With the River Thames meandering its way through quaint Richmond, this is a picturesque area attracting local and international visitors alike. With a rich history, protected conservation areas and a spectacular dining scene, you’re sure to work up an appetite here too!

Veganism has garnered a level of momentum that is incomparable to any other culinary movement in the last ten years, and thankfully Richmond has caught on rapidly and caters marvelously to the vegan community.

With a fantastic selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Richmond, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste! We also had to include a few non-vegan restaurants on our list of the best vegan restaurants in Richmond, simply because their tempting plant-based choices are a must try.

So let’s delve into the exceptional dining experience here by showing you our six favourite vegan-friendly and exclusively vegan restaurants in Richmond, London!

display of salad on table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+/Olivie Strauss

Six Exceptional Vegan Restaurants In Richmond (UK): Food Worth Waiting For!

1. The Retreat Kitchen

If you’re looking for an appealing selection for breakfast, lunch or brunch, this vegan restaurant in Richmond could be perfect thanks to their healthy, tasty plant-based dishes.

Inspired by their participation in BBC’s ‘The Retreat’, the owners of this restaurant discovered a new found passion for living a vegan lifestyle and are sharing their own experience by serving up incredible plant-based food to Richmond’s dining scene.

Located just a short walk from the River Thames, this laidback and inviting restaurant is the ideal stop after a relaxing river walk. The cosy and warm setting, ‘earth-friendly food’ – think organic fruits and veg – alongside the exceptional service here, makes The Retreat Kitchen stand out among other dining places.

And when it comes to their food, expect to be impressed by the freshness, burst of flavours and beautiful presentation of each internationally-inspired dish.

They serve a great breakfast, and if you stop by one of the popular early morning dishes here is the Cheezy Mushroom & Spinach Chickpea Omelette, served with a side of green salad and alfalfa sprouts.

As for lunch, we think you might like their Falafel Wrap prepared with falafel, hummus, lettuce, cucumber and tomato. Another great choice that will keep you full for long is the Super Green Quinoa Burrito filled with quinoa, spinach, beans, avocado, tahini and lime dip

The Retreat Kitchen is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4:30pm, but is closed on Mondays.

Address: 16 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UA

Omellete with salad
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+/Frank Flores

2. Bhuti Cafe

This unique and peaceful sanctuary situated just a few minutes away from River Thames is an ideal eco wellbeing escape, as well as a vegan cafe!

Whether you’re looking for a serene and regenerative oasis in the middle of bustling Richmond, or just want some of the finest breakfast or lunch around – and all prepared with 100% organic produce – then Bhuti Cafe has you covered!

This quiet and relaxing vegan cafe in Richmond is the antithesis of typically noisy cafe chains. So expect a laidback atmosphere with relaxing music, a nice open kitchen and very polite and helpful staff.

Bhuti Cafe is also very passionate about offering incredible vegan food that is nourishing for the body, mind and spirit. So you won’t get any fast junk vegan food here.

Instead you’ll get to choose among a full range of mouth-watering broths, salad bowls, hot drinks, smoothies and guilt-free sweet treats. All the nourishing meals here are curated by their resident nutritionist too, so you know they’re going to be nutritious, fresh, bursting with flavour and full of goodness.

Some popular dishes at Bhuti Cafe are their Avocado on Toast, homemade Soups and their classic Bhuti bowls. But if you love sweet options, then their protein-packed and gluten free Power Pancakes, Toasted Banana Bread with peanut butter or even the Raw Donuts are going to be perfect.

Of course they serve coffee here, and we think you’ll love their 100% Arabica and organic coffee. Or if you’d like a healthier and more nutritious warm drink, then the matcha latte or the charcoal latte could be right up your street.

You can also have as many as 5 types of plant-based milk to choose from! And if you love cold drinks, this cafe’s organic pressed juices are a superb option.

This vegan restaurant in Richmond is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.

Address: 50 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UB

Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+/Daiga Ellaby

3. Tide Tables Cafe

Well since we’re in such a scenic place, we had to include Tide Tables Cafe on our list of vegan restaurants in Richmond-upon-Thames for the picturesque views of the river and the large garden.

This waterside cafe sits in a converted arch beneath Richmond Bridge and has some of the most jaw-dropping views right by the River Thames. This place, with its hip decor and large blackboard with tasty vegan and vegetarian menu items scrawled upon it, is always worth visiting.

But the real beauty of this place lies in The Tide Table’s outside space which is one of the largest tree-shaded terraces next to the ferry dock.

So whether you’re after some quick and healthy grab-and-go grub, or a comfortable place where you can dig into delicious food while soaking in the rays by the river, this restaurant is going to suit.

Although not solely vegan, this eatery offers a nice selection of vegan and gluten-free dishes. Some of the locally famous vegan choices here are their Moroccan Harissa Flatbread, Organic Miso Soup in a Mug or the very filling Bean & Vegetable Chili on Brown Rice.

When it comes to drinks, you get to choose from a wide range of herbal teas, fair trade gourmet coffee and fresh pressed organic juices and smoothies. Fancy more adult beverages? Well you’re in for a treat with their organic wines and beers! Wine by the river anyone? Sounds good!

This vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Richmond is open from Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6pm and on weekends from 7:30am to 8pm.

Address: 2 The Arches, Richmond TW9 1TH

Food and beer on outdoor patio
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+/Diana Light

4. The Ivy Cafe Richmond

Sure we love healthy, delicious vegan food. But when that delicious vegan food comes presented in an Instagram-worthy way, well who can refuse!

Although not solely vegan, The Ivy Cafe made it onto our list of vegan restaurants in Richmond for its lively atmosphere, sophisticated decor, very pleasant service, and lovely selection of plant-based dishes.

Walk into this charming place and fall in love with the light and airy dining area featuring stunning Art-Deco details, as well as colourful accents.

But the food doesn’t fall short of expectations either. The beautiful presentation of the dishes, vibrant colours and high quality ingredients makes this restaurant a real must visit.

We love the large array of dishes here, ranging from modern British cuisine to café-style classics. There’s such a variety that you’ll actually get to choose from separate menus for breakfast, A la carte, set menu, weekend brunch, afternoon tea, as well as a separate vegan & vegetarian menu! Good luck deciding!

Some of the popular vegan dishes here include their Plant-based Malaysian Curry prepared with sweet potato, toasted coconut, red chilli, coriander and jasmine rice. Or try the tasty Grilled Asparagus Salad which consists of harissa couscous, baby gem lettuce, red pepper purée, pistachio and herbs?

You can enjoy their vegan menu from Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 10:15pm, Saturday from 11am to 10:45pm and on Sunday from 11am to 9:45pm.

Address: 9-11 Hill St, Richmond TW9 1SX

salad with wooden spoon
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+/Olivie Strauss

5. Richmond Cafe Thai Kitchen

How does authentic Thai cuisine right in the heart of Richmond sound? Well although not one of the most creative of names, Richmond Cafe Thai Kitchen certainly leaves us in awe with their delectable food!

This unpretentious restaurant has eclectic, yet down-to-earth decor, friendly service and very affordable prices. That’s why we had to include the vegan-friendly Richmond Cafe Thai Kitchen on our list of vegan restaurants in Richmond.

For food, we highly recommend their Veggie Kanom Jeeb which is a vegan version of steamed dumplings and the Vegan Massamun Curry prepared with baby potatoes, onion and peanuts. It’s a mild, yet rich and aromatic Thai curry.

Another great option is the Vegan Drunken Noodles which is a Thai classic prepared with chillies, garlic, mixed vegetables and sweet basil.

This eatery is open from Tuesday to Friday for lunch from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and for dinner from 5pm to 10pm. As for Saturday and Sunday, the operating hours are from 12pm to 10pm, but is closed on Mondays.

Address: 58 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UB

Thai curry
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+/Tino Rischawy

6. Franco Manca

Pizza always hits the spot when dining out. Plus it’s always a solid choice for working lunches, date nights, and everything in between.

And that’s why the vegan-friendly Franco Manca had to be included on our list of vegan restaurants in Richmond as they have excellent vegan pizza choices. After all, why should vegans have to miss out on one of the best food inventions out there.

The contemporary decor here, sleek wooden floors and fun and lively atmosphere also makes this place one of the best Italian restaurants in Richmond-upon-Thames and the surrounding area.

When visiting, we recommend you start with the ‘Bites To Share’ such as the Nocellara Green Olives, Sourdough Pizza Bread, Salt & Rosemary or the Garlic Bread with Light Tomato Base.

But of course pizza is why we’re here! And the vegan pizzas will definitely leave you impressed. One popular vegan pizza to try is the Organic Tomato, Garlic, Basil & Oregano Pizza. But if you love to try new options, we highly recommend their Vegan specials that are available everyday!

Franco Manca is open from Monday to Thursday from 12pm to 11pm, Friday from 12pm to 11:30pm, Saturday from 11:30am to 11:30pm and on Sunday from 11:30am to 11pm.

Address: 8 Red Lion St, Richmond TW9 1RW

vegetarian pizza on a board
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+/Ahmed