The Gate Islington in Islington

*Overall Review at the last paragraph✓ All Vegetarian and Mostly VeganSUNDAY ROAST [3 courses for £22.50]: Crispy Marinate Tofu (Starter) – Fried tofu marinated in maple syrup & soy sauce with a quinoa, avocado & tomato salsa, coriander & lemon dressing; Artichoke Terrine (Starter) – Truffle & hazelnut infused artichoke, homemade sundried tomato & basil salsa, grilled bread; Beetroot Cheese Burger (Main) – Pretzel bun, smoked tomato relish, cornichons & raw vegetable salad with wholegrain mustard & maple dressing with vegan cheese; Root Vegetable, Chestnut & Sage Wellington (Main) with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, madeira sauce; Peanut Butter Brownie (Dessert) with vanilla ice-cream & chocolate sauceAs The Gate is known as a vegetarian restaurant that has been around for many years, I was really excited to have my lunch here with a friend.We were here on a Sunday, and both opted for the Sunday 3 course lunch menu. Both the starters we got were amazing! The crispy marinate tofu was nicely fried – crispy batter and tender tofu inside that had a tasty marinate. It was served on a generous bed of quinoa that was delicious with the salsa. The coriander & lemon dressing added zing and lightness to the dish. The artichoke terrine was so good! Buttery, creamy and very flavourful! The salsa was fresh and fragrant. The grilled bread was crispy which was perfect for the soft terrine.To me, the mains we got wasn’t as outstanding as the starters. The Wellington had a nice and flaky pastry, but it wasn’t my favourite because the filling was more sweet than savoury (too much sweet potato). The veg wasn’t as well roasted too. The burger was ok. It was tasty and I liked the pretzel bun. There was nothing special/outstanding about it to me, nevertheless, a solid well-made vegan burger. The Peanut Butter brownie? Very decadent – moist, fudgy and gooey. It is a bit too sweet for me, and the vanilla ice-cream served as the perfect balance for the richness of it. Needless to say, the peanut butter and chocolate goes perfectly together with the hints of nutty and salty flavour to it.The restaurant has a simple and contemporary décor. The staff could be more attentive to our needs, they were quite slow too. One thing is the table we sat at, there was a time when the sunlight was shining directly at my friend. Not only was it hot, the strong sunlight was distracting too as it was shining right at his eyes (he had to squint). Very uncomfortable yet the waiter/waitress was hesitant to let us switch tables when there were plenty of free tables. Please, add some curtains or shades to the windows! It is very uncomfortable for customers at the tables by the window!Overall, food of solid quality and taste. Some were not as good as the others, but generally above average! The prices are on the expensive side, but I think it’s reasonable for the portion and quality you get. From my experience, you can’t go wrong here with good Vegetarian/Vegan food (that will probably satisfy a non-veggie too!) – so I do recommend The Gate for special occasions/when you want to treat yourself.

Delicious and incredibly creative menu. Amazing service. Classy vibes. Great drinks.I really enjoyed my experience here, which is why I’m giving it 5 starts; however- management please fix the plumbing issue. There was a faintly grotesque smell at my table - when I went to use the Loo I realized it was the entire downstairs where the bathrooms are that smell HORRIBLY foul.That being said the service and food are so incredible I can’t give it less than 5 stars

As always a great mix of refreshing flavours. Had the mushroom risotto and the aubergine teriyaki noodles for mains. Have to say though, nothing beats the courgette flower starter - second time I've come back just for this!

A superb establishment that serves outstanding food. Although it may appear humble and simple on the outside the food served is outstanding and all merit and compliments should go to the owners, chef and staff. It may only serve vegetarian food but it is definitely worth the money. Again outstanding.

Great all vegan restaurant. The set menu is 3 courses for £22 is well worth it! The portions are good size and well presented. The service was friendly and attentive. The acoustics arent great though you can struggle to hear each other even when the restaurant isnt full. But the food is deffinatly worth a visit.

I came in with high expectations and my god was I right. The food was amazing, tasty, beautifully presented, very quick to arrive, and the restaurant is lovely. But I cannot reiterate enough how much I enjoyed the food - particularly the miso aubergine stood out, and we were so full by the end. I've been recommending it to all my friends since I went.

Best food I've eaten I'm recent memory. The miso maple aubergine was delicious! My main tortilla was very fillyling and flavoursome... & the dessert 😍 oh my! Tasted so much like profiterole! Yummy! Also had a lovely busy atmosphere and our waiter was fab! Thank you!

Don't understand how anyone could rate this below a four. Visited this restaurant a number of times and every time the service and food has been impeccable. One of my favourite vegetarian restaurants in London

I waited 15 years to visit The Gate and I was very disappointed. My beetroot and ricotta starter was 2 thin slices of beetroot sandwiching a piece of ricotta x3 no flavours and the main was the most insipid Pad Thai I've ever eat it. I couldn't eat it, sent it back. Staff was amazing, but... And the food presentation was very basic, not like a pictures on the website!

Went for my birthday lunch. We had an amazing time. Staff are very friendly and helped with allergy requirements, kids meals and very attentive. The food was just amazing - pictures attached. Highly recommend the beetroot dish.