Inventive Michelin-star vegan tasting menus with standout mushrooms, laminated sourdough, and thoughtful pairings; superb food, premium pricing, intimate room, and occasionally uneven service.
Plates stands among the region's finest dining establishments through exceptional food quality anchored by celebrated mushroom dishes and laminated sourdough, paired with outstanding service knowledge and thoughtful wine curation. Physical space constraints and occasional service variance prevent higher grades, but strong destination appeal and consistent execution across 2024–2025 confirm this as a pilgrimage-worthy vegan tasting experience worthy of grade A recognition.
The room is intimate and calm, the kind of Shoreditch spot where the food takes center stage. Staff present courses with care while the sommelier threads in stories about low-intervention wines and house-made infusions. One guest summed it up: "The bread alone felt like a tiny miracle," and the maitake course drew grins around the room. However, a few diners reported occasional service missteps and noted the small space can feel tight late in the evening. The cooking leans contemporary and produce-driven: a creative plant-based tasting with East Asian accents like kimchi, miso, kombu, and sansho, plus elegant technique on mushrooms and desserts. This is not a traditional comfort menu; it is a chef’s tasting that rewards curiosity and patience. If you are into pairings, the non-alcoholic flight is surprisingly compelling, and wine selections tend toward expressive, thoughtful bottles. Families should note this is a long, set-menu format with no kids’ menu and a sophisticated flavor profile. While a teen adventurer might enjoy the ride, younger or picky eaters will likely struggle. From the current menu: laminated sourdough, mushroom courses, and a classic-leaning chocolate gateau are the most accessible options, but it remains a special-occasion choice rather than a family night out.
Area vibe: Trendy East London district known for creative industries, galleries, and nightlife; draws food-obsessed locals and destination diners.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked with typical central London urban feel; safe for dining with normal city awareness.
What's nearby: Near Old Street roundabout; surrounded by bars, coffee shops, and design studios; late-evening energy and good transit links.
Go for a tasting menu to get the laminated sourdough, barbecued maitake and the raw cacao gateau, with pairings available for an extra charge.
It is a long, set-menu tasting in a small room that often needs booking weeks in advance and carries a service charge.
An intimate, calm Shoreditch tasting room with chef counter seating and a focus on presentation and detail.