After recently being crowned as a 'Hipster Hotspot' for its variety of quirky coffee shops, retro record stores and vintage boutiques, Edinburgh has plenty of options for trendy veggie eateries and high-end restaurants.
We’ve searched high and low to find our favourite Edinburgh places to eat which offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus that won’t break the bank. Our list of top vegetarian and vegan restaurants are the perfect place for a pit-stop during a busy day of exploring Edinburgh.
American Soul Food with a Twist
This place will blow your socks off. Paradise Palms is the ultimate dining experience with neon lighting, retro arcade machines and fruity cocktails which pack a punch.
This quirky establishment is just a two-minute stroll from the famous Greyfriars Bobby on Lothian Street. It has a fun and relaxed atmosphere which attracts young traveler-types from across the world.
Paradise Palms is known for its award-winning American-inspired veggie soul food created by Lucky Pig. We love the jerk jackfruit fries, chipotle mac n’ cheese and our personal favourite the Tequila beer-battered tofu fish burger - it’s a complete game changer.
Vietnamese Vibes
If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, Ting Saboteur is the place to go.
Ting Saboteur’s industrial design, friendly staff and exciting menu create a special dining experience. This trendy restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options, and we prefer their veggie dishes to many of their meat or fish dishes. Chefs are also always happy to swap certain ingredients to meet your dietary needs.
Our personal favourites are the yellow tofu curry, mi khorat (stir-fried rice noodle with veggies) and you can’t visit without trying their famous roti with peanut butter dip.
Cheapest Burgers in Town
If you’re feeling naughty and fancy a burger that won’t break the bank, BRGR is the ideal choice. This cheap but cheerful restaurant is located opposite the Festival Theatre on Nicholson Street which makes it the perfect place to refuel after a matinee show.
BRGR has worked with DARING Foods to create their very own vegan menu featuring incredible plant-based alternatives.
You can choose from a selection of six animal-free options including the “moo-less” burger with vegan cheese or BRGR’s “cluck-less” nuggets.
With burgers starting from £4 on weekdays and £5 on weekends, BRGR is unbeatable on price. Make sure to grab a beer or shake to help wash it all down.
Instagram Heaven
This place is an absolute must for fitness freaks, who’ll enjoy filling up on their yummy acai bowls and green juices. Hula’s beautiful setting in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle.
We love the colourful interior, friendly vibe and stunning selection of fresh snacks. You’ll find yourself snapping photos for that ‘perfect gram’ the moment you step through the door.
Hula, in 2015, was voted the 6th best eatery in Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the UK and #1 outside of London. Its healthy breakfast menu offers smoothie bowls, bagels, detox drinks and fresh shakes which will leave you feeling energised and ready for a busy day of exploring Edinburgh’s attractions.
Fine Dining Veggie Style
As one of Edinburgh’s top fine dining vegetarian restaurants, David Bann serves vibrant dishes from across the world at affordable prices. Here, you’ll find a sophisticated interior, friendly waiting staff and a beautiful wine selection.
It’s the place to go if you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience or want to celebrate a special occasion with friends or loved ones.
David Bann is located a short walk from the Palace of Holyrood, making it easy to get to from most of our Royal Mile holiday apartments.
UK’s Longest Running Veggie Restaurant
After Hendersons was established in 1962, this family-run business has continued to serve freshly prepared and organically sourced veggie dishes for over half a century.
Hendersons is located across three separate stores on the corner of Hanover Street and Thistle Street which means it has something to offer for everyone. If you’re looking for a quick snack, pop into their famous shop and deli for a fresh salad, patisserie or one of their delicious falafel wraps.
Alternatively, you can pop downstairs into ‘The Salad Table’ to enjoy a sit-down meal. If you’re looking for a taste of Scotland, we recommend Hendersons’ veggie haggis - it’s epic.
Hendersons have also opened an exclusively vegan restaurant next door on Thistle Street, which we absolutely love.
Honest Grub You’ll Love
BBL has a low-key vibe and serves one of the best Scottish vegetarian breakfasts in town. We can’t recommend this place enough for their delicious fry-ups.
Just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh’s 16th-century Flodden Wall, BBL is the perfect place to start a day of visiting the city’s historic sites.
BBL make their own veggie soya sausages which people love so much that they’ve started selling entire packets of them for people to take home.
Healthy Food On-the-go
If you’re too busy enjoying some much needed retail therapy to stop for a sit-down meal, Dough is the perfect place to grab a quick slice before heading back to the shops.
This fun little store is located on the charming Rose Street and serves delicious Italian-style stone-baked pizzas which only uses local ingredients.
Tuck into the Parmigiana with grilled aubergine and toasted pine nuts, the Portobello with pecorino and truffle oil, or our personal favourite - the vegan-friendly Butternut Squash with harissa and roasted walnuts.
If you’re with a group, we recommend going “half and half” on toppings and splashing out on the huge 14-inchers. You won’t regret it.
We love that so many veggie eateries are popping up across Edinburgh. For any veggies looking to explore the city, we guarantee that you won’t be short of places to eat.
Food is an essential part of Scotland’s heritage, so it’s great to see so many places making sure that Edinburgh’s food culture is accessible to all.
Here at Edinburgh Flats, we have a beautiful selection of holiday apartments located in the heart of Edinburgh. We’re committed to offering stunning holiday rentals and hassle-free service, so guests can focus on exploring this incredible city.
We’ll only ever be a phone call away if guests are looking for any recommendations of what to see, where to go or more importantly, where to find the best whisky in town.
Written by Karen
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