Hailing from Switzerland, Tibits vegetarian restaurant in London is bringing buffet dining with a difference to the city’s ever-expanding food scene and my, what an experience it is. The concept? Choose as much or as little as you like from a wide selection of impeccable vegetarian dishes, weigh it, pay it and enjoy. I’m not going to lie, I’m all about the meat but truthfully- the food is so good that this carnivore didn’t even miss it.
Started by three Swiss brothers with a helping hand from the owners of Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world (established 1898 don’t you know?), Tibits is on a mission to prove there’s a definite place for a high-end yet unpretentious vegetarian-dedicated restaurant in this city- a point agreed by hordes of famous faces from Neve Campbell and Samuel L Jackson to Bianca Jagger and the notoriously hard to please Gordon Ramsay… all of whom are big fans.
Located in the zen enclave of Heddon Street, just off the retail madness that is Regents Street (though they do have a branch in the Shepherds Bush Westfields), this place is clean, lean and serene. Though they do have an option for take-away, for those dining in, you’ll be guided to your table and it’s a DIY extravaganza from there on in.
Positively groaning under the weight of 40 delicious options, the central ‘food boat’ maybe vegetarian… but that doesn’t mean rabbit food. Grab yourself a plate and dive into creamy Alpine Mac & Cheese, Vegetable Tartar, a fabulous Sag Paneer, curries, sour cream and cheese filled Jalapeno Poppers, the lentil and onions laden Mujjadara, unusual salads like their iconic Dried Beans with Walnuts and a Sambal sauce so incredible that it puts some local Asian eateries to shame. Don’t expect to eat the same as we did though… the menu changes daily and is truly seasonal.
The desserts were impressive… cheesecakes, plum crumble, a proper Tiramisu and my favourite, bizarrely, being a side portion of vegan vanilla bean cream.
As you get your food weighed at the counter, choose from a wide array of beverages covering freshly pressed juices, a proper selection of teas (Indian chai…oof) and of course, organic wines and craft beers.
The staff were on hand for questions and friendly as can be, there is a children’s area downstairs for little veggie sproglets, they have special days just for vegans and it is the perfect ambience in which to spend a long leisurely lunch or dinner with a glass of wine and a good friend- they even have recipe books on sale if you want to show off a little bit at your next dinner party.
The fact it is so busy with repeat customers only goes to show that Tibits has carved a loyal fanbase in the locals through decent, honest, well-priced food that’s as good for the health as it is for the wallet.
