The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Edinburgh: a guide to eating meat-free
Eating vegetarian and vegan in Edinburgh is easy
Organizingholidays in Edinburghwhile following a vegetarian or vegan diet is surprisingly simple. The Scottish capital is one of the most progressive cities in the UK for plant-based offerings, with 100% vegan restaurants, traditional pubs that have entire sections of the menu meat-free, and even vegan fish & chips. Forget the idea that Scotland is just haggis and roast meat: Edinburgh has enthusiastically embraced the plant revolution.
100% vegetarian and vegan restaurants
Henderson's Vegan (Holyrood Road)
Historic vegetarian restaurant since 1962, now fully vegan. Weight-based buffet (great for trying many dishes) or à la carte menu. Must-try: the "vegan haggis" with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). Average price: £12-18. Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Sundays.
Paradise Palms (Lothian Street)
Hipster venue with a retro atmosphere, furnished with velvet sofas and neon lights. Vegan fusion cuisine: jackfruit burgers, lentil tacos, savory waffles. Great cocktails. Average price: £15-22. Very crowded on Friday nights.
Holy Cow (Elder Street)
Small vegan take-away (few seats). Specializes in burgers, seitan kebabs, and sweet potato fries. Affordable: £8-12. Perfect for a quick lunch.
Novapizza (Broughton Street)
Vegan pizzeria (not 100% vegan because it also offers animal cheese upon request, but separately). Thin crust, quality ingredients. The "Vegan Margherita" with cashew mozzarella is excellent. Price: £10-15 per pizza.
Traditional pubs with great vegan options
The Banshee Labyrinth (Niddry Street)
Underground pub (former prison) with a surprisingly extensive vegan menu. Black bean burgers, breaded tofu "fish," and craft beers. Gothic but cozy atmosphere. Price: £10-15.
The Brass Monkey (Leith Walk)
Pub with a fireplace, sofas, and a garden. Offers a "Vegan Sunday Roast" (Sunday roast with seitan, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and vegan gravy) that rivals the meat version. Book for Sunday. Price: £14.
The Auld Hoose (St Leonard's Street)
Famous for its huge portions of "vegan junk food." The "vegan nachos" are legendary: layers of chips, vegan cheese, guacamole, jalapeños. Share if you're not very hungry. Price: £8-12.
Vegan cafes and breakfasts
Plant Bae (Fountainbridge)
Vegan café with hearty breakfasts: porridge with plant milk, avocado toast, banana pancakes. Great specialty coffee. Breakfast price: £6-10.
Union of Genius (Forrest Road)
Only soups (all vegan except one) and homemade bread. 4-5 varieties each day. The "spiced lentil & coconut" is the best. Price: £5-7 with bread.
Black Rabbit (Broughton Street)
Vegan café that also makes bagels and pastries. The vegan "cinnamon roll" is famous in town. Price: £3-5.
Where to find vegetarian haggis
Traditional haggis is made from sheep offal. The vegetarian (or vegan) version is made with lentils, nuts, mushrooms, and spices. You can find it in many non-vegetarian restaurants:
Makars Mash Bar (Bank Street):they serve "veggie haggis" with mashed potatoes and turnips. £12.
Howies (Waterloo Place):a more refined version, with vegan whisky sauce. £14.
The Edinburgh Larder (Blackfriars Street):a café that makes vegan haggis in-house for a Scottish breakfast.
Vegan Ice Cream Shops
Mary's Milk Bar (Grassmarket):historic artisan ice cream shop. Every day 2-3 vegan flavors (e.g., dark chocolate, raspberry sorbet). £3 a scoop.
Al's Gelato (Marchmont Road):entire vegan section with oat and rice milk. Creative flavors: vegan "caramel shortbread."
Supermarkets for Vegan Shopping
If you have a kitchen in your hotel or apartment:
Tesco Superstore (Nicholson Street):"Plant Chef" section (own brand) with burgers, sausages, vegan cheeses.
Sainsbury's (York Place):"Love Your Veg" and "Plant Pioneers" brands.
Marks & Spencer (Princes Street):more expensive but high quality. Vegan sandwiches are great for picnics.
Vegan Events and Markets
Edinburgh Vegan Market (first Saturday of every month):at The Pitt (Leith). Street food, sweets, vegan beer.
Scottish Vegan Festival (March and October):at Meadowbank Stadium. Over 100 stalls.
FAQ
Is Edinburgh a veg-friendly city?
Yes, it is considered one of the best cities in the UK for vegans, after London and Brighton.
Do pubs serve vegan beer?
Many traditional beers use fish glue (isinglass) for clarification. Ask for certified vegan beers: brands like BrewDog, Williams Bros, and many canned ales.
Can I find plant milk in cafes?
Yes, everywhere. Soy, oat, almond, and coconut milk are standard. Usually without extra charge.
Is vegan fish & chips good?
Yes, especially at Paradise Palms and The Banshee Labyrinth. They use tofu or banana blossom to mimic the texture of fish.
How much does it cost to eat vegan in Edinburgh?
Not much. A meal at a pub costs £10-15. At a vegan restaurant £15-20. At a takeaway £6-10.
Are there vegan breakfasts in bed & breakfasts?
Yes, book in advance. Many B&Bs offer porridge with plant milk, toast with jam, and fruit.
Do vegetarian restaurants accept reservations?
Henderson's and Paradise Palms do, for groups. Smaller ones do not, they are first come first served.
What can I take home as a vegan souvenir?
Whisky (it's always vegan), vegan shortbread (look for "Mrs Tilly's" at the supermarket), Scottish raspberry jam.
Does the Christmas market have vegan options?
Yes, stalls with fries, vegan churros, and some stands with veggie burgers. Always ask for the ingredients.
Is there an app to find vegan restaurants in Edinburgh?
HappyCow is the best. Updated with recent reviews.
A satisfying culinary experience
Theholidays in Edinburghfor vegetarians and vegans are a satisfying culinary experience. The city has understood that plant-based cuisine is not a trend but a respectable choice, and it shows with offerings that range from traditional pubs to fusion restaurants. You will never have to settle for a sad salad: here you will find vegan haggis, banana blossom fish & chips, and even artisanal dairy-free ice cream. With a little planning (and the HappyCow app), you will eat better than many omnivores.
For a complete overview of periods, itineraries, budgets, and transportation in the Scottish capital, check out our complete guide to holidays in Edinburgh.
Review date:March 21, 2026