London’s best salad bars

Avoid the afternoon slump by opting for one of these nutritious and delicious salad bowls. Packed full of flavour and nourishing ingredients, these super fresh salads are perfect for replenishing your energy during lunch breaks where you’re short of time. The three founders have an eclectic food background, originating from London, Stockholm and Athens so expect to find these cross-cultural cuisine influences reflected in the menu! Urban Greens has heaps of choice – you’ll find perfectly tossed salads such as the Cheeky Hummus, the Beef Saigon, the Seoul Chicken and the Salmon Avocado, plus many more. This sustainable salad bar also caters for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets, so there really is something for everyone. And if you have the time, make sure you dine in at the tastefully decorated restaurant in Canary Wharf – it is simply gorgeous.

This popular eatery is a celebration of home-cooked family meals and traditional Lebanese cuisine. Combining fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients, the menu is packed with authentic dishes which pay homage to Lebanon’s cultural heritage. You’ll find a wide range of salad dishes on the cold mezze menu – featuring Lebanese favourites such as Fattoush, Stuffed Vine Leaves, Tabbouleh, Baba Ghannouj, Hommus and many more. Pair your cold mezze with some freshly baked flat bread for dipping in those irresistible sauces, as well as some delicious hot mezze and grill options (served with rice and onion, parsley, and sumac salad). There’s a range of falafel, spicy shrimp, grilled halloumi, lamb, fish, and chicken dishes which complement the cold mezze superbly. Guests rave about the relaxed atmosphere, superb food, and excellent service – book your table today to unwind with some great cuisine after an Oxford Circus shopping spree!

It’s impossible to include a list of London’s best salad bars without mentioning Yotam Ottolenghi’s name. With multiple restaurants located across London, Ottolenghi is a big name in London’s salad scene. The man pays homage to the wonderful produce and spices originating from Middle Eastern cuisine, creating unique and delicious dishes from fresh, quality ingredients. At the salad counter, you’ll find deli-style salads with delicate and intriguing flavour combinations, such as kohlrabi and Granny Smith apple, pickled chillies, yoghurt-roasted cauliflower, miso tahini aubergine, and walnut salsa. Great for pre-theatre dining, long lunches or cosy dinners, Ottolenghi always provides a warm and welcoming communal atmosphere with exceptional food and stylish interiors.

Salads have a bit of a reputation for being boring, bland and basic – however, Good Life Eatery prides itself on its scrumptious superfood salads, which are inspired by the vibrant café-cultures of Los Angeles and New York. The bright and inviting St John’s Wood branch is perfect for some sustenance after a long walk around Little Venice or Regent’s Park which are both close by.

Choose between salads like Sunset Chopped, Me Gusta Ensalada, the Good Life Salad or the Cali Cauli – which are all wildly different in flavour, but equally as tempting! Each salad is loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients which promote better mental and physical health, so not only will you be satiating your hunger, but you’ll be eating your way to health and happiness as well. And if that wasn’t enough to win you over, the team also caters for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diets across the salad, wrap, and warm bowl menus – what’s not to love? 

Whilst this is not strictly a salad joint, The Kennington’s salads deserve a shout out because they really are exceptional. This atmospheric gastropub serves contemporary British cuisine, with a heated outdoor area and cosy inside seating that’ll make you want to stay for a round – or three. If you’re fond of a Caesar, we highly recommend The Kennington’s Smoked Chicken Caesar Salad served with avocado, crispy bacon, shaved parmesan, croutons, anchovies, and a soft-boiled egg.

For more sophisticated palates, try the Confit Salmon, Fennel, Cucumber, Radish and Watercress salad served with a poached egg and a lime yoghurt and honey dressing. Steak lovers will love the Rare Onglet Steak Salad with blue cheese and balsamic reduction, and if you fancy a meatless option, why not opt for the Grilled Halloumi, Sundried Tomato, Olive, Quinoa and Avocado Salad served with a honey and mustard dressing. From Monday-Thursday, there are great happy hour deals from 5-8pm, so you can enjoy a bottle of house wine with your salad for just £14.90 – bargain!