What are the best vegan eateries near the British Museum?

As the capital city of England, London is a hub of history, culture, and of course, a diversity of food. Among the city's vast culinary scene, the vegan food landscape has taken an exciting turn in recent years, witnessing an unprecedented surge of plant-based restaurants and cafes. That surge is nowhere more apparent than in the neighbourhood surrounding one of London's most popular attractions - the British Museum.

Whether you are a dedicated vegan, a vegetarian, or simply a food enthusiast, you will find an array of enticing food options that will make your visit to the Museum an unforgettable gastronomic experience. With that said, allow us to guide you through some of the best plant-based eateries in the vicinity of the British Museum.

An Excursion into Vegan Delight: The Mildreds

Founded in 1988, The Mildreds is a pioneer of the vegetarian and vegan food scene in London. Over time, it has garnered a reputation as one of the capital's best plant-based restaurants. Its menu is a testament to how vegan food is not just about salads and smoothies but also includes a range of appetising, innovative, and globally influenced dishes.

Located a mere 5-minute walk from the British Museum, The Mildreds is a fantastic place to indulge your taste buds after exploring the Museum's vast collection. Their menu is a culinary journey that spans from Asia to the Americas. Try their warming Sri Lankan sweet potato and green bean curry with roasted lime cashews, pea basmati rice, and coconut tomato sambal. Or, if you are in the mood for a bit of Italian, their vegan lasagne made with a rich tomato ragu and béchamel sauce is sure to hit the spot.

Exotic Vegan Explorations at the Itadaki Zen

The first vegan and organic Japanese restaurant in Europe, Itadaki Zen, is a unique place that brings a different perspective to the vegan scene in London. Situated just a short stroll from the British Museum, this East Asian eatery offers a menu based on the principles of Zen cooking, focusing on the healing qualities of food.

If you're unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine beyond sushi, Itadaki Zen is an excellent place to broaden your culinary horizons. Their menu offers a variety of dishes, from tempura and sushi to various rice and noodle-based dishes. One popular dish is the "Kenchin Udon," a noodle dish served in a soy-based sauce with mixed vegetables and tofu.

A Plant-Based Twist on Classic Fast Food: Rudy's Dirty Vegan Diner

For those who crave the comforting allure of fast food but prefer to stick to a plant-based diet, Rudy's Dirty Vegan Diner is your place to go. This American-style diner, located in Camden Market, is a 20-minute tube ride from the British Museum. It has been winning over Londoners with its vegan versions of classic American comfort food since 2018.

Their menu offers a range of mouth-watering options, from the 'Dirty Burger' featuring a soya mince patty, smothered in their tangy signature dirty sauce, to the 'Vegan Buffalo Wings' served with a vegan blue cheese dip. Rudy’s Dirty Vegan Diner proves that vegan food can be just as satisfying and indulgent as its meat-based counterparts.

Delightful Vegan Pastries at the Wild Food Café

If you're looking for a quick bite or craving something sweet after your museum visit, make your way to the Wild Food Café in Covent Garden. This plant-based café and juice bar is a 10-minute walk from the British Museum and is known for its delightful selection of raw and vegan desserts.

Whether you choose their raw chocolate tart, spiced apple crumble, or a slice of their heavenly vegan cheesecake, every dessert is a winner at Wild Food Café. They also serve a variety of savoury options, if you're looking to satiate your hunger with a wholesome vegan meal before you dive into their dessert menu.

A Chic Vegan Experience at Gauthier Soho

One of the city's first high-end restaurants to offer a dedicated vegan tasting menu, Gauthier Soho, is an ideal choice for a chic dining experience. Located in the heart of Soho, a 15-minute walk from the British Museum, this place has been pushing the boundaries of vegan cuisine since introducing its plant-based menu in 2015.

Their 'Les Plantes' menu is a sophisticated exploration of vegan gastronomy, featuring dishes like 'Le Potimarron,' a pumpkin velouté with truffle and hazelnut, or 'La Betterave,' a creative presentation of beetroot variations with aged balsamic. The sublime food and elegant ambiance of Gauthier Soho make it an exceptional choice for a special occasion or a refined dining experience.

Vegan Gourmet Experience at the Plates Restaurant and Bar

For food enthusiasts looking for a more upscale dining experience, the Plates Restaurant and Bar offers an exceptional fine dining experience with a vegan twist. Located in the vibrant district of Shoreditch, just a short tube ride from the British Museum, Plates is known for its unique approach to vegan cuisine.

The restaurant's culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that plant-based food should not be confined to the stereotypes of being bland or boring. Instead, the team at Plates strives to push the boundaries of what vegan food can be, creating artistically presented dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

The menu at Plates is inspired by the seasons, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients make it to your plate. The dishes are carefully designed to deliver a harmony of flavours, textures, and colours. A standout dish is the 'Celeriac and Truffle Pithivier,' a flaky pastry filled with a luxuriously creamy mix of celeriac and truffle. Paired with a full-bodied red wine from their extensive list, it makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

Whether you are a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore the plant-based lifestyle, Plates offers a memorable culinary experience that will redefine your perception of vegan food.

Conclusion: A Melting Pot of Vegan Delights

London's food scene is as diverse as its rich history and culture. The city is a melting pot of global cuisines, offering a wide range of food options that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. From Asian-inspired dishes at Itadaki Zen to the American comfort food at Rudy's Dirty Vegan Diner, from gourmet dining at Gauthier Soho and Plates Restaurant to delightful pastries at the Wild Food Café, the vegan food landscape around the British Museum is a testament to the city's culinary diversity.

Whether you are a dedicated vegan, a vegetarian looking for new food experiences, or a curious food enthusiast, the vegan restaurants near the British Museum offer a gastronomic journey that is sure to delight. So next time you plan a visit to this iconic museum, make sure to explore these eateries and immerse yourself in the exciting world of plant-based cuisine.

Indulge in these vegan delights and discover for yourself why London is fast becoming a global hotspot for vegan cuisine. Remember, it's not just about the food – it's about the experience, the ambience, and the joy of discovering a world of flavours that is healthy, sustainable, and incredibly delicious. So go ahead, explore these vegan restaurants and write your own culinary history.