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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216 Reviews
First Review by Stevie
Ryecatcher
Points +2222
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 +1852
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 +1543
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 +4389
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 +20827
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
vegan_ryan
Points +3873
Where uppity/posh veggies complain about vegans - Edit
If you want to go somewhere and listen to a bunch of annoying, posh vegetarians talk about how much they hate vegans, this is a great place for you.
Read moreOtherwise, I'd go somewhere else.
The only vegan dessert: scoops of chocolate ice cream.
The amount of vegan entrees: 1. Others can be "made vegan."
I've eaten more food, better food, and cheaper food elsewhere.
You should do that, too.
Pros: All-veg
Guest
shanery
Points +193
disappointing - Edit
If you're visiting Edinburgh this restaurant offers a very pleasant, classy experience.
Read moreIf you're a vegan and live in Edinburgh it's disappointing - it becomes old quite quickly. The last time I was in, just over a week ago, there was only one set vegan option on the main course. There was a dish that had egg and cheese that could be "made vegan". When I asked about this, it turned out that making it vegan simply involved taking out the egg and cheese, without apparently adding any alternatives.
Most restaurants in Edinburgh offer vegetarian options, few offer set vegan options. It's a pity when a vegetarian restaurant can't do a better job of catering to vegans.
Pros: Ambiance - esp. in evening, The food is pretty good
Cons: Few good options for vegans
Guest
kasia
Points +144
Beautiful - Edit
The place is very posh and elegant, the service excellent. Food - well presented. Not many vegan options but the ones vailable are superb, in particular jasmine rice with tofu which I could eat every day and I will probably never find out how to make it! They also have great tofu chocolate icecreams.
Read morePros: elegant, great food
Cons: not enough vegan options
Guest
Tara HD
Points +963
Very good upscale restaurant - Edit
David Bann certainly isn't one of those alternative veggie places where you get a mediocre meal for a few bucks. Instead, it's an upscale restaurant with inventive food, obviously cooked by professionals, and nicely arranged on your plate.
Read moreIt was my first evening in Scotland and, like one reviewer before me, I found that the food could do with more seasoning. Later I was no longer surprised about this because I found that the Scots use far less salt (at least in their vegetarian dishes) in general than we do in Germany. Apart from this, I really liked the taste of the food and also the atmosphere. Service was very nice as well.
Pros: excellent food, friendly service, elegant but comfortable
Cons: upscale prices
Guest
Janeycat
Points +40
More vegan choices please! - Edit
Really tasty food and plenty of it! Just my usual bugbear of not having more vegan choices.... Especially, as the reviewer before me said, in the desserts. There are so many exciting things they could make. Why don't they bite the bullet and go that extra mile?
Read moreThere are also a lot more vegan wines available than they have on their list. It just seems a shame that they don't stock them. More choice is all I'm asking for.
The tastiness of the dishes we had was out of this world. I can't fault them on that. The service was also swift, friendly and knowledgeable.
I have been going here ever since they first opened about 20 years ago, up in Tron Square, and will continue to do so as the food is so tasty :)
Pros: Tasty
Cons: Not enough vegan choices
Guest
OneNightStanzas
Points +127
More vegan desserts please? But I still love you. - Edit
As a (newish) vegan who goes here A LOT, I can tell you: DAVID BANN'S IS HEAVEN.
Read moreFirstly, the service. In my experience the wait-staff are super awesome -- obviously there's some rigorous staff training because they all have *impeccable* manners. It's above and beyond, really great. I mean, they always make sure you have a replenished water jug on the table, you're never sat for too long with empty plates cluttered in front of you, and if you have questions about what's vegan, what contains nuts or anything else dietary, they *never* have to say 'oh wait, let me check' -- they are extremely knowledgeable about every single dish, all the wines... I genuinely have no idea how anyone can fault the service.
For vegans the choice is AMAZING. Seriously -- it's not just pasta with olive oil or a baked potato like we're used to. There are actually starters and desserts that vegans can eat! And wines that vegans can drink! The dishes are all creative and original and delicious. In other restaurants I'm sometimes a bit apprehensive about trying new things, but at Bann's I will try anything they put on the menu with total confidence, because I know it is guaranteed to be delicious.
My only faults with this place are: 1) that they could change the menu a bit more often. But then... my veggie partner was DISTRAUGHT when they took the chocolate souffle off the menu for a while, so maybe the old favourites stick around due to popular demand! And 2) there is only one vegan dessert, and though it's nice it's very sugary-sweet. It would be nice to have even one more on the menu so I could alternate. But otherwise...
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE -- if you haven't yet, go there now!
Pros: So much vegan choice, Such amazing staff, Great atmosphere
Cons: Only one vegan dessert
Guest
malinolsson
Points +71
Not priceworth - Edit
Fancy restaurant with friendly staff sure, but I'm very dissapointed at the food. The food was expensive and underseasoned and the portions were too small. We (two people) payed £30 for the main dish with small water+small beer and we didn't even still our hunger..! Sorry, but this place isn't as good as they say. Probably I could have cooked the food better myself, and that's not right.
Read morePros: Fancy interior, Friendly staff
Cons: Expensive, Underseasoned, Small portions
Guest
Sophiebeth23
Points +84
Most Amazing Restaurant Ever - Edit
I have to say this is the most amazing restaurant ever. The staff are very friendly and it has wonderful decor. The menu was wonderful it was so lovely having choice of ever thing on it! The starters we had were tartlet of blue cheese and slow dried tomato and Smoked mushroom and basil ravioli with tomato and basil soup. Both were a taste sensation. For mains we had Rice pancakes with spicy potato, cauliflower, chickpea and cashew & chilli filo tart with mash and parsnip sauce. Both were delicious. For desert we had Dark chocolate souffle and filo basket of warm orange caramel fruit with coconut rum sorbet. Wonderful from start to finish would truly recommend it!
Read morePros: Excellent food, Fantastic choice, Welcoming environment
Cons: nothing
Guest
hokusai77
Points +13599
A gastronomic experience - Edit
One of my favourite restaurants in Europe, David Bann is a true gourmet experience. Belonging to the Slow Food circuit, it offers inventive dishes with the freshest ingredients. Always crowded, it's better to reserve in advance. The cuisine varies from Indian to Japanese flavours, from Mediterranean to Thai dishes, without forgetting traditional British and Scottish food revisited in a vegetarian and vegan way.
Read moreThe only minor flaw, if I have to find any, is the vegan dessert choice, not so large. Nevertheless, the vegan chocolate ice cream I had was scrumptious.
Updated from previous review on Sunday January 29, 2012
Pros: fresh ingredients carefully balanced, friendly staff
Cons: not a large choice of vegan desserts
Guest
cprisacariu
Points +143
Nice, stylish, more upper class restaurant - Edit
Nice atmosphere with friendly staff. Good food, but more decorated and arranged in the plate. Kinda stylish interior and serving. Suited for more upper class people that like such style.
Read moreFor me, I would like a more down to earth restaurant.
But everything else was ok. More expensive prices.
This just shows that vegetarian restaurants come in all styles; for the rich also. You don't need to go to a french restaurant... you can choose a vegetarian one :)
Pros: nice decoration, nice staff, good food
Cons: expensive, stylish
Guest
alimac
Points +265
What shall I choose? - Edit
We had a good meal at David Bann's; it is a lovely restaurant which is designed to be a dining experience. Beautiful decor and welcoming staff. The menu is quite large and the choices feature local produce and a range of vegetarian and vegan options.. it is so nice to look at a menu and go "what shall I choose" rather than "what can I eat". Can highly recommend the dessert platter to share. Melt in the mouth.
Read morePros: sharing desserts, style of restaurant
Cons: busy
Guest
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