Review: Paradise Palms, a vegetarian restaurant on the Southside

Paradise Palms is a quirky and friendly vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh’s Southside that impresses even the most committed carnivores with its inventive menu and lively atmosphere.

I have been to Paradise Palms many times and have always enjoyed it. I’m pleased, but also surprised. I’m surprised because I nearly didn’t go at all. The first time, my booking was politely but promptly cancelled. I had planned a meal between Festival shows, a key scheduling detail for a reviewer, but as August approached, the restaurant explained they were too busy to take bookings and cancelled on me.

However, Birdy is a huge fan and persuaded me to try again. We turned up and had a lovely meal. I’ve been back several times since. Although it’s often very busy, it’s well located, convenient, and the staff are really friendly. I absolutely love the vibe inside, and I don’t find the stuffed toys that decorate the walls and ceiling spooky at all.

The Food

The food is really good. I’m a flexitarian, not a full-time vegetarian, and honestly, if I’m craving a burger, I will still go to Paradise Palms. I can’t tell the difference.

What should you order? I’m a fan of the Cajun “chicken” with mac and cheese, but I also like the chilli cheese fries. It would probably be too much to have both together, although it is very tempting. The good news is that they offer mac and cheese as a side dish. The grilled corn is also excellent, if you don’t mind having corn in your teeth for the rest of the day.

If you’re a fan of Southern Fried Chicken, you can go for a three-piece or a five-piece main course. I’d absolutely recommend the latter. For dessert, the Oreo waffles option should be compulsory; it’s one of the tastiest things you’ll find anywhere.

The Venue

Paradise Palms is quirky. When you step in, you’ll be greeted before you sit down. There are several areas around the bar. If you’ve booked a table outside of the Fringe period, you’ll probably be in the well-lit front area where the tables are a little larger. If you’re a solo walk-in, like me, you will probably be offered a spot in the back rooms to find your own seat.

One of the drawbacks is that it’s not very convenient for solo diners. Once you have the menu, you need to go up to the bar to order. This leaves you in the awkward position of guarding a table while also needing to be at the bar. At first, I would worry about people taking my stuff or losing my table. But after a few visits, I realised I can’t imagine anyone swiping my grotty old rucksack. These days, I just leave my bag and coat at the table and make a quick decision at the bar.

Drink-wise, the selection is pretty good. As always, I wish they had more independent beers and fewer multinationals, but I have no particular gripes.

Things to do in the Southside

Paradise Palms is located in Edinburgh’s vibrant Southside, just opposite Bristo Square and close to the University of Edinburgh. This area is a hub of activity and a great base for exploring the city. For those travelling into the city, booking a train to Waverley Station via TheTrainLine is your best bet, though it’s a fair walk from there.

The neighbourhood is packed with cultural highlights. The National Museum of Scotland is a short walk away, offering a fantastic day out for all ages. For a taste of history, wander through the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard. If you’re planning a longer stay, there’s a wide range of accommodation nearby, from budget-friendly options to boutique hotels, which can be explored on sites like Booking.com.

If you’re looking to catch a show, the Festival Theatre is just around the corner, hosting a variety of performances. And if you need to travel light, you can leave your luggage at a secure location with a service like Radical Storage.

Overall

All in all, Paradise Palms should be on your radar. It is a friendly, convenient, and tasty vegetarian restaurant that proves you don’t need meat to have a fantastic meal. Birdy was right to persuade me, and it comes highly recommended.