Where to eat and drink in Edinburgh [2024]
After checking into our Airbnb on Blair Street just off the Royal Mile we spent a few hours wandering between pubs in the city centre. Including The Pipers' Rest, the Albernach, and The White Hart. Then, it was time to explore the best places to eat in Edinburgh.
A number of these spots come recommended by a friend who lives in Edinburgh and has an ever-evolving list of the best vegan-friendly spots to eat in the city. So I can’t take full credit for this list… but I can share it with you!
And if you want to know more about how to spend a weekend in Edinburgh, check out my travel itinerary.
The Bon Vivant
On our first night we had dinner at The Bon Vivant on Thistle Street. This candle lit bar has a small menu of bites and mains, and a more extensive menu of cocktails.
We shared four small plates (which gets you two of each ‘bite’, served together on a board) and one main between us. But a main each would be enough if you’re hungry. That plus a drink each came to about £60 which, when you’re used to London dinner prices, seemed very reasonable!
The Baked Potato Shop
For lunch I had a potato with three fillings from The Baked Potato Shop on Cockburn Street just off the Royal Mile. I took the opportunity of eating out alone to drop £9.50 on a jacket potato because I’m not sure anyone else would have been up for that!
They only have veggie and vegan potato fillings and you get 1.5 potatoes! The middle is mashed up, and the outside is good and crispy… Honestly the best £9.50 ever spent. And I didn’t think I’d ever feel hungry again. 10/10 jacket potato.
The Salisbury Arms
We were meant to have dinner at Noto on Saturday night (and were also considering Howie’s) but since I was alone due to sickness, I met with friends at The Salisbury Arms instead.
This modern pub is about 20 minutes walk away from the centre in Southside. It was laid-back with a local feel and the vegan pizza was good. Although it’s probably not a highlight if you’re looking for the best places to eat in Edinburgh over one weekend trip.
The Banh Mi Bar
Before we left Edinburgh on Sunday, we stopped for lunch at The Banh Mi Bar in the arches by Waverley station. You can build your own, pick one of their premade filling options, or have it as a salad. I had the vegan tofu banh mi on baguette bread which was delicious, fresh, and not too soggy like some banh mi can be.
Bread Meets Bread
On my first visit to Edinburgh in 2018 I visited Bread Meets Bread and I still think about their vegan poutine. Alongside their meat menu they have plenty of vegan and veggie choices. Sadly the plant-based chicken burger I had has been replaced entirely by Moving Mountain burger options. So I didn't return to sate my cravings this time. But it’s worth going for the poutine alone!
Considerit
A 100% vegan cafe that sells doughnuts, chocolate, coffee, and ice cream that all taste just like the ‘real’ thing. A great option for your morning coffee and sweet treats.
Seeds for the soul
Just past the Meadows near Morningside, this vegan cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a laid-back environment. When I visited the owner was testing a new smoothie that he let us sample for free! And the food was all delicious too.
BBL
This greasy spoon cafe on Pleasance serves breakfast and lunch with a variety of both meat and vegan options.
Harmonium
If you’re craving British pub food but want it vegan, look no further than Harmonium. This is a 100% vegan place that does pub style food like f*sh and chips, pizzas, mac and cheese, and has great cocktails.
Paradise Palms
This bright and eclectic vegetarian soul food bar and restaurant serves up great cocktails, and loads of vegan options too.