THE BEST PLACES FOR VEGETARIAN FOOD IN SCOTLAND

Last Updated on 22nd February 2024 by Bejal

At first impressions, one may not associate Scotland and vegetarian food a compatible match but being a vegetarian in Scotland has never been so popular! Scotland has a whole raft of vegetarian and vegan restaurants popping up all over but this has also led existing eateries to add a more varied choice to their menu. Catering for vegetarians is no longer adding a dish or two to the menu but entails creativity and even a whole creatively designed menu celebrating the vegetables and meat alternatives. On many occasions the use of seitan, soya, mushroom and pea protein has surpassed even the expectation of carnivores let alone vegetarians. Keep reading for some crackling delicious recommendations for vegetarians from cafes, casual lunch spots, city constitutions, fine dining to the piece de resistance Michelin Starred swanky taster menus and a la carte dining to blow your minds! It’s fair to say the vegetarian food scene in Scotland is blossoming.

Please note that unless stated the line-up of restaurants cater both for vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians but have great options to rival the meatier dishes on the menu!

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Vegetarian Dining in Scotland

Edinburgh

Coffee Cairngorms

Having two locations in Edinburgh, make Coffee Cairngorms very accessible. If you love your coffee, this is the place for you. They roast their own coffee in the Cairngorms each week and fun fact they even have the first San Remo Opera in Scotland.

The coffee is exceptional and the atmosphere is pretty cosy. There’s even ipad minis dotted around the café for you to sip and browse.

Sweet treats as well as lattes, espressos and cappuccinos are delicious. Great place to grab and go as service is fast and efficient.

Be-lavie recommendations: Espresso with a cinnamon bun anytime of time is to die for!

• Location: 1 Melville Pl, Edinburgh EH3 7PR. Website Instagram
• Price: ££
• Reservation: Not Applicable/walk-ins
• Dress Code: Not Applicable/Casual

Lovecrumbs Café

One of the cutest cafes you’ll spot in the whole of Edinburgh, Lovecrumbs is quirky and cool. Think mismatched furniture, neon lights, cool signage, plants, window seats, fun stationery and uber cool vibes.

The café serves homemade sweet treats, baked by their sister bakery (Nice Times Bakery), not so far away, as well as savoury snacks and speciality coffees.

Their organic milk is from a carbon positive farm in Ayeshire, with coffee being roasted by local paper cup in Glasgow and their bread is baked everyday 10 minutes down the road!

Be-lavie Recommendation: Cappuccino, granola with yoghurt and banana or a grilled cheese sandwich with sriracha.

• Location: 155 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP. Tel. 0131 629 0626. Website
• Price Range: ££
• Reservation: Walk-in only
• Dress Code: Not Applicable/ Casual

Ems Kitchen Edinburgh

A super cute spot for a café, bright and white with friendly staff and service, featuring a flower wall and yep the queue speaks for itself here. Em’s Kitchen offers include salads, waffles, burgers , sweet treats and speciality drinks. Brunch and lunch are a speciality at Ems Kitchen.

Be-lavie Recommendation: The full English vegetarian breakfast is a well-cooked hit!

• Locations: 38 St. Marys Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX.. Facebook
• Price RangeL ££
• Reservation: Walk-ins only
• Dress Code: CXasual

David Bann Restaurant

This restaurant dedicated to solely vegetarian and vegan food in the old town is a treat for the meat eaters as well as the non-meat eaters. The menu at David Bann is diverse from the Mediterranean right through to Indian and Thai creativity is not lacking here. The modern and contemporary dark wood interiors with a relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.

Be-lavie Recommendation: to start, Aubergine, chickpea and cashew kofta. For mains,  Roasted celeriac, potato and chickpea curry in a lentil wrap and to end, dark chocolate soufflé.

Price range: ££-£££

Location: 56-58 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX. Tel. +44 0131 556 5888. Website

Reservation: Advised but not necessary

Dress Code: Casual

Scran & Scallie

Michelin Star Chef, Tom Kitchin’s Scran and Scallie, is his  more casual venture, located in the beautiful leafy area of Stockbridge. Wood accents with a bit of a gastro pub vibe, think rustic and contemporary décor. Where most of the menu focusses on locally sourced, ‘nature to plate’ there are some great vegetarian options. Scran & Scallie is also featured in the Michelin Guide.

Be-lavie Recommendation: to start, a celeriac, blue cheese and walnut tart. For mains, spelt and lentil burger with chips and to end it has to be Sticky toffee pudding, caramelised pecans & vanilla ice cream.

• Location: 1 Comely Bank Rd, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1DR. Tel. 0131 332 6281. Website
• Price Range: ££-£££
• Reservation: A must
• Dress Code: Casual

The Dome

The site of The Dome was originally the site of the old Physicians Hall back in 1775. Since then this venue has been a bank and now is an award winning restaurant and bar.

Think Corinthian columns, marble bars and palms! Beautifully grand, featuring dual staircases and a number of rooms such as The Grill room, The Club Room, Georgian Tearoom as well as a Front bar. This quite simply is exquisite.

Depending upon where you’d like to eat, it’s wise to book in advance as things can get very very busy here!! Afternoon tea in the Georgian Tea rooms is a lavish and special affair.

Be-lavie Recommendation: Homemade soup of the day with artisan bread and some truffle and parmesan fries. Great as a lunch choice, accompanied by a pot of tea!

• Location: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF. Tel. 0131 6248624. Website
• Price range: ££-££
• Booking: A Must
• Dress Code: Smart casual

The Whiski Rooms

This place serves Classic and modern Scottish cuisine served in refined bare-stone rooms with over 300 malts to sample. Located just off the Royal mile, The award winning  Whiski Rooms serves all day food made freshly and sourced locally. There’s an extensive cocktail list, wine and craft beer and a great Whiskey selection, Whiski Rooms has a reputation as being one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, one of the best Whisky Bars in the world, the first Ardbeg Embassy in the UK, a whisky and gift shop, and a tasting room for daily whisky tastings.

Be-lavie Recommendation: There are a few vegetarian food options but the Vegetarian Haggis, neeps and tatties with a whiski sauce.

• Location: 4-7 N Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LP. Tel. 0131 225 7224. Website
• Price Range: ££-£££
• Booking: A must (especially for weekends)
• Dress Code: Casual

The Witchery by The Castle

The most spectacularly atmospheric dining destination in Edinburgh, The Witchery by The Castle by Jame’s Thompson is pretty epical.

The decor is absolutely stunning, think low level lighting, basement or courtyard dining, fairy lights, gothic interiors, complete with candelabras, and impeccable service. This is one of those Edinburgh institutions as the locals call it.

You can chose to dine in the rich baroque surroundings of the original oak-panelled dining room or the elegant candle-lit  charms of the secret garden dining room. You can also decide to stay here in one of the nine theatrical suites!

Food here is absolutely decadent as is the wine list and cocktails are very classic! The Witchery has a very small selection of vegetarian food but these can be tailored by speaking with the waiting staff.

Be-lavie Recommendation: Start with an Espresso Martini and proceed to appetiser with the barbecues cauliflower with caramelised cauliflower puree, crispy capers and citrus jam. For mains, the barley risotto with braised heritage carrots, hazelnut crumble, coriander oil, carrot crisp and pickled carrots. To end go for one of the seasonal desserts. Autumn and winter months include crumbles with custard whereas summer month deserts are more light and refreshing.

• Location: 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF. Tel. 0131 225 5613. Website
• Price Range: ££££
• Booking: A must
• Dress Code: Smart

The Timberyard

A family-run restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh housed in an authentic warehouse dating back to the 19^th century.

The feel at The Timberyard is very contemporary and modern, with a very Scandinavian interior feel. The restaurant aims to create dishes that are ingredient led with respect to nature and produce sourced from local artisan suppliers.

Cooking techniques are incredibly complex yet respect the ingredient. It truly is a stand-out place and well worth a visit for a special occasion or treat.

The vegan and vegetarian options here are creatively thought out, hence please call ahead to confirm any dietary requirement.

Be-lavie Recommendation: Opt for the seasonal 6 course vegetarian menu – it will not disappoint and celebrates vegetable beautifully as opposed to focussing on meat alternatives.

• Location: 10 Lady Lawson St, Edinburgh EH3 9DS. Tel. 0131 221 1222. Website
• Price: ££££
• Reservation: A Must.
• Dress Code: Smart Casual

The Balmoral Afternoon Tea

Having Afternoon tea in Edinburgh’s most famous hotel in quite the constitution and a must-do.

The award-winning Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral’s Palm Court truly is like no other and a very memorable affair. The menu features a huge selection of over 88 loose teas, poured right in front of you in a showstopper performance!

Oh and also you can opt for a champagne Afternoon Tea too! The selection of food is quite sumptuous and includes, fresh pastries, dainty sandwiches, expertly crafted savouries and to conclude a section of patisserie items. Also there’s an extension of this lovely experience to accompany you home.

Take a pew under the green eaves of the palm trees sparking in the light that cascades through via the glass dome and venetian chandelier, Be serenaded by the music from the harp played live, in the gallery above you and enjoy this decadent experience like no other.

Be-lavie Recommendation: At time of booking, stipulate that you require a vegetarian Afternoon Tea, which will arrive as 3-4 tiers of pastries, savouries including savoury pastry work as well as refills on teas and save room for the cakes at the end. Ask to have your uneaten items packed at the end.

• Location: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ. Tel. 0131 556 2414. Website
• Price: £££
• Reservation: A Must.
• Dress Code: Smart Casual

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East Neuk of Fife

The Dolls House, St Andrews

Trading for over 25 years, The Dolls House serves, hearty, good quality, delicious food from weekend brunches, weekday lunches, dinner and afternoon tea and of course all day hot, cold and alcoholic beverages. If you join them for a Sunday roast, the Dolls House will donate 50p to a local charity – Families First.

Be-lavie Recommendation: The vegetarian mushroom and halloumi burger is delicious as are the homemade soups and desserts.

• Location: 3, Church Square, St Andrews KY16 9NN. Tel. 01334 477422,. Website
• Price range: ££
• Reservation: Advised
• Dress Code: Casual

The Peat Inn, St Andrews

A 15-minute drive south-east from St Andrews is The Peat Inn, a Michelin Star restaurant with rooms. Staying the night is a great option to take advantage of the taster menu with wine flights. Chef Geoffrey Smeddle cooks up a great combination of local ingredients in a modern yet classic base.

The Atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed. You enter through the bar/lounge with a log fire dating back some centuries housed in these white-washed properties, which has been used as a coaching inn and place to eat since the 1700s.

The service is impeccable from the minute you enter right up until you leave, with a pristine level of attention. Booking in advance is a must here and children over seven can join The Peat Inn for evening dining service.

Perfect reason to visit: A special occasion or treat yourself and someone special. The Peat Inn are super attentive and can add some great finishing touches to make your evening memorable.

You may want to book a room and stay over if you’re planning to make a night of it. vegetarian food lovers will be in for a treat as The Peat Inn, has a dedicated vegetarian taster menus and a la carte menus too.

Be-lavie Recommendation: If you fancy a splash out this is the place, opt for the vegetarian taster menu which also comes accompanied with a wine flight. The 6 course taster menus are incredible but you can also choose the 3 or 4 course a la carte meals.

• Location: Peat Inn, Near St. Andrews. Fife, KY15 5LH. Tel.  01334 840206. Website
• Price Range ££££

• Reservation: A Must Be-lavie Tip: Dietary requirements should be called ahead especially if you’re planning to have the taster menu. Additionally, if your visit coincides with a golfing tournament book even further in advance as rooms are snapped up pretty fast!
• Dress Code: Smart

The Ship Inn, Elie

A wonderful location, overlooking the beach with outdoor private seating as well as indoor. The Ship Inn is a great place to enjoy some great quality food and drinks. You can even stay as they have a small selection of rooms with beautiful views out to sea.

The menu here reflect seasonal produce, all sourced from Scotland and is presented alongside a world-class list of ales and wines.

Be-lavie Recommendation: Halloumi burger, tzatziki, tomato, pickled cucumber, baby gem and chips or Aubergine Baba Ganoush, courgettes, Ramiro peppers, pitta, spiced yogurt and pine nuts

• Location: The Toft Elie. Fife. FY9 1DT. Tel. 01333 330246. Website
• Price-range: ££-££
• Reservation: Recommended, not always necessary
• Dress Code: casual

Crail Tea Rooms & Galleries

Freshly ground coffees & speciality tea, cakes, scones, panini lunch, salmon, herring, dressed crab salad. The soups and cakes are delicious and perfect for that great wet day pick-me-up or tea time treat. Sit amongst the artwork, gifts and artefacts that are created by local artists and can be bought from the Crail Gallery & Tearooms as a memory of your visit.  

Be-lavie Recommendation: A fresh panini served with a side of crisps and salad plus one of their homemade cakes accompanied with cream and some lemon curd. All washed down with a lovely pot of tea.

• Location: Shoregate, Crail, Anstruther KY10 3SU. Tel. 01333 451896. Website

• Price range: ££
• Reservation: Walk-in
• Dress Code: casual

The Wee Chippy, Anstruther

Voted No.1 in the Fife 2020, The Wee Chippy is the place to try. It’s a family owned fish and chips shop serving the freshest of produce. Being on the Fife coast there’s lots of fresh seafood but they have a few great vegetarian food options too.

It’s open daily from 11:30am and take-outs as well as dining in their restaurant is an option.

Be-lavie Recommendation: Definitely a serving of award-winning chips and maybe the Macaroni Cheese for more of a Carb Fix!

• 4 Shore Street. Anstruther. Fife KY10 3EA. Tel. 01333311439. Website
• Price Range: ££
• Reservation: Walk-in
• Dress Code: casual

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Glasgow

Stravaigans

Taken from an old Gaelic word that means ‘to wander aimlessly with intent’, Stravaigin’s vibe is stylishly rustic: exposed stone walls, timber roof beams and an iron staircase. The café-bar menu takes pub-grub classics to a whole new level, with options including salmon ceviche, caramel beef featherblade and spicy cod barrel. Stravaigans excels at pub grub staples cooked really well.

It’s good to note Stravaigans are well known for serving experimental, worldly food in a relaxed yet lively surrounding – prepare to see grey squirrel, hedgerow herbs and sea urchins on the menu. There are a couple of items on the menu which are great vegetarian food options including a hearty curry and a burger. Gastro pub grub at its best.

Stravaigan’s is featured in the Michelin Guide.

Be-lavie Recommendation: Okra Burger with hand cut chips. Washed down with one of their classic cocktails.

• Location: 28 Gibson St, Glasgow G12 8NX. Tel. 0141 334 2665  Website
• Price Range: ££-£££
• Reservation: A Must
• Dress Code casual

Ubiquitous Chip

A beautiful fine-dining restaurant which champions local Scottish dishes. The glass ceiling, fairy lights, and foliage entwined around the wooden features create a romantic atmosphere. The Ubiquitous Chip houses a pub downstairs where you can grab a few drinks or head straight into the prettiest restaurant with water features and a cobbled-stone ground floor. Book a table on the top floor with beautiful views looking down and a super romantic atmosphere and there’s a cute bar upstairs.

Be-lavie Recommendation: The veggie haggis and cauliflower cooked 3 ways.

• Location: 12 Ashton Lane, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SJ. Tel. 0141 334 5007. Website
• Price Range: ££££
• Reservation: A Must
• Dress Code: Casual

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Mackintosh at The Willow Tea Room

Mackintosh at the Willow is a world-class cultural and heritage attraction. Their afternoon tea in the Salon de Luxe room includes an expert talk about the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed tearooms and the chance to visit their exhibition. 

Be-lavie Recommendation: The seasonal Afternoon tea or for a special occasion the Salon de Luxe tea is beautiful. As the savoury selection traditionally comes as a mix of veg and non veg, it’s best to specify your requirements are catered for at the time of reservation. For those who of your party opting for the vegetarian food options adequate substitutes will be made.

• Location: 215-217 Sauchiehall Steet, Glasgow G2 3EX. Tel. +44 0141 204 1903. Website
• Price Range: ££-£££
• Reservation: A Must
• Dress Code: Smart casual

Cup Tea Lounge

Housed in the former Bank of India, the Cup Tea Lounge décor comprises of archways, exposed brickwork and mosaicked tiled walls and floors. The cupcakes here are truly the speciality along with white chocolate and pear scones, roast beetroot and goat’s cheese mouse and raspberry meringue tartlet. Tea connoisseurs, will not be disappointed as Cup Tea Lounge has one of the most impressive artisanal tea selection. There’s also a handsome selection of savoury treats too!

Be-lavie Recommendation: If you’re not upto the afternoon tea selection then a tea of your choice, jasmine recommended will go down very well with a slice of the traditional Victoria sandwich or Lemon drizzle cake. Classics rule here!

• Location:  71 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 1LP. Tel. 0141 353 2959. Website
• Price Range: ££-£££
• Reservation: Advised but not a must
• Dress Code: casual

Ginesi’s Artisan Gelato

Ginesi’s Artisan Gelato produces traditional Italian style gelato, made using only the finest locally sourced fresh Scottish milk and double cream. Ginesi’s combine this with pistachios from Sicily hazelnuts from Piemonte and fruit to create the perfect gelato. Vegan choices here are some of the best around. You can sit in and eat your ice-cream here as well as take-out.

Be-lavie Recommendation:  Try any of the chocolate ice-creams which are made from cocoa to give a rich flavour and colour.

• Location: 455 Victoria Road Queen’s Park, Glasgow G42 8RW. Tel. 0141 423 2409. Facebook
• Price Range: ££
• Reservations Not Applicable
• Dress Code: Not Applicable

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Pitlochry

Saorsa 1875

The UK’s first vegan hotel, Saorsa 1875, serves up quite the treat with an ever-evolving menu inspired by the owner’s travels, using local, ethical ingredients which is 100% plant-based, the food is organic, from Saorsa 1875’s garden or from local farms.

The restaurant offers supper clubs, with diners eating in a communal dining space – apart from lunch they serve up a five course vegan menu which changes daily. The creativity is absolutely knockout with some items being foraged daily. Prepare for vegetables to be taken to another level.

For each dinner, the restaurant offsets carbon emission by planting a tree in conjunction with The Green earth Appeal.

Non-residents must book in beforehand to avoid disappointment as the hotel caters for hotel residents too.

Be-lavie Recommendation: The 5 course menu comes highly recommended but changes daily, therefore it’s different based on available ingredients daily. Keep an eye out for the Bread and medley of dips at the start of the meal – seriously impressive!

• Location: 2 E Moulin Road, Pitlochry PH16 5DW. Tel. +44 0176 475. Website
• Price range: £££
• Reservation: A Must
• Dress Code: Smart asual

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East Haugh House Hotel & Restaurant

A cosy traditional hotel, East Haugh House restaurant and Bar is surrounded by stunning landscapes with a gastro pub feel. There’s lots of seafood and meat on the menu however there are some fab vegetarian selections. The staff and friendly and service is with a smile and the food is great quality. Especially good if you’d like to stay away from the town feel of Pitlochry and want something more remote. Décor is traditional with fishing and local nik knacks. There are not many vegetarian food choices here but what they do have is of exceptional quality.

Be-lavie Recommendation: Butternut squash, sage and roast walnut risotto and to end a lemon posset with coulis and shortbread biscuit.

• Location: General Wade’s, Military Road, Pitlochry PH16 5TE. Tel. +44 01796 473 121. Website
• Price Range: ££-£££
• Reservation: A Must
• Dress Code: Smart casual

Vegetarian Food in Scotland Round-Up

Scotland has some of the best Vegetarian food options in the UK with a complete plethora of places to choose from and to suit even fussy eaters. Many also serve non-vegetarian food but it is impressive that these restaurants also hold non-meat eaters in equal standing and cater with creativity and flair rather than just using meat alternatives. It’s pretty cool how far the vegetarian food scene has come in a country where many have stereotyped it as being meat consuming heavy!

Related Reading

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• The Ultimate Glasgow Guide: The best Things to Experience
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• 20 of The Best Things To Do Around Pitlochry

À bientôt

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