Best Vegan and Vegetarian Group Dining Spots in London for Girls' Nights

When you’re planning a girls’ night out in London and everyone’s vegan or vegetarian, finding a spot that feels fun, not forced, can be tricky. You don’t want to end up at a tiny café with three tables and a menu that says ‘vegan option: salad’. You want big plates, lively vibes, shared dishes, and a place where the wine list actually has something worth ordering. Good news: London’s got you covered. The city’s plant-based scene has exploded over the last few years, and now there are plenty of places where a group of five or ten can sit down, laugh, eat like kings, and still feel like they’re part of something cool-not just a dietary choice.

Why Group Dining Works Better Than You Think

Group dining isn’t just about splitting bills. It’s about the rhythm of sharing. One person orders the jackfruit tacos, another grabs the truffle risotto, someone else dives into the crispy cauliflower bites. You pass plates. You steal bites. You argue over who got the last bite of chocolate mousse (spoiler: it was always the one who ordered it). This is how real connection happens. And when you’re all eating plant-based, it becomes even more fun-because you’re discovering flavors you never knew you loved.

London’s top vegan and vegetarian restaurants understand this. They design menus for sharing. They build communal tables. They make cocktails that don’t taste like herbal tea. And they know that a girls’ night isn’t about being healthy-it’s about being happy, loud, and full.

1. The Gate (Islington)

If you want elegance without the stuffiness, The Gate is your spot. It’s been around since the 90s, but it still feels fresh. The Islington branch has a warm, dimly lit dining room with plush booths and a terrace for warmer nights. The menu is Mediterranean-inspired with a twist-think smoked beetroot carpaccio with cashew ricotta, or wild mushroom and truffle dumplings in a miso broth. Their vegan cheese board? Actually good. Not just a side note. They serve natural wines by the glass, and their mocktails are crafted like cocktails-no sugar syrup, no fake flavors. A group of six can easily spend two hours here, sipping, talking, and ordering three more dishes than you planned.

2. Mildred’s (Multiple Locations)

Let’s be real: Mildred’s is the OG of London’s vegan scene. It’s not fancy. It’s loud. It’s colorful. It’s the kind of place where you might end up sitting next to a group of art students or a bachelorette party. Their menu is huge, and everything’s vegan. The loaded fries with cashew queso? Legendary. The jackfruit ‘pulled pork’ burrito? So good, you’ll forget it’s not meat. They have locations in Soho, King’s Cross, and Camden, so you can pick the vibe. Soho’s the most lively for a night out. King’s Cross is more relaxed. Camden? Perfect if you want to grab a drink after and wander the market. Their dessert menu alone could be a whole night. Try the salted caramel cheesecake. You’ll thank me later.

3. Farmacy (Covent Garden)

Farmacy isn’t just a restaurant-it’s an experience. The vibe is spa-meets-diner. Think white walls, hanging plants, and smoothie bowls that look like art. But don’t let the calm exterior fool you. The food is bold. The jackfruit ‘tacos’ are spicy and crunchy. The lentil & sweet potato burger? Juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor. They serve kombucha on tap and cold-pressed juices, but their cocktail menu is where it shines. The ‘Garden of Eden’-gin, elderflower, cucumber, and mint-is refreshing without being boring. It’s a little pricier than others, but for a group that wants to feel pampered while eating plant-based, it’s worth it. Book ahead. It fills up fast.

4. The Vegan Society (Brixton)

Yes, it’s named after the organization. And yes, it’s run by people who actually care about ethics, not just aesthetics. This place is in Brixton, which means it’s got soul. The menu changes weekly based on what’s in season. One week it’s vegan shepherd’s pie with kale and lentils. The next, it’s coconut curry with tofu and roasted squash. They don’t have a big wine list, but they’ve got local craft beers and a solid selection of natural wines. The vibe is cozy, with mismatched chairs and chalkboard menus. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up talking to strangers. And that’s the point. It’s not just dinner-it’s community. If your group likes authenticity over polish, this is your spot.

5. Purezza (Multiple Locations)

Purezza is the only vegan pizzeria in London that actually makes you forget you’re not eating cheese. Their mozzarella is made from cashews and coconut oil-and it melts. It stretches. It bubbles. It’s ridiculous. Their pizzas are thin-crust, wood-fired, and topped with things like wild mushroom ragù, roasted red pepper, and cashew ricotta. They also have a whole section of vegan pasta. The truffle tagliatelle? Creamy, earthy, and rich. They’ve got locations in Soho, Shoreditch, and Camden. Soho’s the most packed on a Friday night-perfect for a girls’ night. Shoreditch has a chill patio. Camden’s the most casual. Bring your appetite. And your friends. And maybe a second dessert. The chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream? Non-negotiable.

What to Order (and Skip)

Not all vegan dishes are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Do order: Shared platters, loaded fries, truffle anything, jackfruit tacos, plant-based burgers with real texture, cashew-based cheeses, dark chocolate desserts.
• Avoid: ‘Vegan’ salads with no protein, tofu that tastes like cardboard, overly sweet mocktails, and anything labeled ‘gluten-free’ unless you need it-most vegan places aren’t gluten-free kitchens.

Also, don’t be shy about asking for extra sides. Most places will happily bring you another basket of bread or a side of roasted veggies. That’s part of the experience.

Pro Tips for Planning Your Night

• Book ahead. These spots don’t take walk-ins for groups of four or more. Reserve at least 48 hours in advance.
• Check the vibe. Mildred’s in Soho is loud. Farmacy is quiet. Purezza is fun. Pick based on your group’s energy.
• Split the bill. Use Splitwise or Venmo. No one wants to be the one who paid for everyone’s dessert.
• Bring a friend who’s not vegan. Sometimes, the best nights are when you introduce someone to plant-based food and watch their face light up.
• End with drinks. Many of these places have bars or are near great cocktail spots. The Vegan Society is steps from Brixton’s best bars. Purezza’s Soho location is near a speakeasy called The Blind Pig. Plan the next stop.

What Makes These Places Different

What sets these spots apart isn’t just that they’re vegan. It’s that they treat plant-based eating like a celebration-not a compromise. You don’t feel like you’re settling. You feel like you’re part of a movement that’s delicious, loud, and full of joy. That’s what makes them perfect for girls’ nights. You’re not just eating. You’re connecting. You’re laughing. You’re remembering why food matters.