5 Best Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh [2026 Edition]: A Local’s Guide to Must-Try Culinary Gems

Edinburgh: A Vegan & Vegetarian Paradise!

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is renowned for its beautiful medieval streets and world-famous whisky. But did you know it’s also one of the UK’s leading ‘vegan and vegetarian friendly’ cities?

From long-standing institutions to cutting-edge plant-based cafes focused on sustainability, Edinburgh offers exquisite dining experiences that will impress even the most devoted meat-eaters, as well as those with dietary restrictions (such as halal or vegan).

For this guide, we’ve carefully selected five must-visit vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh, beloved by students on long-term stays, short-term tourists, and locals alike. We’ll share authentic local insights, including ordering tips and what to expect regarding crowd levels.

Soul Vegan

📍 Address: 46 W Richmond St, Edinburgh EH8 9DZ, UK

Located in the Southside area, close to the University of Edinburgh, ‘Soul Vegan’ is a fully vegan Asian fusion restaurant specializing in Malaysian cuisine. The interior is cozy, adorned with neon signs and plants, creating a funky yet incredibly comfortable atmosphere. Known for its friendly and attentive staff, it’s bustling daily with a diverse crowd, from students to local adults.

Must-try local dishes include the flavorful ‘Hoisin Pancakes (Aromatic Pancakes)’ that you’ll crave again and again, and the rich, deeply satisfying ‘Laksa’ and ‘Wonton Noodles’. The quality of their soy-based fake meat is astonishingly high, with the ‘BBQ Combo Plate’ and ‘Corn Ribs’ offering generous portions and flavors that even meat lovers will adore. For dessert, be sure to try their chewy, coconut-infused pancakes or the finely textured, creamy ice cream.

Its excellent value for money is another major draw, but due to limited seating, reservations are essential. This highly popular spot has such devoted fans that some claim it’s ‘the one restaurant to choose in Edinburgh if you could only pick one’. Dinner times are often fully booked, so early reservations are highly recommended.

PULSE PlantBased HomeCooking

📍 Address: St John’s, 1 Lothian Rd, Church terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2AB, UK

Nestled discreetly on the terrace level of St John’s Church, located at the intersection of Princes Street and Lothian Road, ‘PULSE PlantBased HomeCooking’ is a hidden gem of a plant-based (fully vegan) cafe-restaurant. On sunny days, its charming terrace offers a delightful spot to relax under the shade with views of Edinburgh Castle, creating a moment of timeless tranquility.

Its defining characteristic is its ‘deep commitment to health and the environment’. Using unrefined sugars and minimal oil, all homemade dishes beautifully highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Highly recommended are the flavorful ‘Aubergine Stir-fry with Lemon Zest Rice’, generously coated in sauce, and the vibrant ‘Salad Tray Bake’. For a true connoisseur’s experience, pair your meal with their exquisite vegan tiramisu or a sustainably sourced Scottish craft cola, ‘Bon Accord’.

Adorned with illuminations and flowers, the interior clearly reflects the owners’ passion and love for their establishment. The staff are happy to explain the menu in detail using photos, making it a comfortable experience even for travelers unfamiliar with vegan cuisine. With a curated list of affordable wines, it’s a perfect spot for a sophisticated adult brunch or dinner.

Hendersons

📍 Address: 7-13 Barclay Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HW, UK

‘Hendersons’, founded in 1962, is a pioneering name among Scottish vegetarian restaurants. This legendary establishment, once sorely missed after its closure, has made a remarkable comeback in the Bruntsfield area, beautifully reimagined by the founder’s family who are carrying on the legacy. The space is now more expansive, offering a relaxed dining experience without feeling overcrowded.

The menu features inventive dishes that go beyond mere ‘meat substitutes’, exploring the intrinsic flavors of vegetables and pushing culinary boundaries. Popular choices include the rich ‘Mushroom Steak’ and the addictively spicy-sweet ‘Ginger Ice Cream’. Beyond the food, their cocktails are also highly praised; their Hugo Spritz, lauded as ‘the best in Edinburgh’, is a definite must-order to kick off your dinner.

Their fusion of tradition and innovation captivates not only long-time regulars but also new visitors, including students and tourists. The friendly and attentive staff provide wonderful hospitality, creating a special yet homely atmosphere. With paid street parking nearby, access is also excellent.

Holy Cow

📍 Address: 34 Elder St, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, UK

Located underground on Elder Street, just a stone’s throw from Waverley Station and the bus terminal in central Edinburgh, ‘Holy Cow’ is a pioneering fully vegan cafe that opened in 2016. Its excellent accessibility and stylish, well-coordinated interior make it perfect for a casual stop during sightseeing.

Their specialties are undoubtedly their hearty homemade vegan burgers and sandwiches. The freshly fried, crispy ‘Mushroom Katsu Sandwich’ and the protein-rich ‘Farro Salad’ with crunchy chickpeas and sweet potatoes are hugely popular among health-conscious visitors. Their gluten-free bread options are also excellent. Furthermore, the display case is filled with a variety of homemade vegan sweets, including their ‘Lotus Seed Cheesecake’, making it a bustling spot where locals enjoy coffee time with their artisanal sweets.

A word of caution: during peak times like Friday afternoons, the staff might be stretched thin, which can lead to slightly longer waits for food and table clearing. For short-term travelers with tight schedules, the local approach is to either visit outside of the busiest lunch hours or come with plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely experience.

David Bann Restaurant

📍 Address: 56-58 St Mary’s St, Edinburgh EH1 1SX, UK

Conveniently located just a short walk from the Royal Mile, ‘David Bann Restaurant’ has been a leading name in Edinburgh’s fine vegetarian dining scene since its opening in 2002. Its sophisticated, minimalist interior, based on dark tones, is perfect for anniversary dinners or enjoying a refined evening. While fully vegetarian (with many vegan options available), its rich and intense flavors are known to impress even meat-eaters.

The menu features an inventive lineup that blends Scottish traditional cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Particularly noteworthy are the fritters, which brilliantly recreate Scotland’s famous ‘Haggis’ and ‘Black Pudding’ – dishes typically made with offal – using plant-based ingredients. The creamy and richly textured ‘Celeriac Dauphinoise’ is also superb. For dessert, savor soufflé-like ‘Double Baked Pudding’ or ‘Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding’, both highlighting Scottish ingredients, paired with their extensive selection of whiskies and wines for a truly blissful experience.

Despite its central tourist location, the restaurant offers a calming service that makes you forget the city bustle. As an extremely popular spot, reservations tend to fill up well into the late dinner hours, so booking in advance is key to a successful visit.

Tips for Enjoying Vegan & Vegetarian Cuisine in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s vegan and vegetarian restaurants have evolved far beyond mere ‘alternative diets’, becoming true culinary destinations. Consequently, popular establishments are often fully booked with locals on weekends and during dinner hours, regardless of whether diners have dietary restrictions. For travelers with limited time, strong pre-booking via Google Maps or official websites is highly recommended.

Furthermore, due to the fusion of Britain’s unique pub and cafe cultures, many establishments offer excellent local beers, carefully selected wines, Scotch whiskies, and homemade cocktails. Enjoying the pairing of ‘plant-based meals with a carefully crafted drink’ is a local way to fully experience Edinburgh’s nightlife. Be sure to discover your favorite dish!