A Michelin starred restaurant that took vegetables seriously even before the word flexitarian was invented. Opening Gauthier Soho in 2010, the chef Alexi Gauthier knew from the very beginning that vegetables would be a main focus, and today his vegan menu stand shoulder to shoulder with the classic meat alternative. 

Set in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse, Gauthier Soho is a gem for vegan gourmets. You are welcomed by a highly professional service as soon nas you ring the bell of its glossy black door and shown to your elegantly designed table. For the full experience, we went for their vegan tasting menu but if you are short of time or would like to limit your calorie intake, you can order most of the dishes a la carte. For health and information enthusiasts, Gauthier Soho takes it to another level with each dish marked not only with all the dietary information but also the amount of calories. 

The whole experience starts with a vegan foie gras made with mushrooms, challenging the classic French cooking to the core. It doesn't stop there. Our waiter warmly smiled - we must have been very visibly shocked - as he brought a manual meat mincer to our table. This small entertainment is to prepare our carrot “tartar” served with sesame and avocado umeboshi & olive oil. Rest is a medley of seasonal dishes cooked with precision. The 8-course tasting menu features 3 deserts which was a bit too much for our liking, although Cherry Opaline with dill mousse and vegan yogurt sorbet was the highlight of the night. 

In fine-dining, vegan options can be a big miss. No more waiting in vain. Priced at £70 per head, Gauthier Soho is not only competitive but also a genuinely plant-focused experience.