4 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh’s Old Town

Edinburgh’s Old Town area is a culinary hotspot that’s steeped in history. The restaurants here offer a hearty blend of traditional Scottish food, modern fine dining, and cozy pub dining that makes it a must-visit on an Edinburgh food tour.

Why Edinburgh’s Old Town is a Great Place to Eat

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a fantastic place to eat, offering a unique blend of history, tradition, and the opportunity to taste some authentic Scottish fare. The restaurants and pubs here are nestled among centuries-old buildings and winding medieval streets that transport you back in time.

It’s the perfect place to savor iconic dishes like haggis, cullen skink, and a wide range of whisky-infused specialties. Whether you’re looking for fine dining in an elegant historic setting, a cozy bistro with locally sourced ingredients, or a lively pub serving hearty comfort food, Old Town has it.

Best Restaurants in Edinburgh’s Old Town

The Old Town area of Edinburgh is filled with a wide range of traditional Scottish pubs and restaurants serving modern takes on Scottish classics.

The Witchery by the Castle

Photo credit: The Witchery by the Castle

Mere steps from Edinburgh Castle, the Witchery is a lavish candlelit restaurant. It’s housed in a historic 16th-century building for an opulent and romantic Scottish dining experience.

They are well-known for having a high-quality haggis appetizer and a robust portion of Angus beef fillet. However, on my last stop, I tried their Scottish lobster, which had the sort of clean flavor you can only find from Hebrides shellfish.

I think this is the go-to restaurant in Edinburgh’s Old Town for an elegant dinner or a special occasion with an authentic Scottish vibe. Just be sure to make reservations well in advance.

The Witchery (£50-£100+) – 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, United Kingdom.

The Devil’s Advocate

Photo credit: The Devil’s Advocate

The Devil’s Advocate is a rustic-chic gastropub with an extensive whisky collection. With exposed brick walls and touches of contemporary Scottish décor, the ambiance is a perfect marriage of the old and new.

They are well-known for their signature Scotch whisky cocktails that let you experience creative takes on Scotland’s most-cherished beverage. They also serve a succulent venison loin in the fall and early winter. On my last stop, I tried their whisky-cured salmon, which had a briny richness that also paired perfectly with a whisky sour.

It’s a great spot for a cozy dinner, especially if you’re a whisky lover. Showing up in the early evening gives you the chance to savor the experience without having to worry about making a reservation.

The Devil’s Advocate (£20-£30) – 9 Advocate’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, United Kingdom.

Howies

Photo credit: Howies

You’ll find Howies on Edinburgh’s picturesque Victoria Street, where they offer a taste of high-quality, locally sourced Scottish cuisine. It’s a bright and welcoming restaurant known for its relaxed atmosphere and visually impressive surroundings.

Some of their must-try dishes include Scottish mainstays like cullen skink and their homemade sticky toffee pudding. They also have a nice selection of vegetarian dishes that showcase authentic Scottish flavors.

On my last visit, I enjoyed their succulent, slow-braised Scottish lamb. Locally sourced it gave a real taste of the terroir of the land surrounding Edinburgh and was beautifully tender.

They have some great lunch specials, and you can usually get a table for an early dinner without a reservation. Still, it’s probably wise to call ahead.

Howies (£20-£30) – 10-14 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HG, United Kingdom.

Cannonball Restaurant & Bar

Cannonball Restaurant & Bar is right beside Edinburgh Castle, where they blend historic charm with modern Scottish cuisine. It’s worth stopping at least once to take in the breathtaking views of the castle.

Their menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients from nearby Scottish producers to give you a responsible, authentic taste of modernized Edinburgh cuisine. They’re best known for their smoked haddock risotto and Highland venison. Yet, I think the secret gem on Cannonball’s menu is the Isle of Mull cheese souffle. It has a richness you rarely find outside of France, yet you can taste the grass-fed body of the milk used to make the cheese.

I think it’s best to make reservations at Cannonball for a romantic dinner around sunset. This will give you and your special someone some stunning nighttime views to go with the modern Scottish cuisine.

Cannonball Restaurant & Bar (£25-£50) – 356 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, United Kingdom.

Final Thoughts: The Best Dining Experiences in Edinburgh’s Old Town

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a must-visit for food lovers, offering a perfect blend of history and exceptional cuisine. From elegant fine dining in centuries-old buildings like the Witchery to cozy pubs serving traditional Scottish fare like the Cannonball, Old Town is a must-try experience on an Edinburgh food tour.