Restaurants in Edinburgh

Restaurants in Edinburgh offer a genuine taste of the city’s character, far beyond the usual tourist haunts. You can tuck into hearty Scottish classics like haggis and Cullen skink in places like The Sheep Heid Inn, which locals swear by, or opt for something more adventurous. Leith, just a short walk from the city centre, has quietly become a hotspot for innovative seafood and sleek eateries.

And don’t overlook the quieter neighbourhoods like Stockbridge or Bruntsfield for a great, relaxed meal where you’re more likely to rub shoulders with Edinburgh residents than camera-toting visitors. In summer, a lot of folks head to the beach restaurants along Portobello or the charming waterfront at Newhaven, which have a different vibe once the sun’s out.

If you’re craving a memorable night out, Edinburgh’s fine dining scene is quietly impressive,places like Number One at Balmoral or The Kitchin offer impeccable Scottish ingredients without being too stuffy. Just a heads-up: reservations go quickly, especially during the festival season in August. Also, try to time your visit for lunchtime deals; some spots like Mimi’s Bakehouse offer fantastic food without the premium price tag. Edinburgh’s food scene is like the city itself: full of surprises and well worth the wandering appetite.

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Number One

Number One at the Balmoral Hotel does not conform to the stereotype of big hotel restaurants. It doesn’t look like one, it certainly doesn’t feel like one and that is probably just as well. Number

21212

Paul began his career in catering at the age of 20. Since that time he knew instinctively that being a chef was for him. After completing three years of catering studies, Paul secured roles at various

Pataka

Pataka uses the freshest ingredients to make classic Indian cuisine. The restaurant opened in 1991 so having been open now for over 20 years, high quality is guaranteed. The decor instills a lasting f

Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Restaurant

The exquisite Forth Floor at Harvey Nichols serves delicious, fresh, local food in a stylish setting with the impressive Edinburgh skyline as a backdrop. Located in the heart of Edinburgh's high-

Pizza Express - George IV Bridge

Pizza Express is famous for its modern, elegant design, tasty thin crust pizzas and mouth-watering pastas. All Pizza Express restaurants in Edinburgh are very popular and busy every night of the week.

WHISKI Bar & Restaurant

WHISKI Bar located on the Royal Mile serves not only fantastic freshly produced food and an impressive variety of drinks, but also there is live Scottish music 7 days a week. Open from 11am to 1am, th

Hewat's

Hewat's was established over 7 years ago by a married couple Richard (Chef) and Margaret (Front of house) and serves a fusion of French and Scottish cuisine. Hewat’s is located next to the Meadows a

Restaurant at The Bonham

The Bonham Restaurant has a excellent wine list to compliment the dinner menu from the kitchen. The décor is sophisticated with some striking art work, however the ambience is calm with more opportu

Shebeen Bar & Braai

Shebeen Bar & Braai is a South African bar and steakhouse, located just off Lothian Road in the City Centre. The restaurant is traditionally styled and offers the best authentic South African food

Namaste Kathmandu

Namaste Kathmandu serves delicious and traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes. The interior is designed in a warm Indian and Nepalese decor complete with prayer flags hanging off the walls and little

Henderson's Bistro

Henderson's Bistro, an offshoot of the ever popular Henderson's, offers a wide variety of vegetarian and healthy foods, which you can take home and create your own healthy dishes and snacks.

Agua

Agua is a seafood restaurant located in the Apex hotel in Grassmarket. This city centre restaurant has an AA rosette award, offers a variety with several menus, one including a 'Market dish of the day

eteaket

eteaket's mission is to make good tea accessible to novices and connoisseurs alike. They want to make tea sexy again - both in and out of the home. This quirky little place is open in the morning till

Amber Restaurant

Amber is a traditional Scottish restaurant, offering the finest Scottish food complimented by the widest selection of malt whiskies. Located within the Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle

Blonde

Blonde is a delightfully simple and elegant restaurant tucked away in Edinburgh's Southside. Serving a menu of delicious Scottish produce prepared with care and served attractively, this is an ideal p

Beehive Inn

The Beehive Inn is siuated on the site of the original Beehive Hotel which dates back to the 16th century. It has two bars and a hundred seat dining room on the 1st floor. It also has a hidden gem of

Hanam's

This Kurdish and Middle Eastern restaurant has voted one of Britain’s Top 5 Middle Eastern Restaurants by the Telegraph. Jamal, the owner ensures the personal touch, by being there seven days a week

Fishers in the City

The Fishers group has been in Edinburgh for the past 20 years. Their ethos is 'Simple, honest food with great service' in a relaxed atmosphere. Fishers in the City is set in an old converted warehouse

Ann Purna

The Ann Purna resturant specialises in serving vegetarian Indian dishes. Being a family-run business for over 25 years, the restaurant provides high quality service, offering a wide variety of vegetar

The Kitchin

The philosophy of The Kitchin is 'From Nature to Plate'. The Restaurant opened in 2006 by husband and wife team Tom & Michaela Kitchin on Edinburgh’s stylish waterfront. Dining at The Kitchin is re

Miros Cantina Mexicana

This brightly coloured restaurant, offers a taste of Mexico, with a Scottish twist. Friendly international staff, lively music and with an excellent selection of Tequilas, Margaritas and Sangria, Cant

One Square

Always stylish, yet perfectly relaxed, the restaurant at One Square is home to a deliciously inventive range of British dishes. Hearty, seasonal and honest, the menu features such favourites as Fish &

Iris

The area of Thistle Street upon which Iris is situated has become a culinary hotspot in Edinburgh. It certainly benefits from an enviable position in the heart of the city centre, and has been the hom

La Garrigue

La Garrigue offers rustic family style cooking, complimented by a large selection of the best wines from the area of France known as 'Le Midi'. With a charming atmosphere featuring rustic Tim Stead

Pizza Express - Leith

Plumed Horse

This restaurant has an excellent reputation for food, service and the overall experience of it. Highly recommended by locals and visitors from abroad, the Plumed Horse performs up to the standard of t

Pizza Express - Stockbridge

Restaurant Martin Wishart

The Martin Wishart empire began in 1999 in this small Leith restaurant with a surprisingly low-key entrance into Edinburgh’s culinary world. Now, with a further restaurant at Cameron House Hotel on

Under the Stairs

Under the Stairs is a beautiful bar found Under the Stairs and under George IV Bridge, and a hidden gem amongst Edinburgh’s nightlife. If you’re looking to avoid the raucous side of Edinburgh’s

Nawroz

Nawroz offers a wide range of fresh and tasty home cooked dishes catering for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian palates. Nawroz also offers vibrant blends of distinct and original flavours in their s

Mussel Inn

If you are passionate about seafood, The Mussel Inn on Rose Street (just off Princes Street) should be at the top of your list. This Award winning restaurant offers the very best of locally sourced Sc

Café Royal Oyster Bar

A glorious example of Victorian and Baroque, little has changed since then. Entering the Café Royal is like taking a step back in time. Originally dating back to 1826, The Café Royal stood just acro

B'est

The dishes are well cooked and affordable. The atmosphere is relaxed and upbeat. This light and airy bistro restaurant can cater for intimate meals or celebration parties, seating larger groups up to

Chop Chop

Chop Chop is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Edinburgh. It is fully booked almost every evening and not without a reason. One of the highlights of this restaurant is the 'eat as much as you can

Café Andaluz

Situated in the upmarket George Street, Café Andaluz brings you five star dining Spanish style with a wide selection of food. Famous for its tapas, Café Andaluz is flexible in serving their dishes t

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A local’s dining tip

If you want to escape the tourist traps but still enjoy some standout food, head toward Leith. It’s just a 20-minute walk or quick bus ride from the Royal Mile, but the vibe is completely different. Try The Kitchin if you want top-notch seafood, or go casual at Bodega, an unassuming spot with crackling good tacos and natural wines.

Also, keep an eye out for lunchtime offers – many restaurants in the city centre shrink their prices around 12 to 2pm. That way, you can try some of the fanciest spots without the dinner bill. Oh, and if you love pastries, do not miss Artisan Roast’s cinnamon buns near Stockbridge. Just trust me on that one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about eating out in Edinburgh? Here’s what locals often get asked.

Where can I try authentic Scottish food in Edinburgh?

If you want the real deal, try The Witchery by the Castle or the rustic ambiance of The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston. They keep things traditional but without the touristy feel. Plus, the local black pudding there? Proper good.

Are there many vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Edinburgh?

Absolutely, Edinburgh’s got loads of veggie-friendly places. Henderson’s on Hanover Street has been a staple for decades, but newer spots like Nova Pizza in Leith serve creative vegan dishes that even meat-eaters rave about.

Is it easy to get a last-minute table at popular restaurants?

Good luck during August or weekends! Edinburgh’s dining scene gets slammed during the festivals. It’s best to book ahead, but for spontaneous nights, head to smaller spots in Stockbridge or Bruntsfield , they sometimes have walk-in spots if you arrive early or late.

Where’s a good place for a casual meal with kids?

For a comfy, kid-friendly vibe, Holyrood 9A has great space and even offers board games. Plus, their burger and craft beer combo works for all ages, even if the little ones aren’t drinking the beer.

Can you recommend a restaurant with a view in Edinburgh?

Check out Timberyard near the Grassmarket. It’s a bit tucked away, but the big glass windows give you a peek of the historic skyline. Also, the rooftop bar at Tigerlily on George Street offers a fun spot if you want views with cocktails.