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EATING OUT

General

Most places can cater for vegetarians, and should be able to offer something. Even if there is nothing on the menu ask, as they may be able to offer something, or adapt what is on the menu. Do remember that their definition of vegetarian may not be the same as yours!

Throughout Britain you can find good Indian, Italian and Chinese restaurants, as well as local cuisine, and SE Scotland is no exception. Edinburgh is particularly well-provided, with restaurants from many dozens of national styles.

Many places will do special deals at lunchtime which can be good value.

Edinburgh:

Most Edinburgh restaurants and cafes list vegetarian options, and an increasing number can cater for vegans as well. There is a good selection of vegetarian and vegan outlets, and several others that are worthy of mention. To see the reviews of the listed eating places, please use the links at the bottom of this page.

• Ann Purna Vegetarian, 44/45 St. Patricks Sq., EH8 9ET. Map.
  0131 662 1807. Vg & Vn.
  Very friendly, and reasonably priced. Most authentic Indian cuisine in Edinburgh.
  Reviews CFGE, List, VD
• Ayutthaya, 14B Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DH. Map.
  0131 556 9351.
  Thai restaurant with a large vegetarian section. Vegan options on request.
  Reviews CFGE, EFG, List
• Baked Potato Shop, 56 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PB. Map.
  0131 225 7572. Vg & Vn.
  Large selection of both vegetarian and vegan fillings. Rolls and home baking available too. (10% discount for Vegan Society members)
  Reviews CFGE, HC, VD
• David Bann's, 56-58 St. Mary's Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SX. Map.
  0131 556 5888. Vg & Vn.
  Upmarket vegetarian and vegan restaurant. Good value, imaginative reinterpretations of classic dishes. Recently won award for "Best Budget Restaurant" in List awards.
  Reviews CFGE, EFG
• Black Bo's, 57/61 Blackfriar's St., EH1 1NB. Map.
  0131 557 6136.
  Upmarket veggie friendly restaurant, serving well presented nouvelle cuisine. Does now serve fish and meat as well, but these are prepared in a seperate kitchen.
  Reviews CFGE, EFG, HC, List, VD, VH
• Cornerstone Cafe, St. John's Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2BJ. Map.
  0131 229 0212.
  Predominantly vegetarian, with outside seating for summer afternoons or cosy indoor tables in the basement of St. John's Church.
  Reviews CFGE, List
• Engine Shed, 19 St. Leonards La., EH8 9SD. Map.
  0131 662 0040. Vg & Vn
  Organic food and good value cafe.
  Reviews CFGE, HC, List, VD
• Helios Fountain, 7 The Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HY. Map.
  0131 229 7884. Vg & Vn.
  Simple, but tasty vegetarian cafe inside popular craft and book shop.
  Reviews VD
• Henderson's, 94 Hanover St., Edinburgh EH2 1DR. Map.
  0131 225 2131. Vg & Vn.
  A popular salad and wine bar, which can get very busy. Recently celebrated 40 years of serving great value veggie and vegan food. Renowned for it's salads. Many dishes are vegan and organic produce used where possible. Live music most evenings.
  Reviews CFGE, HC, List, VD, VH
• Isabels Cafe, 83 Clerk St., EH8 9JG. Map.
  0131 662 4014. Vg & Vn.
  In basement of Natures Gate, a great veggie and vegan deli and health food shop. Cheap and very good value.
  Reviews List, HC, VD
• Kalpna (Vegetarian) Restaurant, 2/3 St. Patricks Sq., EH8 9EZ. Map.
  0131 667 9890. Vg & Vn.
  Very popular with students. Wednesday is 'all you can eat' buffet night. (5% discounts for VSUK members and for Vegan Society members).
  Reviews CFGE, EFG, HC, List, VD
• Pancho Villas, 240 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8AB. Map.
  0131 557 4416.
  Good value, tasty Mexican food, with many vegetarian dishes.
  Reviews EFG, List
• Rapido, 79 Broughton St., EH1 3RJ. Map
  0131 556 2041. If you can't resist the lure of the chip shop any longer, then this is the best. Vegetable burgers and kievs, spicy cauliflower, onion rings, garlic potatoes, and battered mushrooms are all cooked seperately in vegetable oil. Pizzas, pastas, baked potatoes and veggie pies as well.
  Reviews CFGE

• Siam Erawan, 48 Howe Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 6TH. Map.
  0131 226 3675.
  Thai restaurant. Limited vegetarian range, but great food. Willing to do vegan versions of several dishes.
  Reviews CFGE, EFG, List
• Suruchi, 14A Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DH. Map.
  0131 556 6583.
  Indian restaurant with extensive vegetarian list. Vegan options on request. (10% discount for Vegan Society members).
  Reviews CFGE, EFG, List
• Susie's Diner, 53 West Nicolson St., EH8 9DB. Map.
  0131 667 8729. Vg & Vn.
  Traditional veggie restaurant and cafe, cheap and satisfying.
  Reviews CFGE, HC, List, VD, VH
• Thistle Bistro , 15b, Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DR. Map.
  0131 225 2605. Vg & Vn.
  The more formal part of Henderson's, and just around the corner from it. Table service instead of Henderson's cafeteria style.
  Reviews CFGE, HC, List

Links to other guides
(CFGE) Cruelty Free Guide to Edinburgh
(EFG) Edinburgh Food Guide
(HC) Happy Cow's Global Guide to Vegetarian Restaurants - Scotland
(List) The List Eat & Drink Guide
(VD) Veggie Dining - Online Guide to Vegetarian Restaurants Around the World
(VH) Veggie Heaven - UK Vegetarian Restaurant Guide - Edinburgh

VSUK Food and Drink Guild - Scotland

Had a great veggie meal out at one of the above restaurnts or somewhere else in S.E Scotland? Tell us about it! email: sesv@ivu.org