David Bann

International, Scottish, Vegetarian·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of David Bann

Bronze Award

Despite occasional challenges from other shorter-lived venues, David Bann has kept its ranking as Edinburgh’s most innovative vegetarian restaurant. The sharp, modern interior reflects the kitchen’s forward-thinking, international approach, and sets the tone for a convivial evening with friends.

The menu, as you would expect, champions veg with dishes that span the globe from Thailand to France, and everywhere in between. Each plate is thoughtfully designed to not only taste good, but to look good too with presentation a particular strong suit of the kitchen team. Starters include a sweet and salty blue cheese and cherry tomato and a home smoked tofu dish that is served with moreish mango chutney. The choice of mains reads like a world tour – crêpes, udon noodles, dosas, risottos – while a celebrated Scottish cheese makes an appearance in beetroot, apple and Dunsyre Blue pudding (a soufflé-style affair served with olive polenta and tarragon butter spinach). Ginger and lime ice cream in a chocolate ganache bowl with orange drizzle cake is a lush way to finish, although the assiette of desserts for two lets you try a bit of everything, which is of course the best result.

The drinks menu is well-rounded but not vast, allowing you to confidently pick from an already cherry-picked selection, ensuring minimal room for a bad choice. Service is efficient and friendly, with the team happy to make suggestions on the food and drinks front. Outside of dinner time David Bann serves up a good selection of salads that are perfect for lunch, and also do a good weekend brunch should the fancy take you for a little weekend treat.  

With its prime location between Edinburgh Castle and Hollyrood Park, this Edinburgh veggie stalwart can get busy, so we’d suggest booking ahead – especially if you’re looking to enjoy a bite to eat during the Fringe Festival.

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Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Under £30
Cuisines
International, Scottish, Vegetarian
Ambience
Quiet conversation
Food Occasions
All day dining, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Group dining [8+]

About

Looking for a meat free feast in Edinburgh? Pay a visit to David Bann, where the chefs serve vegetarian and vegan dishes seven days a week from 12pm, just off the Royal Mile in the capital. The restaurant's design is minimal, warm and welcoming, making it the perfect place to get together for a special occasion. The menu does an excellent job of combining Scottish tradition and authentic dishes with influences from around the world.

Starters, salads and sides are all on the same section of the menu, and so are encouraged to be enjoyed as you wish – whether before your main meal, alongside it, or instead of. There's always a soup of the day, along with a tart made with saffron, broccoli and cheddar and served with sun dried tomato tapenade, and a warming gnocchi and pear salad with fresh basil, blackberry, rosemary and mustard dressing. The lemon braised celeriac is tossed with chickpeas and a smoked tomato sauce, before being topped with crispy basil polenta and cashew cream, and there are also chunky chips with fresh rosemary and thyme, served with a homemade apple and tomato ketchup – because when weren’t chips a good idea?

Main meals include stir fried vegetables with organic noodles and smoked tofu, a wild mushroom, cheese and heather ale strudel with potato mash, tenderstem broccoli and port gravy, and braised leek, celeriac and walnut risotto with award winning mature Scottish cheddar. For pudding, try the assiette of desserts for two, including a hot hazelnut and apple tart, tonka bean panna cotta and homemade chocolate filled with Sambuca, coffee and white chocolate, all served with a raspberry ice cream and pineapple sorbet.

 

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FAQs

Do I need a reservation?

Yes, it is advised. Bookings can be made via the website or over the phone.

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Location

56-58 St Mary's Street, Holyrood, Edinburgh, EH1 1SX

0131 556 5888 0131 556 5888

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon 12:00-22:00
Tue 12:00-22:00
Wed 12:00-22:00
Thu 12:00-22:00
Fri 12:00-10:30
Sat 11:00-22:30
Sun 11:00-22:00

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0131 556 5888 0131 556 5888

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