Edinburgh’s varied food scene is constantly expanding, boasting some stellar gems waiting to be discovered across the city. And if you’re planning your visit for a weekend break or a longer holiday, the city is a cultural hub and showcases an incredible food scene loved by locals and visitors alike. It’s crammed with a huge variety of places to eat out, including restaurants serving world cuisine and venues that celebrate high-quality Scottish produce. During the summer months, the city really comes alive and is home to the world’s largest arts and theatre festival, so whether you’re looking for the perfect brunch spot in buzzing areas or a romantic destination tucked away far from the crowds, the best restaurants in Edinburgh promise a memorable time.
A high-end Edinburgh steakhouse serving premium cuts of grass-fed beef alongside local seafood is perfect for meat lovers. A whisky distillery with a chic bar-restaurant upstairs offers decadent whisky cocktails and a delicious light bites menu. No matter what type of cuisine you most enjoy, these are the best restaurants in Edinburgh to book when you’re in the city.
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For one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for pizza and pints – try 3 Blind Mice in Old Town
Inspired by traditional Italian cuisine, 3 Blind Mice serves fresh high-quality pizzas and is one of best restaurants in Edinburgh for a slice and a pint. Located in Edinburgh’s picturesque Old Town centre, just a short walk from the Royal Mile, 3 Blind Mice offers relaxed indoor dining and takeaway pizza. Start your meal off with elegant small plates, such as the salmon with beetroot and mascarpone or the ceviche made with prawn, avocado and mango. Popular pizza toppings include the classic pepperoni pie drizzled with chilli honey or the sriracha chicken with mozzarella and red peppers. Crunchy side salads provide a refreshing accompaniment. The restaurant also serves a variety of high-end wines, beers, and delicious cocktails. The laid-back atmosphere makes this an ideal spot for a midweek catch up with friends or a fun Friday night out.
For one of Edinburgh’s best restaurants for hearty Canadian cuisine – visit Down The Hatch in Edinburgh and South Queensferry
Canadian cuisine is well known for its hearty, comfort food style. At Down The Hatch, one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh and South Queensferry, diners can experience traditional Canadian fare in a relaxed, rustic setting. Visitors to the Queensferry Down The Hatch can eat in the heated and covered outdoor area. Down The Hatch in Edinburgh New Town also has some outdoor seating and a lively, pub feel. At the New Town city centre branch, diners can tuck into hearty burgers, like the brisket smashed patty or the buffalo ranch royale made with crispy fried chicken. The Queensferry venue also serves burgers and runs a mouthwatering breakfast menu, that includes a Canadian skillet fry-up and bacon and maple syrup French toast. Wash your meal down with an ice cream milkshake or a refreshing craft beer.
📍 Edinburgh — Check availability
📍 New Town — South Queensferry
For an unforgettable brunch at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh New Town – book at Greenwoods in New Town
An offshoot from the iconic Greenwoods Singel brunch spot in Amsterdam, Greenwoods in New Town is one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for breakfast and brunch. Located just off Edinburgh’s bustling George Street in the city centre, Greenwoods offers a Dutch-inspired all-day breakfast and brunch menu. Start your day off with a pancake stack, made with eggs, smoked bacon, and herb sausage. You can also enjoy a veggie pancake stack, or a full vegan fry-up made with tofu scramble, seitan bacon, and vegan haggis.
The banana bread tumble is a must-try if you love a sweet treat. It’s perfect with a deluxe flavoured hot chocolate from the hot chocolate bar or a warming coffee. Greenwoods also serves homemade fruit juices, which can be turned into brunch cocktails. The lively café feel makes this a great place for a lazy weekend brunch or a catch up with friends.
For one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh city centre for finger-licking fried chicken – don’t miss Buck’s Bar in Old Town and New Town
Serving traditional American cuisine, Buck’s Bar in Old Town and New Town is one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh city centre for a fried chicken meal out. Chow down on classic buttermilk fried chicken served in a three-piece set or spice things up with Nashville hot style chicken that’s glazed with red chilli oil. You can also dig into chicken and waffles with tasty southern-style sides like mac and cheese or creamy slaw. If you’ve got vegans or vegetarians in your party, a seitan burger or a vegetarian jackfruit burger are available.
A gluten-free menu is also on offer. Meanwhile, the Nutella waffle is a major hit for dessert. Go classic American with a diner-style hard shake – ice cream milkshakes laced with Jack Daniels or Morgan’s Spiced rum. The bustling atmosphere and central locations make this a great pitstop for a day out on the town.
📍 Old Town — Check availability
📍 New Town — Check availability
For one of the best steak restaurants in Edinburgh – try Hawksmoor in Edinburgh
Specialising in premium grass-fed steak and locally sourced seafood, Hawksmoor Edinburgh is one of the best Edinburgh restaurants for a special meal out. Working with British farmers, Hawksmoor prides itself on serving farm-reared high-quality beef alongside seasonal produce. The sophisticated décor and inviting ambience make this a great spot for an anniversary meal or a lunch out with business colleagues. Popular starter options include the fillet carpaccio served with pickled mushrooms and the half native lobster.
Decadent sharing steaks, like chateaubriand or porterhouse cuts, are perfect for a fancy date. You can also enjoy standard cuts, like sirloin and fillet with a choice of steak sauce, or tasty seafood options, like charcoal grilled monkfish or roasted halibut. Hawksmoor also serves a Sunday special of slow-roasted rump with all the trimmings. Select a fine wine from the Bordeaux or Burgundy region to pair with your steak.
For one of Edinburgh’s best restaurants for stellar Scottish whisky – head to the Port of Leith Distillery in Leith
The Port of Leith Distillery in Leith offers an unmissable dining and drinking experience for whisky lovers and Scottish food fans. The menu features produce from the local Forth Valley area, while the 200-bottle whisky bar offers a unique chance to sample some incredible regional malts. The bar and restaurant are located on the top floor inside the whisky distillery, meaning you can take a tour before your meal or just enjoy some whisky cocktails with dinner.
The stylish bar menu features a range of elegant small plates, like chicken liver parfait or seasonal veg lasagne. You can also share a charcuterie board supplied by local delis or try a cheeseboard curated by renowned cheese supplier IJ Mellis. Dark chocolate mousse is a decadent treat for dessert. The vibe is chic and trendy, with modern, industrial decor and great views of the Firth of Forth River.
For one of Edinburgh’s best steakhouses – visit La Petit Beef Bar in New Town
Elegant modern décor, premium meat cuts, and a refined ambience make La Petit Beef Bar in New Town one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for a special occasion or a fancy date. The dinner menu features a variety of bistro classics, such as veal steak frites and fillet mignon steak. Serious meat connoisseurs will appreciate the 250g New York Strip Black Angus steak and specialist cuts, like the 200g Kobe or the Black Angus rib-eye selection.
Sunday lunch is served at La Petit Beef Bar and consists of slow-roasted meats alongside beef dripping potatoes and traditional Yorkshire pudding. You can also choose a signature Sunday cocktail, such as a blueberry lemon drizzle cocktail made with white rum and fresh fruit. The fashionable, New Town location makes Le Petit Beef Bar a wonderful place to start your evening or perfect for a cocktail dinner with friends.
For one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh Old Town for Turkish food – don’t miss Shish in Old Town
Shish in Edinburgh Old Town serves up traditional Turkish food in a vibrant and welcoming setting. The comfortable dining room décor is perfect for groups and the menu features mixed plates and sharing platters that are ideal for a family party or a meal with friends. Start your dining experience with delicious small plates, like Yaprak Sarma – grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice – or a fresh hummus plate. For mains, diners can tuck into Turkish dishes fresh off the charcoal grill, like minced lamb kebabs or grilled chicken breast.
The menu is made using fresh, seasonal produce to elevate every dish. If you’re planning a group meal, the mix grill platter includes lamb chops, chicken wings, kofte meatballs, and more, and can be ordered for groups of two, four, or six. The restaurants bar offers cocktails made with premium spirits and has a selection of fine European wines.
For elegant brunch cocktails in Edinburgh – try The Ivy on the Square in Old Town
Known for its stunning art-nouveau-inspired decor and luxurious brasserie-style menu, The Ivy on the Square in Old Town is one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for a special date. The Ivy is open all day long, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea between 3 pm and 4.45 pm. Open your meal with elegant starters, such as oak smoked duck liver parfait or a classic prawn cocktail. Popular Ivy mains include lobster linguine or pan-fried sea bass with shrimp.
If you’re in the mood for brunch, The Ivy on the Square’s brunch menu is available at weekends. Eggs benedict made with hand-pulled pork is a favourite, while buttermilk pancakes topped with Greek yogurt and fresh berries are a beautiful way to start the weekend. Enjoy a local beer or a refreshing spritz cocktail with your meal.
For a celebratory special occasion – book a table The Spence at Gleneagles in New Town
Diners at The Spence at Gleneagles in New Town will enjoy the relaxed yet effortlessly glamorous atmosphere at this unique Edinburgh institution. The restaurant serves breakfast from 7 am daily and also offers an exquisite afternoon tea, along with lunch and evening meals. If you’re dining from the a la carte menu, you can enjoy Scottish seafood dishes, including west coast dressed crab and langoustines. The 280g Tweed valley sirloin steak is perfect for a special occasion, while the whole roast sea bream can be shared by two.
The afternoon tea menu and dessert trolley offer a mouthwatering selection of freshly made cakes and pastries. Meanwhile, the bar serves up a range of unique cocktails, such as the chilli-infused vodka-based Sabai Sabai or the gin and sake-based Engineer. The luxurious, vintage-inspired décor and piano music gives The Spence at Gleneagles a truly classy feel.
Avid foodies won’t be disappointed on a trip to Scotland’s bustling capital. Whether you dream of sampling fresh Scottish shellfish or trying world cuisines in this cosmopolitan city centre, the best restaurants in Edinburgh promise an unforgettable culinary journey.
