Plant-based plates in Peckham’s Omni

A plant-based banquet

It’s the first restaurant from Jess McGill and George Matheou, who had gained experience providing food pop-ups across the city, before settling in a permanent Peckham property in 2021. They chose the name Omni as a nod to inclusivity; while the menus may be 100 per cent vegan, they encourage all to come and sample it, catering as well for gluten-free diets.

Small and large sharing plates make the experience sociable and allow you to sample many different flavours in one sitting. Opt for a la carte (lunchtime only) or go “All In” with the restaurant’s multi-course tasting menu (a three-step “Small In” is also offered for those with a more diminutive appetite). The presentation is gorgeous and each dish is carefully crafted, with lots of attention to detail.

Home-made soul food

Veggies are the star of the show at Omni. Sourced from local suppliers, they’re imaginatively prepared to create the kinds of surprising flavours that’ll make you want to eat your greens like never before. While the micro-seasonal produce may be from near, the recipes and cooking techniques take inspiration from places afar. And the kitchen rustles up everything from fresh, daily focaccia dough, to its very own zero-intervention lemon-chilli-cello, miso and drinking vinegars. So the tastes you’ll enjoy are unique to the restaurant and involve hardly any waste (recyclable packaging is used too).

Good for your gut

With the gut acting as a second brain and responsible for a massive proportion of our immunity, it pays to take care of it. And fermented foods play a large part in that. Being aware of this, the team at Omni are well into their pickling and fermenting, helping Londoners to boost their health, while also indulging in tasty treats. Do something good for your insides and try the kimchi toastie, some kale with jalapeno aioli and yeast flakes, or the beetroot pakora salad with quinoa, harissa, spinach, pickles, herby tahini and burnt chilli. 

Natural wines and healthful cocktails

The wine list has been curated with consideration; each comes from small and independent European producers and are bio-dynamic, organic and free from any animal products. Or if you’re into your mixology, why not order a Spiced Pear Gin Fizz with cardamom, cloves, ginger and fresh pear; a Sake Negroni (made using London-local Kaze junmai ginjo sake); a Devils Margarita (sweet and sour with a bit of a twist); a Peach and Lavender Gimlet; or a Fig and Bay Leaf Rum Old Fashioned. Is your mouth watering yet?

Keep an eye on Omni’s website or social media as it often has two for one promotions on drinks, so a friend can drink for free.

Cute and cosy

We’ve talked about the food and drink, but what about the atmosphere? There’s a relaxed vibe in this bijou restaurant, found on a bustling street. Exposed original red brick walls, tongue and groove panelling in sophisticated dark blue, rustic wooden bar tables, bare tungsten bulbs, dark wood floors, tapered candles in antique brass holders and canvases of colourful contemporary art combine for an almost nautical feel.

Come the warmer months (or if you have a good coat), you can take a bench seat outside and people watch Peckham’s passers by as you eat and imbibe. It’s well suited to an evening date, or lunch with your mates (and you can bring your pooch along during the day). Omni also caters for events and celebrations (get in touch with the team if you have something in mind). 

How to find Omni

The venue is located on Rye Lane in the south east of the capital, just a 10-minute walk due south of the underground and overground rail services. The kitchen is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm. Note that there’s a two-hour afternoon closure, so don’t rock up looking for food then — save your appetite for an early dinner, or make sure you’ve filled up at lunch. 

Discover the restaurant’s lip-smacking fare for yourself, by booking a table and going “all in” at Omni.