Paradise Palms, Edinburgh © Amanda Thomas
It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Scotland’s famous natural larder – perhaps you’ve heard of our certain passion for haggis – but the vegetarian and vegan choices are amazing in the bonnie land.
There really is so much choice! Discover relaxed vegan cafés and restaurants, shops and markets filled with home-grown produce, and even vegan accommodation. It’s easy to roam around Scotland enjoying the benefits of the vegan lifestyle – staying healthy, protecting the planet and of course, saving the animals!
Vegan and vegetarian cafés and restaurants
The vegan dining scene in Scotland is an exciting and growing space. With 100% vegan cafés and restaurants cropping up in our cities, towns and countryside spots, each one experiments with special twists on traditional Scottish food, mixed in with healthy and cruelty-free ingredients.
Edinburgh’s Vegan Restaurants
Harmonium, Leith, Edinburgh
This friendly Leith bar and kitchen is the ‘little sister’ restaurant to the mighty Stereo in Glasgow. Harmonium has something for every occasion, from coffee and cakes to sharing platters and nibbles, pizzas, burgers and traditional pub grub.
Paradise Palms, Edinburgh
For great vibes, imaginative decor and an ever-changing vegan and veggie menu, Paradise Palms is always a hit. The much-loved bar has some amazingly creative cocktail combos and you can browse through the record shop, dance the night away, or just devour something delicious.
Novapizza, Edinburgh
If you love Italian cuisine, try this classic Stockbridge haunt. Besides the delicious selection of vegan and vegetarian pastas and pizzas, the vegan cheesecakes are to die for!
Glasgow’s Vegan Restaurants
Soul Food Kitchen, Glasgow
Recently awarded the first ever plant-based ‘Taste Our Best’ award, Soul Food kitchen is one of the city’s many vegan friendly places to eat. It’s seriously tasty, featuring burgers, soups and main dishes to make your tummy rumble.
13th Note, Glasgow
The Merchant City is home to several legendary vegetarian and vegan spots and 13th Note is always a fine choice, with great Scottish flavours and a lively event space hosting regular live music nights.
Stereo, Glasgow
Another great spot for a gig, Stereo boasts an all-vegan, tapas-style menu. It is a popular bar in the Mackintosh-designed building that was once home to the Daily Record.
Vegan Food in the North of Scotland
Café Kombucha, Elgin
This wee eatery is the first vegan haunt in Elgin and is a super cosy place to unwind. They serve lovely seasonal vegan dishes as well as soya milkshakes.
The Alleycat, Inverness
If you’re looking for vegan food in Inverness, look no further than The Alleycat. The city’s first fully vegan restaurant specialises in breakfast, lunch and dinner with lots of meatless options to choose from. Start the day off right with fluffy vegan pancakes, served with wheat meat bacon and tofu scramble. For lunch and dinner, you can dig into some hearty comfort food including the lentil, mushroom, potato and spinach hotpot or the vegan take on the classic fish and chips.
Of course, this is just a small selection of vegan restaurants in Scotland. You can find more by searching the vegan and vegetarian listings on our website.
Vegan accommodation in Scotland
Have you ever stayed in an entirely vegan hotel? Check out these accommodation options for a sustainable stay in all corners of Scotland.
Saorsa 1875, Pitlochry
A hotel with an ‘ethical luxury’ philosophy – all of its products and materials are eco-friendly. The restaurant’s menu is completely plant-based with a 5-course taster menu made with freshly foraged ingredients, and there are regular yoga retreats too.
Arle Lodge, Isle of Mull
This eco-lodge is a wonderful self-catering B&B, and the perfect base for exploring Mull. Registered by the Vegan Society with a selection of lovely cruelty-free toiletries in the rooms. Meet the rescue animals – there are dogs, cats and sheep waiting to say hello.
Stonewater House, Isle of Arran
Book a stay at this cute B&B, and expand your horizons with a packed events schedule, including yoga and meditation retreats, poetry, writing and vegan lifestyle seminars. The B&B can provide special vegan packed lunches on request.
Kings Reach, near Kilmartin, Argyll
A great base for exploring a truly ancient part of Scotland, Kings Reach is a lovely spot. With Kilmartin Glen on your doorstep and views of the Dunadd Hill Fort from the B&B’s two bedrooms, you can explore the sights after fuelling up with a delicious vegan cooked breakfast. Or, there are two self-catering cottages available if you’d prefer to do your own thing.
Vegan Food Festivals in Scotland
Vegan events in Scotland are back on the menu. To help keep those rumbling tummies at bay, join in with a fine selection of vegan food festivals popping up across the country for the ultimate dining experience.
- Glasgow Vegan Festival, 14 October 2023 – kicking things off with a foodie extravaganza is the Glasgow Vegan Festival at Hampden Park. With over 80 food stalls, cookery demos and interactive workshops, it’s a great way to enjoy a taste of the city’s vegan food offering. Kids will not be disappointed with the venues’ fantastic range of children’s activities, and there is even yoga if you’re looking to stay in shape. Fancy taking home a few freebies? Sign up now for a vegan goody bag and fast track entry. It’s an offer you simply can’t refuse!
- Scottish Vegan Festival, 2024 (TBC) – whether you’re vegan or just plant-curious, everyone is welcome at the Edinburgh Vegan Festival. This one-day event will feature a whole host of talks on the importance of veganism, as well as dishing up delicious, cruelty-free food. Freshen up your wardrobe with a few vegan clothing pieces too and embrace your inner fashionista.
Vegan Cookery Classes and Courses
It’s time to roll up your sleeves, tie on an apron and sharpen your cooking skills! A vegan cookery course in Scotland is a fantastic way to create restaurant-quality dishes with a vegan twist. If you’re heading to the capital, make sure to check out the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School. You’ll be introduced to all the basics on how to plan and cook tasty nutritious meals throughout the week and enjoy a morning of cooking demonstrations. In the afternoon, you’ll be put through your paces with practical cooking sessions. Lentil chili and marinated tofu with chickpea, tomato & fresh herb salad with red pesto are just some the recipes you will be recreating.
If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, be inspired by Ghillie Basan’s delicious vegan cooking classes. The renowned Scottish chef will take you on a culinary journey at her remote home in the Cairngorms National Park where you be able to taste your fabulous foodie creations during dinner accompanied with a bottle of wine. What’s not to love?
Ethical shopping and vegetable foraging in Scotland
Source your own ingredients with a spot of vegetable foraging or sustainable shopping experiences.
Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye
You might recognise Kinloch Lodge as the Michelin-star restaurant and luxury hotel; however its beautiful forest surroundings also make it a haven for vegetable foraging. Keep your energies up during your forage with freshly picked nibbles and bog myrtle tea brewed on an open fire, and listen to the knowledgeable guide, Mitchell Partridge.
Treen, Edinburgh
Spice up your wardrobe with a visit to this unique vegan fashion shop, a business which is dedicated to promoting ethical and sustainable brands. Treen offers beautiful clothing for both men and women, as well as locally produced candles and oils.
Looking for more inspiration? Follow travel blogger Rose Lee aka the Cheap Lazy Vegan on her vegan-friendly Scottish break. Look after your mind, body and soul with a wellness break or a digital detox in Scotland. Or sample some more vegan or vegetarian options from Scotland’s lovely food trucks.
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