12 of the best vegan restaurants in Edinburgh

Black Rabbit is Edinburgh’s original alternative vegan deli and coffee shop that offers your daily favourites. It’s always busy here, and it’s the fantastic quality and the amazing range of plant-based food that keeps the crowds coming back for more. Some of the favourites on the menu include the Katsu Baguette, Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagel served with cucumber, dill and capers, and some yummy vegan slices from the deli counter.

Passionate about vegan lifestyle, Seeds for the Soul is easily one of the best vegan spots in Edinburgh. This charming little café on Bruntsfield Place serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and sweet treats – all of which are completely vegan, very nutritious and the majority is organic too. On the menu you’ll find dishes like the Toastini filled with cheese, seitan, jalapeños, red onion and peppers, and regulars will also recommend the Mayan Chilli Hot Chocolate, with agave and vanilla syrup, or Himalayan salt and a dusting of cinnamon.

Holy Cow is on Dundee Street at Edinburgh Printmaker’s building and on Elder Street, just a stone’s throw away from St. Andrews Bus Station in the city centre. Famous mainly for their mouth-watering, home-made vegan burgers such as Smoked Tofu and Mango Chutney Burger, their meals are stacked with flavours and inspired from seasonal ingredients – meaning that you can expect the food available to change throughout the year.

If you’re looking for a super healthy breakfast, snack or drink, try Hula Juice Bar & Café on West Bow in the West End or at Fountainbridge. Their menus offer all the healthiest options including tropical açaí or a colourful poké bowl. Their drinks menu is equally healthy and epic with options including fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes, turmeric lattes and more. Hula’s interior design is also seriously photo worthy. You could feel like you’re in Bali with your smoothie bowl and bright green, leafed wallpaper. Give it a try next time you’re in town.

The colourfully decorated Paradise Palms is a place like no other. Quirky wall hangings, neon lights, bunting, antiques, and vintage records fill every nook, while the pub’s soul is its exclusive veggie and vegan food menu. Try the likes of Southern Fried Halloumi and Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwich, or how does Tofu Banh with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce sound? There’s a fun and intriguing line-up of cocktails and beers too, including tiki-themed and infused fiery rum with fresh fruit.

A sweet little city centre spot in Howe Street that offers an awesome range of all-vegan dishes. Novapizza has been said to serve one of the best vegan pizzas in the city. It does everything you’d want from a regular Italian restaurant – from pizzas and pastas to bruschettas and calzones. Everything from the creamy vegan cheese to the slightly sweet tomato base and thin, lightly charred crust with just the right amount of chew is simply irresistible here, even for non-vegans!

Calling all Greek, Turkish, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food lovers! Located on Rose Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, Meze Meze specialises in savoury tapas-style food including vegan and gluten-free versions. Soups are sumptuous, meats and vegetables are curried and skewered and can be enjoyed with pita breads and yoghurt, and every meal is accompanied by tasty, authentic dips and salads. And for dessert? Think of the likes of baklava, a layered pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup.

Artisan Cheesecake is a popular, family-run bakery that offers a fantastic range of vegan snacks and desserts. Situated on Bruntsfield Place, their showstopping display of cheesecakes will make your stomach grumble. They make over 250 different kinds of epic cheesecakes, changing their flavours every day to keep things interesting. One of the shop’s most loved creations is the Eton Mess cheesecake. Think of a crumbly biscuit base with a rich, creamy filling and a sky-high topping of crunchy meringues, all finished off with soft whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The ultimate drool-worthy treat!

This charming little Roman-Italian restaurant on Brougham Street in Tollcross is one of the newer faces on the Edinburgh vegan scene, yet it has already garnered a cult following thanks to its fabulous comfort food and cosy atmosphere. Delicious pasta and loaded pizza might seem like a vegan staple that you’ve had many times before, but Sora Lella takes it to the next level. Choose from mouth-watering Ortolana or Cacciatora pizzas, Gnocchi Salsiccia e Tartufo or Penne Quattro Formaggi e Funghi served at this restaurant. Many visitors come here to enjoy tasty cheesecakes and good tiramisu too.

The masala fries from Sabzi will change your life… well, kind of. Tucked away from the city centre on Ferry Road, for a while Sabzi was the best secret in Edinburgh. Here you’ll find wonderful heart-warming Punjabi street food that will let you experience India through their flavours. Other must-haves on the menu is Chloe Bhature (flavoursome chickpea curry on fried bread), and it tastes truly magical washed down with a mango or coconut lassi, although all dishes are fantastic.

Any vegan Edinburgh guide wouldn’t be complete without this spot! FacePlant Foods started out as one of Scotland’s first pop-up, plant-based kitchens, today they call Duke Street in Leith their home. You can still catch them at events and farmers’ markets though. While this trendy hotspot is a bit out of the way from central Edinburgh, it’s a great stop if you’re in the area. Their innovative, delicious and 100% vegan sandwiches won’t disappoint for sure. Reuben Grilled Cheeze or Korean Style Jackfruit, Kimchi & Cheeze sandwich anyone?

Warm, cosy and seasonal, Howies restaurants are casual, café-style restaurants serving seriously tasty Scottish cuisine. Though the whole menu isn’t plant-based, there are plenty of vegan-friendly options on offer here, including real Scottish classics like Cullen skink (smoked fish and potato soup), haggis, neeps and tatties, and smoked salmon. Howies Waterloo Place is housed in a gorgeous Georgian building at the foot of Calton Hill, while Howies Victoria Street is in the heart of the city’s historic Old Town.