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Last Updated: 13 October 2026
Edinburgh has become one of Scotland’s most exciting destinations for vegetarian and vegan dining. From traditional Indian thalis and seasonal Scottish-inspired dishes to Malaysian curries, Vietnamese specialities and fully plant-based Italian pizzas, the city offers a diverse selection of meat-free dining experiences.
However, finding the best vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh involves more than checking online ratings. Restaurant locations, menus, prices and opening hours can change, while some establishments serve exclusively vegan food and others offer vegetarian dishes containing dairy or eggs.
This updated October 2026 guide explores ten vegetarian and vegan dining destinations across Edinburgh, comparing their cuisines, locations, dining experiences and published menu information.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, looking for an affordable lunch or exploring Edinburgh’s growing plant-based food scene, this guide will help you choose a restaurant that suits your preferences.
What Are the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Edinburgh in 2026?
Edinburgh offers vegetarian restaurants suitable for different budgets, cuisines and occasions. Our selection includes established vegetarian restaurants, fully vegan kitchens and casual cafés.
These restaurants were selected for their cuisine diversity, vegetarian or vegan specialisation, locations and practical dining options. The list is an editorial comparison rather than a ranking based on personal tasting visits.
1. Hendersons – Best for Seasonal Vegetarian Dining
- Address: 7–13 Barclay Place, Edinburgh EH10 4HW
- Cuisine: Vegetarian and vegan, seasonal European-inspired cooking
- Official Website: https://www.hendersonsrestaurant.com/
Hendersons is one of Edinburgh’s most established names in vegetarian dining. Its history is closely associated with the original Hendersons of Hanover Street, which helped introduce generations of diners to meat-free food.
The current restaurant operates from Barclay Place near Bruntsfield Links, offering a modern dining experience built around seasonal vegetables, fresh ingredients and creative vegetarian cooking.
Unlike conventional vegetarian cafés, Hendersons focuses on carefully prepared dishes that place vegetables at the centre of the meal rather than treating them as side dishes.
What Can You Eat at Hendersons?
The restaurant’s published menu includes a selection of starters, vegetable-based dishes and desserts.
Examples from its October 2026 menu include:
Prices may change with seasonal menu updates.
The king oyster mushroom scallops are an interesting example of how vegetarian chefs can use the natural texture of mushrooms to create dishes inspired by traditional seafood preparations.
Hendersons also identifies vegan options and provides allergen information. However, the kitchen handles gluten, nuts and dairy, so customers with allergies should confirm preparation arrangements before ordering.
Why Is Hendersons Worth Visiting?
Hendersons is particularly suitable for diners who appreciate seasonal ingredients and want a more refined vegetarian experience.
Its location near Bruntsfield Links also makes it convenient for visitors exploring Edinburgh’s southern neighbourhoods.
Best for: Seasonal vegetarian cuisine, couples, special occasions and relaxed evening dining.
2. David Bann – Best for a Vegetarian Dinner Near the Royal Mile
- Address: 56–58 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX
- Cuisine: Contemporary vegetarian with international influences
- Official Website: https://www.davidbann.co.uk/
David Bann is a long-established vegetarian restaurant situated close to Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
The restaurant combines Scottish ingredients with international culinary influences, offering a dedicated vegetarian dining experience in the heart of the Old Town.
Its location is particularly convenient for visitors exploring Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the surrounding historic streets.
How Much Does David Bann Cost in 2026?
David Bann publishes set-menu prices, helping visitors estimate their dining expenses before making a reservation.
The lunch offers are advertised for Sunday to Friday between midday and 4pm, while group menus apply to qualifying bookings. Availability and conditions should be confirmed before visiting.
What Does Our Price Analysis Show?
The difference between David Bann’s two-course and three-course lunch is £6.50.
This means upgrading from two courses to three increases the published menu price by approximately 26.5%.
For two diners ordering the two-course lunch, the combined food cost would be £49 before drinks, extras or service charges.
For a group of six selecting the £26.50 group menu, the menu total would be £159 before additional charges.
These calculations offer a practical way to plan dining expenses without relying on vague descriptions such as affordable or expensive.
Why Choose David Bann?
David Bann is particularly appealing to visitors looking for a dedicated vegetarian restaurant in a central location.
Its contemporary dining atmosphere and published set menus make it a useful option for couples, celebrations and group meals.
Best for: Romantic dinners, special occasions, Old Town visitors and predictable set-menu pricing.
3. Kalpna – Best for Indian Vegetarian Food and Thalis
- Address: 2–3 St Patrick Square, Edinburgh EH8 9EZ
- Cuisine: Traditional and contemporary Indian vegetarian
- Official Website: https://www.kalpnarestaurant.co.uk/
Kalpna is one of Edinburgh’s established Indian vegetarian restaurants, offering an alternative to Western-style vegetarian cooking.
Located near the University of Edinburgh, the restaurant specialises in Indian dishes including curries, pakoras, breads and traditional thalis.
Indian vegetarian cuisine is particularly varied because ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice and spices form the foundation of many regional dishes.
What Does Kalpna Serve?
Kalpna’s published menu includes a selection of snacks, starters and substantial vegetarian meals.
These prices are from the published menu reviewed in October 2026 and may change.
Why Are Kalpna’s Thalis Popular With Vegetarian Diners?
A thali combines several dishes on one platter, allowing diners to experience different flavours, textures and accompaniments during a single meal.
For someone unfamiliar with Indian vegetarian food, a thali can be a convenient introduction to different curries, breads, rice dishes and traditional preparations.
The standard Kalpna Thali costs £19.95, compared with £25.95 for the Thali Raj Bhog.
The £6 difference represents approximately 23.1% of the larger thali’s price. However, the two options contain different selections and quantities, so the lower-priced option is not automatically better value.
Is Kalpna Suitable for Vegans?
Kalpna is a vegetarian restaurant rather than an entirely vegan establishment.
Some dishes contain dairy products such as paneer, yoghurt or cream, while other dishes are specifically identified as vegan.
Customers following a strict vegan diet should check individual menu descriptions.
Best for: Indian vegetarian food, thalis, family meals and diners seeking clearly identified vegan choices.
4. Novapizza – Best for Fully Vegan Italian Cuisine
- Address: 42 Howe Street, Edinburgh EH3 6TH
- Cuisine: Fully vegan Italian
- Official Website: https://novapizza.co.uk/
Novapizza is a family-run Italian restaurant specialising in completely plant-based versions of traditional Italian dishes.
Located in Edinburgh’s New Town, it provides an alternative for people who enjoy pizza, pasta and Italian desserts but avoid animal-derived ingredients.
Unlike restaurants that simply offer one or two vegan pizzas, Novapizza has developed its dining identity around vegan Italian cuisine.
What Makes Novapizza Different?
Its menu includes plant-based interpretations of familiar Italian dishes such as pizza, carbonara and tiramisu.
Traditional Italian recipes frequently contain mozzarella, parmesan, eggs or meat-based ingredients. Novapizza uses vegan alternatives to recreate familiar flavours and textures.
The restaurant also advertises gluten-free options, although diners with coeliac disease should check preparation and cross-contact procedures.
When Is Novapizza Open?
Its published timetable indicates evening service from 5pm to 9pm on Monday and Thursday through Sunday, with Tuesday and Wednesday closed.
Opening hours may change, particularly around holidays.
Why Choose Novapizza?
Novapizza is a useful choice for people who want Italian food without having to search through a mixed vegetarian and meat-based menu.
Its fully vegan identity also makes it particularly suitable for plant-based couples and groups.
Best for: Vegan pizza, Italian pasta, casual dates and evening dining in the New Town.
5. Soul Vegan – Best for Malaysian-Inspired Vegan Food
- Address: 46 West Richmond Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DZ
- Cuisine: Malaysian-inspired plant-based cooking
Soul Vegan introduces Malaysian flavours to Edinburgh’s vegan dining scene.
Located in the Southside neighbourhood, the restaurant offers a different experience from vegetarian establishments concentrating on European food or conventional meat substitutes.
Malaysian-inspired cuisine can incorporate aromatic spices, tofu, coconut-based sauces, mushrooms and fresh vegetables to create substantial plant-based meals.
What Type of Food Does Soul Vegan Offer?
Dishes highlighted in published restaurant information include green curry tofu with mixed vegetables, mushroom preparations and deep-fried tofu specialities.
The restaurant’s cuisine provides an alternative to vegan burgers, pizza and salads.
For visitors who enjoy Southeast Asian food, Soul Vegan offers a different combination of flavours and cooking techniques.
How Does Soul Vegan Compare With Other Vegan Restaurants?
Soul Vegan and Novapizza demonstrate two distinct approaches to plant-based cooking.
Novapizza recreates familiar Italian dishes using vegan ingredients, while Soul Vegan concentrates on Malaysian-inspired recipes involving vegetables, tofu, herbs and aromatic sauces.
Both are vegan dining options, but their culinary identities are very different.
Best for: Malaysian-inspired cuisine, tofu dishes, aromatic curries and Southside dining.
6. Non Viet Vegan – Best for Vietnamese Plant-Based Cuisine
- Address: 23A Brougham Place, Edinburgh EH3 9JU
- Cuisine: Vietnamese vegan
- Official Website: https://nonviet.co.uk/
Non Viet Vegan offers Vietnamese-inspired plant-based food near Edinburgh’s Tollcross neighbourhood.
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its use of rice noodles, herbs, fresh vegetables, tofu and aromatic broths.
However, conventional Vietnamese recipes may contain fish sauce or meat-based stock, making a dedicated vegan restaurant especially useful for diners avoiding animal products.
Why Is Non Viet Vegan Different?
Non Viet Vegan concentrates on Vietnamese flavours rather than the burgers, pizzas and sandwiches commonly associated with casual vegan dining.
Its cuisine offers an alternative for diners interested in noodles, vegetable dishes, tofu and aromatic Vietnamese preparations.
The restaurant’s Brougham Place location is also convenient for people exploring Tollcross and the southern side of Edinburgh’s city centre.
What Should Groups Consider Before Visiting?
Non Viet’s published restaurant information includes an additional 10% charge for groups of five or more.
For example, a £100 food and drink bill would increase to £110 if that charge applies.
Groups should confirm current policies, reservation arrangements and dietary requirements directly with the restaurant.
Best for: Vietnamese food, vegan groups and visitors seeking an alternative to European vegetarian cuisine.
7. Holy Cow – Best for Casual Vegan Dining in Edinburgh City Centre
- Address: 34 Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX
- Cuisine: Fully vegan café food and comfort dishes
- Official Website: https://holycow.cafe/
Holy Cow is an established vegan café and restaurant located near Edinburgh’s central shopping district.
Operating since 2016, the business has become associated with homemade vegan burgers, sandwiches, cakes and casual plant-based meals.
Its central location makes it particularly convenient for visitors arriving at Edinburgh Waverley station or exploring the St James Quarter.
What Food Does Holy Cow Offer?
Holy Cow focuses on familiar café-style dishes prepared without animal-derived ingredients.
Its food offering has included homemade burgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts.
The restaurant provides an informal alternative to more traditional vegetarian dining establishments such as Hendersons and David Bann.
Why Is Holy Cow Suitable for Visitors?
Location is one of Holy Cow’s practical advantages.
Travellers with limited time may prefer a centrally located vegan café rather than travelling across Edinburgh for a formal restaurant meal.
It is also useful for groups where some diners follow a vegan diet and others simply want to try plant-based food.
Best for: Vegan burgers, casual lunches, city-centre dining and shoppers.
8. Union of Genius – Best for Vegetarian and Vegan Soup Lunches
- Address: 8 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QN
- Cuisine: Vegetarian and vegan soups, salads and light meals
Union of Genius specialises in freshly prepared soups and simple meals.
Situated near the University of Edinburgh, it offers a different dining experience from restaurants built around multi-course meals.
Its changing menu has featured vegetarian and vegan soups, salads and chilli, making it especially relevant for daytime dining.
Why Is Union of Genius Worth Considering?
The café’s soup-focused format provides a practical option for students, office workers and visitors who want a lighter lunch.
It has also been associated with a tasting-style option involving smaller portions of different soups.
This allows customers to experience several flavours without ordering multiple full-sized meals.
Is Union of Genius an Affordable Option?
Soup cafés can provide a relatively straightforward lunch format, but affordability should be judged using current prices and portion sizes.
A bowl of soup and bread cannot be compared directly with a two-course restaurant lunch.
Union of Genius is therefore best considered for its convenience and specialised menu rather than being automatically labelled the cheapest vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh.
Best for: Quick lunches, soups, students and casual daytime dining.
9. Paradise Palms – Best for Vegetarian Comfort Food and Social Evenings
- Address: 41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HB
- Cuisine: Plant-based comfort food and casual bar dining
Paradise Palms combines a colourful social environment with vegetarian and vegan-friendly comfort food.
Located close to Edinburgh’s university area, it offers a different atmosphere from conventional vegetarian restaurants.
Its lively setting makes it particularly relevant for friends planning an evening together.
What Makes Paradise Palms Different?
Paradise Palms has been associated with vegetarian and vegan versions of American-style comfort food.
Its food offering has included dishes such as burgers, fries and other substantial casual meals.
However, menus and kitchen arrangements can change, so visitors should check the current food service before travelling.
Why Choose Paradise Palms?
Not everyone searching for vegetarian restaurants wants a quiet dinner or health-focused meal.
Some diners prefer a relaxed venue where food is part of a wider social evening.
Paradise Palms represents this side of Edinburgh’s vegetarian dining scene.
Best for: Groups of friends, casual evenings, plant-based comfort food and lively surroundings.
10. PULSE Plant Based HomeCooking – Best for Plant-Based Home-Style Meals
- Address: St John’s Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BJ
- Cuisine: Plant-based home cooking
PULSE PlantBased HomeCooking provides another approach to vegan dining, concentrating on vegetable-led meals and home-style preparations.
Its location near Edinburgh’s West End makes it a convenient option for visitors exploring the area.
Unlike restaurants that focus on recreating meat-based dishes, PULSE places greater emphasis on vegetables, pulses, grains and simple plant-based meals.
What Makes PULSE Different?
PULSE has been highlighted for salads, soups and other plant-based lunch options.
Its approach is particularly relevant to people who prefer vegetable-focused food rather than imitation meat products.
The menu format also distinguishes it from formal vegetarian restaurants serving multiple courses.
Why Choose PULSE?
PULSE demonstrates that plant-based dining can involve different food philosophies.
Some vegan establishments concentrate on comfort food, while others emphasise vegetables, pulses and lighter home-style dishes.
PULSE represents the latter approach.
Best for: Plant-based lunches, vegetable-focused meals and West End visitors.
What Does Our 2026 Research Reveal About Vegetarian Dining in Edinburgh?
Our comparison of ten selected establishments highlights several patterns in Edinburgh’s vegetarian and vegan food scene.
These observations are based on the restaurants included in this guide and should not be interpreted as statistics representing every restaurant in Edinburgh.
Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Are Not the Same
Vegetarian restaurants exclude meat and fish but may serve dairy products and eggs.
Fully vegan establishments avoid animal-derived ingredients altogether.
This distinction is particularly important for diners who follow a strict vegan diet or need to avoid certain ingredients.
For example, Kalpna serves vegetarian Indian dishes that may contain dairy, while Novapizza operates as a fully vegan Italian restaurant.
Edinburgh Offers Several Distinct Plant-Based Cuisines
The selected restaurants demonstrate the range of cuisines available.
This diversity matters because diners searching for vegetarian restaurants may have very different expectations.
Someone seeking an Indian thali is unlikely to consider a soup café a direct substitute, even though both provide meat-free food.
Location Influences Restaurant Choice
The restaurants in this guide are distributed across Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, Southside, Bruntsfield, Tollcross and West End.
Visitors staying near the Royal Mile may find David Bann particularly convenient, while those exploring Bruntsfield could consider Hendersons.
For travellers interested in Edinburgh’s wider food and drink scene, our guide to the best whisky bars and pubs in Edinburgh provides additional ideas for exploring the city.
How Much Does Vegetarian Food Cost in Edinburgh in 2026?
Vegetarian dining prices vary depending on the cuisine, portion size, ingredients and type of restaurant.
A soup café, Indian thali restaurant and contemporary vegetarian dining room cannot be compared fairly using one assumed average meal price.
Our research identified several published prices that can help visitors understand the differences.
Prices were taken from published menus reviewed for the October 2026 update and may change.
What Can Two People Expect to Spend?
At David Bann, two diners choosing the published two-course lunch would spend £49 before drinks and additional charges.
At Kalpna, two people ordering the £19.95 thali would spend £39.90 before drinks and extras.
The difference is £9.10.
However, these meals are not identical. David Bann’s lunch includes two courses, while Kalpna’s thali contains several dishes within one platter.
The most meaningful comparison therefore considers the complete meal rather than simply choosing the lowest price.
How Can Visitors Avoid Unexpected Restaurant Costs?
Check whether drinks are included in a set menu, whether service charges apply, and whether special menus are restricted to certain days or times.
Groups should also confirm any additional charges before booking.
Which Vegetarian Restaurant in Edinburgh Is Best for Your Dining Occasion?
Different restaurants suit different needs.
The best restaurant is ultimately the one that matches your dietary requirements, preferred cuisine, location and budget.
What Has Changed Since Our Original 2022 Vegetarian Restaurant Guide?
The original article featured Himalaya Shop, Harmonium, Hendersons, Novapizza, David Bann, Paradise Palms, Kalpna, Beetroot Sauvage, Pumpkin Brown and Holy Cow.
Our October 2026 selection retains six of those establishments and introduces four alternatives.
This represents a 40% change in the editorial shortlist.
However, removing a restaurant from the list does not necessarily mean it has closed. Some businesses were replaced to provide greater cuisine diversity and more practical comparisons.
One important correction concerns Hendersons. The previous article described its former Hanover Street basement operation, whereas the current restaurant is located on Barclay Place.
The revised guide also provides clearer distinctions between vegetarian and vegan restaurants, includes published menu prices and introduces additional Asian plant-based dining options.
How Can You Choose a Vegetarian Restaurant in Edinburgh?
Before selecting a restaurant, consider the following factors.
Check Whether the Restaurant Is Vegetarian or Fully Vegan
A vegetarian restaurant may use cheese, butter, cream, yoghurt or eggs.
If you follow a vegan diet, check whether the restaurant is entirely plant-based or offers specific vegan dishes.
Compare Current Menus and Prices
Restaurants regularly update their menus to reflect seasonal ingredients, supplier costs and changing customer preferences.
Checking the official website before visiting helps avoid relying on outdated prices or discontinued dishes.
Consider the Location
Edinburgh’s restaurants are spread across different neighbourhoods.
A centrally located restaurant may be more convenient for sightseeing, while establishments in Bruntsfield or Southside may be better suited to visitors exploring those areas.
Check Allergens and Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian and vegan food is not automatically free from gluten, nuts, soya or other allergens.
Customers with allergies should speak directly with restaurant staff about ingredients and food preparation.
Confirm Reservations and Opening Hours
Some restaurants focus on evening dining, while others mainly operate during lunchtime.
Booking arrangements, opening times and service charges should be confirmed directly before visiting.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh’s vegetarian dining scene offers much more than traditional meat-free cafés.
Established restaurants such as Hendersons and David Bann provide dedicated vegetarian dining, while Kalpna offers Indian thalis and curries. Novapizza, Soul Vegan and Non Viet Vegan demonstrate the variety of cuisines available within the city’s fully plant-based restaurant scene.
For casual meals, Holy Cow, Union of Genius, Paradise Palms and PULSE provide alternatives suited to different locations and dining occasions.
The best vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh depends on what matters most to you: cuisine, location, atmosphere, dietary requirements or the overall cost of a meal.
Before visiting, check each establishment’s latest menu, opening hours and booking arrangements.
For further dining inspiration, explore our guides to warm and cosy restaurants in London and fun places to eat in London.
Editorial note: Updated 12 October 2026. This guide is based on published restaurant information, menus and editorial comparisons rather than first-hand tasting visits. Prices and restaurant arrangements may change after publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Edinburgh?
Hendersons and David Bann are strong choices for dedicated vegetarian restaurant dining. Hendersons focuses on seasonal cooking, while David Bann offers contemporary vegetarian food near the Royal Mile. Kalpna is another established option for Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Are There Fully Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh?
Yes. Novapizza, Soul Vegan, Non Viet Vegan and Holy Cow are among Edinburgh’s dedicated vegan dining establishments. Other vegetarian restaurants provide vegan options alongside dishes containing dairy or eggs.
Where Can You Find Vegetarian Food Near Edinburgh Castle?
David Bann, Union of Genius and Paradise Palms are worth considering when exploring Edinburgh’s wider Old Town and university area. Visitors should check walking routes and opening hours before travelling.
Which Edinburgh Restaurant Is Best for Indian Vegetarian Food?
Kalpna is a dedicated Indian vegetarian restaurant on St Patrick Square. Its menu includes curries, traditional snacks, thalis and vegan options.
Where Can Students Find Vegetarian Lunches in Edinburgh?
Union of Genius on Forrest Road is a convenient option near the University of Edinburgh. Its soup-focused menu makes it suitable for straightforward daytime meals.
Are Vegetarian Restaurants in Edinburgh Expensive?
Prices vary considerably. David Bann publishes a two-course lunch for £24.50, while Kalpna lists its standard thali at £19.95. Casual cafés may offer different meal formats, so current menus should be compared before visiting.
Do Edinburgh Vegetarian Restaurants Offer Gluten-Free Food?
Some establishments offer gluten-free options. Novapizza advertises gluten-free choices, while Hendersons provides dietary information on its menu. However, customers with coeliac disease should confirm cross-contact precautions directly.
Which Vegetarian Restaurants Are Suitable for Couples?
David Bann, Hendersons and Novapizza are worth considering for couples. The choice depends on whether you prefer contemporary vegetarian food, seasonal cuisine or vegan Italian dining.
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