With national vegetarian week in full swing (May 16-22), East London Lines takes a look at the best vegetarian restaurants and cafes east London has to offer
HACKNEY
Rasa
This small and friendly restaurant is known as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in London, and specialises in South India food. When visiting the award winning eatery, you won’t be robbed of flavour or pennies, as almost every dish on the menu is under £5.
Where? Stoke Newington
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 6 pm – 10:45 pm
Saturday and Sunday lunch: 12 pm – 3 pm
Black Cat Cafe
This cosy vegetarian and vegan cafe offers reasonably priced cakes and great coffee, not to mention a delicious selection of food including soups and vegan fish and chips. The cafe is also run cooperatively and encourages an ethical lifestyle for all.
Where? Shoreditch
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am – 8pm
Closed on Tuesdays
TOWER HAMLETS
The Gallery Cafe
The Gallery Cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere and some of the best vegetarian breakfasts in London. The restaurant offers a small menu, focusing on quality food and great flavours. The community based café also hosts art exhbitions and events.
Where? Bethnal Green
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm
Saturday: 9am – 8pm
Sunday: 9am – 7pm
The Larder
This vegetarian and vegan delicatessen offers a wide range of sandwiches, salads, pastries and homemade cakes. Regularly, independent producers provide items such as chocolates, jams and pastas available to buy at the Café. With a friendly service and good portions of food, you’ll soon be satisfied.
Where? Bethnal Green
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 8pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm
LEWISHAM
Love Gift Vegan
Love Gift Vegan offers both cooked and raw cuisine using recipes with Caribbean, Mediterranean, African and Asian inspiration. The colourful dishes are full of both flavour and nutrition, providing a delightful and guilt-free experience.
Where? Brockley
Opening Times:
Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 10:30pm
Sunday: 12pm – 8pm
Waiting Room
Nestled in the heart of Deptford High Street, this restaurant offers some of the best vegetarian and vegan food south London has to offer. The quirky joint offers pop-culture inspired vegetarian burgers by the name of “the Fonz’ and “the Sith”, hotdogs and vegan mac n’ cheese, there’s no shortage of tasty delights.
Where? Deptford
Opening Times:
Monday – Thursday: 8am – 7pm
Friday: 8am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 10pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm
CROYDON
Veg Instead
Veg instead can be found in Croydon’s Surrey Street Market, offering a range of vegan delights from beet ravioli to raw brownies . If you want to experience their food even further, they cater for a range of events too.
Where? Surrey Street Market – Croydon
Opening Times:
Monday – Saturday: 7am – 6pm
Buttercream Dreams
Set up by a former mental health nurse, this cafe offers affordable and scrumptious vegan treats and meals, as well as helping vulnerable adults in the community (https://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2016/02/new-vegan-cafe-to-offer-work-placements-for-vulnerable-adults/). The small cafe is full of friendly vibes and vegan food even non-vegans will be satisfied by.
Where? Croydon
Opening Times:
Monday-Sunday: 10:30am – 4:30pm
Map of Restaurants: