Hey! Did you ever dream of hearing about a kosher person’s favorite non-kosher London restaurants are? What a coincidence! I’ve written up a full list of places I love to eat at with the important caveat that I haven’t eaten ANY of their meat dishes, ever, although none of the people I’ve been to these with have ever complained about their dishes, so I feel like you’re safe.
As a small plug, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen about mapstr, an app that lets you save and categorize all your favourite places around the world as well as see other people’s maps. All of the options listed here are on my map, and many more, so you should definitely download it and, you know, add me as a fren.
A visualisation of my London map
Without further ado, here are some of my favourite places to eat a non-meat meal!
The Latin-American option: any Ceviche family restaurant
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I’m biased here, because ceviche is my favourite type of food, pisco sour my favourite cocktail, and Ceviche restaurants excel at both of those. But if you find yourself craving delicious fresh fish and peruvian dishes with great cocktails, it’s worth checking how far away you are from a Ceviche or Andina restaurant (the two groups within their family): you won’t be disappointed.
Similar: Pachamama is a slightly higher end option that you should definitely book if you find yourself hungry in Marylebone.
The Israeli option: The Palomar, Picadilly Circus
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If I’m the first person telling you about Palomar and you’re making your way to London, you either need to get rid of all your friends immediately or get out from under the rock you’ve been living in. When I’m not at the Palomar I dream about their food, when I’m there I can barely contain myself, and I leave full but ready for another round if really, gun to my head, people were to force me to go back. Not that you could go very wrong with any choice there, but I dream about their grilled aubergine at night and the seabass tartare is SURREAL. Seating is limited, so book in advance, but please go there. For me, you’ll think, but really for your own sake.
Similar: I’m not betraying Palomar by also recommending the Barbary, their sister restaurant in Neal’s Yard. You won’t be disappointed.
Ze opsheun: Frenchie, Covent Garden
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Not that I would ever detract you from going to Paris if what you’re really craving is a French meal, but if you’re going to have a good, fancy French time in London, Frenchie is the place for you. Founded by chef Gregory Marchand as his UK enclave, I can’t speak highly enough of the restaurant's tasting menu, which is easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan requirements, nor the desserts, which I have been known to pop in for any time I’m in Covent Garden, nor the wine list which makes my French heart happy.
Similar: in the French but more traditional vein, Mon Plaisir is London’s oldest French restaurant on Monmouth Street and their soles meunières, delicious desserts and ideal digestif options are nothing to sneeze at (did someone say coronavirus?).
The Moroccan option: Momo, Regent Street
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I discovered Momo in a pretty roundabout way, because its owners also have my favourite restaurant in Paris, Derrière. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, you might have heard of Sketch in London, or at least seen Instagram influencers take photos in their colorful pod bathrooms. Anyways, all this to say that Momo came highly recommended, and it hasn’t once disappointed. I’ve been there for all kinds of occasions: business dinner, friend dinner, birthday party, mid-afternoon snack. There isn’t one I would tell you to go somewhere else for. This is another one of those places where you really can’t go wrong with the menu, but special mention to the veggie couscous for taking me back to shabbat lunches pretty perfectly.
Similar: Maroush is a (less upscale) chain on Edgware road with delicious Lebanese cuisine and, in some restaurants, bellydancers and shisha. Great for a casual evening dinner!
The obligatory Asian fusion option: Kurobuta, Marble Arch
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Originally started as a pop-up in 2013, Kurobuta settled in Marble Arch to offer delicious tapas-style Japanese dishes in a relaxed, funky setting. I’ve often been surprised and impressed by their dishes. Be prepared - the atmosphere is pretty relaxed and the one time I brought my family out to dine there, two waiters got into a pretty loud row. But who doesn’t like a bit of entertainment with dinner?
Similar: if you’re into minimal waiter interaction (perhaps as a direct result of this last anecdote), Inamo lets you order directly from your fancy interactive table. Their aubergines are not to be missed!
The fancy Italian option: Cecconi’s, Mayfair
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I went through a phase where I ate at Cecconi’s every occasion I got, which, given my inability to stick to one breakfast for more than 3 days for want of variety, should tell you how tasty and diverse their menu is. Mushroom pappardelle are my absolute favourites, and their wine list is guaranteed to hold something for everyone. While I can’t guarantee this will happen to you, I will proudly recount the fact that I once saw Hugh Grant have dinner there, so I’m sure you can too.
Similar: Bocca di Lupo’s menu is equally amazing, although harder to get a table at - but every plate will taste like it’s been specifically curated just for your palate.
The option for when you’re worried about running out of options: Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant and Castle
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If you’re not quite sure what you want to eat, or have an annoying eater (like me!) in your group of friends, head to the Mercato for a wealth of delicious stalls that include champagne + fromage (raclette and bubbly? Not even a question) or awesome arepas. Guaranteed to satisfy everyone!
Similar: Southbank Centre Food Market? Also great food options, but Mercato has much more sitting infrastructure than any other London food market I’ve been to.
Bon appétit!
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