
Hendersons
Edinburgh's historic vegetarian institution, serving innovative plant-based cuisine with a stylish, contemporary twist and a welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
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Hendersons
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Edinburgh's historic vegetarian institution, serving innovative plant-based cuisine with a stylish, contemporary twist and a welcoming atmosphere.
"This place is amazing! Serving fresh and heartfelt veggie and vegan options for an extremely affordable price."
Try the Haggis
The vegan haggis is a highly recommended standout dish, often cited as a must-try.
Book Ahead
Consider making reservations, especially on weekends, to guarantee a table.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Vegetarian / Vegan
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 131 202 1635
Address
7-13 Barclay Pl, Edinburgh, EH10 4HW, United Kingdom
Website
hendersonsrestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Innovative Vegetarian & Vegan Cuisine
Discover creative plant-based dishes like haggis, cauliflower wings, and unique cocktails, prepared with fresh, organic ingredients.

Iconic Desserts
Indulge in legendary sweets, including a rich chocolate mousse and a delightful Biscoff cheesecake.

Welcoming Atmosphere & Service
Enjoy a stylish, botanic-inspired interior with friendly, passionate staff dedicated to providing an excellent dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Haggis
The vegan haggis is a highly recommended standout dish, often cited as a must-try.
Book Ahead
Consider making reservations, especially on weekends, to guarantee a table.
Explore Seasonal Specials
Inquire about seasonal menu items like pumpkin gnocchi for unique culinary experiences.
Visit Off-Peak
For a more relaxed meal, consider dining during non-peak hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Haggis
The vegan haggis is a highly recommended standout dish, often cited as a must-try.
Book Ahead
Consider making reservations, especially on weekends, to guarantee a table.
Explore Seasonal Specials
Inquire about seasonal menu items like pumpkin gnocchi for unique culinary experiences.
Visit Off-Peak
For a more relaxed meal, consider dining during non-peak hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hendersons is widely praised for its inventive and delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine, with many reviewers highlighting the creative dishes and fresh, organic ingredients. The atmosphere and service are consistently described as welcoming and friendly. However, there are isolated negative reviews regarding inconsistencies in food quality and portion size for certain non-vegetarian items (though Hendersons is primarily vegetarian), and one reviewer experienced digestive issues after consuming chicken.
"This was by far our favorite restaurant amongst many we tried in both Amsterdam and Edinburgh! The food quality was both inventive, comforting, generous in portion, and absolutely delicious! All of the senses were heightened in bliss eating and drinking each vegan dish and non-alcoholic drink. The waitress was extremely kind and caring. The whole staff was genuinely passionate about their work and I think there must be some excellent and caring owners and employees to have this level of care at the core."
Joshua Warren
"Wow! An amazing lunch experience. The staff are really invested in customers having a great visit. We tried 8 different dishes and each had unique flavours. A pleasure for the eyes and taste buds. Please visit this establishment to support the gastronomic efforts."
Fred Phillips
"It was a wonderful meal in a beautiful restaurant with fabulous service. Every item I ordered was delicious (the soup of the day was particularly delightful). I’m really grateful that I got to experience such a wonderful meal. As someone with a dairy allergy it was a particular treat to get to experience such a wonderful meal without needing to make alterations. Thank you!"
Becky Potter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Hendersons is a vegetarian restaurant with a majority of its menu being vegan. They are dedicated to plant-based cuisine.
Signature dishes include the vegan haggis, cauliflower wings, chocolate mousse, and Biscoff cheesecake.
Yes, it is advisable to make reservations, especially for weekend dining, to ensure you get a table.
Yes, Hendersons caters to various dietary needs and offers gluten-free options.
The restaurant features a stylish, botanic-inspired interior with natural decor, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Yes, Hendersons offers a dedicated kids' menu with options like haggis, salad, chips, and mac 'n' cheese.
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The original Henderson on Hanover Street, which was the UK’s longest-running vegetarian restaurant, sadly closed in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, but Janet Henderson’s grandson Barrie thankfully revived the eatery a year later near Bruntsfield Links in Tollcross. The new spot has a botanic-inspired interior with natural decor that gives it a stylish, contemporary twist on the old favorite. Signature dishes such as the popular chocolate mousse and classic vegan haggis are still on the menu, plus seasonal salads, mains such as curries, risotto, and jackfruit cake, and memorable desserts including tiramisu and lemon and blueberry cheesecake.
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The original Hendersons café opened in 1962, when people still crossed the street to avoid vegetarians. The city mourned until a new generation opened a stylish vegetarian/vegan restaurant so good you’ll probably not notice the absence of meat and fish on the menu. Expect zhuzhed-up old standards like nut roast alongside banana blossom pakoras and cauliflower jerk steak; or crème caramel with sea buckthorn sauce and the original, much loved chocolate mousse.
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An Edinburgh institution, this vegetarian café was started by Janet Henderson in 1962, making it the UK’s longest-running vegetarian restaurant. Many hearts were broken when it was forced to close down during the pandemic, and a gaping hole was left in Edinburgh’s food scene. Thankfully, in 2021, it was reincarnated by the Henderson’s grandson in a new location, given a glow-up, and brought into the contemporary scene.
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Though it’s been a New Town fixture since the ’60s, Hendersons Vegan Restaurant only became fully vegan in 2015. From the navy-painted exterior to its plant-based ingredients, it has a wholesome, stripped-back feel, beloved by regulars. Those wanting to sample house specialties would do well to try the vegan haggis, served with red wine gravy and mash, which has drawn customers since 1968.
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Established in 1962, Henderson’s is the grandmother of Edinburgh’s vegetarian restaurants. The food is mostly organic and guaranteed GM-free, and special…
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Type: Vegetarian and veganAddress: 7-13 Barclay Place, Edinburgh EH10 4HWPrice Range: ££ A long-standing vegetarian institution in Edinburgh, Hendersons has been serving up delicious plant-based fare since 1962. Centrally located on Hanover Street, this vegetarian and vegan Edinburgh restaurant offers a diverse menu of wholesome dishes, including vegan haggis, lentil moussaka, and freshly made salads. Don't miss their legendary vegan desserts, such as chocolate fudge cake and lemon polenta cake.
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Originally opening in 1962 in Edinburgh’s New Town, Hendersons was previously the longest-running vegetarian restaurant in the country until it closed during the pandemic. But, in the greatest comeback in Edinburgh’s vegan history, Hendersons has recently opened a new restaurant in Bruntsfield with a trendy new look but the same favourite dishes. Beautifully presented comfort food, this fully veggie and vegan menu is at the essence of the restaurant’s new slogan ‘Eat Better, Live Better’.
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Serving mostly vegan food for 40 years, they made the choice to take the plunge in 2015 to become completely vegan and they haven’t looked back since (they also have other locations which include a shop, deli and salad bar if you fancy a Henderson’s tour). Choose from their tofu teriyaki buddha bowl or buffalo cauliflower soup if you’re really feeling like a vitamin boost. Or for an unapologetically Scottish dish, try their vegan haggis served with purple potatoes and red wine gravy.
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The New Town’s Hendersons proved less divisive, with the team all agreeing that the original Edinburgh veggie mecca is the place to go for veggie, vegan and gluten free options that "ACTUALLY TASTE NICE," which seems to be an ongoing battle even at this stage in the vegetarian revolution. Established in 1962, presumably before vegetarian was even a word, Hendersons now have outposts on Hanover St and Holyrood Road, and a newly opened vegan restaurant on Thistle St.
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After Hendersons was established in 1962, this family-run business has continued to serve freshly prepared and organically sourced veggie dishes for over half a century. Hendersons is located across three separate stores on the corner of Hanover Street and Thistle Street which means it has something to offer for everyone. If you’re looking for a quick snack, pop into their famous shop and deli for a fresh salad, patisserie or one of their delicious falafel wraps.
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So many of us mourned when almost 20 year old family business Hendersons, closed its doors last summer and so we were thrilled when it re-opened on Barclay Place (formerly The Apartment). At the helm is Barrie Henderson brings back his grandmother’s meat-free vision in a bigger space open 7 days a week, with coffee and cake, lunch, dinner, and a new tapas-style menu to accompany cocktails, wines and local beers. The king of Edinburgh’s vegetarian scene lives on.
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In several locations across Edinburgh offering various vegetarian and vegan menus, Henderson’s is failsafe for a dairy free eating. Beside Hanover Street they have a completely vegan restaurant and The Salad Table restaurant as well as a shop/deli where you can grab a bite to eat or a sweet treat. Near the bottom of the Royal Mile in Holyrood close to several of Edinburgh’s tourist landmarks you can also find Henderson’s where you can take away or eat in.
Vegetarian and vegan
Hendersons is an upmarket, stylish restaurant close to Bruntsfield Links, known for innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes. While the restaurant here is just a few years old, they are in fact the continuation of one of the first vegetarian restaurants in the UK and an Edinburgh institution – Hendersons of Hanover Street. Today, Hendersons offers modern dishes alongside updated favourites and beloved classics, using locally sourced and organic produce.
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An Edinburgh institution, Hendersonswas opened in 1962 by Janet Henderson, before sadly closing its doors in 2020. However, continuing the legacy of producing wholesome vegan and vegetarian food made with fresh, organic, local and sustainable produce, Janet’s grandson, Barrie reopened a new restaurant in September 2021. Now located in Edinburgh’s Bruntsfield, the all-day menus reflect a modern approach to the vegetarian and vegan dining experience.
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This was Edinburgh's first vegetarian restaurant, and many still consider it the best. Long, shared tables run the length of the basement room, where candlelight, a nice wine list and live piano or guitar add gracious touches. Meals are self-service, and typically there are eight hot dishes (vegetarian haggis, anyone?) and at least ten salads, in addition to a selection of baked goods and fresh organic produce.
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Fourth on our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh has to be family run business, Hendersons Salad Table. Here, you will find beautiful organic, local vegetarian food including soups, hot dishes and over a dozen salads to choose from. Up and running since the 1960s, Hendersons of Edinburgh was ahead of its time and has since gained an ‘institutional’ reputation for serving fine free-from food.
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A 100% vegan restaurant since July of 2015, Henderson’s Vegan serves up some tasty eats and delicious treats in Edinburgh. Hendersons is passionate about having a place where vegans can feel at home, knowing everything they’ll be eating and drinking is cruelty-free and vegan — this includes everything from the comfort meals to the wines and beers. And one of their best and most popular comfort meal?
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Using local, seasonal, and organic ingredients, Hendersons serves made-from-scratch vegan and vegetarian food in their airy restaurant near Bruntsfield Links. Renowned dishes include vegan haggis, lentil lasagne, wild mushroom risotto, and chocolate mousse. The owner, Barry Henderson, is the grandson of Janet Henderson, who opened the original Hendersons on Hanover Street in the New Town in 1962.
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Once, Hendersons was Edinburgh’s original and trailblazing vegetarian self-serve basement café-cum-wine bar. A national treasure!. Now the small empire of accessible vegetarian food is gone and replaced on the other side of town near the King’s Theatre with a new generation, but still the same honesty and integrity — a proper bistro setting with lots of seating and a kitchen garden out the back.
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And you can’t think about the vegetarian scene in Edinburgh without Hendersons springing to mind. The original location in the New Town used to be the longest-running vegetarian restaurant in the country before it fell victim to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Hendersons has opened up a lovely new restaurant in the heart of Bruntsfield.
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Hendersons is a local favourite renowned for its vegetarian and vegan fare that delights even the most devout meat eaters. Situated Barclay Place, this cosy spot welcomes dogs alongside their owners, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Their menu features an eclectic mix of dishes crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, ensuring both flavour and sustainability.
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7-13 Barclay Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HWHendersons has been delighting the Scottish community with its vegetarian cuisine since the 60s — can you believe it?. But the original location closed during the pandemic, and this Hendersons is new and improved. Their menu features local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible and focuses on making guests fall in love with veggies.
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This is an established vegetarian restaurant that really goes the extra mile for its customers. Hendersons goes by the slogan ‘Eat better, live better,’ and it’s clear that their standards are high. The restaurant’s bakers make their organic loaves, scones and rolls fresh every morning, so you are greeted with an amazing smell as you enter the building.
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Vegetarian Dishes: Nibbles Board, Scotch Broth, Arancini, Corn Brûlée, Heritage Potatoes, Rainbow Carrots, Cauliflower Jerk Steak, Henderson Haggis, Henderson Nutloaf, Salad Platter, Herby Polenta, Homemade Deluxe Affogato, Apfelstrudel. Website: https://www.hendersonsrestaurant.com/. Address: 7-13 Barclay Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HW, United Kingdom
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For those seeking vegetarian or vegan options, Hendersons Vegan Restaurant is the ultimate destination. This renowned buffet offers a delicious spread of plant-based dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From hearty salads and flavorful curries to innovative vegan desserts, the buffet at Hendersons will not disappoint.
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Hendersons is an Edinburgh institution worth a visit if you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan food. This is a new iteration of the original 58-year-old Hanover Street hangout which sadly closed down last year, and the new premises have been opened by the grandson of the original owner and look set to become another favourite.
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While this long standing vegetarian restaurant closed down after 58 years in 2020, the owners' grandson, Barrie Henderson, took over with new ideas and a modern flair. The restaurant reopened in 2021 in a new location. We've since returned to Hendersons to try their vegan Sunday roast, which was nothing short of incredible.
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Established in 1962, Henderson’s is Edinburgh’s oldest vegetarian restaurant and a true institution in the city’s culinary scene. Offering a wide range of delicious plant-based dishes, Henderson’s is known for its emphasis on organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their signature salads and daily specials.
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Henderson’s is an Edinburgh restaurant that has been serving vegetarian and vegan cuisine since 1962. Originally a small shop in Edinburgh’s New Town, Henderson’s has grown to become a much-loved destination for vegetarians and vegans, as well as meat-eaters looking for a delicious and healthy meal. view more information
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It comes from the chef Barrie Handerson, whose passion for sustainable, vegetarian food led him to open his own restaurant in 2021. All its ingredients are locally sourced and organic where possible. The interiors are beautiful too, boasting pale and dark woods amongst other natural materials throughout.
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Hendersons is a vegetarian institution, and one of the first veggie/vegan eateries in the city. There are now two branches in Edinburgh and one is totally vegan, as well as the salad bar restaurant and deli/shop. Expect dishes such as jackfruit stew, vegan haggis, soups, salads and tofu bowls.
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Hendersons award-winning vegetarian and vegan restaurant Edinburgh, one of Scotland's most famous vegetarian restaurants. Hendersons is something of an institution in Edinburgh. It was Scotland's longest running vegetarian restaurant.
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You know how I mentioned right up at the start of this guide that when I started veganedinburgh.com there was only one completely vegan restaurant in Edinburgh?. Well, you’ve guessed it – Hendersons Vegan was that restaurant.
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After being closed for a few years, Henderson’s is back and better than ever!. The restaurant is fully vegetarian with mostly vegan options. The space is beautiful and cozy and dishes are comfort food dressed to impress.
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No visit to Scotland’s capital would be complete without a slice of the most famous Edinburgh food, the iconic haggis. Where better to sample a vegan version than the longest-running vegetarian eatery in the U.K.?
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Henderson’s bread is available from their deli, Real Foods and Margiotta stores across the city. Henderson’s Bakery 94 Hanover Street Edinburgh EH2 1DR +44 131 225 6694 Hendersons on Twitter
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