Edinburgh is a genuinely easy city to eat plant-based, with dedicated vegan kitchens and cafes across the centre and west end – and plenty more spots offering strong vegan menus alongside the meat. From comfort food to a full vegan afternoon tea, here is where to go.
These are our favourite fully vegan and vegan-friendly spots, and where to find them.
Where to Eat: Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh
- Lucky Pig at Paradise Palms (Lothian St) – A fun, tropical-themed bar and kitchen near the university serving indulgent vegan and vegetarian comfort food.
- Chapter One Coffee (Dalry Rd) – A relaxed west-end cafe with a strong plant-based menu, good for brunch and coffee.
- Cafe MILK (Morrison St) – A wholesome daytime cafe known for fresh, veg-forward dishes and plant-based options.
- Holy Cow (34 Elder St) – A long-running vegetarian and vegan cafe in the centre, and home to a fully vegan afternoon tea.
What to Expect
Vegan dining here leans casual and affordable – think cafes, brunch spots and comfort food rather than white-tablecloth dining. Portions are hearty and prices are gentle. Holy Cow even runs a fully vegan afternoon tea if you want to make more of an occasion.
Who It Suits
Vegans, vegetarians and the plant-curious after a relaxed, tasty meal. For fun comfort food head to Lucky Pig; for brunch, Chapter One and Cafe MILK; for a treat, book the vegan afternoon tea at Holy Cow.
Practical Tips
- Many non-vegan Edinburgh restaurants also have solid vegan menus – always ask.
- Holy Cow’s vegan afternoon tea needs booking ahead.
- The west-end cafes around Dalry are great for a laid-back brunch.
- Lucky Pig at Paradise Palms doubles as a lively bar in the evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edinburgh good for vegans?
Very – the city has dedicated vegan and vegetarian kitchens like Holy Cow and Lucky Pig, plus many mainstream restaurants with strong plant-based menus, so eating vegan is easy.
Can you get a vegan afternoon tea in Edinburgh?
Yes – Holy Cow runs a fully vegan afternoon tea. It is popular, so book ahead. See our afternoon tea guide for more options.
