Vanilla Black

The name might conjure up an image of a dessert bar or even a club, but on close attention, this Michelin-recommended restaurant is a brilliant contrast—interpret the name as white and black—in terms of both décor and food. Vanilla Black was originally established in York, but moved to its current address in East London in 2004, and has won over both vegetarians and even the most committed carnivores with its elegant interiors, impeccable service and delicious vegetarian fare. This is fine-dining at it’s best—every dish that arrives at your table is so exquisitely plated, that you’ll hesitate to dig in for fear of ruining a work of art (when you do though, you won’t regret it). The level of innovation displayed by the chef in cooking techniques and pairing of flavours is unforseen (at least in veggie establishments)—We’re talking quinoa with brie ice cream, fried mushroom mousse with pernod pancakes, yellow pea soup with Marmite dumplings and iced malt and burnt orange marshmallow—Vanilla Black, all in all, is a wonderfully veggie experience.