London’s Best Veggie Dishes This World Vegetarian Day
OK so there are some pretty pointless national awareness days going on (Dress Up Your Pet Day, anyone?) but World Vegetarian Day is one we can actually get on board with. Cutting down on meat consumption is not only a healthy option; it’s good for the environment too. So not only will you look good and feel better, according to experts, veggies live four years longer too!
So if you want to dip your toe in the water to see if you really can survive a week without burgers and bacon, here’s a quick round up of some of the yummiest meat free options around.
Push the boat out down at The Savoy where the art deco surroundings are so deliciously decadent there is no way you will feel deprived. And the impressive new menu at in-house restaurant Kaspars is centred around the idea of ‘not being bound by the seasons, but inspired by them.’
Basically that means chef has decided to focus on the provenance of the food, and his own relationships with suppliers of the ingredients are at the heart of every top-notch dish that comes out of the kitchen.
Belle’s Top Tip: Buffalo Milk Burrata, Isle of white tomato, basil, golden raspberry – £16
If you’ve ever spent a couple of weeks on a Greek island you’ll have dreamy sun-drenched memories of feasting on grilled meats, fresh dips and even the odd moussaka, and nobody could complain about that. But since 2014 The Athenian has been changing those well-worn perceptions of Greek cuisine with an exciting and authentic street food menu. You won’t find a greasy late night kebab option at this healthy joint, the place is bursting with fresh produce and vegetarian street food specialities and there are branches all over London, from Westfield to Victoria.
Belle’s Top Tip: Tomato croquette souvlaki – £5.50
A dedicated vegetarian menu at this family run gastropub sets it apart from any other venue in the area. From halloumi and mediterranean vegetable skewers served on a pomegranate cous cous bed, to an indulgent goats cheese special meted onto a homemade potato rosti (main image), the chef here thinks out the box and puts his heart into every dish he creates. Set a stone’s throw from West Ruislip station, mainline from Marylebone or Central Line on the Tube, Home also specialises in house infused spirits and innovative cocktails. The perfect accompaniment to a vegetarian feast!
Belle’s Top Tip: The Portobello Mushroom starter is laden with creamy blue cheese and top with breadcrumbs – £5.50
It’s hard to imagine a trip to Clerkenwell in central London transporting you to the Middle East but the meat free menu at Sarona gives it a damn good try. An irresistible rainbow of vegetarian mezze dishes are brought to life with traditional and authentic flavours such as tahini, date syrup, fresh oregano, harissa and sumac.
Belle’s Top Tip: Moroccan lentil stew £10
The City is hardly short of drinking dens, but Bottles is an exciting new Italian wine bar in historic Old Spitalfields Market. The co-founders of Bottles & Battles in Mercato Metropolitano have teamed up with pop-up restaurant concept, SOOD Family to create a menu which effortlessly combines traditional Italian warmth with a cool east London edge.
Belle’s Top Tip: Purple kale, burrata, torched tomatoes, seaweed, almonds – £7
Located just off the Paddington canal, this funky all-day hangout specialises in craft beers and wood-fired pizza. Shipped straight from Italy, Heist Bank’s wood burning oven turns out an impressive selection of delicious vegetarian pizzas featuring local cheeses and inventive seasonal toppings. And what goes better with pizza than beer? Check out their upcoming Beer Festival where you can sample their signature pizzas alongside beer yoga and specialist beer and cheese tasting.
Belle’s Top Tip: Radicchio, pears, toasted walnut, gorgonzola pizza – £10
