Best restaurants to eat light and wholesome food in London

Discover London's top destinations for light, nutritious, and wholesome food with our guide. From the ever-popular vegetarian favourite KIN Cafe to the renowned Maggie Jones's, you'll find a range of options to satisfy your cravings.

Image: Dan Gold

If you're looking for a dining experience in London that is both delicious and nutritious, we've got you covered. Our six restaurant recommendations offer a delightful selection of light, flavourful meals that are not only wholesome but also leave you feeling energised and fully satisfied. Whether you're in the mood for a wholesome salad or a hearty tart, these dining options are perfect for those who want to savour a meal that feels healthy and delicious at the same time.

Maggie Jones’s

Image: Cheese and leak tart with asparagus at Maggie Jones’s, March 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Maggie Jones's is a hidden gem nestled in a charming cul-de-sac in the heart of Kensington, London. The restaurant has been a favourite among locals for over 50 years, offering a cosy and rustic atmosphere that's perfect for an intimate dinner with loved ones. Maggie Jones's serves up generous portions of classic Anglo-French cuisine that are beautifully cooked and sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied. The menu offers a range of dishes to suit all tastes, and the wine list features a selection of wines to complement your meal. The restaurant is named after the pseudonym used by the late Princess Margaret for incognito dining, adding to the allure of this romantic spot. With affordable prices and friendly service, Maggie Jones's is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in London.

Location: 6 Old Ct Pl, London W8 4EP. Instagram: maggiejonesrestaurant

Rose Bakery London

Image: Rose Bakery London, Dover Street Market, April 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Rose Bakery, co-founded by Rose Carrarini and Jean Charles, is a culinary gem that serves up an exceptional array of seasonal lunches and minimal intervention wines. Their unwavering commitment to using organic, British ingredients shines through in every dish, resulting in simple yet exquisite food that strikes the perfect balance between the comfort of home-cooking and the refinement of restaurant cuisine. Nestled within the Dover Street Market, Rose Bakery is a haven for food lovers seeking a wholesome meal and tasty desserts!

Location: 3rd floor, Dover Street Market, 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG. Instagram: @rosebakerylondon

Rochelle Canteen

Image: Rochelle Canteen, April 2023, © MTotoe

#FLODown: Rochelle Canteen, a hidden culinary gem that opened its doors in 2004, has been a go-to destination for foodies ever since. Nestled in the serene garden of an old school, away from the hustle and bustle of Shoreditch High Street, this restaurant, founded by the talented female duo of Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold, offers a delightful, curated menu of seasonal British dishes for both lunch and dinner. With a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, a visit to Rochelle Canteen guarantees an enjoyable experience, making it the perfect destination for when you crave a wholesome meal in a laid-back setting.

Location: Rochelle Canteen, 16 Playground Gardens, London, E2 7FA. Instagram: @rochellecanteen

 Jikoni London

Image:Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower, Spicy Chickpea Relish. Jikoni London, April 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Jikoni is a restaurant located in Marylebone that offers a unique culinary experience inspired by mixed-heritage and cross-cultural cooking. The concept is the brainchild of chef and food writer Ravinder Bhogal, who draws upon the diversity of immigrant cuisine from various cultures, including South Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, East Africa, and Britain. Jikoni's food proudly celebrates the similarities and differences between cultures. The restaurant uses methods passed down from generations prior, which are not often found in professional kitchens. Jikoni aims to provide a familial and instinctive style of cooking and provides truly delicious food that is made to nurture and nourish.

Location: Jikoni London, 19-21 Blandford St, London W1U 3DJ. Instagram: @jikonilondon

KIN Café

Image: KIN Cafe, Fitzrovia, February 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Situated in the heart of Fitzrovia, just a short stroll from Oxford Street, KIN is a delightful casual eatery that specialises in mouth-watering plant-based cuisine. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan or neither, their menu has an abundance of delicious options to choose from. If you're looking for a lunch that is both healthy and scrumptious, then you have to try KIN's amazing salad selection. From the roasted broccoli salad to the spiced aubergine salad, there are so many options to choose from. The flavours are so fresh and satisfying, we can't recommend it enough!

Location: 22 Foley St, London W1W 6DT. Website: kincafe.co.uk. Instagram: @kin_cafe.

Spring Restaurant

Image: Spring restaurant, November 2021. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Spring is a restaurant in Somerset House that celebrates food and seasonal produce through heartfelt and produce-driven cooking. Chef Skye Gyngell has taken steps to reduce plastic waste in the industry, making Spring one of the first single-use plastic-free restaurants in London. Gyngell is committed to responsible consumerism, eliminating plastic straws and containers, and introducing biodegradable cling film alternatives. Spring offers an unforgettable dining experience with exceptional cuisine and a dedication to sustainable practices.

Location: Spring Restaurant, Somerset House, Lancaster Pl, London WC2R 1LA. Instagram: @spring_ldn.

The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries

Image: The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries, February 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: The Teahouse offers wholesome seasonal food, complimented with fresh statement salads and homemade pasta throughout the day. The Teahouse is open for walk-ins Tuesday to Sunday (no reservation required).On Friday, Saturday and Sundays, in addition to their Teahouse service, they serve a tasty Garden Afternoon Tea.

Location: Church Lane,Off Petersham Rd,Richmond TW10 7AB. Instagram: @petershamnurseries