Once the domain of health-conscious hippies, veganism has now become mainstream as more and more people turn to the power of plants. As it grows in popularity, so does the interest shown by fine dining restaurants and award-winning chefs. Let’s take a trip into the world of vegan haute cuisine.
Why Veganism?
The decision to embrace veganism goes beyond environmentalism and sustainability concerns. It also indicates the increasing demand for innovative plant-based dining options from diners. People are becoming more mindful of the impact of their diet on health and wellbeing, and the demand for nutritious plant-based menu options has been growing exponentially as a result. Recognising this, many top chefs and restaurants are seeking to bring creativity and innovation to vegan dining, spearheading a new era of luxury plant-based cuisine.
The culinary world has always valued creativity and so the move to fully vegan menus is inspiring chefs across the world to explore the vast selection of plant-based ingredients available, utilising a wide range of cooking techniques to offer truly gourmet experiences designed to be enjoyed by committed vegans and meat lovers alike. From vegan versions of popular cuisines such as sushi to indulgent plant-based desserts, restaurants are proving that ditching the animal products doesn’t mean missing out on gourmet experiences.
The shift to vegan menus goes beyond simply omitting animal products. It is about embracing the best in fresh, seasonal, local produce. Restaurants are seeking to form new partnerships with farmers and suppliers, supporting their local food heroes and demonstrating their commitment to greener, more sustainable cuisine. Diners are treated to the best in plant-based cooking whilst supporting the movement towards transparency around the journey from farm to table.
Leading Chefs and Restaurants in the space
With growing demand for vegan options, some of the world’s most iconic restaurants are choosing to go fully plant-based. One of the most high-end examples is Eleven Madison Park in New York. Owned by Chef Daniel Humm since 2011, it has evolved under his leadership and now offers an entirely vegan menu, as well as selling plant-based gifts such as beeless honey. Humm cites both ethical and and environmental considerations in the decision to transform the renowned venue to fully vegan.
Award-winning French chef and London restaurantuer Alexis Gauthier became a vegan in 2016 and in 2021, took the bold step of removing all animal products from his restaurant menus. Gauthier Soho became the first classical French fine dining restaurant in the world and continues to attract rave reviews for its produce-based creations.
Another popular trailblazer in vegan cuisine is Chloe Coscarelli. Chloe rose to fame on Food Network’s, “Cupcake Wars,” and is loved not only for her exceptional baking skills but also for her commitment to plant-based cooking, showing that vegan food could be just as decadent and flavorful as non-vegan fayre. Her popular cookbooks and engaging social media content have inspired both professional chefs and home cooks to explore the vast possibilities within vegan gastronomy.
Michelin-starred chef Matthew Kenney is another pioneer significantly influencing the vegan culinary scene. His restaurants can be found in North and South America, the Middle East, and Europe, and have become global leaders in the high-end plant-based dining space. Kenney's award-winning approach involves reimagining traditional meat-based dishes using fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables. His passion for vegan cuisine is clear, as diners are treated to bold, fresh flavours and are challenged to think of plant-based food in a new light.
René Redzepi, the visionary chef behind the world-renowned restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, has built his career pushing the boundaries of food, including his embrace of plant-based menus. Known for his innovative approaches and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence, Redzepi has played a pivotal role in elevating plant-based cuisine to new heights. Noma has long been celebrated for its focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, dedicating several summer menus to, ‘vegetable season’, putting the spotlight on foraged foods and highlighting the diverse possibilities of plant-based food. By championing a more plant-centric approach, Redzepi not only showcases the culinary potential of vegetables but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the food industry.
Legendary chef Alain Ducasse, who has clocked up a staggering 21 Michelin stars throughout his career, is a vocal supporter of vegetable-centric cuisine. In 2021, he opened Sapid in Paris. French cuisine classics are reimagined as vegetable-forward versions. Although not an entirely vegan restaurant, 95% of the menu is focused on vegetables and animal products are only used as seasoning. Ducasse has been offering high-end plant-based dishes on his menus since the 1990s.
Israeli-born chef Tal Ronnen has made significant contributions to the vegan and vegetarian culinary scene, working with numerous high-profile clients and celebrities and earning a reputation as the go-to chef for gourmet vegan dining. His commitment to cruelty-free and sustainable practices has not only influenced the way people perceive veganism but has also contributed to a broader conversation about ethical eating. In March 2023 Ronnen opened Crossroads in Los Angeles, California. A fully vegan restaurant not defined by veganism, the restaurant has received great reviews since opening its doors, with the kitchen team designing exciting, flavourful menus designed to attract committed vegans and die-hard meat lovers alike.
Germany may be known for its meat-heavy cuisine, but that hasn’t stopped plant-based restaurants and chefs from flourishing there. Ricky Saward stepped into the kitchen at Seven Swans in Frankfurt in 2018. Although an omnivore himself, the calibre of food at the restaurant, which had become entirely vegetarian just months before his arrival and already had a Michelin star, persuaded him to pursue the next stage of his career there. The restaurant, now 100% vegan, has its own permaculture farm and focuses on organic, biodynamic, seasonal produce. With over 350 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs grown there or foraged from the surrounding area, Seven Swans has retained its Michelin star thanks to the incredible variety of innovative plant-based dishes and the talents of Chef Saward and his team
Looking for further plant-powered culinary inspiration? Take a look at Veg News’ list of creative vegan chefs around the world and read about the 30+ vegan restaurants around the globe that have been awarded Michelin stars. With entries in the USA, Canada, South America and Europe, it is clear that the plant-based revolution shows no sign of slowing down and high-end cuisine will continue to find much inspiration from the incredible range of plant foods our planet has to offer.