Plantz is a lovely vegan deli just where Inverleith becomes Ferry Road. It wouldn’t look out of place teleported up the road, through the Royal Botanic Garden and to Stockbridge.
My only complaint is that if you don’t get to the spotless shop in time, then there’s a high chance your first choice of lunch will have sold out.
Tellingly, I’ve been offered the chance to wait a few minutes while the proprietor popped back into the kitchen to make some more. That’s above and beyond.
Just as tellingly, I readily accepted and was very pleased I did.
There are two ways to view Plantz. You can visit to buy a coffee and lunch to eat, which should include the temptation of some fine vegan baking. You can also pop into Plantz the shop to refill your cupboards, and perhaps with food, you might struggle to find elsewhere. After all, I don’t know anywhere else that sells black spaghetti.
Plantz’ Food
There are a few options every, all worthy of serious consideration when you enter the shop and approach the counter. Before you begin the important job of selecting what you want to eat, you may have to remind yourself that you can’t get meat here. I’ve stared at trays of “beef brisket” through the glass display and been confident it looked beefier than some of the cow parts I’ve been offered elsewhere.
Do also keep in mind that the “food now” counter isn’t huge. Plantz isn’t really a cafe, and there’s no menu. You’ll be able to see some freshly made fair in a counter unit which you point at and summon with the magic words, “One of those, please”. There’s no need for a menu.
Tip: Check on Instagram to see what Plantz has Instagrammed. If there’s any left, that’s what they’ll have.
To be clear, the reason the food sells out quickly is that it is that good! It’s fresh, tasty and vegan.
Plantz’ Shopping
Another way to experience Plantz is as a shop. Here the approach is similar to that of the food counter; quality over quantity.
You can generally get some bread here, drinks you might not have seen before, sauces you might not have seen before, European foods that are not straightforward to find in Edinburgh.
I use Plantz as a way to discover exciting foods for my long term shelf. I’m pushing further into the flexitarian lifestyle; eating less meat and having a specialist like this store within walking distance is a big help.
You can also talk to Plantz about putting together platters and bigger custom orders. I’ve not yet done this; as a single guy who eats out a lot, my trouble is eating food while it’s still in date. However, I’d be very tempted if Plantz repeats their Christmas platter for 2022. I bet plant platters are “in date” and good to eat for longer than meaty ones are.
Plantz delicatessen and bake shop overall
It’s worth highlighting how friendly the owner (I assume) is. There’s always excellent service, I was quickly remembered and favourite orders known.
I think Plantz runs and runs well, with very few staff. It might just be a single woman business, but it is so slick you’ll be forgiven for not knowing.
And it’s so clean! I don’t just feel COVID-19 safe inside the deli; I feel robust hygiene levels of cleanliness.
It’s an easy store to navigate; it’s open and well presented. The idea of “pile ’em high” is appropriately alien here.
If you’re in the area, Plantz is worth checking out. If you’re interested in trying more plant-based food, Plantz is worth travelling to.
Tip: Plantz is also on Deliveroo!