The 8 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh

With its strong cultural heritage and openness to international influences, Edinburgh’s food scene has gone from strength to strength in recent years. It may not get the same acclaim as other European capitals like London or Paris, but Edinburgh is steadily making its way up the foodie ranks.

Not only is the quality of the restaurants exceptional, but the historic surroundings and fusion of old-school and contemporary cuisines really set Edinburgh apart. If you’re hoping to experience this side of the city firsthand, I think my Edinburgh food tours will be to your liking!

In the meantime, these are the best restaurants in Edinburgh to add to your list for some superb dining experiences.

Top Restaurants in Edinburgh

The Kitchin

Photo credit: The Kitchin

The Kitchin in Leith is a Michelin-star establishment that uses French cooking techniques to put an innovative spin on Scottish cuisine.

As soon as I ventured inside, the interiors set the scene. Features like the chequered upholstery and stone statement walls nod to the restaurant’s Scottish heritage, while the blue-toned seating and sleek gray fixtures give it a modern edge.

For me, the venison was the highlight. This sweet, tender roe deer meat was sensational, and the earthy pumpkin and woodsy chestnut deepened the flavors of every mouthful.

The Kitchin (€€€€) – 78, Commercial Quay, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX, United Kingdom – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open every Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Purslane Restaurant

Photo credit: Purslane Restaurant

Purslane Restaurant in Stockbridge is unique in that it offers fine dining in a rather homely environment.

Although it’s among the top Michelin-recommended restaurants in Edinburgh, its dark wooden furnishings and inviting ambiance keep it feeling mellow and low-key.

I was particularly impressed by the pigeon dish on the tasting menu. It had complex, rich flavors and a soft consistency that was made even more indulgent with creamy artichoke bavarois and tart pickled vegetables.

Purslane Restaurant (€€€€) – 33A St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AH, United Kingdom – Closed every Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday, open every Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Locanda de Gusti

Photo credit: Locanda de Gusti

Close to the Haymarket area is Locanda de Gusti, a gorgeous Neapolitan eatery I checked out when I was craving a change from Scottish fare. 

If not for the chilly conditions outside, I’d have believed I’d been transported to the streets of Naples. The lively atmosphere and colorful vintage furniture felt oh-so-Italian.

Seafood is what they do best, so I chose the linguine with Scottish lobster. The clean, oceanic hues were as tasty as any lobster I’ve tried in Italy, and the chewy linguine was packed with flavor from the zesty tomatoes and nutty garlic.

Locanda de Gusti (€€) – 102 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2DW, United Kingdom – Open every Monday to Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Thursday and Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

The Scran and Scallie

Photo credit: The Scran and Scallie

The Scran and Scallie in Comely Bank is a true all-rounder. With a variety of meal types, new-age Scottish cuisine, and delightful vegan and vegetarian options, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

This is where the decor of a refined eatery meets that of a cozy gastro pub, and I appreciated the mix of chic wallpaper, mismatched furnishings, and a compact bar area.

I kept it classic and went for the steak pie, and it was as hearty and comforting as I’d hoped. On the outside was buttery, golden-colored shortcrust pastry, while the inside was filled with the most mouthwatering savory steak chunks in a beef-infused sauce.

The Scran and Scallie (€€€) – 1 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DR, United Kingdom – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Historic Restaurants and Dining in Edinburgh

Cafe Royal

Photo credit: Cafe Royal

Before visiting Edinburgh, I’d heard all about Cafe Royal, and when I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was just steps from the Scott Monument.

The opulent surroundings were incredible, especially the stained glass windows, stylish leather booths, and marbled countertops.

Seafood is what it’s all about here, and their signature Scottish oysters were to die for. I chose the mignonette sauce, and the sharp mix of vinegar, shallots, and pepper complimented the oyster’s minerality and saline flavors.

Cafe Royal (€€) – 19 W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA, United Kingdom – Open every Monday to Wednesday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am, and every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Whiski Bar & Restaurant

Photo credit: Whiski Bar & Restaurant

Whiski Bar & Restaurant is positioned along the Royal Mile and has everything I love in an Edinburgh restaurant: a diverse menu, fantastic live music, and super friendly staff.

Every corner was bursting with character, from the picture-covered walls and high-top tables to the chunky wooden furniture and rows of whiskey varieties.

It was bitterly cold outside, so I wanted nothing more than some Cullen skink. This nourishing soup was like a hug in a bowl, brimming with flaky smoked haddock, soft potatoes, and aromatic onions. On the side was a crusty slice of tangy sourdough.

Whiski Bar & Restaurant (€€) – 119 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG, United Kingdom – Open every Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 am and every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am.

The Devil’s Advocate

Photo credit: The Devil’s Advocate

Around the corner from St Giles’ Cathedral is one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for an upscale take on pub grub: The Devil’s Advocate.

Many people visit here to check out their enviable whiskey selection, but it was their laidback stone and brick-clad dining area and eclectic food menu that drew me in.

It was here that I tried haggis for the first time, and I’ve loved this Scottish staple ever since. The prospect of minced sheep’s offal doesn’t always sound too appealing, but the crumbly, sausage-like texture and meaty, peppery flavors proved to me why this dish is so beloved here.

The Devil’s Advocate (€€€) – 9 Advocate’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, United Kingdom – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm

The Dome

Photo credit: The Dome

The Dome near the Princes Street Gardens is a must-visit for fine dining in the most lavish and traditional settings.

This was most definitely among my most memorable dining experiences in the city, partially due to the high ceilings, glistening chandeliers, and grand interiors!

I sampled a plethora of menu items here, but none captivated me quite as much as the smoked salmon. Each piece of juicy, salty salmon was beautifully presented alongside honey-like saffron mayonnaise and a zingy lemon gel.

The Dome (€€€) – 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, United Kingdom – Open every day from 9:00 am to 12:00 am.

Tips for Dining in Edinburgh

• Although many casual eateries accept walk-ins, it’s always best to make reservations in advance for evening meals, especially at weekends.
• Dinner time starts at 6:00 pm in Edinburgh, and it’s not easy to find restaurants serving food after 9:00 pm.
• Some of the best foodie neighborhoods in Edinburgh include the Old Town, Stockbridge, and Leith.
• Wash down your meals with some scotch or local lagers like Tennent’s Lager or Innis & Gunn if you’re visiting during the summertime.

Conclusion

These are my picks for the best restaurants in Edinburgh, and this list encapsulates the city’s culinary diversity and long-standing traditions. Whether you’re in the market for local favorites and delicacies or high-end Michelin-recommended spots, Edinburgh always delivers.

Sources

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh Food Tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/

The Kitchin. (n.d.). Home. The Kitchin. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://thekitchin.com/

Purslane Restaurant. (n.d.). Home. Purslane Restaurant. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.purslanerestaurant.co.uk/

Locanda de Gusti. (n.d.). Our New Home. Locanda de Gusti. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.locandadegusti.com/#ournewhome

Scran & Scallie. (n.d.). Home. Scran & Scallie. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://scranandscallie.com/

Café Royal. (n.d.). Home. Café Royal. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.caferoyaledinburgh.com/

Whiski Bar & Restaurant. (n.d.). Home. Whiski Bar & Restaurant. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.whiskibar.co.uk/

The Devil’s Advocate. (n.d.). Home. The Devil’s Advocate. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk/

The Dome. (n.d.). Home. The Dome. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com/