It’s time for another roundup, and this time, I’m focusing on the best sustainable restaurants in London. The holidays are almost upon us, and the discussions about where to book Christmas parties has begun. Having worked for myself for seven years now, I’m so happy that I don’t get to miss out on office Christmas parties. Even as a freelancer, there’s nothing better than getting together with people you usually work with, and getting a little merry together!
For this year’s holiday meal, I’m excited to break bread with Bianca Foley, Alice Hartwell, Rosa Morell, and Vic Binns (go follow them for more sustainable fashion, beauty and lifestyle inspiration!) And so we began compiling great restaurants to book in at. And that’s what prompted this list! After reminiscing on some of the best places I’ve eaten this year, I wanted to share an updated list of my favourite sustainable restaurants in London with you. We are so lucky to have some of the best restaurants in the world in our capital! Read on to discover my favourite seasonal, sustainable, and plant-based places…
The Best Sustainable Restaurants in London for 2024
Holy Carrot
156 Portobello Road, London W11 2EB
One of the most hyped restaurant openings this year was Holy Carrot. This Notting Hill establishment hosts a select menu of vegetarian small plates and boasts a highly Instagram-worthy interior. I was excited to take my best friend along, who readily agreed even though she’s a meat eater.
We visited towards the end of the summer, where watermelon salad was still on their seasonal menu. We both enjoyed the food, but felt the small plates were a little simple for the price tag (read my full review for the full details).
My rating: 7/10
Jikoni
19-21 Blandford Street, London W1U 3DH
For my birthday, my friends surprised me by taking me to Jikoni. I had wanted to visit the restaurant since 2022, after visiting the Portman Marylebone area of London to review an array of independent and sustainable establishments.
Jikoni is a really cosy yet upmarket restaurant, with charming service and pretty plates. The self-titled ‘no borders kitchen’ really lives up to the name, with an evolving menu inspired by immigrant cuisine and decadent shared flavours from South Asia & the Far East, the Middle East, East Africa and the U.K.
Jikoni also makes a positive social and environmental impact through their business, investing in local food projects and being the first independent restaurant in the U.K. to achieve carbon neutral status.
My rating: 10/10
Lupins
66 Union Street, London SE1 1TD
If I had a restaurant, I’d want it to be like Lupins. This pared-back, all-about-the-food restaurant is known for its modern British sharing plates, made with local, organic, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Considering its proximity to Borough Market, it’s reasonable to assume their ingredients are some of the best in the city. A friend and I visited in the autumn and stand-out selects included a selection of pillowy, cheese-piled croquettes, warming pearl barley, and a double-serving of pear tart (because it was that good!)
While the food was seriously good, I will say the service was a little less so, with us being seated at the bar despite booking and arriving to an almost empty restaurant, and a slow service all round. That said, I do enjoy watching an open kitchen, and the food really is the focus here.
My rating: 8/10
Mauro Colagreco
57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
For the most luxurious sustainable restaurant on the list, let me introduce you to Mauro Colagreco. Situated within Raffles London at The OWO Hotel, I was lucky enough to visit this highly exclusive restaurant for my best friend’s birthday. Here, we dined on an exquisite menu inspired by British terroir, starting with woodland-inspired amuse-bouche, and finishing with petit fours that made me burst at the seams. The menu has all the trimmings – including fresh bread that comes with its own poem – and really goes above and beyond to elevate seasonal food.
The menu at Mauro Colagreco inspired by great British verdure, and at this time of year spotlights produce like kale, pumpkin, and quince. These ingredients are sourced from “close by”, from trusted local producers.
My rating: 8/10
Mildred’s
Camden, Covent Garden, Dalston, Kings Cross, Soho and Victoria
For one of the best entry-level sustainable restaurants in London, visit Mildreds. This small chain of vegan restaurants has been a fixture in the city since 1988, and Mildreds Soho the first restaurant I visited when I moved to London. They’re home to some of the best comfort foods from around the world, all made vegan. I’ve visited countless times over the years, and I’m always impressed with the food, especially without its reliance on meat and dairy.
My rating: 7/10
Plates
320 Old Street, London EC1V 9DR
The newest restaurant on this list has to be Plates. I visited this hard-to-book restaurant back in October to celebrate the launch of the Monica Vinader x Amy Powney jewellery collection, and was blown away by the Michelin-style service, presentation, and taste of the three-course, plant-based meal.
Founded by siblings Kirk and Keeley Haworth, the restaurant combines fine dining with a plant-based menu, inspired by Kirk’s own journey into healthy and sustainable food. I was most impressed with the plant-based lasagne, with an unbelievably creamy béchamel sauce, that made the restaurant stand out as boldly as the new jewellery we were celebrating.
My rating: 9/10
Spring
Lancaster Place, London WC2R 1LA
Finally, Spring. This is another restaurant I’ve visited multiple times and one you’ve likely seen on previous lists. Spring is great for lavish, celebratory meals, and affordable date nights alike. Located in the impressive Somerset House building, it’s a place to dress for. On my first visit, I went along on a new-graduate’s salary, and was able to enjoy the Scratch menu, made with food that would otherwise go to waste. For just £30 per head, this menu is Spring’s attempt at making the most of food that would otherwise go to landfill, while also providing a more accessible dining option.
Since then, I’ve visited a handful more times, and enjoyed the ever-changing seasonal menu set in the decadent, feminine, yet not-too-stiff restaurant.
My rating: 8/10
Have you visited any of these restaurants? Let me know your thoughts below.
