Henderson's

I have a very vague memory of eating here 25 years ago from the days when I first became a vegetarian. I loved having lunch here again yesterday. On the plus side I must say the food is really excellent - among the very best vegetarian food you could find anywhere, really fresh and totally delicious, with a great amount of choice too. I particularly like the way you can order a smaller portion of a main course in order to have some of those gorgeous salads on the side as well. The staff are lovely, so friendly and helpful - I love their big smiles!

I so want to be able to give this place 5 stars because I so loved my meal and will most definitely not leave it another 25 years before eating there again! (Pity 4-and-a-half stars aren't an option)

So...my only (minor) gripes are that the blackboards aren't that easy to read and the salads could be labelled. I imagine the staff get very tired of having to explain what everything is. It would also be better if there were waitress service - or a compromise where you order at the counter but they bring it to the table. It's not easy having to carry trays of food around looking for a table when you're already laden with shopping!

Apart from that, I would say 'highly recommended' for top quality vegetarian cuisine.

Delicious range of vegetarian food on offer and some nice soft and alcoholic drink choices.
As others have mentioned, staff can be hit or miss – on my last visit, the gentleman in charge was rather rude and ignored us for ages – he also spoke over our shoulder and had a lengthy conversation with some people leaving, as we were stood in front of him waiting to pay. He made the experience very cold and unfriendly.
If the variety of food wasn’t as good as it is, I don’t think I would return.

An amazing place – go for the atmosphere as well as the food. Nothing has changed since the 1960s and I hope it never will [it probably won’t – the Artex ceiling in the lower part would cost a fortune to remove]. The “caves” under the pavement were perfect for taking small kids at Halloween but sadly are now closed – perhaps by the H & S officials because too many people were hitting their heads. If you sit there for long enough at Festival time you will see every performer and comedian you’ve ever heard of.

Edinburgh’s original Vegetarian eatery. Who says veggie food is boring!?

Took the advice of Qypers and visited Hendersons whilst up for the Fringe. I am not a veggie but thoroughly enjoyed the food and thought they had a good, varied selection. Service was a little slow at lunchtime but didn’t detract from the overall experience. Loved the desserts. Will certainly go again when I am next up in Edinburgh.

I like Henderson's but do agree with many of the comments form other reviewers.
One thing that does need pointing out is that it is a basement restaurant and is therefore accessed down a flight of steep steps from street level, it is therefore not ideal for those with limited mobility or anyone trying to control a buggy or toddler.
The food is always decent, it's not the highest quality but is reliable, tasty and interesting and therefore somewhere I go back to.

staff can be hit and miss but i had a lovely wedding reception here

As a vegetarian, I love this place! If you're not vegitarian, don't be put off.

Scrumy meals at decent prices. I had a very nice Sunday lunch here last week. The meals are freshly prepared.

For pudding I'd strongly recommend the affogato (shot of coffee over ice cream), and surprisingly, the soya ice cream tastes damn good!

Had a really good lunch here.
Very tasty stuffed crepe, followed by excellent toffee and walnut cake. Definitely one to go back to.
Plus they do gigs in the evening.

Although the choice was great for vegetarians and vegans I felt that the price of it was far too much for getting essentially a tiny plate of salad. The service is a 'go-up-to-the-counter-with-a-tray’ style in the buffet/canteen and table service in the restaurant. The salad I had was nice and I didn’t feel rushed whilst I was in there. My boyfriend was particularly happy that he managed to find vegan cherry pie (which was very nice). I wouldn’t say it was great if you are on a budget but perhaps a “treat” lunch.

It is the first vedgy place in edinburgh and deserves some praise for that. has seen better days and is selfservice/canteen type pace. the food is wholesome and tasty but dont expect haute cuisine as that is not what it offers. just good simple fresh food

My Uncle remembers this place from back in the mists of time and it’s tried and tested vegetarian recipes certainly seem to have stood the test of time. Situated just down the hill from George Street in an unprepossessing basement on Hanover Street your first impression will be of warm wooden tables in a white cave! My favourite dish is to get a selection of salads from their legendary salad table with a roll and some home made patties of butter…mmmmm! The food is fairly well priced, not too expensive, and in the winter expect some lovely mulled wine for sale.

My mum swears by this place but I have never really warmed to it. It is veggie food but is expensive for what it is and quite bland and served in a way that is reminiscent of a school canteen. On a weekday lunchtime there will be a sea of grey hair as they purchase their ratatouilles and baked potatoes and broccoli bakes, the tables are close together and it can be really hard to find a seat at times.
I am not really sure what it wants to be. There is something about food that is dished out in this way that makes me think it isn’t really a proper restaurant - wandering about with a tray looking for a seat really does give me high school flashbacks so it really isn’t for me. But mum loves it.

This basement vegetarian restaurant is really interesting. It boasts being one of the oldest restaurants in the city. They have a deli upstairs and a bistro round the corner so whether you are on the move or have more time to relax its a great place to eat. The service is also efficient and friendly.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but for some reason Henderson's remninds me somewhat of an up-market, old-fashioned tea room/cantine.

Having said that, the food is good quality (if not superb) and its a great place to go for lunch, whether you're vegetarian, vegan or pagan. Keep a check on the wallet, though, cause there's a tendency to get pricey here...

Hendersons Restaurant is in the centre of town and is a great place for vegetarians to eat. The quality of food is quite good and I enjoyed eating there despite being somewhat of a carnivore! The prices are reasonably expensive for the portions they give you (although cheaper than places along George Street) but that I can only assume is due to the fact the restaurant is in the centre of town and the rates must be very high.

The main complaint I would have is that the restaurant is some what lacking in quality seating and there is a ‘rough and ready’ feel to it. I would not go if I was not eating with a vegetarian or needed to eat healthily but it is a nice place to eat in the city centre.

I'm not a vegetarian but I do choose to eat here regularly. The food is really good and I always feel like I'm eating good quality produce. The salad bar is particularly good and a bit cheaper than the hot meals but it is quite an expensive place. I did once have an amazing mushroom and spinach lasagne here and keep waiting for it to reappear on the menu! The shop upstairs has a good selection of salads, sandwiches and hot food to take away and also organic fruit, veg and bread. If I worked nearby I would definitely get my lunch here everyday.

This place is great to pick up a snack and a drink or stop and have some lunch. The fritatta is to be tried, and along with some salad, it just hits the spot! They are open in the evening but only until 10pm, however they do have a good selection of organic and vegan wines. Also a good place to pick up your everyday essentials, fresh free-range eggs, milk etc.

Henderson's is an institution in Edinburgh - a trail-blazing vegetarian-only restuarant before such things were de rigeur (and we're talking over 40 years ago).

It's still a good place for vegetarians, and one of the few places to take vegan friends. But for my money it hasn't quite moved enough with the times: it still feels a bit basic and cafe-like (you collect a tray and go up to the counter), and the prices are a little high for what you get. But it is reliable, the ingredients are always fresh, and the array of salads is impressive. A better bet for lunch in my view.

They've recently revamped the bistro next door, which offers a more upmarket dining experience with modern decor, though I have not eaten here. They are open on Sundays, albeit closing at 22h. What is it with veggie places and early closing?