16 Best Places to Eat in Edinburgh: From Quick Bites to Fine Dining
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Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a historic feel and plenty of things to do, but it is also filled with so many incredible options for food. Of course, there is the traditional Scottish food, but there are also plenty of other options from creative twists on classics to fine dining. This guide will walk you through the best places to eat in Edinburgh so you can add these stops to your next trip!
Table of Contents
Top Restaurants in Edinburgh for Traditional Scottish Food
1. Makar’s Mash Bar
We loved this spot so much that we ate here twice on our trip! The menu is pretty simple – first, you choose an entree from their meat options, vegetarian options, or mushroom options, then you choose your mash! They have a ton of options for both the entree and the mashed potatoes, and everything we tried here was delicious. I especially recommend the beef shoulder. This would also be a great place to try haggis!
They do accept walk-ins, but it can get pretty busy, so if you don’t want to have to wait a bit, I’d suggest making a reservation in advance. I would also recommend a reservation if you are visiting during a particularly busy time of year.
2. Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips
This is a pretty casual spot on Victoria Street that serves excellent fish and chips, but they do have other options too! This is a great place to grab a meal after a long day of sightseeing. You can make reservations in advance, but they do have quite a bit of seating inside.
3. The Scran & Scallie
The Scran & Scallie serves Scottish pub classics but a little bit more elevated. It is a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant located in Stockbridge. They focus on traditional Scottish food with a modern twist and use lots of local ingredients.
Best Restaurants in Edinburgh for International Flavors
4. Dishoom
This is the place to go for Indian food in the U.K., and the Edinburgh location is no different. They serve both traditional and modern Indian food, and also serve breakfast if you’re looking for something different! The food is excellent and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. This is a great option in the middle of your trip when you want to switch it up a bit.
5. Greenwoods
We ate here for breakfast on our trip, kind of on a whim, but the food we ended up loving it! They have a few locations based in the Netherlands, but also this one in Edinburgh. The breakfast was pretty in line with traditional Scottish breakfasts, but Dutch-inspired and with a modern twist. The inside of the restaurant was also super cute and I would definitely go back here the next time we’re in the area.
Where to Eat in Edinburgh for Cafes and Sweet Treats
6. The Milkman
This is an Edinburgh classic for a reason. Located in Old Town near the Royal Mile, this iconic bakery has some of the best pastries in town and also serves great coffee. I went in the fall and got a pumpkin spice cruffin that was absolutely incredible. This is a must-visit on your Edinburgh trip.
7. Lannan Bakery
This bakery in Stockbridge is another Edinburgh classic. Their pastries taste amazing and are absolutely gorgeous. This is a must-visit when exploring Stockbridge.
8. Knoops
This hot chocolate shop is a chocolate lover’s dream. You choose your type of chocolate and your type of milk and they make your hot chocolate. They have so many chocolate types to choose from, of pretty much any % chocolate you could want, but also different single-origin options. They also have fun options for toppings! This is some of the best hot chocolate I have ever had.
Where to Eat in Edinburgh for Quick Bites
9. Oink
This place is great for a quick bite while you’re exploring Victoria Street! They serve hog roast sandwiches where you choose a size, type of bread, stuffing, and sauce. This was delicious and quick and perfect for the chilly fall day we visited.
10. Bread Meats Bread
This quick stop serves gourmet burgers and sandwiches with tons of options. They have a few locations in Edinburgh and their options even include some vegan and gluten-free options. This is a great place to go with a group because they have options for everyone.
Best Places to Eat in Edinburgh for Higher-End Dining
11. The Witchery by the Castle
This iconic Edinburgh Castle is in an old building in Old Town with lots of history. It is known for being a great higher-end restaurant and is perfect for special occasions. The decor is a nod to the history of the building and has a Gothic feel to it. This is one where you should absolutely make a reservation well in advance, as it is one of the most famous restaurants in Scotland.
12. The Little Chartroom
This intimate restaurant serves seasonal Scottish food on a prix fixe menu. The restaurant is modern yet elegant and serves high-end dishes that are great for a special occasion. Reservations are required so be sure to book in advance.
Best Restaurants in Edinburgh for Traditional Scottish Breakfast
13. The Edinburgh Larder
This is the place to go for a full Scottish breakfast. They serve seasonal, local food and are well-known for their breakfast. They do also have vegetarian options available. It is also close to the Royal Mile and easy to get to for tourists. This is a great way to start your day in Edinburgh!
14. Urban Angel
Urban Angel is well known for their brunch in Edinburgh. They also do traditional Scottish breakfast food, but with their own twist. They use lots of organic, local ingredients and also offer some lighter, healthier options such as smoothie bowls. They are located just a few blocks away from the Scots Monument and are an excellent stop before a day of sightseeing!
Top Restaurants in Edinburgh for Whiskey Tastings
15. Whiski Rooms
Located near Edinburgh Castle, Whiski Rooms serves traditional Scottish food alongside its extensive whiskey menu. They have hundreds of different whiskeys you can try! They also have whiskey tasting events and offer whiskey flights on their menu. Their whiskey tastings occur every day and are incredibly popular. You can book it online in advance on their website. This is a great choice if you are looking for both great food and whiskey.
16. Amber Restaurant at the Scotch Whiskey Experience
Located on the Royal Mile, the Scotch Whiskey Experience is known for its tours and whiskey tastings, but they do also have a restaurant if you are looking to eat a meal while enjoying your whiskey. The restaurant serves modern Scottish food made with seasonal ingredients. They also, of course, have over 500 types of whiskey you could try with your meal. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a whiskey bar experience, or you could also pair it with a tour or whiskey tasting.
Edinburgh is well known for its historic charm and variety of attractions, but it also has some truly amazing food. This list is a great starting point, but there are a ton of other local restaurants that are also amazing. I encourage you to explore and try some of these restaurants while also being open to trying anything that looks interesting – there’s so much great food in Edinburgh!
Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Check out my full itinerary here!
Let me know which restaurant you’re most excited to try in the comments!
