Finding a great place to eat in Edinburgh can be quite the adventure with so many amazing options! The food scene here perfectly blends tradition with some exciting new twists, and you’ll discover delicious meals at every turn. I’ve absolutely loved exploring all that Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, and other lovely neighborhoods have to offer! Here are my favorite places that never fail to impress, whether you’re in the mood for a cozy pub lunch or an unforgettable dinner that you’ll talk about on your way home!
1. The Kitchin
Tom Kitchin’s Michelin-starred ⭐ restaurant in Leith champions a ‘from nature to plate’ philosophy, and it shows. Seasonal Scottish ingredients take centre stage here, prepared with French technique and real flair. The tasting menus change with what’s available, but expect dishes like hand-dived scallops, locally shot game, and North Sea fish. It’s proper fine dining without the stuffiness.
Book well ahead, especially for weekend evenings. Lunch service offers better value if you’re watching your budget. The restaurant sits in a converted whisky warehouse, which adds character to the experience.
2. Royal Mile Tavern
This traditional pub sits right on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, making it perfect when you’re exploring the Old Town. It’s a proper Scottish pub with dark wood, low ceilings, and a welcoming atmosphere.
The menu focuses on classic Scottish dishes done well. This is where to eat haggis in Edinburgh if you want the full experience: haggis, neeps, and tatties served in generous portions. They also do excellent steak pies and fish suppers.
Lunchtime tends to be quieter than evenings. Get there before 6pm if you want to avoid the post-work crowd. The upstairs dining room offers more space than the cosy ground floor bar.
3. Dishoom Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s branch of the popular Bombay café chain occupies a stunning former university building on St Andrew Square. The interior alone is worth a visit, but the food is what keeps people queuing. Start with the bacon naan at breakfast or go for the house black daal at lunch or dinner. The lamb chops are consistently excellent, and the okra fries disappear fast.
4. Copper Still
Another cracking traditional pub, the Copper Still combines a relaxed atmosphere with solid Scottish cooking. Located off the Royal Mile, it draws a mix of locals and visitors who appreciate good food without the tourist trap prices. My favorite is the sticky toffee pudding! 😋Staff are friendly and happy to explain Scottish dishes if you’re unfamiliar.
5. Fiddler’s Arms
This no-frills pub in Grassmarket proves that simple done well beats fancy any day. The Fiddler’s Arms focuses on traditional Scottish pub food at fair prices, making it a reliable choice when you want something hearty and honest.
Their Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) is a proper version of the Scottish classic. The steak and ale pie comes with a golden puff pastry lid and rich gravy. It’s comfort food that hits the spot after walking Edinburgh’s hills.
Grassmarket gets busy in the evenings, so aim for an early dinner if you want a quieter experience. The pub has a good whisky selection if you fancy a dram with your meal 🥃
6. The Scran & Scallie
Tom Kitchin’s gastropub in Stockbridge offers a more relaxed alternative to his fine dining restaurant. The menu celebrates Scottish ingredients with dishes like potted shrimps, beer-battered haddock, and dry-aged steaks. The Sunday roast here is legendary among locals. Book ahead if you’re planning a weekend visit. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between neighbourhood pub and destination restaurant.
They also do a good selection of Scottish beers 🍻 and gins.
7. Timberyard
This industrial-chic Michelin-starred ⭐ restaurant in an old warehouse focuses on open-fire cooking and fermentation. The menu changes daily based on what’s in season, with a strong emphasis on Scottish ingredients treated in interesting ways. Expect dishes like smoked duck with pickled vegetables, charred leeks with bone marrow, or wood-fired bream with seaweed butter. It’s modern Scottish cooking with technique and creativity. Book ahead, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.
8. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday, Castle Terrace hosts Edinburgh’s main farmers’ market. It’s a brilliant spot to sample Scottish produce, from artisan cheeses to fresh seafood, baked goods, and seasonal vegetables. Grab a venison burger or wood-fired pizza for lunch while you browse. The market runs year-round, though the selection changes with the seasons. Many stallholders are happy to chat about their products and offer samples.
Get there by 10am for the best selection. Bring cash, as not all vendors take cards.
9. L’Escargot Bleu
This French bistro on Broughton Street brings a slice of Paris to Edinburgh. The menu sticks to classic French dishes: escargots (obviously), duck confit, moules marinières, and steak frites. Ingredients come from Scotland and France, creating a cross-Channel collaboration that works brilliantly. The lunch menu offers excellent value, with two courses for a very fair price.
10. Howies
With several locations across Edinburgh, Howies offers reliable Scottish cooking at reasonable prices. The menu features local ingredients prepared simply: Shetland mussels, haggis pakora, Scottish salmon, and Aberdeen Angus steaks. It’s a good middle-ground option when you want something better than a chain but not as pricey as fine dining. The Victoria Street location is particularly handy for Old Town exploring.
Edinburgh’s food scene keeps getting better, and now you know exactly where to eat in Edinburgh for every occasion. From traditional pubs serving proper haggis to modern restaurants pushing Scottish ingredients in new directions, the city has something for every appetite and budget. Book ahead for the popular spots, come hungry, and enjoy exploring Scotland’s capital one delicious meal at a time.
