Restaurant reviews - eating out dairy free in Edinburgh

THE GOOD

We had originally planned to have lunch in  Henderson's Restaurant, where the service is canteen style.  I took one look at the Queue of people and walked out.  Not too great for someone that has an anxiety disorder and finds crowds claustrophobic.

Then I remembered the bistro just round the corner, which only had one other couple.  It's a small bistro, that's eclectically decorated which we both loved.  

Henderson's Bistro - Edinburgh

Light Lunch at Henderson's Vegetarian Bistro 


Mum's Lunch

Henderson's Homemade Pate with Organic Oat cakes

- Lentil and Apricot pate spiced with Chili, Coriander and Cumin
- Roasted red pepper Pate


My Lunch

Soup of the day with Organic Oat Cakes

- Mushroom and coconut cream soup


Lunch & drink for 2 = £ 15

Mum preferred the roasted red pepper pate over the lentil and apricot, it was served with a light side salad.  She ordered a small pot of tea, and was given a proper tea cup and saucer.  

The Mushroom and coconut cream soup, was tasty.  You could tell it was home made with fresh mushrooms.  The Oatcakes where on the firm side, so were perfect for dipping in.  

I had a pear and raspberry presse, which was very refreshing.  

Atmosphere + service + tasty food + reasonably priced = highly recommended.  

I got my birthday wish, all I wanted to do was to eat at a restaurant, where I could eat more than one item on the menu.  So I after checking out the menu at David Banns Vegetarian restaurant, we booked a table for the evening.

The restaurant is opposite the Travelodge in St Mary Street, but do not let that put you off.   

(Stayed there a few years ago, and got devoured by bed bugs. I spent the rest of my 2 week holiday off work, in the house covered in Calamine lotion........)

The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the staff are attentive without being over helpful.  There attention to detail is impeccable.  We had been given bread rolls and butter to eat while we read the menu.  After I ordered a vegan version of the Koftas, the waiter came back with some soya spread for me instead.  

David Bann Restaurant - Edinburgh

Mum's Meal 

Chunky chips 
With fresh rosemary and thyme, served with homemade apple and tomato ketchup and sour cream. [V]

Mushroom strudel with celeriac sauce and dauphinoise.
A loaf of mushroom baked in Heather Ale, Bonnet goats cheese from Ayrshire and rosemary, wrapped in filo pastry. Served with potato and celeriac dauphinoise, Mediterranean roast vegetables and celeriac sauce. 

Ginger and lime ice cream with orange cake.
Homemade ginger and lime ice cream served in a chocolate ganache bowl on orange drizzle cake. 

My Meal

Smoked and marinated tofu 
Home smoked tofu, pan fried and served with mango chutney. V 

Aubergine, chick pea and cashew koftas.
Spicy koftas of roasted aubergine, chick pea and toasted cashews in a spicy aromatic coconut, courgette and tomato sauce. Served with coriander rice, pineapple chutney and mint yoghurt raita (V) 

Ginger and lime ice cream with orange cake.
Homemade ginger and lime ice cream served in a chocolate ganache bowl on orange drizzle cake. 


Three course meal with non alcoholic drinks for 2, came to less than £50.  

My mum has IBS as well, however she can still eat meat and poultry.  However we both agreed, that we could not remember a meal out that we had enjoyed more.  

How much more of a recommendation could you want from a vegetarian restaurant?  

THE BAD

After my first experience of the over crowded canteen Restaurant at Henderson's we decided to give Henderson's another try today for brunch.  I read some great reviews on the breakfast foods they serve.  Was not impressed.......

There was no table menu and the blackboard they must use to  write specials on was also empty.  There was also so labels differentiating between vegetarian or vegan foods, that were in the chilled self serve cabinets.  

We ended up enquiring at the cash register for information, only to be told they had no dairy free or vegan items.  

I'll stick the Bistro and avoid the restaurant the next time I'm in Edinburgh.  

THE UGLY

Why do major chain cafes and restaurants cater for Gluten intolerance and Celiac disease, but have very little for those of us who are lactose intolerant?

It's really hard to find cafe's or coffee shops with dairy free options available to eat or drink.  The only option available always seems to be herbal tea.  

Starbucks

Going to Starbucks is kind of mum and I's thing, ever since our holiday to New York.  They do have soya milk available, but charge an extra 35p for the privilege.  

The only food I can eat there is either fruit salad or crisps/chips.  Not great when you are craving something sweet to go with your soya milk Chai tea latte.

Versus

Costa's

Costa's also have Soya milk available, however they do not charge any extra. 

There mini gluten free Bakewell tarts, are also dairy free.  They taste pretty good as well.  Costa's are also doing fruit coolers - the pineapple, coconut and lime is my personal favourite.

For me Costa's wins this battle hands down.