Meat-free must-trys, cow-free culinary and raw relish? We must be edging ever closer to National Vegetarian Week. From broccoli arancini and ricotta tortellini with marsala sauce to Sri Lankan sweet potato curry, you've never seen food as creative, colourful and cool as vegetarian chow, so why not check out our recommendations for the best non-meaty morsels and flavoursome bites as the 16th-24th May approaches.
The Gate, Islington
Starting off with an award winner, as you deserve the very best *pinches cheek then clambers away*, The Gate in Islington is a renowned haunt for vegetarian dining with a gastro pub twist. Scaling between Sunday roast menu, a la carte dishes and lunch menus, The Gate's diverse dishes have been hailed as Indo-Iraqi Jewish by Adrian and Michael Daniel. They can call it that, they run the place after all.
Just F.a.B, On A Hackney Bus
Food on a disused Hackney bus, you'd think it a trend reserved for pulled pork hipsters, but it's actually better suited to stunning Italian vegetarian fare. Brimming with European street food morsels that lay homage to Sicily, Fabio Pironti is churning out bites the likes of pumpkin vellutata, polenta muffins, Sicilian pizza and more. And from raving online reviews and through the grapevine testimonies, Just F.a.B is clearly not a Just FAD.
Mildred's, Various Locations
I absolutely love eating Mildred's, ain't no doubt, broth or cookery book purchase about it. While the wait at their Soho branch may have discouraged many, it hasn't most thanks to a stunning and intimate menu of beloved dishes done the proper veggie way. Not only has their cooking left them heralded in the city and their sourcing of ingredients renowned, their cocktails are a top nod to boot.
Blind Tasting Menu, Craft London
Officially making their mark this National Vegetarian Week in London, Craft London have curated a full vegetarian tasting menu for 'Test Kitchen Tuesdays' this May 17th, offering guests to sample the very best in seasonal produce. Coming in at only £28, enjoy 8 stunning dishes with produce garnered from their very own kitchen garden, and Stevie Parle's own Ken garden.
Sub Cult, Various Markets
You shouldn't be surprised to see vegetarian sandwiches make the list, not when they have Sub Cult at the helm. Hailing themselves as an 'Anglo-American Culinary Clash', their vegetarian sub has brought many an award to the street food stalls belt, and can be found at a roster of locations including Brockley Market, Berwick Street, Lower Marsh Market and more.