Nutritious but Delicious… Guilt-Free Dining in London
If you’re among the thousands who have resolved to swap the cigarettes for celery this January, all is not lost – you can still enjoy an indulgent evening out. Numerous innovative healthy eateries popping up around London means dieting doesn’t have to put an end to dining out.
Saf, Shoreditch and Kensington
More of a refined establishment (unlike its virginal victuals); Saf offers meticulously prepared dishes in a sleek, contemporary setting. Its menu is far from the flavourless fare associated with vegan cuisine, fusing Mediterranean and Asian flavours. Despite the taste sensation, the establishment stays loyal to its promise to serve Simple Authentic Food as raw as possible. This commitment extends even to the cocktail menu; carefully calibrated juice concoctions mean you can enjoy a guilt-free beverage with your sinless supper!
This popular little veggie eatery has more of an emphasis on moral discipline so the fare isn’t quite as innocent as its counterparts. There’s still the risk of being tempted by burritos, burgers and bangers and mash, not to mention the tantalising array of decadent deserts, but if you can stay faithful to the diet there’s a sensational superfood salad to reward. Mildred’s doesn’t take bookings and gets very busy so be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
If you’re turned away from Mildred’s, never fear; Soho is simply bursting with healthy hotspots and Vitaorganic is no exception. Also embracing the raw concept as well as the marvellous macrobiotic phenomenon, the eatery offers a tantalising array of seemingly sinful sensations, presented in buffet format. Pay for a plate and eat as much as you like for a reasonable £6 (£4 takeaway). Vitao’s main attraction is its coffee bar; an extensive selection of convincing caffeine, dairy and chocolate substitutes (“living” ingredients) mean your favourite perk-up is actually good for you!
Offering more of the hippy vibe that you’d expect from a vegan eatery, Inspiral offers more of a raw surround to complement its raw dishes. Chefs replicate classic comfort cuisines like lasagne and ice cream, using a concoction of cashew and almond bases to substitute the dairy. Inspiral entertainment extends late into the evening, with DJs and musicians accompanying organic wines, beers and ciders.