Edinburgh, Scotland’s picture-perfect capital city, is famous for many things. From the grand Edinburgh Castle to the hilly Arthur’s Seat, you won’t be short of fantastic sights to see and experiences to enjoy in this charming city! Edinburgh is also home to many incredible vegan restaurants, with a diverse range of casual cafes, stylish bars and family-friendly restaurants to choose between.
Seven Must-Try Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh
We know that a wonderful day exploring the cobbled streets of the Old Town can only be made better by a freshly cooked, cruelty-free meal, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best vegan restaurants in Edinburgh. Let’s eat!
Beetroot Sauvage
If you’re searching for a zen spot to relax and let the world go by, we think we’ve found it. Beetroot Sauvage is one of the most peaceful vegan-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh, offering a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Its cosy vegan cafe forms part of its wellness centre, complete with a yoga studio, where you can eat mindfully and purposefully. You’ll certainly want to eat at Beetroot Sauvage, with a 100% vegan menu offering waffles, loaded croissants, homemade cheese, and even haggis! You can check out this charming cafe’s tasty menu here.
You can find Beetroot Sauvage at 33-41 Ratcliffe Terrace, EH9 1SX. It’s recommended that you book a table to avoid missing out.
The Sly Fox
For hearty, plant-based food that leaves you feeling nourished, check out Edinburgh’s The Sly Fox. Sure, vegan junk food may be nice from time to time – but health-conscious food is always a winner.
With an exclusively vegan menu, you’ll be able to eat to your heart’s content at The Sly Fox. The theme here is freshly prepared and wholesome food with immunity boosting ingredients, so you’ll find items like beetroot carpaccio, soup of the day and spicy goulash on the menu. The perfect place for a plant-based pick-me-up, The Sly Fox will warm your belly and heart in an instant.
You’ll find The Sly Fox at 16 Henderson Street, Leith, EH6 6BS. It offers casual indoor and outdoor seating, so there’s no need to book.
Erpingham House
Everyone deserves an extra-special treat now and then, and Erpingham House is the ideal place to find what you’re looking for. This plastic-free vegan restaurant in Edinburgh promises healthy food prepared with seasonal goodness, with a heavy focus on organic produce. Every dish is made fresh to order, with all-too-tempting menu items like their Smoked Lox Bagel and Superfood Buddah Bowl.
What we also love about Erpingham House is that cooking plant-based food is only part of their commitment to sustainability. They also plant hundreds of trees every month to reduce their overall carbon footprint!
Discover Erpingham House at St James Quarter, 415-417 James Cres, EH1 3AE, with casual seating that needs no reservation.
Holy Cow
Holy Cow, one of the first dedicated plant-based cafes in the city, first catapulted onto the scene in 2016. Its location means that Holy Cow is one of the most accessible vegan restaurants in Edinburgh’s city centre, just a short walk from the Royal Mile and Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
If you couldn’t guess from its name, this fun eatery specialises in whipping up a selection of tasty, meat-free burgers, with everything from a classic quarter pounder to a Vietnamese-inspired tofu patty. If you’ve got a burger craving that you just can’t kick, you know where to go!
You won’t need to book a table at Holy Cow, found at 34 Elder St, EH1 3DX. Simply turn up and enjoy!
Seeds for the Soul
Seeds for the Soul calls itself the ‘home of vegans’ – and it’s not wrong. This plant-based restaurant prides itself on showing vegans and non-vegans that meat-free cooking is anything but boring. Passionate about spreading the vegan message and inspiring others to do the same, Seeds for the Soul is the place to go for sustainable, ethical goodness.
Expect lots of fresh, wholesome ingredients at this Edinburgh hotspot, with burgers, bowls and flatbread wraps just a slice of what’s on offer. A brunch menu also offers plant-based favourites, such as tofu scramble and loaded bagels, ensuring there’s something delicious to eat all day long.
Check out Seeds for the Soul at 167 Bruntsfield Pl, EH10 4DG, with casual seating for both indoor and al fresco dining.
Paradise Palms
Paradise Palms is much more than a restaurant. It’s a community space and fairly immersive experience, with something to inspire every sense. From live DJ sets to a range of vinyl records, this vegan-friendly restaurant is a must-visit for every music lover in Edinburgh.
Don’t forget to enjoy a bite to eat while you’re there, with an award-winning menu offering up plenty of American-inspired goodies. Will you go for Paradise Palms’ Philly Cheesesteak Fries, Lucky BBQ Platter or Chipotle Mac & Cheese? Every dish at this funky spot is 100% vegan, unless you ask for a vegetarian option.
Paradise Palms is just a short walk from the University of Edinburgh, at 41 Lothian St, EH1 1HB. What are you waiting for? Run, don’t walk!
Harmonium
For perfectly crispy stone-baked pizzas in a laid-back bar setting, Harmonium is the place to be. You’ll find this relaxed, dog-friendly hotspot just outside of Edinburgh New Town, with exposed brick walls, neon signs and house plants giving it a chic feel. Behind the bar, you’ll also discover a range of organic wines, cask beers and seasonal cocktails. What’s not to like?
Harmonium describes its vegan menu as having a ‘subtle maritime twist’, so expect a variety of fishless fish offerings. How about their pan-seared mushroom scallops topped with bacon and black pudding? Or, why not go for their no-fish burger with a crispy beer batter? If you’re a vegan who misses seafood, Harmonium is a dream come true.
You’ll find this funky vegan restaurant at 7-11 E London St, EH7 4BN. It’s worth booking a table to avoid missing out.
What are your favourite vegan-friendly restaurants in or near Edinburgh’s city centre? We’re always looking for recommendations! Contact us to let us know your thoughts.