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!
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
The majority of Scotland is now under a temporary lockdown, though some island communities are under level 3 restrictions. Please follow any current restrictions – you might need to save these ideas to try later on a future trip.
Find out what level each area is under and read more about the 5-level Covid-19 restrictions to plan and book ahead when considering a future trip. You can search for businesses that are Good to Go, where they have a Covid-19 risk assessment.
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.
Bonobo Café, Aberdeen
This wonderful café is also a workers’ co-operative, giving employees the option of becoming joint owners of the business. Their menu serves up a whole host of deliciousness including breakfast tofu scramble, vegan mac and cheese, a special daily hot pot, and lots and lots of cakes!
Visit the Bonobo Cafe
Marwick’s, Dundee
This café’s ethos is ‘life is too short to eat boring’ and their breakfast burritos, leafy salads and imaginative burger combinations prove this to be true. Simply yum.
Visit Marwick’s Vegan Kitchen
Beetroot Sauvage, Edinburgh
A little sanctuary in the capital, this café is also a yoga and wellness studio. Enjoy a decadent vegan afternoon tea, join a cookery class or just take a moment to yourself in this cosy spot in the West End.
Visit Beetroot Sauvage
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.
Visit Café Kombucha
269 Vegan, Perth
Chill out in this friendly café, which welcomes dogs as well as humans, and cooks ridiculously scrummy dishes, from waffles to bagels, sandwiches to cakes, and everything in between!
Visit 269 Vegan
Soul Food Kitchen, Glasgow
Recently awarded the first ever plant-based ‘Taste Our Best’ award, this Glasgow restaurant 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.
Visit Soul Food Kitchen
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.
Visit 13th Note
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.
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!
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, enjoy a continental breakfast and 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.
Book a stay at Stonewater House
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.
Ethical shopping and foodie experiences
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.
Sea No Waste, Arbroath
Spice up your weekly food shop with a visit to this unique little shop, a business which is dedicated to promoting a zero waste lifestyle. Pick up cereals, shampoo, baking goods, pasta and pulses, all of which are entirely plastic free.
The Wild Cat, Fort William
The Wildcat is a zero waste shop and café which proudly uses no single use plastics. The shop at the back has lots of ethical organic produce which you can weigh yourself and take home in your own container. In the coffee shop, buy a Keep Cup or use one of their mugs which they ask you to return when you have a chance.
Looking for more inspiration? 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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