5 of the best vegan restaurants to check out in Edinburgh

With it regularly being named as one of the best cities in the UK to go for vegan food, we've picked out 5 of the best restaurants to go to grab yourself some vegan grub.

Published 31st Oct 2018
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

With veganism becoming a more popular dietary choice, restaurants, cafes and shops have adapted to keep up with the demand of people choosing this conscientious lifestyle.

The capital has always been quick to embrace vegetarianism and hasn't be slow in adapting to cater for vegans and it's now regularly cited as the best place in Scotland (and often the UK) to enjoy vegan fare.

Here are five of the best places to go.

Seeds for the Soul

(167 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4DG)

vegan Edinburgh

Picture: Seeds for the Soul Facebook

With sausages you would never suspect are meat-free, smoothies to-die-for, and an atmospheric cosy seating area adorned with fairy lights and the works of local artists, this is a Mecca for students and trendy freelancers.

The cafe is the brainchild of food blogger Roberta Norman, who believes that veganism is the healthiest way of life for people and planet.

'Healthy body, healthy mind,' she says. Don't imagine you'll be protein deprived though, all their food is fully charged with super foods.

NovaPizza Vegetarian Kitchen

(42 Howe St, Edinburgh, Scotland)

Vegan Food Edinburgh

Picture: Nova Pizza Facebook

Putting a vegan twist on the ever-popular Italian cuisine, Nova Pizza has been serving up slices since 2015.  A cosy little family-run Italian eatery in the New Town, it offers a vegan menu with plenty of options including pizzas and calzones topped with vegan cheese and plenty of delicious vegetables.

Henderson's Vegan

(25c Thistle St, Edinburgh)

Vegan Food Edinburgh

Picture: Henderson's

Vegan pioneers Henderson's are something of an institution in the capital having been established in 1968, the Bistro went fully vegan in 2015 and everything they now serve, from the wines and beers to the delicious cakes and fair trade coffees, is vegan.

Island cafe with stunning views to team up with Michelin-recommended Edinburgh restaurant for one-off supper club

Daily soups, wholesome salads, crepes, Henderson's has a colourful menu that's filled with dishes that are perfect for any time of the day.

Harmonium

(60 Henderson St, Edinburgh EH6 6DE)

Vegan Food Edinburgh

Having already conquered Glasgow with their stable of hugely successful bars and restaurants, the team behind Mono, Stereo and The Flying Duck turned their attention to the east coast in 2017.

Offering a delicious range of comfort food style dishes with vegan twists including pizza, burgers and even (to-)fish and chips, you won't be disappointed.

New Scottish restaurants added to the Good Food Guide

Holy Cow

(34 Elder St, Edinburgh EH1 3DX)

Vegan Food Edinburgh

Picture: Holy Cow

This small, independent cafe in the heart of the city specialises in locally sourced seasonal ingredients and offers up massively popular vegan burgers and sandwiches - served up with their delicious chunky chips.

Opened in 2016, they've already established themselves as one of the best places to go for a relaxed bite to eat for not only Edinburgh's resident vegans but those visiting the city too.

Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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