Lacto
Ovo
International
Beer/Wine
Gluten-free
Scottish
Modern, stylish restaurant serving meals with influence from around the world. Vegan options may include Moroccan black-eyed bean stew, smoked tofu noodles, and haggis, neeps & tatties mille feuille. Vegan cocktails available. Open Mon-Sun 12:00-21:30.
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56-58 St. Mary Street (at Royal Mile & Cowgate), Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1SX
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Last update on 26 Jan 2024 by geometric-noise
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191 Reviews
First Review by Stevie
Hooknroll
Points +127
Overrated - Edit
I can’t say I didn’t enjoy my lunch or anything, it was good but my expectations were probably too high from all the recommendations I read prior that trip to Edinburgh. Maybe I should have opted for something more original than stir fried vegetables noodles.
Read moreMoreover, the waitress wasn’t friendly, it was like we were annoying her or something… It was a bit unpleasant.
Guest
StimParavane
Points +13
Uncomfortable experience - Edit
I went for lunch but unfortunately I didn't enjoy the experience. When I arrived the male waiter touched me on the shoulder and after I sat down he came and put his hand on the middle of my back. I then told him that I didn't want to be touched and asked if I could have another waiter.
Read moreI felt really uncomfortable with his actions, which were disrespectful on a number of levels, and consequently I did not enjoy the meal at all. I would have left before eating but I was there because my mother bought me £50 gift token as a Christmas present.
I will not be returning to this restaurant.
Pros: Food was reasonable
Cons: Behaviour of the male waiter
Guest
umebossy
Points +190
Laid-back Sunday Lunch - Edit
I took my mum for an early Mother’s Day lunch recently and we both loved the dishes we ordered. The vegan dessert sharing plate was absolutely amazing. I was surprised how quiet it was on a Sunday lunchtime but we received amazing service and couldn’t have been happier with our food.
Read morePros: Lots of choice, Extensive wine menu
Cons: Slightly lacking in atmosphere when we were there
Guest
SaraNorlin
Points +3271
Highly recommended! Especially the sorbet - Edit
So so good! Everything I had was delicious. The chocolate cake was one of the best things I've had especially the beetroot, coconut, and whiskey sorbet that came with it. The gnocchi and pear salad was also delicious and the lentil soup was hearty on a chilly day. Highly recommended!
Read moreGuest
craigmc
Points +32939
Great food - Edit
like many veggie restaurants bann's cuisine is a menu of geographical areas. in the past i have been to many establishments of a similar nature and have found them to offer lots of choice, but never master any cuisine and are disappointing. here is where banns differ. not only is there a good variety, but the food is very high end for vegetarian food. Staff are attentive and if you mention your eating preference, they are generally very aware of your requirements.
Read moreBann's has a relaxed atmosphere, i have taken many people of varying needs, and no one has been unhappy. good wine selection. my only issue is the lack of change to the menu, living in edinburgh i feel it doesn't change enough. However if you are a tourist youbwont notice this and will love the food.
still offering fantastic food, still fabby service, still needs to change the menu once every year or so.
If you are a tourist in Edinburgh, don't miss it.
Haven't been in ages and stopped for a fan lunch olives and bread followed by teriyaki tofu and udon noodles yum
Stopped in again and loved it. ❤️
Top stuff
What a meal. A must in Edinburgh.
Boom.
Tops
Updated from previous review on 2023-06-18
Pros: Good food, not burgers, Great staff, feels upmarket
mockingbird
I really need to go back here
Read moreGuest
Xnedra
Points +141
Two times a great dinner - Edit
I really liked the restaurant and visited it two times during my stay. I am vegan, therefor I definitely had to try this restaurant.
Read moreIt was possible to even spontanuously still have a dinner on new years eve although i had no reservation. The friendly ppl just fit me in before the evening reservations start and informed me, that I have only an hour to eat. Good service!
I enjoyed purely vegan dishes. They serve a small glas of hot soup before you start choosing your meal - very delicious.
First visit I ate a very tasty ravioli (!) and vegan Haggis (this one I did not like so much). On my second visit I tried the soup of the day , a very good mushroom risotto AND a marvelous desert with a hot chocolate cake with fluid chocolate inside.
Would definitely visit again :)
Pros: The best ravioli, A very good hot chocolate cake
Cons: I did not like vegan haggis (maybe haggis at all)
Guest
CarissaThorne
Points +68
Delicious! - Edit
I wish I lived in Edinburgh so I could eat here every week! The mushroom seaweed broth they gave us before the meal was one of the best things I've ever tasted in my life.
Read moreGuest
HenrietteJohansen
Points +1492
Fancy but disappointing - Edit
I was looking forward to this restaurant, so mayhaps my disappointment comes from my unmet expectations. I didn't find anything on the main menu that I wanted to eat, so I opted for two starters. Most of the starters were alright, nothing special. The hummus was absolutely not it. You get much better hummus even at Lidl. I tasted the risotto that my parents ordered and it tasted like unseasoned baked beans from a can. What disappointed me the most was perhaps the vegan dessert options as I was looking forward to eat a tart, but they were not vegan. I were a bit disappointed that they couldn't veganise these options. The service was ok but our waiter vanished at some point halfway through the dining experience. I have yet to experience a pleasant fine dining experience on a vegetarian restaurant.
Read morePros: Fine dining experience, Good ambience
Cons: Overrated, Bland food, Poor vegan dessert menu
Guest
Coeliacsquirrel
Points +194
Amazing food - Edit
Lots of vegan options and 2-3 starters & main courses that were gluten free or could be made gluten free & one vegan GF dessert. I had the Thai fritters & risotto both of which were superb. Staff were attentive without being in your face. Will definitely come back next time we visit Edinburgh
Read morePros: Vegan & GF options, Delicious food , Attentive friendly staff
Guest
Love@Sunshine
Points +407
Fine Dining Vegan Restaurant - Edit
Visited on 22 Dec 2023 for dinner. Wasn't aware about reservation is recommended. We walk-in around 4 plus. Thankfully, we manage to get a table. Fine dining vegan restaurant. Cozy ambience. Excellent customer service. Staff offers to store our coat at their restaurant coat cupboard so we can sit comfortably. Served delicious vegan food. Food artistically displayed. Ordered 3 starters, 4 mains and 3 desserts. Price moderate for fine dining; £20 - 30 person. Total amount spent £103 for 4 persons.
Read moreHighly recommend Smoked and marinated tofu (starters), Jerusalem artichoke and smoked cheese pudding (main), and Risotto marinara of mushroom and cannellini beans (main), and Dark chocolate Soufflés (desserts).
You need to go down a flight of stairs in order to access the washroom at the basement. Not wheelchair friendly if you need to use the washroom.
Pros: Wide varieties vegan options
Cons: Everything is great
Updated from previous review on 2023-12-23
Pros: Wide varieties vegan options
Cons: Everything is great
Guest
dollfacedghoul
Points +100
Vegan anniversary meal in Edinburgh - Edit
Late to posting this (we visited in July) but couldn’t not share our meal from our visit to David Bann Restaurant. We were blown away by this meal - particularly the black parpadelle! Vegans must try, particularly if you have wanted to try out a fully vegan haggis supper. We had the best time, the service and ambience was amazing and we would 100% visit again 🖤
Read moreGuest
VictorianVegan
Points +26
Wonderful Dinning Experience - Edit
We are vegan and found so many wonderful options on the menu. All the food we ordered was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented!
Read morecraigmc
One of the best in Edinburgh ❤️🌱
Read moreGuest
LilyEyre
Points +37
Classy vegetarian restaurant with excellent vegan options - Edit
Not an entirely vegan restaurant, but has lots of choice and most items on the menu can be made vegan by request.
Read moreCouldn’t have a trip to Edinburgh and not try vegan haggis😉and I am very glad that this was the place we choose to sample it in.
The restaurant itself is very modern, with an upmarket feel but still maintains a nice relaxed atmosphere. The staff were friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Most importantly, however the food was excellent.
I also really need the recipe for the whiskey sauce that the haggis is served with :)
Pros: Excellent food, Nice surroundings, Pleasant staff
craigmc
Hello Lily, the recipe is here.
Read morehttps://www.greencity.coop/blog/recipe-david-banns-haggis-neeps-and-tatties-mille-feuille-with-whisky-sauce
Enjoy. ❤️🌱
Guest
AshleighGillan
Points +414
Delicious experience - Edit
I really enjoyed our experience here.
Read morewhen we went to restaurant itself is really nice to be in, modern. The food is delicious and you know it’s actually created by chefs.
It’s a really nice restaurant experience. I thought it was great value for money. Nice enough for a treat, but also casual enough if you just want to pop in.
I’ll be back
Updated from previous review on 2023-09-24
Guest
stephanie_poyntz
Points +20
Excellent food. Wish I didn’t live so far away! - Edit
A friend took me here when I visited Edinburgh at the weekend. There was a lots of choice for vegans which is a pleasant surprise after usually only having one or two things to choose from.
Read moreThe food was of excellent quality, the service was attentive, and it was good value for money. If I didn’t live 500 miles away, I would be there every week!
The only downside was that I didn’t have room for one of the many delicious sounding desserts!
PS One of my bugbears is noisy restaurants but, although very busy, the noise was never intrusive. Another bonus!
Updated from previous review on 2023-09-18
Pros: The vegan haggis, neeps and tatties was delicious., Great service., Lots of choice.
Guest
cvs578
Points +46
Absolutely divine - Edit
The menu and staff are all excellent. This restaurant is a must when you’re ready to step away from the bustle of Edinburgh and enjoy a calm atmosphere and a meal with complexity and sophistication. For the quality, the pricing is excellent.
Read moreGuest
Motorcitymitch
Points +126
Fine vegan dinning - Edit
Near Michelin star quality food and presentation in a lovely setting. Not cheap, but fairly priced for the quality.
Read moreWe had the deconstructed vegan Haggis for a main and it was sublime.
The puddings were also great.
Pros: Originality , Flavours, Quality
Guest
EmmaAndersson22
Points +74
High end fine dinig - Edit
Best food i had in Edinburgh. We were lucky to get a table, and The whole experience was Way over my expectations.
Read moreFresh, lots of options, professional staff. It is very reasonably priced for what you get. Great cocktails and good options of wine.
The smoked tofu is to die for! Would come again only for that.
Pros: Awesome service, Good cocktails, Good price
Cons: Hard to get a table, because they are popular
Guest
kathrynvinson.
Points +498
great food (but not fully vegan) - Edit
my parents (non vegan) absolutely adored the food here, so this is the perfect place to bring non vegan friends as it gives you both great options! unfortunately i started feeling very ill halfway through the meal but the staff was so kind and packed up dessert for us (and threw in an extra tart instead of sorbet). overall they have fantastic food!
Read morePros: mostly vegan , great staff, good vibes
Cons: not fully vegan
Guest
beccavinson
Points +502
great for vegans with non vegan friends + family - Edit
I went with my (non-vegan) family last night and everyone loved it. Even my dad claimed that his vegan haggis was the best vegan food he’s ever had. (high praise). this place is also a wonderful option for going to with non-vegan friends and family as there are many veg options. overall great staff, amazing food and cute restaurant.
Read morePros: great vegan options, amazing vegan desserts
Guest
JTtheveggie
Points +2638
A great find near the university - Edit
Underdressed in shorts and a t-shirt, I was warmly welcomed after being directed to this restaurant by a local. It didn’t disappoint. I started with the smoked tofu on pickled beets as an appetizer followed by the vegan haggis - both dishes prepared with care and full of flavour. Dessert was fantastic and if you like lemon, you’ll love the tart. Knowledgeable staff. $28 for the three courses. Will return if I’ve the chance!
Read moreGuest
livegreenwearblack
Points +313
Extraordinary! - Edit
My (vegan) mum and I had a delightful meal here during our trip to Scotland. Every dish was fantastic - service was impeccable.
Read morecraigmc
❤️🌱
Read moreGuest
Mynameisjack
Points +40
Well established - Edit
Had an exceptional dining experience. Great food and great service. Each dish had something interesting up its sleeve.
Read moreGuest
Rothkogirrl
Points +199
Menu out of this world - Edit
Amazing food next level had the vegan haggis, strawberry sorbet totally recommend. Staff are very attentive. Nice atmosphere great prices for the top shelf food on the menu
Read morePros: Food
Cons: One waiter a little brusk
Guest
Ward
Points +210
Our favorite on U.K. trip - Edit
As U.S. tourists, we would have never found this very special restaurant without the Happy Cow app. Thank you to all who rated it previously. The broad menu was entirely vegetarian with vegan items clearly labeled. We had two delicious meals in a most comfortable, clean venue --for 30 pounds.
Read morePros: Wide selection, Mouth watering good, Great prices
Cons: Off the beaten path
Guest
sbierba
Points +50
Fanstastic food - Edit
Our meal was delicious. The desserts were particularly special. Great experience!
Read morePros: Food was innovative, Food was really delicious , Atmosphere quiet/subdued
Cons: Not affordable for all
Guest
MoritzSteiner
Points +6
perfekt vegetarian place - Edit
The food is good.
Read moreThe service is good.
The price is low.
The location is nice.
The dessert is even better.
It seems like ever single item on the menu is super delicious, I have tried about half.
Guest
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