Our Bubala Soho review covers one of London’s best vegetarian and vegan restaurants. If you tell a dedicated carnivore that one of the most crave-able meals in the city is entirely plant-based, you’ll usually get a sceptical raised eyebrow — but Bubala Soho changed my entire view of ever needing meat on the plate.
Located near Brick Lane, just a stone’s throw from the chaos of Spitalfields Market, Bubala (Yiddish for ‘darling’) London isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a masterclass in Middle Eastern hospitality. After visiting their original Spitalfields flagship, I can confidently say: you won’t just “not miss the meat”—you’ll forget it ever existed.
Bubala Spitalfields has quickly become one of the most talked-about vegetarian restaurants in London. This Bubala Spitalfields review dives into the food, atmosphere, and overall experience to help you decide if it’s worth visiting.
Trust me and book a table, which is already difficult to get in Spitalfields, but still possible in Soho and king cross.
The Vibe: Bare Bricks and Big Energy
Walking into Bubala feels like stepping into a trendy Tel Aviv cafe in the Middle East. The aesthetic is “industrial-chic meets Mediterranean warmth”—think exposed brick, sandy-toned plaster, and a vibrant green bar that anchors the room.
It’s intimate, buzzing, and admittedly a bit noisy when the house is full (which is always). It’s the kind of place where you’ll accidentally elbow your neighbour while reaching for the hummus, but you’ll both end up laughing about how good the food is. Bubala Soho serves both lunch and dinner and has options for gluten free.
It is quite cosy and a far cry from lavishly spread out restaurants. The dining room is located on the ground floor, so easily accessible. So hold your coat and bag and tuck in without knocking a drink from the neighbouring table. However, it is perfect for dates and small group diners.
Bubala Soho Menu
Both the Bubala Spitalfields menu and the Bubala Soho menu follow the same structure as shown below.
The Starters: A Love Letter to Laffa
If there is one rule at Bubala, it’s this: Order the Laffa. The flatbread arrives warm, dusted with za’atar, and possessing a pillowy elasticity that makes supermarket pitta feel like cardboard. It is the essential vessel for their dips:
- Hummus with Burnt Butter: This is the gold standard. The burnt butter adds a nutty, caramel-like richness that elevates the humble chickpea to fine-dining status.
- Labneh with Confit Garlic: Thick, tangy, and topped with cloves of garlic so soft they spread like butter.
- Hummus with mango, lime leaf oil: another dip among the many mind-blowing dips, but it just blew our minds collectively. And by collective, I mean 6 people at a time, 2 of whom were returning and shamelessly watching our reactions.
Other dips included: Crudites, Grapefruit ezme tahini with pomegranate molasses, Baba ganoush with curry leaf & pine nuts.
The Main Event: Vegetable Sorcery
Just when I thought I had eaten an entire meal, someone informed me that it was just an entree!
Bubala doesn’t do “meat substitutes.” There’s no Tofu-Turkey or Seitan-Steak here. Instead, they treat vegetables with the respect usually reserved for a Wagyu ribeye.
1. The Confit Potato Latkes
These are legendary for a reason. Imagine hundreds of paper-thin potato layers pressed together, fried until the edges are shatteringly crisp, and served with a dangerously addictive garlicky toum (whipped garlic sauce).
2. Oyster Mushroom Skewers
Grilled over an open flame until they develop a “meaty” char, these skewers are glazed with tamari and coriander seed. They are smoky, umami-rich, and easily the most surprising dish on the menu.
3. Halloumi with Chamomile & Fennel Honey
Forget the squeaky, rubbery halloumi of your past. This is served in thick, molten slabs, drenched in a floral honey that cuts through the salt perfectly.
Other Dishes that were amazing too: Coffee rub kohlrabi with smoked date, yoghurt & pecan and Baby aubergine with Aleppo pepper. To be honest, these 2 dishes would have been stars on their own right, but the elevated food here is incomparable to anywhere in London, other than to themselves.
Desserts
We had
- Coconut & tahini fudge
- Salted caramel truffles
- Saffron malabi with pistachio & pomegranate
I wouldn’t say dessert is their strong suit, but I wouldn’t write off the truffles. Truffles were the best of the three desserts. Please note that dessert is not part of the set menu.
The Service
Service at Bubala Spitalfields is another strong point. Staff were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. Bubala Spitalfields makes it easy for first-time visitors to navigate the dishes and enjoy a shared dining experience.
It was easy to see their dedication and knowledge, plus their focus on giving the best experience with every dish.
Price Comparison
Honest to heart, when my friend booked this restaurant, and I got to know it was a vegetarian restaurant, I was seriously questioning, ‘Why pay this amount for vegetarian?’
But now having experienced it all, I would happily return there even if they doubled their prices.
The price of a meal is around £30–£45 per person. Bubala Spitalfields offers good value considering the quality and creativity of the food. For anyone searching for a vegetarian restaurant in Spitalfields, I strongly suggest adding it to your list.
“Bubala Knows Best”: Is the Set Menu Worth It?
For dinner, Bubala operates primarily on their “Bubala Knows Best” set menu (£44 per person as of 2026).
The Verdict: Absolutely. It takes the decision-making out of your hands and ensures you hit every high note. It is a lot of food—come hungry. If you’re visiting for lunch or on a Sunday, the à la carte menu is available, which is great if you just want a quick dip-and-skewer fix.
Expert Tips for Your Visit
- Book Early: This isn’t a “walk-in and hope” kind of place. Reservations open weeks in advance and disappear fast.
- The Drinks: Don’t skip the Gazoz. These house-made sparkling fruit drinks (try the Mango, Aleppo Chilli & Basil) are refreshing and far more interesting than a standard soda.
- Dietaries: They are incredibly vegan-friendly. Most dishes are vegan by default, and the “Vegan Knows Best” menu is just as decadent as the vegetarian one.
- Family tips: I don’t think there is any space for keeping a pram, but you can ask for high chairs.
Where to stay in London?
Luxury
Mid – Range
Budget
** Note: Central London is quite pricey; to avoid the above charges, it is better to stay in Greater London and commute via tube/metro.
Final Thoughts
Bubala Spitalfields remains one of the most consistent, joyful dining experiences in East London. It proves that with enough spices, the right techniques, and a lot of burnt butter, vegetables can easily be the star of the show. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, Bubala Spitalfields delivers a memorable and flavour-packed experience.
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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Bubala
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