better than the United States versions.

Franco Manca

When the window menu mentions Violife cheese, which we first tried more than a decade ago in London, as an option for all their sourdough pizzas, we knew we had to give it a try. Franco Manca did not disappoint. Delicious crust, sauce, and a variety of toppings made for a welcome lunch during our visit. While eating his pizza, our 9-year-old said, “I don’t need to go to heaven … because it’s right here.” Franco Manca has more than 55 locations across Greater London, so it will be easy to find one close to where you are staying next time you are visiting.

Banana Tree Pan Asian Kitchen

We visited the Banana Tree location near Clapham Commons and were impressed with its wide array of vegan options. While there are a dozen options, we recommend the vegan gyoza, Vietnamese spring rolls, Singapore laksa, and satay.

MukBap

MukBap is the first and only 100% vegan Korean restaurant in London. While it does not quite live up to the overall ambiance and experience of our favorite vegan Korean restaurant in New York City, HanGawi, it makes up for it with the amazing array of traditional and new Korean dishes you should try. As with most Korean restaurants, expect to be treated with a delicious plethora of plant-based starters as you wait for your bubbling Soon Dubu Jigae or Bibimbop.

Discovering Vegan Food Options in London

London has so many notable vegan and vegan-friendly establishments that we were not able to try them all.

Here are some other vegan restaurants in London worth checking out:

• Jam Delish (Caribbean)
• Pizza Union (GF/V)
• Unity Diner
• Purezza
• Vegan Planet
• Thenga (near Kings Cross Station)
• Wembley Stadium for vegan hot dogs and Regent’s Park for a plant-based burger

Overall, London has more options in more places than any city in the U.S. If you are planning a trip to London, use this list as a starting point, but know that nearly all restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and fast-food establishments will have something vegan-friendly for you to eat. London’s calling.