Trying Veganuary? These are Scotland's best vegan cafes and restaurants
Veganism is becoming more popular than ever - in fact, it’s estimated that the number of vegans in the UK will increase by a staggering 327% this year alone. With the ethical and environmental impact of a carnivorous diet being widely publicised, increasing numbers are turning to a plant-based diet, even if on a temporary basis.
If you’re kicking off 2020 with Veganuary, or you’re already living a plant-based lifestyle, then read on for Hood’s roundup of Scotland’s best vegan cafes and restaurants, to sample delicious, flavourful and ethical food across the country.
Ellishadder Art Cafe, Isle of Skye
If you’re visiting Skye, stop by this vegan-friendly cafe for a light lunch or cake and coffee. Expect plenty of options, from soups made with garden-grown ingredients, to award-winning cakes and bakes.
Culnacnoc, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9JE
ellishadderartcafe.co.uk
Paradise Palms, Edinburgh
This bar/diner/record shop serves award-winning vegan and vegetarian dishes, from its brunch and lunch/dinner menus. Dine on plant-based treats including an NY Deli Reuben burger, chilli-cheese fries, American pancakes and even a full fry-up, with takeaway available too.
41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HN
theparadisepalms.com
Stereo, Glasgow
An icon in the world of Scottish veganism, Stereo is one of the original plant-based dining destinations that Scotland has to offer. The menu is entirely vegan, including the drinks menu, and the food is renowned for being delicious, generous and full of flavour.
22-28 Renfield Ln, Glasgow, G2 5AR
stereocafebar.com
Cafe Kombucha, Elgin
Elgin’s first 100% vegan eatery promises variety and seasonality on an ever-changing menu, and of course, everything is completely vegan-friendly. With options including sandwiches, paninis and wraps, soups, Buddha bowls and burgers, there’ll be something to sate every appetite.
239 High St, Elgin, IV30 1DJ
cafekombucha.co.uk
269 Vegan, Perth
This fully-vegan cafe is a newer addition to the scene, having opened in August 2018, but with an extensive selection of local, seasonal and ethical dishes available to order, it’s already proven hugely popular. The menu is artisanal and thoughtful, so you can choose from pretty much anything from breakfast bagels and waffles, to Thai green curry and and local vegan bakes.
37A South Methven Street, Perth PH1 5NU
Website here.
Hendersons Vegan Restaurant, Edinburgh
An Edinburgh institution since 1968, Hendersons has been fully vegan since 2015 and is proud to offer a wide selection of tasty dishes. Enjoy anything from soups and stews to vegan haggis, pancakes and sweet treats.
25c Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DX
hendersonsofedinburgh.co.uk
Bonobo Cafe, Aberdeen
Another fully vegan cafe, this Aberdeen institution offers a creative menu of popular dishes, so that even the most hardcore carnivore wouldn’t feel like they were missing out. The mac and ‘cheese’ is particularly cheering, and the tofu benny makes a perfect brunch dish.
73-75 Skene Street, Aberdeen AB10 1QD
bonotribe.co.uk
The Flying Duck, Glasgow
This subterranean cafe, club and events space doesn’t just offer an exciting atmosphere - it also serves up a mouthwatering menu of dishes that don’t look or sound vegan at first glance, but all of which most definitely are 100% vegan-friendly. Feast on stacked burgers, stuffed burritos, rich desserts and even a vegan ‘doner’…
142 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3AU
theflyingduck.org
Marwick’s Vegan Kitchen, Dundee
After the owners of Marwick’s family cafe became vegan in 2018, they decided to make the cafe fully vegan too, with a determination to provide nourishing, exciting and satisfying plant-based dishes. The all-day breakfasts are popular, with options for bagels, focaccias and fry-ups, whilst there’s also an extensive selection of burgers, koftes, shawarmas and salads.