Sundays in Scotland usually mean one thing: roast dinners. Plates piled high with roast potatoes, crispy veg, stuffing, lashings of gravy, and something warm and comforting at the centre.
But if you’re plant-based, or just looking to take a break from meat, it can feel like the Sunday roast tradition is off-limits. Good news, that’s no longer the case!
Edinburgh’s food scene has stepped up, and plant-based roasts are now absolutely a thing. Proper ones. The kind you’ll talk about until next Sunday. And if you’re not sure where to start? Let’s fix that.
We’ve rounded up some of the best spots in the city to get your fix of vegan comfort food, starting with the one we know best.
Black Ivy – Our Vegan Roast is No Afterthought
At Black Ivy, we love Sundays. There’s just something about the buzz in the bar, the smell of roasties coming out the oven, and a table full of friends catching up over great food. And yes, our Vegan Sunday Roast holds its own.
Served every Sunday from 12pm, our plant-based roast features all the essentials: perfectly roasted seasonal veg, crisp and golden potatoes, savoury vegan stuffing, and a rich, plant-based gravy that ties it all together. It’s everything you want from a Sunday roast, minus the meat, and without compromising on flavour!
We’re based in Bruntsfield – just a short stroll from the Meadows – making us the ideal stop after a walk or a lazy morning lie-in. Our space is lively, stylish, and always welcoming. Whether you’re bringing the family, catching up with mates, or flying solo with a good book and a roast, we’ll have a spot for you.
Find us at: 4 Alvanley Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1DU, United Kingdom
Bookings recommended. Trust us, Sunday gets busy.
More Great Vegan Sunday Roasts (and Then Some)
Okay, we know we’re a little biased… but we’re not the only ones doing great things with a Sunday roast. Edinburgh is full of brilliant vegan-friendly kitchens where the roasts are just as comforting and the vibes just as welcoming. So, if you’re up for mixing it up or trying something new next weekend, here are some top spots where plant-based food takes centre stage (and doesn’t hold back on flavour).
Seeds for the Soul
Where to find them: 167 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4DG
Seeds for the Soul is a plant-based café has a bit of a cult following – and for good reason.
The dishes are colourful, generous, and full of flavour. Their Sunday roast features a rotating line-up of creative mains (think lentil loaves and nut roasts), always served with classic roast trimmings and proper gravy. The setting is light, relaxed and ideal for a casual meal.
Bonus: they’re open for vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can keep coming back to try something new.
Holy Cow
Where to find them: 34 Elder St, Edinburgh EH1 3DX & 1 Dundee St, Edinburgh EH3 9FP
Want a vegan take on a traditional Scottish breakfast before you even think about lunch? Holy Cow does a full vegan version with veggie haggis that’s packed with flavour.
On Sundays, their roast options often feature rich, root veg-focused mains with all the comforting sides you’d expect. The vibe is chilled and the food is satisfying in that proper, hearty way.
Sora Lella
Where to find them: 13a Brougham St, Edinburgh EH3 9JS
Italy, but make it plant-based… Sora Lella is Edinburgh’s first fully vegan Italian restaurant and while you won’t find a British-style Sunday roast, the indulgent bowls of house-made pasta and oven-baked pizzas more than fill that comfort food craving. The menu is inventive, the setting is cosy, and there’s even a gluten-free vegan menu for those who need it.
Antojitos
Where to find them: Omni Centre, Edinburgh
In the mood for spice instead of roast potatoes? Antojitos serves up flavour-packed Mexican street food that’s 100% vegan. Their crispy taquitos with smoky chorizo and creamy elote are bursting with personality. It’s perfect if you want something playful and vibrant for your Sunday feast!
The Sly Fox
Where to find them: 16 Henderson St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BS
This quirky Leith gem specialises in reinventing traditional comfort dishes. You’ll find everything from warming vegan goulash to plant-based haggis with a smooth whisky sauce. The Sly Fox’s Sunday plates change often but always hit the spot – expect depth of flavour, proper portions, and something a bit unexpected.
Black Rabbit
Where to find them: 33 Brougham St, Edinburgh EH3 9JT
More of a coffee shop and deli vibe, Black Rabbit is a great shout if you fancy a more casual Sunday spread. Their toasted sandwiches, pastries, and rotating cake selection are all made in-house and 100% vegan. Their house-made bakon? Genuinely worth the visit!
Nova Pizza
Where to find them: 42 Howe St, Edinburgh EH3 6TH
Edinburgh’s second fully vegan Italian restaurant brings serious flavour. No Sunday roast at Nova Pizza, but if you’re in the mood for lasagna, creamy pasta, or pizza loaded with mushrooms, olives and house-made vegan meats, you’ll leave happy and full.
Why Try a Vegan Roast?
Plant-based roasts aren’t just for vegans. We know sometimes people hear “vegan” and think it’s only for the fully committed plant-based crowd—but honestly, it’s for anyone who loves a proper roast done right. They’re flavour-packed, satisfying, and a great way to explore just how far the meat-free movement has come.
Edinburgh’s food scene is full of chefs who are getting creative with traditional dishes—from vegan haggis to gravy that you’d swear had drippings in it. It’s the same Sunday feeling, with a lighter footprint and no compromise.
If you’re looking to dip your toe into plant-based eating, the vegan Sunday roast is a very tasty place to start.
Wrap-Up: Your Sunday Plans, Sorted
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just feeling curious, Edinburgh’s Sunday roast game is strong. You’ll find everything from hearty traditional plates to global comfort food, all made without meat and packed with flavour.
For a roast that gets it just right — laid-back, delicious, and served in a fun, lively setting — Black Ivy should be top of your list. We’ll take care of the roast (and the cocktails) — all you need to do is book your table.
See you Sunday?
