The Best Restaurants in Downtown Edinburgh

Edinburgh is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. It also boasts some of the best restaurants in the world. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of dining options to choose from in downtown Edinburgh. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafes, this city has it all. In this article, we will explore the best restaurants in downtown Edinburgh and what makes them so special.

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants

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Edinburgh is home to some of the most prestigious fine dining restaurants in Scotland. These restaurants are perfect for special occasions or for those who simply want to experience the best of the best. Let’s take a look at the top three fine dining restaurants in downtown Edinburgh:

The Kitchin

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The Kitchin is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. It is known for its exceptional Scottish cuisine and its commitment to using only the freshest, local ingredients. The restaurant is located in the historic Leith area of Edinburgh and is run by Chef Tom Kitchin and his wife, Michaela. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons, but some of the standout dishes include the roasted Orkney scallop and the hand-dived West Coast scallop with smoked roe and seaweed.

The Witchery by the Castle

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The Witchery is a luxurious fine dining restaurant located in a historic 16th-century building at the top of the Royal Mile. It is known for its opulent decor, candlelit dining rooms, and exceptional Scottish cuisine. The menu at The Witchery features classic dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as some more modern options such as the seared North Sea scallops and the Scotch beef fillet with roasted bone marrow.

Café St Honoré

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Café St Honoré is a charming French-style bistro located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. It is known for its rustic, farmhouse-style decor and its commitment to using only the finest, seasonal ingredients. The menu features classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse and coq au vin, as well as some Scottish twists such as the North Ronaldsay lamb with Jerusalem artichokes and wild mushrooms.

The Best Casual Dining Restaurants

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If you’re looking for a more relaxed dining experience, there are plenty of casual dining options to choose from in downtown Edinburgh. These restaurants offer a more laid-back atmosphere and are perfect for a quick bite or a casual meal with friends. Let’s take a look at the top three casual dining restaurants in downtown Edinburgh:

The Outsider

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The Outsider is a popular casual dining restaurant located on George IV Bridge. It is known for its stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and its commitment to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of dishes, from classic Scottish dishes such as Cullen skink and haggis, neeps and tatties, to more modern options such as the pan-fried sea trout and the Shetland mussels in a Thai green curry sauce.

Mother India’s Café

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Mother India’s Café is a vibrant and colorful restaurant that serves up delicious Indian cuisine in a casual setting. The menu features a range of classic Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh, as well as some more modern options such as the paneer makhani and the mushroom and pea biryani. The restaurant is known for its friendly atmosphere and its commitment to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

The Dogs

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The Dogs is a cozy and welcoming restaurant located in Edinburgh’s New Town. It is known for its quirky decor and its delicious comfort food. The menu features classic dishes such as fish and chips, mac and cheese, and steak pie, as well as some more unexpected options such as the pulled pork tacos and the halloumi burger. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a range of craft beers on offer.

FAQs

What is the dress code in Edinburgh’s fine dining restaurants?

The dress code in Edinburgh’s fine dining restaurants is typically smart casual. This means that men should wear a jacket and tie, while women should wear a dress or a blouse and skirt. However, some restaurants may have a more relaxed dress code, so it’s always best to check before you go.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan restaurants in downtown Edinburgh?

Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in downtown Edinburgh. Some of the best options include Henderson’s Vegan, David Bann, and Holy Cow.

What is the best time to visit downtown Edinburgh’s restaurants?

The best time to visit downtown Edinburgh’s restaurants is typically in the early evening, between 6 pm and 8 pm. This is when most of the restaurants are busiest, so it’s best to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

What is the average cost of a meal in downtown Edinburgh’s restaurants?

The average cost of a meal in downtown Edinburgh’s restaurants can vary greatly depending on the restaurant and the type of cuisine. For a casual dining restaurant, you can expect to pay around £15 to £20 per person. For a fine dining restaurant, you can expect to pay upwards of £50 per person.

Are there any child-friendly restaurants in downtown Edinburgh?

Yes, there are plenty of child-friendly restaurants in downtown Edinburgh. Some of the best options include Bar Napoli, Pizza Express, and the Hard Rock Cafe.

What is the best seafood restaurant in downtown Edinburgh?

The best seafood restaurant in downtown Edinburgh is probably Ondine, which is located on George IV Bridge. The restaurant is known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and its commitment to sustainability.

What is the best Italian restaurant in downtown Edinburgh?

The best Italian restaurant in downtown Edinburgh is probably La Favorita, which is located on Leith Walk. The restaurant is known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and its extensive wine list.

Are there any gluten-free restaurants in downtown Edinburgh?

Yes, there are plenty of gluten-free restaurants in downtown Edinburgh. Some of the best options include Urban Angel, Mamma’s Pizza, and Dishoom.

What is the best restaurant for a romantic dinner in downtown Edinburgh?

The Witchery by the Castle is probably the best restaurant for a romantic dinner in downtown Edinburgh. The restaurant is known for its opulent decor, candlelit dining rooms, and exceptional Scottish cuisine.

What is the best restaurant for a business lunch in downtown Edinburgh?

The best restaurant for a business lunch in downtown Edinburgh is probably The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen, which is located on George Street. The restaurant is known for its elegant decor and its delicious, locally sourced cuisine.

What is the best Scottish restaurant in downtown Edinburgh?

The best Scottish restaurant in downtown Edinburgh is probably The Kitchin, which is located in the historic Leith area of the city. The restaurant is known for its exceptional Scottish cuisine and its commitment to using only the freshest, local ingredients.

Are there any halal restaurants in downtown Edinburgh?

Yes, there are several halal restaurants in downtown Edinburgh. Some of the best options include Indian Lounge, Nok’s Kitchen, and the Mosque Kitchen.

What is the best restaurant for a pre-theatre dinner in downtown Edinburgh?

The Outsider is probably the best restaurant for a pre-theatre dinner in downtown Edinburgh. The restaurant is located on George IV Bridge, which is close to many of the city’s theaters, and it offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.

What is the best restaurant for a group dinner in downtown Edinburgh?

The Dogs is probably the best restaurant for a group dinner in downtown Edinburgh. The restaurant is cozy and welcoming, and its menu features a range of delicious comfort food dishes that are perfect for sharing.

Conclusion

Downtown Edinburgh is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience or a casual meal with friends, this city has it all. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafes, the best restaurants in downtown Edinburgh are sure to impress. So why not make a reservation today and experience the culinary delights of this historic city for yourself?

Thank you for reading this article, we hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who are planning a trip to Edinburgh.

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