Head to Scotland’s first dedicated soup café to cosy up with a
bowl of homemade soup. Alternatively pop by the Union of Genius van
(nicknamed Dumbo) on the corner of George Square. While all the
soups are delicious, the vegan chilli is a firm favourite among
locals.

In Edinburgh’s New Town, this pizzeria sells the city’s best
vegetarian and vegan pizza. Start with bruschetta topped with
seasonal ingredients – our favourite is the iteration features
vegan salmon, olives and rocket – or, if you’re visiting with a
group, the tomato-topped “focaccia dracula” which feeds four. For
mains, try the cacciatora pizza (topped with rosemary potatoes,
capers and homemade seitan) or the messicana (tomato, mozzarella,
vegan chicken, fresh chilli and roasted mixed peppers).

A favourite among veggies since it first opened in 1962, this
restaurant sits on sloping Hanover Street. Descend into this
underground space for classic vegetarian dishes made from organic,
seasonal produce from Janet Henderson’s East Lothian farm. Dine on
a wide selection of salads, soups, stews or frittata, and be sure
to try Hendersons’ famous veggie haggis, made from root mash and
red-wine gravy. Afterwards, pop upstairs to the Shop & Deli, a
perfect place to huddle up with a coffee and people-watch from the
large bay window.

Offering a vast menu of vegan dishes, Harmonium is a haven for
plant-based eaters. Come for brunch, when simple decision-making
abilities will be thrown out the window as you’re faced with
choosing between dairy-free grilled cheese and “bacon” sourdough
sandwiches and Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream, fresh
berries, maple syrup and powdered sugar. Wash it all down with
coffee from local Edinburgh-based roasters Williams and Johnson
Coffee Co..

After a morning spent meandering around the vintage shops of
Grassmarket, pop into this charming café for a juice, a veggie
snack and a dose of green goodness. Find your perch by a
pastel-hued table amid jungle-esque decor and sip on a smoothie
(the Ass-Aye-Eee with berries, açai, apple and coconut milk is
delightfully sweet) and nibble on a slice of toasted sourdough or a
warm bowl of veggie curry.