Roots Edinburgh

Ethical concern is at the heart of one of Edinburgh's most up-and-coming cafes.

At Roots Deli and Salad Bar, every decision is motivated by their core values; sustainability, well-being and community. This starts with ethical food sourcing, from the meat which comes from carefully-chosen farms to their self-grown and locally-sourced fruit and veg. It continues with the service, which is warm and welcoming to all – kids, dugs, you name it! It's tempered by the prices and the firm belief that food shouldn't cost the earth. It's in their determination to shop locally, to support local growers and suppliers and to minimise waste in every way they can.

This is a cafe full of heart, and delicious food to boot. Their menu focuses largely on veggie and vegan-friendly fare, but that's not to say carnivores are excluded as there's plenty of yummy meat treats on offer too. Universally pleasing are the cracking breakfasts, which vary from hearty porridge and topped toast to flavourful breakfast pots and crunchy granola. Cold bellies in need of a warming will rejoice at the daily-changing soups, stews and pasta dishes on offer, while those looking for something a little lighter will love a wee treat from the salad bar. Wash these down with a squashed-full-of-nutrients smoothie or a lovingly-crafted coffee and job's a good'un. On the move? Fear not, as there's a nifty range of dinner kits and veggie boxes to takeaway too.

With their cracking West End location and sunny disposition, Roots is fast climbing the popularity ranks amongst Edinburgh's cafe lovers. But don't just take our word for it; every year we ask our fabulous readers to vote in our annual Food & Drink Survey. In 2019, Roots was voted one of the Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Edinburgh, along with Rose Theatre Cafe and Tasty Buns. To find out more about Scotland's best-loved restaurants, bars and shops, head over to our full list of winners here.