Back in the day, asking for oat milk in your latte got you a raised eyebrow or a look of pity. But now? Pretty much every Londoner has a dairy-free corner in their neighbourhood.
And after years of taste-testing many of them, I’ve found my regulars. Some spots are high-end restaurants that’ll rush to the end of the world to accommodate your dietary needs; others are just dairy-free by default.
So, for anyone who’s ever scanned a menu and sighed, “Can I even eat here?” I got you. These are the city’s best dairy-free restaurants that I keep coming back to.
1. Masala Zone
– Media credit masalazone
Website: http://www.masalazone.com/locations/covent-garden/
Address: 48 Floral St, London
Price: $
Masala Zone offers a wide range of regional Indian dishes, thalis, street food, and curries. They also have a strong focus on their vegetarian selection, inspired by traditional Indian cooking.
The place is great for dietary needs, offering dairy-free options that are clearly labelled on the menu. Spice levels can be customised as well for diners who prefer milder options.
The overall dining experience is pleasant – the location is convenient and the space is organised and efficient. Orders are rarely delayed, so if you’re in that lunch-hour rush, you won’t have to impatiently tap your shoes every second.
Pro Tip: To be honest, the dairy-free options here are limited (but tasty!). Inform your server in advance so they can make recommendations and give room to modify your order.
2. Niche Gluten-free Dining
– Media credit nicheglutenfreedining
Website: http://www.nicherestaurants.co.uk/
Address: 197-199 Rosebery Ave, London
Price: $$
Not only is Niche a dairy-free restaurant, it’s also 100% gluten-free. It’s one of the few restaurants in London where the menu is completely certified by Coeliac UK with a Grade A rating for five consecutive years.
I absolutely love the dairy-free versions of traditional British food here. There’s Yorkshire pudding, fried chicken, pot pies, and a wide range of desserts.
Dishes are flavourful, hearty, and beautifully cooked. In a way, the options don’t taste “free-form,” so I can see how every diner can enjoy this place.
They also have an impressive range of breads and starters. My favourite has to be their gluten-free focaccia with tomato-roasted butter.
And though they’re quite pricey, I think it’s worth the visit just for the quality of food alone.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the starters! There are many options there (though I’d really push you to try the focaccia) that are sure to remind you how dairy-free food can still be tasty.
3. Indigo at One Aldwych Restaurant
– Media credit dice_guy
Website: https://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/indigo
Address: 1 Aldwych, London
Price: $$
Every dish at Indigo is 100% free from gluten and dairy. This makes them a great choice for coeliacs, individuals with intolerances, or anyone seeking allergen-safe dining.
Dishes here are awesome. Everything is crafted from locally sourced, seasonal British ingredients. You couldn’t even tell they’re gluten- or dairy-free.
The fish and chips were crispy, the Yorkshire puddings were fluffy, and the bread felt like biting into a cloud.
Whenever I’m here, I always choose the calm mezzanine area, one that overlooks the Lobby Bar. It’s pretty romantic, actually, especially during the evenings. I definitely recommend bringing a special someone if you can.
Otherwise, dining alone is just as fun too.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Covent Garden or the West End, book the pre-theatre dinner. It lets you enjoy a nice dinner before the show.
4. The Ivy Chelsea
– Media credit the_ivy_collection
Website: https://ivycollection.com/restaurants-near-me/the-ivy-london/the-ivy-chelsea-garden/
Address: 197 King’s Rd, London
Price: $$$
The Ivy Chelsea’s light and healthy menu includes dairy-free options like their coconut “yoghurt’ with berries, which is one of their bestsellers.
They also have a large vegetarian selection, with clearly marked options. If still unsure, the staff is willing to help by explaining every ingredient or accepting requests to accommodate your needs.
I love that the place is perfect for small groups, too. It works well for a company of 3 to 4 people, ideal for that cosy, uncrowded dining feeling.
Prices are on the higher side, though. But it’s worth it for the ambience, food selection, and quality of service.
Pro Tip: While there are dairy-free options on the menu already, you can reach out to their staff to customise and order and make it dairy-free for you.
5. The Free From Bakehouse
– Media credit freefrombakehse
Website: http://www.thefreefrombakehouse.com/
Address: Unit 14 Patcham Terrace, Nine Elms, London
Price: $
The Free Form is the best spot for gluten- and dairy-free cakes that are as good (or even better than) regular cakes. Their cakes are always tender and flavourful, and not dry like many allergy-friendly desserts.
Speaking of which, they have many allergen-friendly options. Products are dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan – perfect for a wide range of dietary needs.
I have a couple of favourites here: red velvet, spiced carrot cake, pistachio, raspberry, and sea-salt brownies. They also offer custom cakes, which is a nice touch if you want to order one for a celebration.
Bakes here are made from scratch, so you’ll be enjoying quality ingredients with craftsmanship.
Pro Tip: Order early as their dairy-free cakes sell out fast, especially the one in Borough Market. You can pre-order online!
6. The Good Life Eatery
– Media credit goodlifeeatery
Website: http://www.goodlifeeatery.com/
Address: 59 Sloane Ave, London
Price: $
The Good Life Eatery is great for all diets. They cater to dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan customers. Options are still balanced and flavourful, and you wouldn’t really know you’re eating a dietary alternative.
The products are healthy yet indulgent. They feature nutrient-rich ingredients like chia, coconut, quinoa, nuts, and seeds.
The menu is clearly labelled with allergen tags, so you won’t be confused with the options. This is an all-day menu as well, so you can enjoy their meals at any time of the day.
For convenience, you can have your meals delivered or have them for takeaway.
Pro Tip: If you have a severe dairy allergy (not just intolerance), make sure the staff knows ahead! They use shared kitchen spaces, so letting them know beforehand helps prevent cross-contamination.
7. The Fields Beneath
– Media credit fieldsbeneath
Website: http://www.thefieldsbeneath.com/
Address: 52a Prince of Wales Rd, London
Price: $
Since 2017, The Fields Beneath’s menu has been 100% vegan – no dairy, no eggs, and no animal products of any kind. All drinks and dishes are dairy-free by default too, made with alternatives like oat, soy, or almond milk.
There are also seasonal smoothies, herbal teas, and plant-based desserts like lemon loaf and vegan cakes.
Most items are prepared from scratch using fresh, seasonal, and often British-sourced ingredients. They even have my personal favourite speciality coffee made from directly sourced coffee beans from small producers.
But what I really like about them is the fact that they continue to support sustainable, cruelty-free, and socially conscious initiatives. You can support local suppliers through them!
Pro Tip: Dairy-free milks can alter the flavour and texture of espresso drinks (some are naturally sweeter or nuttier). If you’re particular about traditional cappuccinos, try starting with black coffee first before adding plant milk.
8. Honest Burgers
– Media credit honestburgers
Website: https://www.honestburgers.co.uk/locations/south-kensington/
Address: 24 Thurloe St, South Kensington, London
Price: $
Honest Burgers is one of the best burger joints in the city, offering wheat-, dairy-, and nut-free options. The best part is that the quality and taste of food are never compromised.
They also have a nice range of vegan and vegetarian choices. There’s a selection of plant-based burgers here (including Plant and Bacon Plant 2.0), so vegan diners aren’t left out.
Their ingredients are locally sourced and sustainable. The restaurant uses regeneratively farmed British beef and locally grown potatoes for their signature rosemary chips.
Finally, all food is homemade – no preservatives or additives used!
Pro Tip: Honest Burgers takes allergies seriously, but their menu can vary by location. Ask about shared grill use and sauce bases to ensure your meal is completely dairy-free.
9. Amorino
– Media credit amorinouk
Website: https://www.amorino.com/en/storelocator
Address: 7 Garrick St
Price: $$
Amorino is literally paradise on Earth for sorbet lovers. The place sells some of London’s tastiest dairy-free sorbets, with flavours such as mango, pear-hibiscus, and organic chocolate.
If you’re curious, the texture and flavour rival traditional dairy gelato. It’s rich and creamy, and full of natural fruit taste. You can also try sample flavours before ordering.
Portions are large, offering good value for the quality and portion size. The whole place is welcoming and elegant too, making it a great spot to relax during a hot day.
Though I haven’t tried it myself, most patrons recommend trying their coffee with the sorbet. They say it complements the sweetness perfectly.
Pro Tip: Amorino’s vegan and dairy-free options are clearly marked. Just ask the staff for the full list of sorbets to make sure you’re choosing flavours made without milk or cream.
10. Piccolino
– Media credit piccolinorestaurants
Website: https://piccolinorestaurants.com/
Address: 21 Heddon St, London
Price: $$
Piccolino is the stop for those who love Italian cuisine. It’s perfect for private functions and celebrations, or just a casual, refined dinner after a rough day.
Their service was flexible – the kitchen was very accommodating and quick to adjust dishes to meet special dietary needs. The staff takes requests well, so you can simply ask to have your meal customised based on your needs.
Many dishes are also marked as vegetarian or vegan. If unsure, you can always confirm with the staff.
Pro Tip: Check the vegan symbols in the menu. Many items like the penne arrabbiata and focaccia are naturally dairy-free. Use the vegan label as your guide when selecting dishes.
