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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200 Reviews
First Review by Stevie
imogenmichel
Points +2693
Pretty good - Edit
My experiences with David Bann over the years have been pretty consistently mediocre, but it's still on my list of places to consider to go out, especially for a fancy meal or eating out with non-veg*ns. I agree with the multiple other revews that they lack good options for vegan desserts. However, they still do decent food and I would certainly consider going back, although with the rise in the number of great vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the city making a real effort to offer good vegan choices it is no longer near the top of my list.
Read morePros: All vegetarian, Fancy
Cons: Don't make much effort for vegans, Pricey
Guest
Zamosa
Points +299
No Haggis - Edit
We only went there because we read here they would have vegetarian haggis, which was unfortunately not the case. It is quite posh and expensive. The food was good, but nothing special.
Read moreGuest
sunshineMUC
Points +475
classy vegetarian restaurant with vegan options - Edit
nice atmosphere, located in the Edinburgh city center, this restaurant offers vegetarian cuisine and has a bunch of vegan options on the menu as well
Read morePros: nice atmosphere, classy restaurant, vegan food options
Cons: a bit pricy though
Guest
vsername
Points +164
Top notch vegetarian - Edit
Very nice vegetarian restaurant where, they offer a huge variety of vegan dishes.
Read moreWe were here for dinner and since it was rather late (22.00) we could only order a main dish and a dessert. That was too bad, but the food was great! I had some Asian noodles with home made tofu and sauce which were brilliant.
Prices are ok compared to the rest of the city and especially given that the restaurant is kind of "pretentious". We had one main, a dessert and a pint each: that made 20£ each.
Pros: Great food, Not so expensive at it looks like from outside
Cons: They don't have the kitchen open until very late
Guest
53RBC
Points +92
Delicious, just a bit heavy - Edit
We loved the restaurant, great ambiance and outstanding service. The wine selection was ample and reasonably priced - we had an very good Spanish Chardonnay. Our food was quite tasty and well presented, we would have just preferred some lighter options (less cheese or egg). To be fair, many of the menu options can be made vegan and in retrospect we should have gone that way, for example on the risotto which although on the menu said that that it was made with cheddar cheese was way more cheesy that we had expected. We would definitely go back as it is a wonderful place for a special meal at what we thought were very reasonable prices for the quality.
Read moreGuest
mjveganfitness
Points +1778
Good vegan food - Edit
We were excited to try this place after reading the rave reviews. We really enjoyed the food - the lentil soup starter was delicious and we both had the kofta which was very strong in flavour but tasty. Our waitress was really friendly however our food came so quickly, literally one course straight after the other we felt as though we were being rushed. It's a shame as the ambience was otherwise good and we would have liked to have been made to feel more welcome and enjoy being out for dinner. It felt very much as though the staff were dying to close for the evening instead of providing a good dining experience.
Read morePros: Gluten free options, Vegan food
Cons: Meal was rushed, Pricey
Guest
Veganolive1
Points +4758
Great Vegan Options - Edit
A trip to Edinburgh, had to include a visit to David Bann, a well known vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the city. We ordered the vegan version of the salad of fennel, beetroot, raspberry and a poached egg replaced with fried smoked tofu. The salad was delicious, with broccoli and broad beans amongst the leaves and a delicious dressing. Mains was aubergine and chickpeas koftas in a spicy coconut sauce, with sweet potato and toasted almonds and portobello mushroom with chilli and chocolate sauce. Both dishes were delicious and we left clean plates.
Read moreDavid Bann is not your everyday vegetarian restaurant, its fine dining, in a casual atmosphere, with service throughout was friendly and professional.
Pros: Vegan options, Vegan drinks clearly labelled
Guest
dkinjer
Points +309
Very nice atmosphere, not an extensive menu - Edit
This is an upscale vegetarian restaurant. If it were not for the fact that we came a bit early for dinner time, we would have needed a reservation (and we knew that, and took a chance getting a table because it was only 5:30PM. We were seated and told that they need the table at 7:30PM, but it shouldn't be a problem. The atmosphere and service are quite nice, and you definitely feel like you are "dining out", rather than the experience in most vegetarian restaurants, which are quite casual, or even fast-food, lunch bars, and the like. However, the menu, though creative, is not extensive. There are vegan options, but if you also are looking to limit your carbohydrates (as I do, not for some fad diet, but for health reasons), then it is quite restrictive. I think the online menu has changed. The food is served very nicely - attractive on the plate, again, like an upscale restaurant. So, if you are vegetarian and want to dine someplace that is not going to serve the typical vegetable stew with grain, or veggie burgers, etc, then go for it. When I think of the cities I've been to and those that even have a vegetarian restaurant of this level of class, there are not so many such cities. Paris, the last time I was there (this past February) has nothing of any class for vegetarians or vegans.
Read morePros: Lovely atmosphere and presentation of food, Excellent service, Food is tasty
Cons: Not extensive menu
Guest
OliviaGreene
Points +30
Super! - Edit
Super tasty vegan food (with options!), three courses, great presentation, fantastic service. I wondered in without a reservation and they still managed to accommodate me - with extra speedy service! Would recommend booking. My first night in Edinburgh and I fancied something a little bit more adventurous and exciting and this was exactly what I needed! Would definitely recommend and will definitely be returning.
Read moreGuest
EveArmstrong
Points +218
Good but expensive - Edit
David Banns is a great place for a fine dining experience that has veggie and vegan food however the menu especially for vegans is small and the food is expensive so great for a celebration but otherwise there are better places in Edinburgh.
Read moreGuest
rosie
Points +502
Nice spot for a special meal - Edit
I was in Edinburgh for work so we booked a table (although the place was fairly quiet that night). Friendly staff, nice food, portions weren't huge but food was well prepared and tasty. My udon noodles were nice and my colleague (who's very much a canirvore) raved about her chickpea koftas. Most of the puddings weren't vegan, but my trio of homemade chocolate ice cream and fruit sorbets were lovely. The place has a welcoming atmosphere and the food was good, rather than mind blowingly amazing, but I very much enjoyed my dinner. Would return if I was back in Edinburgh.
Read morePros: Friendly staff , Nice atmosphere , Good choice of mains
Cons: Not a huge choice of vegan puds
Guest
Ryecatcher
Points +2218
High-end if ever there was one - Edit
David Bann is for a special occasion definitely a great choice! For an everyday visit it would be to expensive and to sophisticated - at least for me.
Read moreI had a great dinner there, it wasn't even too crowded. Everything is clean - this goes without saying - and service was very good.
For main and dessert I payed even less than 20 Pounds. No huge servings though - goes without saying as well.
Guest
corinal
Points +1694
Good for a fancy night out - Edit
It has an nice and upscale atmosphere so it’s great for a night out. Vegan options are labeled on the menu. We had the chilli pancake with grilled sweet potato, courgette and chocolate sauce and it was kind of bland unless it was dipped into the sauces. The stir fried vegetables with udon noodles and smoked tofu was my favorite - it had many delicate flavors. But I wasn’t a huge fan of the smoked tofu, which overpowered the starter, the Thai fritter of broccoli and marinated tofu, and seemed to be overused in many of their dishes. The raspberry jelly with pineapple and rum sorbet was good: I particularly liked the raspberry sorbet and Amaratto sauce. While there were many interesting things on the menu, some of the dishes were repetitive. It seems like a restaurant based on a fancy idea that doesn't follow through in terms of the food.
Read morePros: Beautiful atmosphere, Nice mix of flavors, Vegan options labeled
Cons: Limited scope, Not amazing
Guest
sophiefrenchfry
Points +1411
Memorable food and service - Edit
My husband and I live in the states, but got married in Edinburgh. We had our rehearsal dinner at David Bann, and couldn't have been more pleased. Our guests (many of whom were meat eaters), said the food was some of the best they have ever eaten. We loved the meal as well - appetizer, entree, dessert, and wine list - everything was well above our expectations. The folks at David Bann were also so easy to work with as we planned a meal for a rather large party (most of whom were traveling from abroad).
Read morePros: Great wine selection, Kind servers, Soooo tasty!
Guest
PeterMalm
Points +29
Excellent - Edit
I don't really understand the previous reviewers calling this place expensive. We decided the starters looked a bit more appealing than the mains so we opted for 5 starters shared between two people. With a craft beer each the total came to about 37 GBP before tips. In our hometown that barely gets you a burger and a lager.
Read moreOn to the food, the ravioli with artichoke and the onion tarte was my two favourites but everything was well prepared and the dishes seemed to have been thought through. We booked a table for this weekend when we left.
Highly recommended!
Pros: Food, Staff, Beers
Cons: Might feel a tad stiff/upscale
Guest
MuK-UK
Points +262
I keep coming back... - Edit
I've eaten at Bann's many times and I've always had a pleasant dining experience. There have always been plenty of vegan choices to tempt and the food and service have always been of a high standard.
Read morePros: Gluten free menu on request. , Friendly professional staff. , Large dining area.
Cons: Amount of vegan dishes varies.
Guest
jennyc32
Points +4058
A real treat - Edit
I ate here for the first time last October and thought it a great experience - it's a nice, fancy restaurant with great vegan options and delicious food. It also marks vegan alcohol on the menu, which is definite bonus.
Read moreI had some delicious tofu and broccoli fritters to start, followed by a Mexican pancake stuffed with spicy beans, drizzled with chocolate and served with griddled veg. The dessert wasn't quite to my taste, it had a bit too much going on: rum and coconut sorbet atop mint and raspberry jelly, on a slice of caramelised pineapple, surrounded by Amaretto-soaked figs. Still, it was part of a lovely evening and I applaud any restaurant that serves fancy vegan food.
Guest
Webchem
Points +56
High End Veg Dining - Edit
This place is proof that vegetarian restaurants are hitting the mainstream. This is a very good restaurant, period, not just a very good vegetarian restaurant. The service, presentation, and atmosphere were top notch. We got in without a reservation, but I would recommend you get one, because it was packed well into the evening.
Read morePros: Haute Cuisine, Service, Presentation
Cons: Cost, Popularity
Guest
Veganswife
Points +315
Classy but expensive - Edit
We are a vegan and a vegetarian and were visiting Edinburgh for the festival. This restaurant is centrally located and classy in its atmosphere. Filly vegetarian with many vegan options. The service was inviting and the menu quite exciting with plenty of vegan options. Wine and non alcoholics service. We did, however, find it quite expensive.
Read morePros: Fully vegetarian, Location, Effort to provide range of choices
Cons: Price
Guest
MinaMurray
Points +25
lovely veggie restaurant - Edit
We were in Edinburgh for the Fringe and found the restaurant through HappyCow, but it's also highly recommended by many guidebooks. Went there once, went back again a day later!! Fast and friendly service, quick food- important when you have Fringe or Tattoo tickets- and splendid food. Try the chips or hummus for starters, absolutely fabulous!
Read moreGuest
DIN8
Points +58
My favourite place in Edinburgh - Edit
I cannot stay in Edinburgh without eating at David Bann. I have been there quite a few times in the past years and have never been disappointed.
Read moreFrom my point of view, the vegan options are absolute sufficient with more than half of the starters and mains on the menu being vegan or vegan on request. Only the dessert choices are a bit limited but I don't care for desserts anyway.
Last time (this June) I had the Thai fritter of broccoli and marinated tofu as a starter and the stir fried vegetables with Udon noodles and smoked tofu as main. Both were as delicious as expected.
Pros: extraordinary food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff
Guest
_norvegan
Points +65
Definitely going back! - Edit
Very nice restaurant, a place you'd take omnivore friends who are convinced your lifestyle is only for hippies ;-) Great atmosphere, great food, vegan options and options that can be made vegan are clearly marked and service is good. Our taxi driver casually mentioned this restaurant as we drove past it, described it as "A nice vegetarian restaurant, I've been there once with my family", and he didn't even know that we were vegan/vegetarian - so that's a good sign I gues! Definitely going back next time we're in Edinburgh.
Read morePros: Great food, Friendly staff, Good atmosphere
Cons: Needs more vegan desserts!
Guest
Stephenveg
Points +16
Lovely restaurant - Edit
Really love this restaurant and the service, some of the food combinations are a bit odd, but there were good vegan options, and the marinated tofu is really good
Read moreGuest
christopherjboyce
Points +984
I was really impressed - Edit
I've lived in Edinburgh for some time and hadn't got round to trying this restaurant until now. I had been a bit skeptical that they might not adequately cater for vegans, but I was pleasantly surprised. There were were a good number of vegan options that sounded good, and the food that I did have was really tasty too. I'd definitely recommend to someone who wanted to make a nice meal out in the evening in a pleasant atmosphere. Reasonably priced for what you get.
Read morePros: Good vegan options, Good quality food
Guest
Edinburghvegan
Points +36
Nice Atmosphere, Great Food - Edit
It makes a nice change to go to a "posh" veggie restaraunt with a nice interior and well presented plates. There aren't enough vegan options and it is a bit pricey, but worth it for a special occasion. The food is really great, service is friendly and efficient, but you don't feel rushed. I took my very much non-veggie dad here for dinner, and he loved it!
Read morePros: Great Food, Nice Atmosphere, Friendly Service
Cons: Bit Pricey, Not Enough Vegan Choices
Guest
JonJon
Points +20621
Fine veg' cuisine - Edit
David Bann Restaurant is a very nice place to eat vegan or vegetarian in Edinburgh. Even if it could be a little expensive and they could offer more vegan choices, I enjoyed my vegan three course meal. Every dish offered interesting flavours and was really yummy. They also served me water perfumed with fruits such as strawberry. The atmosphere of the restaurant is pleasant with this simple style and the presence of wood from bottom to top.
Read moreTry it if you have time and want a pleasant dinner with friends.
Pros: fine cuisine, vegan(izable) choices including desserts, nice atmosphere
Cons: could have more vegan choices
Guest
Helster91
Points +29
Posh, fast, pricey - Edit
I enjoyed my visit here: it was very classy and good for a special occasion. However, I was a tad disappointed at the limited choice for vegans and it was pricey for the food.
Read moreThey quality of food was good, but it wasn't the best I had, especially when considering the price. However, it the service was very very quick and the atmosphere was good.
Pros: Classy, Fast, Fully Vegetarian
Cons: Limited vegan choice, Pricey
Guest
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