Edinburgh’s dinner scene is one of the best reasons to visit this city. You’ll find everything from laid-back neighbourhood spots serving local seafood to innovative tasting menus that change with the seasons. I’ve spent evenings exploring the city’s restaurants, and these are the spots I come back to again and again. Here are my favourite places for dinner in Edinburgh.
1. Monteiths
Monteiths is a true neighborhood restaurant in Edinburgh. It’s cosy, unpretentious, and serves excellent food. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, and you can tell the kitchen knows what it’s doing.
The atmosphere is warm and friendly, making it ideal for a relaxed dinner. Weeknight evenings tend to be quieter, so you’ll have a better chance of getting a table without booking too far ahead.
2. La Locanda Edinburgh
La Locanda brings proper Italian cooking to Edinburgh’s New Town. This isn’t your standard Italian chain restaurant. The menu features regional dishes you won’t find everywhere, and the pasta is made fresh in-house.
Signature dishes: The handmade pasta is the star here. Go for whatever’s on special, as it’s usually seasonal and shows off the kitchen’s skills. The tiramisu is also worth saving room for.
The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between relaxed and special occasion. I’ve brought family here for birthdays and it’s always been a hit. The staff are friendly and happy to explain dishes if you’re not familiar with them.
3. Le Petit Beefbar
Le Petit Beefbar is exactly what it sounds like: a compact restaurant specialising in excellent beef dishes. If you’re a meat lover, this is one of the places to eat in Edinburgh that you shouldn’t miss.
The cuts are top quality, and the cooking is precise. You can choose your preferred preparation, and the sides are simple but done well. It’s not a huge space, so it feels quite intimate.
4. Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill
Fazenda offers a completely different dining experience: Brazilian rodizio-style service where waiters bring skewers of grilled meat to your table. The Full Churrasco menu is fun, interactive, and great if you’re dining with a group.
The Seafood & Vegetarian part is extensive, so even if you’re not a huge meat eater, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Tips for first-timers: Arrive hungry. This is a feast-style meal, and you’ll want to pace yourself. Use the card system on your table to signal when you need a break from the meat service. The cocktails are good too, particularly the caipirinhas.
5. Timberyard
Timberyard, a family-run Michelin ⭐ starred restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh. occupies a converted warehouse and has that cool, industrial-chic vibe. But it’s not style over substance. The food is creative, seasonal, and beautifully presented.
The menu changes frequently, focusing on Scottish produce with Nordic influences. I appreciate how they use lesser-known ingredients and give them centre stage. The cocktail list is creative and complements the food menu well.
It’s equally good for a date night or dinner with friends who appreciate good food.
6. The Scran & Scallie
The Scran & Scallie is a more casual gastropub in Stockbridge. This is where locals go for elevated comfort food and a proper pint.
The menu features Scottish pub classics done brilliantly. Think fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and sticky toffee pudding. The quality is exceptional, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. It’s one of my go-to spots for a satisfying dinner without the fine-dining price tag.
Don’t miss: The cullen skink is superb if it’s on the menu. The Sunday roast is popular with locals, so book ahead if that’s your plan.
Edinburgh’s dinner scene offers incredible variety, from innovative tasting menus to cosy neighbourhood favourites. These places to eat in Edinburgh represent some of the best cooking in Scotland, and they showcase just how exciting the city’s food culture has become. Book a table, bring your appetite, and enjoy exploring these fantastic restaurants.
