Plates London
Write A Review
"An Unforgettable Vegan Dining Experience"
This was hands down the best vegan meal we've ever had—simply perfect from start to finish! We were fortunate enough to sit at the chef’s counter, watching Kirk and his talented team craft each dish with precision and passion. The service was flawless, attentive without being intrusive. We opted for Menu Two, which I highly recommend—especially for the standout lion’s mane dish, which was an absolute highlight. Every course was a masterpiece: the bread was unique and delicious, both mushroom dishes were phenomenal, and the pre-dessert felt like pure culinary magic. The final dessert exceeded expectations, rounding out a truly memorable experience. The tea infusions were a lovely touch—especially the cocoa bean infusion, which was rich and aromatic. We're already looking forward to our next visit. This place is a must for any food lover, vegan or not.
"Innovative Plant-Based Dining with Michelin Flair—But Mind the Seating"
Plates has rightfully earned its place as the UK’s first Michelin-starred vegan restaurant. Just ten months in, it delivers an imaginative, beautifully plated tasting menu that showcases the height of plant-based culinary artistry. Highlights included the barbecued maitake with mole and the mung & urad bean lasagna—both creative, umami-rich showstoppers. The sourdough bread deserves a category of its own: buttery, flaky, and unforgettable. Desserts were inventive, with the raw cacao gateaux ending the meal on a high note, though some earlier courses leaned heavily into acidity (the mint ice cream with sour beetroot was especially divisive). The cocktails were elegant and well-balanced—particularly the Martiniq with cinnamon undertones, and a refreshing quince and white tea spritz. That said, the experience is somewhat hampered by the space. The restaurant is stylish but incredibly tight, and the bar seating is uncomfortable enough to detract from the enjoyment. If possible, request a standard table or one of the chef’s counter seats for a more comfortable experience. Overall, Plates is a bold and exciting step forward for fine vegan cuisine. Just be aware: while the flavors are expansive, the space is not.
"A Disappointing NYE Lunch at Plates: Style Over Substance"
Four of us managed to secure a coveted reservation for the £340 New Year’s Eve lunch at Plates, a restaurant I was especially excited about after following Chef Kirk’s journey for some time. Sadly, the experience didn’t live up to expectations. While the menu hinted at innovation and bold flavours, it ultimately lacked impact and failed to present a cohesive narrative across the courses. There were highlights— the ambience was inviting, and many dishes had beautiful textures. Standouts included the sour apple truffle, the laminated sourdough, and the visually stunning beetroot marble with ajo blanco, which was easily my favourite and a moment of brilliance. The cacao tart with tarragon ice cream was also a delight, and the drink pairings (particularly the non- and low-alcohol options) were creative and often more compelling than the food. Credit goes to the knowledgeable sommelier who enhanced the experience. However, the negatives were hard to overlook. The service felt lacking, and the first third of the menu leaned too heavily on bitter notes, creating an unbalanced start. The pineapple dessert promised intrigue but ended in disappointment, much like several other flavour profiles that lacked depth. We were also disappointed by the lack of flexibility in ordering—being forced into a drink pairing, with no option to have just the food menu, felt restrictive. All of this, combined with the steep price (even allowing for the usual NYE markup), left us feeling underwhelmed. I genuinely hope that future menus at Plates prioritize execution and flavor over concept and flair. There’s promise here, but still much to learn—especially from other standout vegan tasting menus.
"A Culinary Masterpiece: Plates is a Sensory Journey Like No Other"
Words can scarcely do justice to my experience at Plates. Every dish was a work of art—meticulously crafted to guide you through a rich sensory journey, with each element perfected in flavour, texture, and presentation. Chef Kirk’s dedication shines through in every aspect, from the culinary precision to the beautifully curated ambiance. The decor and tableware are thoughtfully chosen to elevate the overall experience, making each moment feel intentional and immersive. I'm genuinely in awe—Kirk is nothing short of a magician in the kitchen. Plates is not just a meal; it's a transformative experience. Everyone should have the chance to savour his creations at least once—it’s a memory that lingers long after the last bite.
"Disappointing Experience at Plates: Unbalanced Flavours and Texture Fatigue"
Unfortunately, my experience at Plates fell short of expectations, particularly when it came to the food. I found several courses to be underwhelming or even unpleasant, and the meal ultimately upset my stomach—which was surprising, given that I hadn’t eaten anything else that day. The first course triggered a coughing fit, and the second dish, featuring what was described as "ricotta," had an unappetizing cold and slimy texture with very little flavour. I opted for the non-alcoholic beverage pairings, which often clashed with the food—swinging between overly sweet and overly salty, particularly with the hot dishes. The lasagna seemed to be the turning point after which my stomach discomfort began. In terms of texture, the menu became monotonous quite quickly. I was hoping for more variety, but most dishes had a similar soft or smooth consistency. By the time desserts arrived—also smooth and overly sweet—I was already feeling overwhelmed. I did enjoy the first dessert, though the chewy bits and intense sweetness of the mulberries detracted from it. Service was generally fine, but there were some avoidable miscommunications. Our first dish was served out of order, and the explanation from the waiter only came after the fact, without the second server being informed—leading to further confusion when she explained the wrong pairing. On a positive note, the sourdough bread was excellent and a welcome addition to the meal. Sadly, though, this was one of the few highlights in an otherwise disappointing dining experience.
"A Culinary Symphony: Perfection at Plates London"
Exquisite in every way—without question, this was the best dining experience I’ve ever had. I genuinely cannot find a single fault. Every dish hit the mark in taste, colour, texture, and overall composition; the balance and creativity were nothing short of masterful. If Ludwig van Beethoven were a chef, he'd be orchestrating his culinary masterpieces at Plates London. Bravo to the team for delivering such an unforgettable experience. A truly wonderful, wonderful meal from start to finish.
Plates London
Chef-led, 100% plant-based fine dining focused on art, design, and sustainability. Currently offering immersive dining events.
Address
320 Old St, London EC1V 9DR, United Kingdom
Website
https://plates-london.com/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+442080506682