Best Restaurants in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. But what is often overlooked is the incredible food scene that the city has to offer. From traditional Scottish cuisine to international flavors, Edinburgh has something to offer every palate. In this article, we will explore the best restaurants in Edinburgh that will leave your taste buds singing.

The Kitchin 🍴

The Kitchin is a Michelin-starred restaurant that is known for its Scottish cuisine. Chef Tom Kitchin and his team use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both innovative and flavorful. The restaurant’s menu changes daily, ensuring that each visit is a unique experience. Highlights of the menu include the roast scallops, the Angus beef fillet, and the salted caramel tart.

The Witchery 🍴

If you are looking for a fine dining experience in Edinburgh, The Witchery is the place to go. Located in a historic 16th-century building, the restaurant’s decor is as impressive as its food. The menu offers a range of Scottish dishes with a modern twist, such as the haggis, neeps, and tatties, and the Scottish lobster thermidor. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect setting for a special occasion.

Ondine 🍴

Ondine is a seafood restaurant that is situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of Scotland’s rich seafood heritage and features dishes such as the Shetland mussels, the grilled langoustines, and the pan-fried halibut. The restaurant also has a terrace that overlooks the historic Royal Mile, making it the perfect spot for a summer evening meal.

The Scran & Scallie 🍴

The Scran & Scallie is a gastropub that is run by Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack. The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of Scottish comfort food, with dishes such as the haggis and clapshot, the fish and chips, and the venison pie. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of craft beers and ciders, making it a great spot for a relaxed evening meal.

The Gardener’s Cottage 🍴

The Gardener’s Cottage is a restaurant that is located in a historic cottage in Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace Gardens. The menu is a celebration of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and features dishes such as the East Lothian lamb, the roasted celeriac, and the braised red cabbage. The restaurant also has a communal dining table, making it the perfect spot for a family-style meal.

The Lookout 🍴

The Lookout is a restaurant that is located on top of the Calton Hill Observatory, offering stunning views of Edinburgh’s skyline. The menu features modern Scottish dishes, such as the roast cauliflower, the smoked haddock, and the roast quail. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of cocktails, making it a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.

The Outsider 🍴

The Outsider is a restaurant that is located on the city’s historic George IV Bridge. The menu is a celebration of Scottish produce and features dishes such as the Highland beef, the Stornoway black pudding, and the West Coast crab. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of whiskies, making it the perfect spot for a post-dinner drink.

The Dogs 🍴

The Dogs is a restaurant that is located in Edinburgh’s New Town. The menu is a celebration of Scottish comfort food, with dishes such as the haggis, neeps, and tatties, the venison stew, and the fish and chips. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of craft beers and ciders, making it a great spot for a relaxed evening meal.

The Shore 🍴

The Shore is a restaurant that is located in Edinburgh’s Leith area. The menu is a celebration of Scottish seafood and features dishes such as the Isle of Mull scallops, the Shetland salmon, and the North Sea cod. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of wines, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion.

The Bon Vivant 🍴

The Bon Vivant is a restaurant that is located on the city’s Thistle Street. The menu is a celebration of Scottish produce and features dishes such as the Borders lamb, the Perthshire pork belly, and the Arran smoked cheddar. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of cocktails, making it a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.

The Tower 🍴

The Tower is a restaurant that is located in the National Museum of Scotland. The menu features modern Scottish dishes, such as the roast pork belly, the Forfar black pudding, and the Borders lamb. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of whiskies, making it the perfect spot for a post-dinner drink.

The Castle Terrace 🍴

The Castle Terrace is a restaurant that is located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The menu is a celebration of Scottish cuisine and features dishes such as the Perthshire venison, the Scrabster hake, and the Borders pigeon. The restaurant also has an impressive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion.

The Blue Blazer 🍴

The Blue Blazer is a restaurant that is located on Edinburgh’s Spittal Street. The menu is a celebration of Scottish comfort food, with dishes such as the haggis, neeps, and tatties, the Cullen skink, and the steak and ale pie. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of craft beers and ciders, making it a great spot for a relaxed evening meal.

The Devil’s Advocate 🍴

The Devil’s Advocate is a restaurant that is located on Edinburgh’s Advocate’s Close. The menu is a celebration of Scottish produce and features dishes such as the Highland venison, the Stornoway black pudding, and the Islay scallops. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of whiskies, making it the perfect spot for a post-dinner drink.

The Dome 🍴

The Dome is a restaurant that is located in a historic building on Edinburgh’s George Street. The menu is a celebration of Scottish cuisine and features dishes such as the Orkney scallops, the Perthshire venison, and the Borders beef. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of cocktails, making it a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.

FAQs 🍴

1. What is Scottish cuisine?

Scottish cuisine is a collection of dishes and ingredients that are traditionally associated with Scotland. These include haggis, neeps, and tatties, Cullen skink, and Scotch whisky.

2. What is haggis?

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that is made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oatmeal, onions, and spices. It is usually served with neeps and tatties.

3. What is neeps and tatties?

Neeps and tatties are traditional Scottish side dishes. Neeps are turnips, while tatties are potatoes. They are usually served with haggis.

4. What is Cullen skink?

Cullen skink is a traditional Scottish soup that is made from smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream.

5. What is Scotch whisky?

Scotch whisky is a type of whisky that is made in Scotland. It is usually aged in oak barrels for at least three years and has a strong, smoky flavor.

6. Do these restaurants cater to dietary restrictions?

Yes, most of these restaurants are able to cater to dietary restrictions such as vegetarianism, veganism, and gluten-free diets. It is recommended to inform the restaurant in advance of any dietary requirements.

7. Do these restaurants offer outdoor seating?

Some of these restaurants offer outdoor seating, such as The Gardener’s Cottage and The Lookout. It is recommended to call ahead and inquire about outdoor seating availability.

8. Do these restaurants offer takeout?

Some of these restaurants offer takeout, such as The Witchery and The Scran & Scallie. It is recommended to call ahead and inquire about takeout availability.

9. Do these restaurants offer private dining?

Some of these restaurants offer private dining, such as The Kitchin and The Tower. It is recommended to call ahead and inquire about private dining availability.

10. Are these restaurants child-friendly?

Most of these restaurants are child-friendly, although it is recommended to call ahead and inquire about child-friendly facilities such as high chairs and children’s menus.

11. Do these restaurants have dress codes?

Some of these restaurants have dress codes, such as The Witchery and The Tower. It is recommended to call ahead and inquire about dress