The best salads in London

At the heart of the Atis health-food restaurants lies the notion of "powerful food" – food that benefits the body, soul, and planet. Their menu features a variety of plant-based bowls that can be augmented with conscientiously-sourced animal products. If the pre-loaded options don't suit your tastes, you can create your own bowl using the diverse array of available ingredients.

Famed chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi pioneered Middle Eastern cuisine in the UK, and his veg-heavy cuisine is a proven hit among meat-eaters as well. At his eponymous neighbourhood eateries, you can try his signature salad recipes such as roasted aubergine with saffron yoghurt, pomegranate and pine nuts, or lentils with tahini, almonds and crispy onions. Hot mains and soups are available as well, and you can also pick up takeaway.

At The Good Life Eateries, nourishing cuisine is available all day long, inspiring patrons to cultivate healthier eating habits. The restaurants offer an extensive selection of veggie dishes, including superfood salads with ingredients such as miso cauliflower, jerk chicken, vegan cheezy sprinkle, and pickled onions. You can complement your meal with one of the energy-enhancing cold-pressed juices or superfood smoothies.

There's just something unbeatable about the combo of feta, olives, and fresh veggies that has made Greek salad such a classic dish, immediately conjuring up visions of sun, sea, and joyous feasting. Meraki, an upscale Greek restaurant in Fitzrovia, does their version with samphire, and it's definitely worth a try. Other authentic Greek dishes are available at this bright, tastefully decorated venue as well, and if the sun's out, the terrace will have you feeling on holiday in no time.

Urban Greens is a lunchtime eatery founded by a trio of university friends with the mission of providing satisfying and nourishing food. Their salads are made with locally sourced ingredients and packed with wholesome nutrients. You can select from a range of globally inspired options, such as the Cheeky Hummus or Seoul Chicken bowls, and takeaway is available.

Grab & Go is a convenient option for a healthy lunch, particularly favoured by nearby office employees. This informal self-service buffet offers a wide variety of fresh and straightforward options, including salads, vegetables, and hot dishes like chicken wings, potato wedges, and falafel. The hummus is particularly renowned and not to be missed, and the pricing at this no-frills establishment is based on the size of container you choose.

Despite its cosy and casual atmosphere, this Muswell Hill café boasts an impressive pedigree. Chris Kitch, a chef who has worked in grand hotels and upmarket restaurants, showcases his impressive skills on a range of vibrant and flavourful salads here. His standout dishes have won over even hardened restaurant critics. Some daily mains, hot drinks, baked goods, and other café standbys are also available.

The family-run Kaosarn restaurants are a beloved South London dining institution, serving affordable and authentic Thai cuisine. The handmade specialties influenced by Bangkok's markets include a selection of salads, for example larb, a classic North-eastern Thai spicy minced meat salad, or som tum thai, a hot and sour green papaya salad. The restaurants offer both eat-in and takeaway options, and drinks are BYO. 

Daylesford Organic brings the freshest seasonal produce from its organic farm in Cotswolds to London through its combined café and farm shop venues. The menu features daily specials made with the garden-fresh ingredients, including an assortment of seasonal salads with ingredients such as wild garlic pesto, spicy glazed pecans, grilled spring onion, and more. Sustainable versions of popular dishes such as burgers and pizzas are also available.

The Salad Project is a growing, award-winning healthy food brand that boasts multiple modern salad bars in London. They offer an array of tasty and nutritious options, with a focus on providing a five-star dining experience at their grab-and-go counters. The menu features a variety of flavourful salads and bowls, and customers can also create their own personalized options. Additionally, The Salad Project provides catering services.

For those in a hurry but still seeking a healthy lunch option, Kastner & Ovens offers a daily changing buffet of seasonal salads, homemade savoury snacks, and a small selection of hot dishes. This takeaway joint is committed to using fresh ingredients, and offers health-conscious and delicious food for those looking for an alternative to quick and unhealthy snacks.

Antipodean restaurateur Bill Granger based several of his trendy and refined Granger & Co. eateries in London, combining the proverbial sunny Australian disposition with global cuisine. The restaurants serve food throughout the day, from plentiful brekkies through to dinnertime. The changing menu always includes nourishing salads and bowls that draw on a broad palette of international flavours and influences.

Shuk; in Borough Market offers authentic Israeli street food, and is renowned for its fresh, fluffy pittas, prepared using a traditional method and packed with various fillings. If you want something lighter, however, skip the bread and opt for one of the salads. They feature Middle Eastern flavours such as labneh, dukkah, and chilli yoghurt, and you can also add meat to them if you like.

River Gardens Café is a family-run eatery located by the Thames in Greenwich. The modern and quirky interior offers both indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views. The menu has a mix of British and international cuisine served throughout the day, including a selection of salads that are perfect for enjoying in the refreshing riverside setting.

Malibu Kitchen is a restaurant located in The Ned London, a luxurious hotel and members' club in The City. The restaurant specialises in healthy and nutritious food, drawing inspiration from the fresh and diverse cuisine found in California. Its menu features a variety of superfood salads, stews, raw vegetables, cured fish and meat, smoothies, and more, all served in a sophisticated and spacious setting adorned with lush greenery. 

Japanese restaurants aren't usually known for their salads, but the Chisou restaurants buck that trend with their signature Horenso salad, which combines baby spinach, spicy prawns and yuzu dressing to full effect. Other options such as avocado sashimi salad are also available, along with the expected array of sushi, sashimi and noodle dishes, sharing plates, and other authentic Japanese delicacies, all beautifully presented in an intimate setting.

Across London, you can find the Farmer J restaurants, committed to providing real, honest food using locally sourced produce and sustainable cooking practices. Their signature Fieldtrays let you create a box of nourishing goodness by combining various bases, mains, sides, and sauces. In addition to the Fieldtrays, Farmer J offers pre-set Fieldbowls, breakfast dishes, hot drinks, and seasonal juices to satisfy your hunger and thirst.

A fried chicken joint might be the exact opposite of what you're looking for when you think “salad”, but hear us out. The popular Chick 'n' Sours brand features a few intriguing options among its calorific sides and starters, including the Bang Bang Chicken Salad with smacked cucumber and peanut chilli oil dressing, and the pickled watermelon salad. Yes, you read that right, and yes, it's worth trying.

Pilpel is a casual eatery that offers fresh and authentic falafel. Made from a secret family recipe, the crunchy falafel balls are full of flavour and served with a variety of fresh salads and sauces. You can choose to eat in or take away your falafel in a pita or a salad container, complete with your choice of toppings like sundried tomatoes or hard-boiled eggs. 

Fogo de Chão is an international chain of authentic Brazilian steakhouses, specialising in the rodizio grill experience, where meat is delivered to your plate as long as you want. The rodizios include unlimited trips to the gourmet salad bar with exotic salads, seasonal vegetables, hot dishes, cheeses, and more. If you want to skip the grilled meats, you can choose the vegetarian-friendly menu and just go yam on the salad bar.

You'll find fresh and inspiring salads at Bibi's, which has a few locations cute and contemporary around London. These salads are in-demand and often sell out quickly. Mix and match your favourite options with tasty choices like seasonal mixes and fresh veggies. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus fresh bakes are also available here.