12 of the best plant-based restaurants in Edinburgh
With vibrant dishes and comforting classics, Edinburgh's plant-based scene is on the rise
It’s safe to say that plant-led food entered Edinburgh’s dining consciousness with a whimper rather than a bang, but hey, it’s here now. It’s rare to find a menu without at least a couple of plant-based options (although the trend towards veganification means dairy-eaters might miss their cheese). Any café should hero the hearty veg-based soups that are part of Scotland’s thrifty heritage. Or maybe centre your dining around the city’s multitude of Indian restaurants for solid veggie choices. Kalpna has been fully vegetarian since 1975 and although Tanjore does serve meat, veggie dosa and idli are the main draw.
Hendersons pioneered plant-based food in the city. They’ve changed location and passed through the generations over the years and have now landed on Barclay Place (handy for the King’s Theatre). Expect pretty dishes like wildflower-speckled salt-baked celeriac and foraged mushroom risotto which don’t just look the part; they prove natural plant-based trumps faux-meat menus any day. Heading back towards Tollcross and Brougham Street leads you to a plant-based hub. Nón Việt Vegan’s summer rolls are the vitamin boost you’ll need come mid-Fringe and the lunchtime banh mi are a good deal too. Black Rabbit is a reliable plant-based deli and coffee shop, and the estimable Curran Geal’s soups are hearty and wholesome.
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For Mexican classics, you’ll find Antojitos Cantina at Paradise Palms where the taco highlights include soya carnitas with a chilli-citrus ping (they’re also at Edinburgh Street Food). Soul Vegan is a pretty-as-a-picture Malaysian spot near Pleasance Courtyard, or head up Causewayside to Sora Diana, a vegan Italian with Roman leanings that’s cosy enough to kick back and linger. Novapizza Vegan Kitchen also takes a plant-led take on Roman cuisine, with solid pasta and pizza that can be made gluten-free. Down in Leith, head to Sly Fox for a community vibe and hearty dishes like spicy goulash with potato pancakes, while FacePlant Foods does an excellent line in hangover-busting mac’n’cheeze.