Edinburgh is renowned throughout the UK for its vibrant nightlife and stellar restaurant scene. Gastropubs, clubs and live music bars abound, so there’s always somewhere for you to pop in for a quick pint, a hearty Sunday roast with friends and family or dance the night away, whatever your preference. But with almost 400 pubs to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out where’s best to go. Many of the best pubs in Edinburgh are in the city centre, yet there are also multiple hidden gems scattered throughout the suburbs.
Find “the best pub in the world” as endorsed by a famous celebrity chef in Morningside, serving food all day alongside an extensive drinks list. In Old Town, dine and sup in one of Edinburgh’s oldest – and spookiest – buildings, or head on over to Leith for a whisky tasting you’ll never forget. In Newington, you can find Scotland’s oldest gin bar, which also serves delicious bar snacks and small plates, or stick to central Edinburgh for classic pub grub cooked to perfection.
Book your seat at one of the best pubs in Edinburgh on OpenTable today and get your evening started in style.
The best pubs in Edinburgh for pints, pub grub and live music
For a one-of-a-kind bar and restaurant with over 200 whiskies on the menu – visit The Canny Man’s in Morningside
Coined “the best pub in the world” by none other than celebrity chef Rick Stein, The Canny Man’s lives up to its reputation. Not only is there an extensive wine list, a rotating selection of beers from a variety of breweries, and over 200 malt whiskies on the menu – the food is pretty great too. As a free house, The Canny Man’s sells only the very best from each brewery it partners with. A family-owned Edinburgh institution since 1871. Serious about drinks, the bar staff will always ensure your beverage is strong, appetizing and correctly served – with a complimentary bar snack to boot. Head over early from Mondays to Thursdays to enjoy a free buffet between 5 pm and 6 pm, or book a table at the quirky restaurant for mid-week dinners, weekend meals or Sunday lunch. Try the juicy homemade lamb burger with goat cheese, caramelised onion chutney and red cabbage slaw, or order a seafood platter, ideal for sharing.
For the best pub in Edinburgh for traditional food and ale – book at The Auld Hundred in New Town
One of the oldest of the many pubs on Rose Street, The Auld Hundred started life as a mission house before being converted in 1800. For over two centuries, the people of Edinburgh have been enjoying fine ales, whiskies and food in this historic building. Downstairs you can find the welcoming bar area, serving an extensive list of premium wines, beers, whiskies and more, while upstairs the restaurant delivers classic homecooked pub food with a Scottish theme. Thursday to Saturday evenings feature live music in the bar, with an open mic night on Sundays. The downstairs bar also shows major sporting events. Head upstairs to the expansive restaurant area and sample dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties made with Campbell’s fine haggis and a Famous Grouse whisky sauce, Scottish rarebit on crisp ciabatta, or traditional Scottish smoked salmon with lemon, shallots and fresh bread.
For spooky medieval charm in one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings – book a seat at Tolbooth Tavern in Old Town
Built in 1591 as part of the original Canongate Tolbooth, Tolbooth Tavern was transformed into a pub in 1820. Slightly spooky but ultimately welcoming, this charming medieval building is packed with character and history. While the exterior may appear small, once you enter, you’ll be greeted by a spacious bar and dining area with a cosy mezzanine floor. From the finest whiskies to hearty Scottish fare like mammy used to make, an evening at Tolbooth Tavern is not to be missed. Try the house favourites, which include traditional Cullen skink with creamy smoked haddock and Tolbooth burgers – beef, haggis, chicken or veggie with house sauce. Or try something a little different – perhaps the haggis bonbons with sweet chilli sauce, or a red pepper and goat’s cheese croquette. And to finish, classic sticky toffee pudding with Scottish ice cream.
For one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Edinburgh loved by locals – visit The Fountain in Edinburgh
The Fountain retains the aura of a traditional pub while adding in all the modern comforts you could desire. It’s a real local gem that will quickly become a favourite. As one of the best pubs in Edinburgh for food and drink, this is the ideal spot for meeting friends or taking the family out for a special occasion. Ideally situated across from Fountain Park, pop in for a meal before heading to the cinema, and then a post-movie drink to dissect what you’ve watched. Test your general knowledge on Sunday nights with the pub quiz from 8 pm. Child-friendly until 10 pm and dog-friendly all the time. Weekend brunch is a highlight here – try the breakfast burrito with hot sauce or start the weekend as you mean to go on with a Fountain fry-up and Bloody Mary. Experiment with haggis pakora and Iron Bru hot sauce for dinner, and finish with a burnt Basque cheesecake.
For one of the best gastropubs in Edinburgh – take a seat at The Barony Bar in Edinburgh
The Barony Bar first opened its doors in 1896, before transforming into a pub in 1955. A staple of Edinburgh’s culinary and drinks scene for over a century, this is a must-visit venue if you love great food and drink. The original Victorian charm of the building has been artfully brought to life with high vaulted ceilings, hand-painted tiles from the 19th century and brewery mirrors. Cosy up in the rich mahogany taproom around the open fire in winter, or soak up the sun in the pretty beer garden in summer. The extensive drinks menu ranges from nips and drams to a vast selection of real ales and premium wines. Food-wise, think seasonal, quintessential British pub food done well. Join the weekday Lunch Club and get a sandwich and a drink for one great price – rump steak on sourdough, wild mushrooms and garlic or a proper club sandwich.
For one of the best family-friendly pubs in Edinburgh – head on over to Polton Inn in Edinburgh
If you’re a lover of great food, live sports or just a refreshing pint, Polton Inn has you covered. Family-friendly with a real pub atmosphere, and top-notch food served every day. From a quick post-work bevvy to a weekend evening meal, you’ll always get a warm welcome. With extensive drinks list and traditional pub food prepared freshly to order, pop by for breakfast, Sunday lunch, a mid-week treat or your next celebration. The focus of the menu is on classic pub grub cooked to perfection. Think juicy medium rare beef dripping with gravy for Sunday lunch, homemade fish finger sandwiches on fresh bakery bread for a light snack, or a burger with streaky bacon and mature cheddar on brioche for dinner. Finish with an apple and cider crumble served with custard for the perfect end to your meal.
For whisky tastings and a seasonal Scottish menu – visit Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh
A distillery like no other, Port of Leith Distillery has spent years studying the process of fermenting yeast to make whisky. Now, on the eighth floor of the distillery, you can hit the Bar and sample some of the finest whiskies in all of Scotland, which is to say, in all the world. The double-height bar showcases over 200 bottles, with bar snacks available all night and a full seasonal food menu earlier in the evening. Pop in for a wee dram and you may find yourself still there at closing time. Enjoy a distillery tour first, or simply head straight for the Bar to sample signature cocktails alongside multiple great whiskies. Soak up the booze with bar snacks and small plates, such as the smoked haddock scotch egg with shaved shallots, hand-dived west scallops with garlic butter, and mackerel pate with keta caviar.
For Scotland’s oldest gin bar and one of the best pubs in Edinburgh – take a trip to 56 North in Newington
While Scotland may be best known for its whisky, it also produces around 70% of the UK’s gin. 56 North in Newington is the oldest gin bar in Scotland and currently operating as a working micro gin distillery, producing unique variations on one of the nations’ favourite drinks for your pleasure. Book a tasting tour or gin experience, or just a seat at the restaurant, where you can line your stomach with a gourmet burger or Thai chicken salad for lunch or dinner, or enjoy a full Scottish breakfast from the brunch menu. The food is always delicious, but let’s face it – you’re really here for the gin. There’s a four-step process to ordering your gin. First, choose your gin, from over 400 options daily. Next, choose your measure – 25ml or 50ml – then add a mixer. 56 North recommends Fever-Tree but it’s up to you. Finally, add your garnish – the staff will make a recommendation, but you can have anything you fancy.
For one of the best independent pubs in Edinburgh – pull up a chair at The Voyage of Buck in Edinburgh
Named for an infamous fictional 19th-century traveller William “Buck” Clarence, The Voyage of Buck takes inspiration from each of the cities he is said to have visited in his global roamings. Paris, Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, Athens and Dublin all influence the food and drink menus here, while the interior is decorated with souvenirs from these imaginary journeys. The art deco style of old Paris dominates, with charming memorabilia from around the globe. The kitchen is operated sustainably, using seasonal produce sourced within Scotland. Try the foraged mushroom and thyme tagliatelle, bavette steak with rocket and parmesan salad, or the wild venison tartare with cured egg yolk. The cocktail menu is also not to be ignored – showcasing original flavour combinations from all over the world. The Oscar Wilde with Buck’s biscuit liqueur and bourbon is a must-try.
For real ales and fresh, organic food with modern flair – book a table at The Cumberland Bar in Stockbridge
Ideally located for both the theatre and the station, The Cumberland Bar is the perfect spot for pre- and post-theatre drinks and bites. As one of the best pubs for food in Edinburgh, you know you’re going to get something tasty, even if your time is limited. The secluded beer garden is a fantastic summer hideaway, while indoors you can enjoy warm wood panelling and an open fire in cold weather. The rotating menu of real ale on tap offers eight daily choices, with an extensive wine list and a range of both local and imported bottled beers to back it up. Food is served all day and has a strong focus on traditional Scottish recipes, yet the chefs have added their own touch of contemporary flair. Think cauliflower wings with Bloody Mary ketchup, haggis bonbons with glayva crème fraiche, and Landlord steak and ale pie oozing with gravy.
With hundreds of pubs in the city, Edinburgh is never going to be short of places for you to grab a pint or relax over a glass of wine. Many also serve up great food, so you can pull up a chair and spend the evening enjoying drinks, nibbles and conversation. The hardest part is knowing where to choose.
Book yourself a table at one of the best pubs in Edinburgh right now on OpenTable and start planning your next big night out
If you’re eating out in Scotland’s capital but don’t fancy the pub, discover more of the best places to eat in Edinburgh in these guides:
- The 10 best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh to try right now
- The best romantic restaurants in Edinburgh for a stellar date night
- The best brunch restaurants in Edinburgh to try right now
- The best French restaurants in Edinburgh to book ASAP
- 5 of the best independent restaurants in Edinburgh
- 14 Edinburgh restaurants that locals adore
