11 of the best vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh

Meat-free dining has become somewhat commonplace in most major cities across the UK, and Scotland’s bonnie capital is no different. Edinburgh’s best vegetarian restaurants are a brilliant bunch, spanning all types of dining styles, cuisines, budgets and occasions. From sustainable cafés to quirky pizza joints to seductive fine dining spots, you’ll find there is a vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh to fit the bill, whatever you're looking for.

If you’re on the hunt for somewhere to grab a quick bite, you’ll find plenty of chilled spots in this list that are perfect for daytime dining. Edinburgh is full of cool and quirky cafes offering entirely vegetarian menus, or at the very least a decent selection of top-notch veggie dishes.

In fact, while most of the options in this list are dedicated vegetarian restaurants, we've also included a few places that aren’t strictly veggie, but offer a wealth of meat-free options that absolutely do not feel like an afterthought. These places are great if you're booking for a group and need somewhere that suits everyone. We’ve also included a couple of vegan restaurants too, which naturally cater for vegetarians and are too good not to mention. You’ll even find a couple of fancier options down below, that would be perfect for a dinner date or a special occasion.

While we’ve scoured the city for the best vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh, you’ll probably find that most places these days offer excellent veggie options on their menus. Gone are the days of sad omelettes and stuffed peppers. But if you really want the best of the best, then keep on scrolling to find out where to eat top tier vegetarian food in Edinburgh. And if there’s any where we have missed, make sure to let us know over on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. We’d love to hear from you.

David Bann

What: David Bann has long retained its title as one of the most innovative vegetarian restaurants in the capital. Sharp interiors that include deep aubergine walls and a minimalist approach to décor keep the vibes cosy and clean, and instead leave the food to do the talking. The menu is internationally inspired and offers inventive takes on vegetable-focused, classic dishes. Think Sri Lankan beetroot and mushroom curry; a haggis, neeps and tatties mille feuille; and baked parsnip pudding with potato dauphinois. The restaurant is open for lunch throughout the week, and brunch at weekends.
Where: 56-58 St Mary's Street, EH1 1SX
Book now: David Bann

Novapizza

What: Vegan pizza joint Novapizza is the first of its kind to open in Edinburgh, serving entirely plant-based versions of one of the world’s most-loved dishes. That means all its ingredients are entirely vegan – including the mozzarella. Creations include classics such as capricciosa, pepperoni and ‘meat’ feast, all with a plant-based twist of course. You’ll also find starters, salads and pasta dishes alongside the mains, and a creamy tiramisu if you’re interested in dessert.
Where: 42 Howe Street, EH3 6TH
Book now: Novapizza

Seeds for the Soul

What: If you've ever had doubts about eating a plant-based diet, Seeds for the Soul is guaranteed to put any qualms to rest. This vibrant all-day cafe in Bruntsfield serves up beautiful brunch, lunch and dinner plates that are both nourishing and indulgent at the same time. In the morning, you can expect things like fluffy pancakes served with apple compote, cream, cinnamon and candied walnuts, while all-day classics include a tofu satay bowl, falafel wraps and vegan cheeseburgers. 
Where: 167 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DG
Book now: Seeds for the Soul

Restaurant Martin Wishart

What: We know what you’re thinking - what is this bastion of Edinburgh fine dining doing in this list? Well, Restaurant Martin Wishart serves a full vegetarian tasting menu these days, and it’s absolutely exceptional. Four signature courses plus a boat load of clever plant-based canapes and snacks, as well as a lovely Champagne parfait for dessert and petit fours too? There’s nowhere better to splash out on a veggie celebration in the city.
Where: 54 The Shore, EH6 6RA
Book now: Restaurant Martin Wishart

Santosa Café

What: Santosa is a wellness centre in the heart of the city with a dedicated veggie café that’s well worth a visit. Following a ‘slow food’ ethos, this wholesome joint serves up virtuous fare in a chilled out space that’s perfect for socialising, networking, remote working or simply enjoying a quiet moment to yourself. All its food is cooked in house and uses local ingredients where it can.
Where: 21 Albert Street, EH7 5LH
Book now: Santosa Café

Foodstory

What: Following on from its original sites in Aberdeen, the team behind cute and quirky Foodstory have opened another café in Edinburgh. Over half the menu is veggie and vegan and includes a huge range of tempting dishes and snacks. There’s a house vegan sausage roll with chickpeas, vegan Applewood smoked cheese and chilli jam, a brunch focaccia with smoked vegan bacon, hash browns, tomatoes, hot sauce and mayo, along with a load of vegan pastries and cakes.
Where: 127 Easter Road, EH7 5PP
Book now: Foodstory

Paradise Palms

What: One for the students, Paradise Palms is a kitsch bar located in the thick of Edinburgh University's campus buildings which is great for a cocktail and a boogie. If all that dancing makes you peckish, it also offers a cracking vegetarian menu courtesy of veggie caterers Lucky Pig. Epic burgers and dirty fries are the main attraction, along with things like seitan wings and battered pickles if you fancy a light(ish) snack.
Where: 41 Lothian Street, EH1 1HB
Book now: Paradise Palms

Kalpna

What: Everyone knows that Indian food lends itself particularly well to vegetarian dining, and no other restaurant in the city proves this better than Kalpna. It’s been a part of Edinburgh’s dining scene for 40 odd years and continues to rank highly amongst foodie locals. Its thalis are particularly popular and a great option if you can’t decide what to order. One thali, for example, includes a selection of starters, daal, palak, paneer butter masala, two seasonal vegetables, rice, bread, raita and dessert. You’ll also find plenty of South Indian dishes on the menu which includes a hefty dosa selection.
Where: 2-3 Street Patrick Square, EH8 9EZ
Book now: Kalpna

Holy Cow

What: Holy Cow is actually an entirely vegan café located a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley station. Its famous vegan burgers are the thing most people go for here. Look out for an oyster mushroom steak burger featuring panko breaded oyster mushrooms, tartare dressing and spiralized sweet potato chips, or the nori fish burger filled with nori-wrapped celeriac, tomato mayo and kimchi. Elsewhere, epic ‘holy’ sandwiches, homemade soup, salads and all-day brunch plates are sure to level up your lunch time.
Where: 34 Elder Street, EH1 3DX
Book now: Holy Cow

Hendersons

What: Eat better, live better. That’s the mantra Hendersons in Bruntsfield follows. It comes from the chef Barrie Handerson, whose passion for sustainable, vegetarian food led him to open his own restaurant in 2021. All its ingredients are locally sourced and organic where possible. The interiors are beautiful too, boasting pale and dark woods amongst other natural materials throughout. Although the menu changes regularly, examples of some of its inventive dishes include a banana blossom pakora with spicy onion salad; sweet tattie chapati, mango chilli jam and coconut raita; salt baked celeriac with basil pistou, wild mushroom, hazelnut granola and crispy kale; and its own vegetarian haggis served with root mash, whisky tarragon cream and caramelied red onions. Desserts sound pretty epic too, such as banoffee tart with chantilly, salted dulce de leche, bananas and cacao nibs.
Where: 7-13 Barclay Place, EH10 4HW
Book now: Hendersons

Dishoom

What: Although Dishoom isn’t a vegetarian restaurant, there’s a huge range of choice when it comes to meat-free dishes and a reliable option if you need somewhere that is guaranteed to suit everyone. Favourites include its famous gunpowder potatoes, paneer tikka, house chaat, jackfruit biryani and chana salad.
Where: 3a St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD
Book now: Dishoom

Hungry for more? Take a look at the best boozy brunches in Edinburgh to book this weekend.