10 Best Foods to Try in Edinburgh & Where to Find Them

Edinburgh has become a top culinary destination on the international food scene. It’s the place where rich Scottish traditions meet modern innovation. Drawing the best chefs from Scotland and all four corners of the globe.  

With hearty classics like haggis and Cullen skink to fresh seafood and world-class whisky, Edinburgh has a diverse gastronomic landscape. From historic pubs to sampling local delicacies at a bustling market, or Michelin-starred restaurants, there are tons of tantalizing options to include in an Edinburgh food tour.  

Traditional Scottish Dishes You Must Try in Edinburgh

There are tons of Scottish classics that deserve must-try status on an Edinburgh food tour.  

Fish and Chips

In Edinburgh, fish and chips is typically deep-fried cod or haddock, along with a generous portion of French fries. However, there’s rarely ever ketchup or tartar sauce available. Instead, the classic condiments here are salt & vinegar and mayonnaise. Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips is one the best-known shops in the city to try the original.

Scotch Eggs

A Scotch egg is essentially a hardboiled egg, enrobed in spiced ground meat, then breaded and fried. This is a old peasant food that’s been reinvented in recent years as an appetizer or pub dish in Edinburgh. I think they do a great elevated version at Markar’s Mash Bar, as well as the Devil’s Advocate.

Macaroni Pie

Macaroni pie is a lot like American homestyle macaroni and cheese. Except it’s baked into a pastry shell similar to an English pork pie. In a sit-down restaurant or pub, it’s served on a plate, yet you can sometimes find it in markets being sold as a smaller street food version. However, I love the version they make at Storries Home Bakery.

Haggis

You’ll find Haggis with neeps & tatties is an iconic Scottish dish you find everywhere in Edinburgh. It’s made with minced sheep offal, oats, and spices, served with mashed turnips, called “neeps” and potatoes called “tatties.” I think they make a very good, authentic version at Arcade Haggis & Whisky House.

Cullen Skink

Cullen skink is a rich and creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and leeks that’s a Scottish comfort food staple in Edinburgh. You tend to find it more in the winter or cooler months of the year. I think they do it best at The Mussel & Steak Bar.

Scotch Pie

This is a traditional double-crust meat pie, usually filled with spiced minced lamb or beef. You often find it in Edinburgh offered in individual servings a little bit like the small pot pie. Grab one at Piemaker or The Royal Mile Tavern.

Black Pudding

Black pudding is a mix of blood sausage and rendered pork fat, oatmeal, and spices. You typically find it being served as part of a full Scottish breakfast. I like to mix little bits of it in with runny eggs. Try it at The Edinburgh Larder or The Scran & Scallie.

Full Scottish Breakfast

Full Scottish breakfast is a belly-filling morning meal featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, haggis, and baked beans. They offer great versions at Loudons and The City Café in Edinburgh.

Cranachan

Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, honey, whisky, raspberries, and toasted oats. It’s often served like a Scottish take on a dessert parfait.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding has a moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates. It’s then covered in a rich toffee sauce, often served with ice cream. I think they do it best The Outsider or Makars Gourmet Mash Bar.

Top Restaurants in Edinburgh for Authentic Scottish Cuisine

Edinburgh is full of great restaurants offering authentic Scottish cuisine to fit just about any budget. The following are just some of my favorites to give you a true taste of Scotland’s capital city.

The Kitchin

Photo credit: Kitchin

You’ll find The Kitchin in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, where they offer Michelin-starred British and Scottish cuisine. Chef Tom Kitchin’s philosophy is “from nature to plate,” which emphasizes the use of Scotland’s finest seasonal produce.

The ambiance at The Kitchin is both contemporary and inviting, featuring an open kitchen that allows you to watch the process. The interior design harmoniously combines rustic elements with modern aesthetics, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.

The Kitchin’s menu showcases a variety of authentic Scottish dishes, with a focus on seasonality. This includes signature offerings like roasted Orkney scallops and Highland lamb.

The Kitchin (£65-100+) – 78, Commercial Quay, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX, United Kingdom.

Scran & Scallie

Photo credit: Scran & Scallie

Scran & Scallie is in Edinburgh’s charming Stockbridge neighborhood. Their Scottish menu has a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its commitment to quality and value.

The dining room has rustic charm with modern touches. The wooden furnishings, warm lighting, and tasteful décor feel simultaneously casual and elegant.

Scran & Scallie’s menu showcases traditional Scottish dishes with contemporary flair by emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. This includes classics like fish & chips, haggis with neeps & tatties, and their signature Scran & Scallie Burger.

As a distinctly Scottish gastropub, they offer an impressive selection of locally brewed ales and extensive wine. It’s just busy enough that reservations are recommended, during peak times, but you should be able to easily get a seat when things are slow.

The Scran & Scallie (£45-80+) – 1 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DR, United Kingdom.

Howies

Photo credit: Howies

Howies has three locations in Edinburgh, and each one is celebrated for serving fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced Scottish cuisine. Each location offers a unique dining experience. My favorite is their flagship restaurant at Waterloo Place.

It’s set in a Georgian hall at the foot of Calton Hill, which has elegant architecture. The high ceilings and large windows create a bright and airy atmosphere.

Howies menu celebrates Scotland’s native ingredients and the dishes created from them. It emphasizes seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to create authentic haggis, as well as Scottish salmon seafood dishes. Then make sure to order their cranachan for dessert, which features exceptionally rich whipped cream, honey, raspberries, and toasted oats.

Howies (£5-30+) – 10-14 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HG, United Kingdom.

Best Dining Areas & Neighborhoods in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to a diverse and thriving food scene, with distinct neighborhoods offering everything from Michelin-star dining to cozy pubs and bustling food markets.

Stockbridge is a charming neighborhood known for its relaxed vibe, independent cafés, and artisanal food shops. It’s a great spot for brunch, with places like The Pantry serving up hearty Scottish breakfasts. The Stockbridge Market on Sundays is a must-visit for street food and local delicacies.

Leith, which is essentially Edinburgh’s port district, has become a top destination for foodies and seafood lovers. It’s home to some of the city’s best fine dining restaurants, including the Michelin-starred restaurant Martin Wishart and The Kitchin.

Old Town to experience some of Edinburgh’s rich history while enjoying authentic Scottish cuisine. Areas like the Royal Mile and Grassmarket offer a mix of traditional pubs, whisky bars, and historic restaurants like The Witchery.

Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Edinburgh

While there’s no bad time of year for an Edinburgh food tour, I think you’ll find the most foodie opportunities in the month of August. Late summer brings the Edinburgh Food Festival, as well as the world-famous Fringe Festival. Each offers a sumptuous opportunity to sample Scottish cuisine and tuck into some top-notch street food.

Autumn is also a great time to visit Edinburgh as game season introduces rich dishes like venison and grouse to local restaurant menus. Winter brings with it a chance to sample some of Scotland’s hearty dishes like Cullen skink, steak and ale pie, and haggis, as well as a bounty of stews.

Dining etiquette in Edinburgh is generally relaxed. However, popular restaurants and fine dining establishments typically encourage reservations. Especially if you plan to visit during a peak time of day.

Sources:

The Outsider Restaurant. (n.d.). The Outsider Restaurant Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.theoutsiderrestaurant.com/

Makar’s Mash Bar. (n.d.). Makars Gourmet Mash Bar Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://makarsmash.com/

Loudons. (n.d.). Loudons – Edinburgh café and brunch spot. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://loudons.co.uk/

The City Café. (n.d.). The City Café – Classic American diner in Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.thecitycafe.co.uk/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh food tours. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/

The Edinburgh Larder. (n.d.). The Edinburgh Larder Café. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/

Arcade Haggis & Whisky House. (n.d.). Arcade Bar: Haggis and Whisky House. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.arcade-pub.co.uk/

Scran & Scallie. (n.d.). Scran & Scallie – Gastropub Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://scranandscallie.com/

Royal Mile Tavern. (n.d.). Royal Mile Tavern – Live music and Scottish fare. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.royalmiletavern.com/

The Piemaker. (n.d.). The Piemaker – Savoury & sweet pies in Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.thepiemaker.co.uk/

Mussel and Steak Bar. (n.d.). The Mussel and Steak Bar Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.musselandsteakbar.com/

Storries Bakery. (n.d.). Storries Bakery – Leith Walk. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.facebook.com/p/Storries-bakery-leith-walk-100067587771973/

The Devil’s Advocate. (n.d.). The Devil’s Advocate Bar & Kitchen. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk/

The Kitchin. (n.d.). The Kitchin – Michelin star dining in Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://thekitchin.com/

Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips. (n.d.). Bertie’s Fish & Chips – Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.bertiesfishandchips.com/

Howies Restaurants. (n.d.). Howies Edinburgh – Scottish cuisine. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.howies.uk.com/

The Pantry Edinburgh. (n.d.). The Pantry – Brunch & catering in Edinburgh. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.thepantryedinburgh.co.uk/

Stockbridge Market. (n.d.). Stockbridge Market – Local food and crafts. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.stockbridgemarket.com/