Hendersons table with food

Vegetarian and vegan

If you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan places to eat in Edinburgh, you won’t be disappointed. Scotland’s capital is a veritable foodie heaven, and there’s no need for vegetarians or vegans to miss out on the experience!

There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars to choose from, whatever your budget or tastes – from junk food to fine dining. Take a look at our top picks!

Union of Genius - Salad
1.

Union of Genius

8 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QN

Union of Genius soup emporium is in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, offering a daily choice of five or six different soups, salads and chilli – most of which are either vegetarian or vegan.

If it’s too difficult to choose just one soup then opt for the flight of three, with three mini portions. The café is warm and welcoming, just like the staff, and there’s emphasis here on sustainability. The budget-friendly prices mean Union of Genius is a popular choice – if the café is busy, opt for a takeaway to eat in the leafy Meadows park, just over the road.


2.

Seeds for the Soul

167 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DG

Seeds for the Soul have built up a cult following in Bruntsfield since they opened in early 2018. This cosy café is all about the plant-based dining, with absolutely no animal products in their menu whatsoever. Enjoy a tasty meat-free twist on the classic Caesar salad or give yourself an energy boost with their sweet gluten-free chocolate fudge balls.

If you prefer some more indulgent options, treat yourself to their full vegan cooked breakfast or a slice of their lovely cakes, which are available in a range of different flavours each day including victoria sponge, choc-mint and Biscoff.


Image Credit: Alexis Ko
Hendersons
3.

Hendersons

7–13 Barclay Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HW

Hendersons is an upmarket, stylish restaurant close to Bruntsfield Links, known for innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes.

While the restaurant here is just a few years old, they are in fact the continuation of one of the first vegetarian restaurants in the UK and an Edinburgh institution – Hendersons of Hanover Street. Today, Hendersons offers modern dishes alongside updated favourites and beloved classics, using locally sourced and organic produce.


4.

Novapizza

42 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TH

Edinburgh New Town’s Novapizza is little sister to Sora Lella, the first Italian vegan restaurant in Edinburgh. Run by a Roman family, you’re guaranteed exceptional vegan dishes bursting with authentic Italian flavours and textures.

Novapizza offers a slightly simpler menu, easier on the pocket while retaining a good selection of dishes. The restaurant is charming and cosy, and the staff are friendly and attentive. If you’re craving a good vegan pizza or homemade pasta, then this is the place to be – book in advance if you can.


Rabbit Food
5.

Rabbit Food at The Meadows Tap

27 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1QF

Rabbit Food offer vegan junk food and street food, receiving rave reviews for their adventurous burgers, dirty fries, milkshakes and desserts.

The creatively named dishes and monthly specials are prepared in the kitchen of retro-themed bar, The Meadows Tap. There’s a friendly atmosphere, and you’re sure to enjoy a great playlist and the selection of board games alongside the cocktail menu and choice of beers on tap.


6.

Paradise Palms

41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1HB

Paradise Palms is a unique venue in the Old Town, where delicious vegan and vegetarian food is served up in a relaxed atmosphere, amongst vibrant maximalist décor.

While the bar offers a great mix of beers and cocktails, the mid-sized, mid-priced soul food menu is 100% plant based. Favourites including burgers, dirty fries and corn ribs are big on flavour, and served in generous portions. There’s a record store onsite, and guest DJs take to the decks after 10pm at the weekend.


Club Med Sandwich - Three tiers of Mediterranean flavour. Cheeze, black olives, pesto toast, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, wild rocket and balsamic glaze
7.

FacePlant

37 Duke Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8HH

If you’re looking for – what has to be one of the comforting foods: mac and cheese – be sure to pay a visit to FacePlant.

This cosy plant-based café in the lively neighbourhood of Leith serves grilled sandwiches (with their award winning mac and cheese) a speciality. All their cheese and meat alternatives are made in-house, so you can fill-up on satisfying sarnies such as Hawaiian, haggis melt and hot bacon. Also, keep an eye on their social channels for their weekly specials.


8.

Considerit

3–5A Sciennes, Edinburgh, EH9 1NH

Considerit is the place to be if you’re looking for an indulgent vegetarian or vegan sweet treat in Edinburgh. This vegan bakery offers a range of artisanal chocolates, a great selection of doughnuts and ice cream, alongside good coffee, iced coffee and milkshakes.

Everything is made fresh onsite daily, with locally sourced ingredients. Our top tip is to get there as early as possible, so you have the best choice of flavours!


David Bann, menu in window
9.

David Bann

56-58 St. Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SX

David Bann has been a landmark in Edinburgh’s vegetarian scene for 20 years or more, offering high-end creative, innovative cuisine from around the globe.

It’s just a short wander from the Royal Mile, and you really can’t go wrong here, whether you choose from the à la carte menu or the daytime set menu. Unique dishes are beautifully presented, complemented by the simple, stylish restaurant interior. In addition to the plentiful vegan choices, many of the vegetarian dishes can be vegan at your request.


10.

Black Rabbit

33 Brougham Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9JT

A vegan deli and coffee shop, Black Rabbit serve a selection of breakfast rolls, sandwiches, toasties and bagels, using only the finest vegan cheeses and deli slices. For those with a sweet tooth, there is an appetising selection of pastries, cruffins, cakes, tarts, cupcakes – all made freshly on-site each day.

Committed to sustainability, they use 100% green electricity and use compostable take-away packaging and paper. They also offer a discount if you bring in your own cup or take away container (T&Cs apply).


Macaroons at Plant Bae
11.

Plant Bae

220 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH6 8LE

Plant Bae is a small, stylish café, loved for its variety of delicious, adventurous vegetarian and vegan pastries and cakes.

It’s a great spot to enjoy a relaxed breakfast, brunch or lunch with friends, with indoor and outdoor seating available. The menu isn’t fully plant based, but there’s still plenty of choice for vegans. On a Saturday night, Plant Bae becomes a trendy café bar, serving cocktails until 1am.


12.

Soul Vegan

46 W Richmond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DZ

If you’re looking for flavoursome Malaysian food and a plant-based menu, don’t miss Soul Vegan.

Their diverse menu features beautifully presented dishes such as green curry tofu with mixed vegetables, mushrooms in ginger and wine broth, and Soul’s special deep fried tofu.

Visit them on West Richmond Street in the Southside neighbourhood, or order online and have their delectable dishes delivered straight to your door.


Guide to Food and Drink in Edinburgh

These are just a few of our favourite vegetarian and vegan places to eat in Edinburgh – we really are spoiled for choice here! We’d love to see your favourites – share your experiences using #ForeverEdinburgh. Don’t miss our Guide to Food and Drink in Edinburgh for more tips and suggestions for everything from comfort food to fine dining.


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