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I’ll never forget my first vegetarian meal in Edinburgh. The moment I bit into a Scottish roll loaded with a haggis patty, I was hooked—not just on the food but on the city’s vibrant vegetarian scene. Now, I’m not usually someone who zeroes in on vegetarian places (and trust me, I’ve tried many around the world), but Edinburgh surprised me with how diverse and flavourful its veggie offerings are. From cosy cafes with sunlight streaming through huge windows to old-school pubs serving vegan Sunday roasts, the city is a treasure trove for anyone who loves plants on their plate.
And here’s the thing: Edinburgh’s vegetarian restaurants don’t feel like an afterthought in a meat-heavy culture. They stand tall and proud, offering dishes that are hearty, comforting, and sometimes downright exotic. And that’s one thing I loved about food culture in USA or Europe, the vegan places are equally popular and present at key areas in cities. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a food explorer like me, there’s a spot here for every kind of vegetarian craving.
In this blog post, I’ll take you on a culinary journey across Edinburgh’s vegetarian restaurants. I’ll share my personal experiences at some of these places, introduce you to my recommended favourites (including Turkish, Mediterranean, Scottish, and vegan joints), and give you insider tips on markets and cafes worth your time. So, buckle up for tour of Edinburgh’s green food scene!
Vegetarian Food Culture in Edinburgh
Edinburgh isn’t a very large city and that means you can stroll from one neighbourhood to another, sampling different cuisines without needing a car. Most vegetarian restaurants are centrally located or near major landmarks. For instance, you can hop off at the University of Edinburgh and find yourself in a vegan café with floor-to-ceiling windows, or wander through the historic Grassmarket area on market days to discover fresh, local produce and street food stalls.
Practical tip: Most vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh are open for lunch and dinner, but some cafes serve only breakfast and brunch. Booking ahead is recommended for popular spots like Dishoom or Soderberg Cafe, especially on weekends. Markets generally operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so plan accordingly if you want to catch fresh offerings.
If you enjoy exploring Edinburgh’s rich history alongside its food culture, you might appreciate the charm of the city’s beautiful streets of Edinburgh, which provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll between meals.
Edinburgh Vegetarian Restaurant Roundup
Here’s the full list of vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh that I explored or recommend. I’ll break down my personal experiences for the places I dined at and share a bit about the others based on reputation and reviews.
1. Ada – Turkish Delights with a Veggie Twist
We got off our train from London to Edinburgh and the first place we visited for dinner was Ada, a Turkish restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. We ordered a Turkish vegetable casserole, falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and pilaf. The setting was simple but pleasant, with a warm vibe that made the meal comforting.
The food was pretty good—simple, flavourful, and satisfying without being overly complicated. The mezze-style starters were fresh and well-seasoned, especially the baba ghanoush, which had a smoky depth. Also this was around 11 PM in the night and one of the very few places that were open.
2. Auld Hundred – Classic British Vegan Sunday Roast
One of Edinburgh’s oldest and most popular pubs, Auld Hundred, offers a surprisingly chic old-style bar setup that transports you back in time. We visited for their vegan Sunday roast and I have to say, it was a highlight.
For £15, you get a hearty plate with vegan haggis, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, and rich gravy. It was filling and gave me a much-needed dose of traditional British comfort food after a long time of exploring international flavours. The authenticity and warmth of this place are hard to beat.
3. Soderberg Cafe – University of Edinburgh’s Vegan Gem
Soderberg Cafe is a vegan café with multiple branches, but the one at the University of Edinburgh really stood out. With huge windows flooding the space with natural light, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed breakfast or lunch.
I had their breakfast platter, which included rocket with sun-dried tomatoes, oats, fresh juices, fruits, and sourdough bread. It was fresh, wholesome, and left me feeling satisfied without being heavy. Highly recommended for anyone who loves clean, plant-based meals with a Scandinavian twist.
4. Painted Rooster – Breakfast with a Scottish Twist
Our first breakfast in Edinburgh was at Painted Rooster, a small and chic vegan café adorned with roosters painted everywhere (hence the name). I ordered a Scottish roll, expecting a wrap, but was pleasantly surprised when it arrived as a burger with a haggis patty.
It was my first time trying haggis, and this vegan version was outstanding—flavourful with a chewy and crunchy texture that I loved. The ambience matched the food perfectly, making it a memorable start to the day.
5. Maggie Dicksons – A Pub with Unexpected Vegetarian Surprises
After a long walk from Circus Street to Edinburgh Castle, we stopped at Maggie Dicksons to relax. This place surprised me with its vegetarian offerings, especially the haggis nachos topped with cheese—a quirky but delicious combination. I also tried a mocktail here, which was refreshing and a perfect complement to the snack. It’s a great spot to kill some time with good food and drinks in a laid-back setting.
If you want to learn more about Edinburgh’s historic landmarks that pair well with these food stops, the Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit after a hearty meal.
6. Dishoom – The (In)Famous Indian Vegetarian Experience
Dishoom is well-known across the UK for its Indian cuisine, with multiple branches in Edinburgh. I won’t deny it’s popular, but a lot of my friends advised me to skip it due to long wait times and overcrowding. I tried visiting the London outlet once but was put off by the wait.
While I haven’t personally dined at the Edinburgh branches, Dishoom’s veggie options are reputed to be good, so if you’re up for a bustling atmosphere and don’t mind queues, it could be worth a try.
7. Kezban Mediterranean – Warm Flavours by the Shore
One freezing evening, we ducked into Kezban Mediterranean for some hot food. The restaurant is small and cosy, and we ended up with the innermost table—perfect for a quiet meal. We started with a selection of mezzes and then shared pilaf and a vegetable casserole with cheese.
The food was a great choice, warming us up with hearty, flavoursome dishes. The pita bread reminded me more of Indian naan, which was a nice twist and made the meal feel even more satisfying.
8. Haldi
Haldi is another vegetarian-friendly Indian restaurant in Edinburgh that comes highly recommended. Though I didn’t dine here myself, it’s known for authentic Indian vegetarian dishes that cater well to both locals and tourists. If you’re craving spices and robust flavours, Haldi is a solid bet.
9. Gurkha Bar and Restaurant
Gurkha Bar and Restaurant offers Nepalese and Indian cuisine with vegetarian options that are both unique and delicious. While I haven’t visited, it’s worth noting for anyone interested in vegetarian South Asian food beyond Indian curries.
10. Davin Bann
Davin Bann is reputed for its contemporary Scottish vegetarian cuisine, blending local ingredients with innovative cooking. It’s on my list for next time I visit Edinburgh, but many locals praise it for its seasonal, fresh dishes.
11. Farmer’s Market and Grassmarket
Edinburgh’s Farmer’s Market and Grassmarket are not restaurants per se, but on market days, they offer some of the most interesting and fresh vegetarian food you can find in the city. From artisan cheeses and syrups to veggie burgers and paella, these markets are a practical stop for a quick bite or ingredients to cook your own meal. Check the market schedules as they vary by day and season.
12. Cobbled Roastery – Coffee Break with Old Town Vibes
After a long walk from the Water of Leith, we stopped at Cobbled Roastery for a quick coffee. This small, chic café oozes old town vibes and is also a roastery, so you can get quality coffee beans to take home. I had a hot mocha that was pretty good—smooth and comforting. If you’re a coffee lover, this is a perfect pitstop to recharge before continuing your vegetarian food adventure.
For those interested in scenic walks combined with great coffee stops, the Dean Village & Water of Leith Walkway is a beautiful route that leads you right to this charming roastery.
Wrapping Up My Vegetarian Foodie Tour in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s vegetarian scene pleasantly surprised me with its diversity and quality. From hearty vegan haggis roasts at old pubs like Auld Hundred to fresh and light breakfasts at Soderberg Cafe, the city offers a variety of experiences for vegetarians and vegans alike. I loved the blend of traditional Scottish dishes adapted for plant-based diets alongside international flavours from Turkey, India, Nepal, and the Mediterranean.
The markets add another dimension to this culinary landscape, offering fresh and artisanal products that you rarely find in regular supermarkets. And the small cafes, like Painted Rooster and Cobbled Roastery, provide welcoming spaces to relax and enjoy thoughtfully made food and drink.
If I had to pick my top three based on personal experience, it would be:
1. Painted Rooster for that unforgettable vegan Scottish breakfast.
2. Auld Hundred for a classic and filling vegan Sunday roast.
3. Soderberg Cafe for a light, fresh, and satisfying brunch.
That said, there’s always room for more exploration, and I can’t wait to try places like Davin Bann and Haldi next time.
With this, my Scotland blog post series come to an end, I’m so glad that I was able to finish them rather quickly and not put them to backburner like my France, Switzerland and Italy trip. I’ll surely get on that soon!
Check out all my Scotland blog posts.
If you’re planning your own vegetarian food journey in Edinburgh and want more tips, feel free to ask in the comments below. You can also reach out to me on Twitter at @Atulmaharaj or DM me @Atulmaharaj on Instagram or get in touch. Let’s keep the conversation going and share the love for Edinburgh’s vibrant vegetarian food scene!
