Six of the best healthy eating spots in Edinburgh

These Edinburgh eateries are perfect for starting your year off right.

Published 4th Jan 2017
Updated 9 th Aug 2023

After the inevitable overindulgence at Christmas, a new year always brings with it the chance to start afresh.

Whether you like to eat healthily all year round, or are using January as an opportunity to kick-start your clean eating New Year's resolution, these restaurants and cafes in Edinburgh are the ideal spots for some healthy - and tasty - food.

For a healthy breakfast... The Pantry

(1 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6ST, 0131 629 0206)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOHma_jA-Uk/

With a focus on local and seasonal produce, The Pantry's all-day breakfast menu offers up a wide range of sweet and savoury healthy brunch options.

Try the trendy L.A. Eggs - aka avocado on toast with poached eggs - or go for a Pantry original like Sunshine on Stockbridge, a healthy take on a cooked breakfast with slow-roasted tomatoes, spiced sweet potato, roasted aubergine, poached eggs and fresh chilli.

For a superfood salad... Pumpkin Brown

(16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS, 0131 629 1720)

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Pumpkin Brown are passionate about great, fresh, organic food which can be enjoyed by everyone. All of their dishes are gluten-free, dairy-free and free from refined sugar, making them naturally healthy without compromising on flavour.

Pumpkin Brown has an unbeatable selection of inventive salads which use fresh produce and superfood ingredients. For a healthy yet filling superfood salad, opt for the wild rice salad with goji berries, garlic, spring onions and cannellini beans.

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For a detox smoothie... Hula Juice Cafe

(103-105 West Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2JP, 0131 220 1121)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOPJcv4jdK_/

Fresh smoothies and juices are a great way to get your five a day, and Hula Juice Cafe serve up some of the best in Edinburgh.

Choose from straightforward fruit juices to ultra-healthy green smoothies, and everything in between. You can even add in Hula Organic Boosters to give your smoothie an extra kick - the Energy Booster (aka Siberian ginseng and guarana) often comes in handy during January.

For a vegetarian feast... Henderson's

(94 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DR, 0131 225 2131)

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Edinburgh's first vegetarian restaurant - which was opened in 1962 - remains one of the best spots in the city to enjoy a vegetarian meal, whether you fancy a light salad bar lunch or a more hearty bistro-style evening meal.

A selection of freshly prepared vegetarian salads are available every day, perfect for a feasting lunch that won't leave you feeling guilty. The salads vary from classics like potato salad to more unusual dishes like tangled raw vegetables with dukkah and curried coconut sauce.

For healthy street food... Tupiniquim

(Green Police Box, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9AU)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDBGei1AYQN/

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Serving up Brazilian crepes from an old police box, Tupiniquim is a must-visit for those who love fast, fresh and healthy street food.

All the crepes are gluten-free and you can choose from a range of delicious fillings including shredded beef with peppers and spinach, roasted butternut squash with tomatoes, piri-piri chicken with avocado and onion or a sweet option like banana, cinnamon, honey and pecan nuts.

For guilt-free cakes... Moon & Hare

(167 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DG, 0131 228 9250)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BC-Gdj7SLt-/

Inspired by the Californian lifestyle of American-born founder Shannon Denson, Moon & Hare brings organic, clean and nutritious food to Edinburgh - with a particular focus on vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

As well as healthy breakfasts and lunches, you'll also find a great selection of cakes which are nutritious and good for you. Look out for treats like beetroot and chocolate cake, vegan waffles, cardamom and aduki bean brownies, and parsnip, pineapple and coconut cake.

Gillian is a writer and blogger from Edinburgh, with a penchant for drinking cocktails, exploring the city's independent shops and trying out as many new restaurants as possible.
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