9 plant-based restaurants across Edinburgh
From Mexican classics to flourishing community spaces, there are plenty of opportunities for plant-based goodness in Edinburgh
Antojitos Cantina
Paradise Palms, 41 Lothian Street
The latest residence from the team behind Antojitos at Edinburgh Street Food is very much a hands-on experience as you tuck into tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican classics on a 100% plant-based and nut-free adventure. Credible meat substitutes really work, while taco wins include soya carnitas with a chilli-citrus ping and a rich vegan chorizo-fried potato combo.
Hendersons
7–13 Barclay Place
Veggie with excellent vegan choices, this family-run spot has changed location and passed through the generations while consistently turning out fabulous food since 1962. Light and airy inside, wildflower-speckled dishes of salt-baked celeriac and foraged mushroom risotto don’t just look the part; they prove natural plant-based trumps faux-meat menus any day.
Nón Việt Vegan
23a Brougham Place
Nón Việt is fully vegan, but each flavour pairing and meat substitute has been so well considered that it can be hard to notice. Summer rolls are light and refreshing with a zappy peanut sauce that has lips smacking, while warming curries and noodle bowls are filling and flavoursome. For lunch, there’s a great selection of banh mi.
Sly Fox
16 Henderson Street
This cosy neighbourhood café is a haven for vegans and vegetarians and has a genuine community vibe, full of plants, art and happy people. The spicy goulash with potato pancakes is hearty and comforting, and the refried beans quesadilla with homemade pickles is excellent. Raw cakes are a speciality.
Sora Diana
19–21 Causewayside
Special occasion-appropriate Sora Diana is split into three dining areas, all brought together with rich wallpaper, comfy seats and plenty of natural daylight. It’s Italian with clear Roman leanings: carbonara and cacio e pepe are all present and correct alongside pinsa (Rome’s oval version of pizza). It’s a strong choice, especially when you want to relax into your meal.
Soul Vegan
46 West Richmond Street
With links to the beloved Kampong Ah Lee, this wee vegan Malaysian is picture-perfect, with attentive staff and a street-food slanted menu that leans towards deeply comforting, homely dishes. Popular with the city’s student population, essentially this is a place to fill up for a reasonable price, while receiving a cuddle in plant-based bowl-form.
Also try... David Bann Restaurant for traditional dishes in a comfy setting, FacePlant Foods for hangover-busting mac ‘n’ cheeze and Novapizza Vegan Kitchen for excellent vegan pizza.
This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital.