Guide to the best healthfood restaurants in London

Originally launched with the goal of giving London’s food scene a boost in healthiness, the Farm Girl cafés around the city are inspired by Australian coffee culture. Using fresh, organic ingredients, they serve quality coffee and health-minded brunch staples such as granola and eggs. Their Rose Latte, a holistic alternative to bullet coffee with rose water-infused milk and petals, is a particular highlight.

Specialising in hot bowls, Grain Kitchen stacks all sorts of vegetables, sauces and ingredients such as chicken, fish, cheese and more atop a foundation of rice, lentils, couscous or other grains. The independent eatery provides a casual lunchtime setting near Liverpool Street Station, and finds inspiration for its nutrient-packed bowls of health in culinary traditions from all around world.

At their branches in London, The Good Life Eateries encourage improved, healthier dietary habits among their patrons. The all-day menus feature nourishing, wholesome dishes such as wraps, waffles and salads, which can be adapted to suit different dietary requirements. A popular choice aty this health-food restaurant is the build-your-own avo toast, and there are cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies to go with your meal as well.

The now fully plant-based Mildreds restaurants, along with their sister restaurants Mallow, are a pioneering vegetarian and vegan chain with locations around the city. They serve a variety of internationally inspired dishes across their breakfast, brunch and all-day menus, with choices ranging from whipped avocado and porridge to kofte and burgers. There's even a dedicated onion- and garlic-free selection.

The Raw Press brand began as a café that focused primarily on cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Over time, it expanded into a range of nutritional plant-based dishes, salads, raw snacks, sugar-free treats and more. They’re all available at their Chelsea café, which also serves their Green Street Diner vegan, health-conscious fast-food menu in the evening. You can also order delivery.

This modern restaurant in Neal’s Yard serves a simple yet nutritious breakfast menu throughout the day, with wholesome choices such as porridge, ragu on sourdough, and a smoked salmon plate. 26 Grains is a popular choice among both health-conscious diners and those in search of that particular Scandi hygge-type cosiness.

The French farm-to-table Cocotte restaurants use homegrown produce, including free-range chicken from the Loire Valley, to offer nutritious brunch options such as organic acai bowls and avo toast, as well as healthy homemade rotisserie dishes. You can also indulge here on cheat days, as there are less wholesome options such as chicken burgers or truffled mac & cheese to be found on the menu as well.

One of London’s most respected health-food establishments, The Gate is a set of vegetarian restaurants that promote wholesome living through their globally-inspired fine dining. You don’t have to be avoiding meat to enjoy the tortillas, katsu curry, beetroot burgers and other international favourites here. The brunch menu includes nutritious options such as coconut yoghurt & seasonal berries or avocado toast.

The Atis healthfood eateries revolve around the concept of “powerful food” – food that’s not just good for the body, but also the soul and the planet. You can choose from among different plant-rich hot and cold bowls, adding ethically sourced animal products if you like. If the regular bowls on the menu don’t suit you, however, you can build your own out of the available ingredients.

Fulham’s Rude Health Café is run by the eponymous brand, known internationally for its dairy-free alternatives to milk. The eatery advances its founders’ mission by providing healthy flavourful meals from organic ingredients. There’s a range of wholesome breakfast and lunch dishes to choose from, and you can complement them with a refreshing smoothie or seasonal drink.

The vibrant garden-style setting of the completely vegan Linnaean reflects the establishment’s commitment to sustainability, seasonality, zero waste and exploring man’s connection to nature. The plant-rich menu is quite varied, with options ranging from a Full English Breakfast to falafel and matcha pancakes, with afternoon tea and bottomless brunch also available. The venue also includes a hair salon and beauty and wellness treatments for the full wellbeing package.

At his various elegant branches around London, now deceased restaurateur Bill Granger offered his trademark combination of Aussie informality, classic international dishes a sunny disposition. In addition to healthy staples such as salads and bowls, most of the menu at the Granger & Co. restaurants is slanted towards wholesome dining, with lighter fare, vegetables a-plenty and nutritious ingredients a constant presence.

Bringing garden-fresh produce its organic farm in the Cotswolds to London daily, Daylesford Organic serves sustainable, wholesome takes on international classics such as pizza and burgers, as well as health-focused breakfast dishes, daily specials and more. Its stylish, nature-inspired cafés also double as farm shops, so you can stock up on quality ingredients while you're there.

Islington’s Skinny Kitchen is a popular choice for immersive dining experiences, for example their Bottomless Brunch or Supper Club, which bring together high-energy entertainment and health-conscious dishes. In the bright, vibrant setting, youthful partiers can enjoy an array of international classics, from breakfast bowls and avo toast to falafel and more. There’s a wide assortment of beverages on offer as well, including fresh juices, cocktails and different sangrias.

Japanese cuisine is known for being healthy but Itadakizen gets a special shoutout as the food here isn’t just Japanese, it’s also vegan and organic. The first of its kind to open in Europe, the snug King’s Cross serves wholesome, authentic takes on classics such as gyoza, curries and ramen.

Another part of the Aussie café culture thriving in London, the tastefully furnished Lantana cafés draw on different cuisines for their breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus. Included among them are healthier options such as poke bowls, salads, smashed avocado or curries, with freshly-pressed juices and smoothies to wash them down.

At their various sites around the capital, the Natural Kitchens offer all-day dining. The global favourites on the menu range from fish ‘n’ chips to falafel and more, all homemade and prepared with fresh, quality produce for a wholesome boost. You can choose from an array of more health-focused specialities, for example salads or protein curry, as well. Most of the branches have a cocktail bar and outdoor seating.

A refreshing option for when you’re in a rush and want a nutritious lunch to go, the Kastner & Ovens joins prepare a changing buffet of salads each day, along with a selection of savoury snacks such as homemade quiches and sausage rolls, as well as soups and other hot dishes. The food at these takeaway joints is fresh, health-minded and flavourful.

These takeaway joints specialise in the titular koshari, an Egyptian national dish that’s great for when you’re on the move. A bowl based on a mixture of pasta, rice and lentils with tomato sauce, the koshari can be customised with your choice of toppings such as jackfruit, chicken or lamb for a nutritious, health-packed lunch. You can also choose one of the pre-built house bowls.

Urban Greens was founded by three college mates with a mission to offer wholesome, delectable, and satisfying lunchtime fare. Packed with essential nutrients and nourishing elements, the Urban Green salads are crafted from locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features a selection of internationally-inspired bowls, for example the Cheeky Hummus or Seoul Chicken options. Takeout is also available.

The Salad Project is an award-winning health food concept that is rapidly expanding its presence in the capital. Their focus is on serving fresh, nutritious food, combining grab-and-go convenience with a commitment to an excellent customer experience. The Salad Project provides a variety of delicious salads and bowls, and customers can also create their own. Catering services are also available.

As you might imagine, avocado is the star of the show at this trendy pink eatery, from avocado pattern prints to the menu highlighting unique avo concoctions such as avocado fries and beetroot-avo patties. All of the dishes are made with sustainable avocados, so there's no need to feel guilty as you tuck into things like avocado-topped toasts, pancakes, salads, poke bowls, burgers, and more.

The Acai Berry branches are dedicated to providing nourishing, wholesome, and convenient superfood-infused acai bowls. The smoothie cafés take immense pride in incorporating superfoods into the majority of their dishes and beverages, utilizing only top-notch ingredients to guarantee quality across all products. Their expertly crafted bowls feature an array of toppings, ranging from various fruits and berries to a high-protein, sugar-free peanut butter option.

Part of the Urban Retreat wellness destination in Knightsbridge, Holy Carrot is a plant-based restaurant that offers sustainable, seasonal produce prepared in a mindful manner. The approachable menu here is free from gluten, refined sugar and additives, and includes mushroom bourguignon, “seafood” platters, raw dishes and more. You can also try inventive plant-based cocktails at the adjacent, strikingly decorated Holy Bar.

Oakberry Açai is a global chain focused on serving health-conscious food, specifically specialising in bowls and smoothies made with premium açai berries. These berries are guaranteed to be 100% organic, vegan, and devoid of any artificial preservatives. Customers have the flexibility to personalise their bowls or smoothies with a variety of wholesome toppings at the brand's convenient takeaway counters.

Influenced by the founders' diverse background, including a Tel Aviv upbringing and a family heritage blending European and Middle Eastern cultures, the Delamina menu reflects a fusion of Middle Eastern flavours. Emphasising a healthy culinary philosophy, the dishes feature a vibrant mix of herbs and spices, with a focus on cooking techniques like grilling and roasting to enhance the natural goodness of the ingredients.

Located throughout London, Farmer J is dedicated to promoting locally sourced ingredients, scratch cooking, and sustainable practices, all aimed at delivering an authentic and wholesome food experience. Renowned for their Fieldtrays, patrons have the opportunity to curate their own nutritional meals by selecting from a variety of bases, mains, sides, and sauces. Fieldbowls, breakfast options, and a selection of hot beverages and fresh juices are also available.

Get a bit of Scandi lifestyle for yourself at White Pine. These are modern stores offering shoppers Nordic homeware, books, gifts, and health and beauty products. Everything is sustainable and eco-friendly. Each store also has a plant-based café where you can indulge in fresh coffee and healthy snacks.