We have recently seen a revolution in vegetarian and vegan cooking; meat-free dining has been transformed from a bland eating experience to an exciting, cutting-edge culinary adventure featuring the freshest ingredients. Edinburgh has some of the most best vegetarian restaurants in the country. Here we suggest some of our favourites…
Henderson’s
94 Hanover Street
0131 225 2131
Henderson's Edinburgh
In business since 1962, Henderson’s has established itself as an Edinburgh institution over the last five decades. The basement bistro is home to some of the best vegetarian food in the city, yet it’s surprisingly affordable – main courses average at about £8 each. The menu covers everything from Greek salads to vegetable curries and savoury crepes.
The deli upstairs serves the same delicious organic and wholemeal food to take away but is a little more pricey than your average city centre sandwich bar.
David Bann
56-58 St Mary’s Street
0131 556 5888
David Bann, St Marys St, Edinburgh
Arguably the last word in vegetarian cuisine in Edinburgh, master chef David Bann has rewritten the rulebook for meat-free dining. Out go tired clichés like nut cutlets and bland salads and in come fusion dishes from all corners of the globe to whet the appetites of veggies and meat-eaters alike.
It’s a bit more expensive than most of the other eateries on this list but with main courses in the £9-13 region, it’s still significantly cheaper than many of the city’s vegetarian establishments.
Kalpna
2-3 St Patrick Square
0131 667 9890
Kalpna, St Patrick Sq
Edinburgh is hardly short of Indian restaurants but Kalpna in St Patrick Square offers an entirely vegetarian twist on traditional South Asian cuisine. Owner and head chef Ajay Bhartdwaj prides himself on his extensive knowledge of India’s regional cooking styles and spend years mastering the culinary arts before coming to Scotland.
Kalpna’s menu features both tradtional Indian favourites and more contemparary dishes that reflect the latest developments in cooking on the sub-continent.
The Forest Café
3 Bristo Place
0131 220 4538
The Forest Cafe
Part avant-garde arts space and part wholefood vegetarian café, the Forest is one of Edinburgh’s edgier lunch venues. It’s run on a not-for-profit basis and staffed entirely by volunteers and this no-frills approach is reflected in the décor and furniture. The atmosphere, however, is warm and welcoming and the Forest offers a selection of books and games for diners to enjoy as they eat.
The food is basic, but wholesome and very good value and offers a full range of vegan options.
Black Bo’s
57-61 Blackfriars Street
0131 557 6136
Black Bo's, Blackfriars St
Hidden away at the bottom of Blackfriar’s Street off the Royal Mile, Black Bo’s is one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets. For the last eighteen years the restaurant has served delicious and innovative vegetarian dishes from a menu varied enough to suit all palettes. Bo’s also caters to vegans, with animal product-free alternatives available for most items on the menu on request.
Perhaps best of all though, is the cosy bar that adjoins the premises, with a vast selection of whiskies and continental beers and an intimate beer garden nestled away at the foot of the building.
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