Fear Not, Carnivores
Today begins National Vegetarian Week. Eat meat? So do we. But a good vegetarian restaurant is a good restaurant, and so we celebrate our three favourites. Yes, doubtful reader, carnivores can love vegetarian restaurants too.
The Gate
From a carnivore's point of view, a vegetarian restaurant always feels like it's missing something. But The Gate is missing nothing. The room - and diners - are airy and sophisticated, the menu offers plenty of choice, and the location - tucked away in otherwise undesirable Hammersmith - feels a little bit like a secret? And the food. Well, it's also excellent, varied and sophisticated, but that's not at all a secret.
Food For Thought
One thing to love about Food For Thought (31 Neal Street, WC2H 9PR) is the price. Far less than a tenner for a delicious meal. Another thing we love is the funny seating, especially on cushions under the low ceiling in the back. In that good earthy way, you get your food from a central counter, but without the fear that your food is full of transfats and spam. It's hearty, healthy and full of flavour, and the quick situation and low price makes it a great standby when in Covent Garden.
Carnevale
Carnevale, near The Barbican, falls somewhere in between The Gate and Food For Thought. It feels like someone's living room, with a few extra tables in a small, covered courtyard. The Mediterranean-inspired food is fresh and beautifully presented (and the bread pudding has to be some of the best in London). Although it's a bit on the expensive side, the quality of the mostly organic food, intimate setting and friendly service makes it well worth the visit. And if you can't visit, they'll deliver to the east side of the City. Even better.
From a carnivore's point of view, a vegetarian restaurant always feels like it's missing something. But The Gate is missing nothing. The room - and diners - are airy and sophisticated, the menu offers plenty of choice, and the location - tucked away in otherwise undesirable Hammersmith - feels a little bit like a secret? And the food. Well, it's also excellent, varied and sophisticated, but that's not at all a secret.
Food For Thought
One thing to love about Food For Thought (31 Neal Street, WC2H 9PR) is the price. Far less than a tenner for a delicious meal. Another thing we love is the funny seating, especially on cushions under the low ceiling in the back. In that good earthy way, you get your food from a central counter, but without the fear that your food is full of transfats and spam. It's hearty, healthy and full of flavour, and the quick situation and low price makes it a great standby when in Covent Garden.
Carnevale
Carnevale, near The Barbican, falls somewhere in between The Gate and Food For Thought. It feels like someone's living room, with a few extra tables in a small, covered courtyard. The Mediterranean-inspired food is fresh and beautifully presented (and the bread pudding has to be some of the best in London). Although it's a bit on the expensive side, the quality of the mostly organic food, intimate setting and friendly service makes it well worth the visit. And if you can't visit, they'll deliver to the east side of the City. Even better.
