The Forest Café

The Forest Café is the undisputed headquarters for Edinburgh's hippies and free-living types. The ambience is buzzing from live music and performances—whether planned or spontaneous—as well as the on-site art gallery.

The cuisine is comforting rather than complicated, with a mixture of ethnic dishes from falafel to nachos – but it's tasty and the price is right. An ideal pick for visiting eco-warriors (everything is veggie or vegan, fair trade and prepared in a waste-aware kitchen), the café is worked by a volunteer work force and tips are expected. Its only downfall: those not dressed to save the planet may feel they're in the wrong place.

The Forest Café 3 Bristo Place Vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Price: >£10 BYOB – with corkage charge.