Best Food in Edinburgh Old Town

Discover the Culinary Delights of Scotland’s Capital

Edinburgh’s Old Town boasts a rich mix of history, culture, and gastronomy. From authentic Scottish pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, this city has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can indulge in an array of delicious food and drink options to satisfy your cravings.

With so many options to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of the best food in Edinburgh Old Town to help guide your culinary journey. So, let’s dive in!

🍴The Best Scottish Breakfast: The Edinburgh Larder Cafe

Start your day off right with a traditional Scottish breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder Cafe. This cozy eatery serves up farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local suppliers, including free-range eggs and award-winning black pudding. Be sure to try their homemade tattie scones and Haggis Bon Bons for a true taste of Scotland.

🍤The Best Seafood: Ondine

Ondine boasts an impressive seafood menu with fresh, sustainable catches from Scottish waters. Their signature dish, Ondine Platter, is a seafood lover’s dream come true, featuring a selection of oysters, clams, langoustines, and more. They also offer an extensive wine list to complement your meal.

🍔The Best Burger: Holyrood 9A

If you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, Holyrood 9A is the place to go. This gastropub serves up delicious burgers made with locally sourced, high-quality beef. You can choose from classic options like the 9A Burger or get adventurous with the Haggis Burger. They also have an impressive selection of craft beers to wash it all down.

🍕The Best Pizza: Civerinos

Civerinos is a must-visit for pizza lovers. Their wood-fired pizzas are made with authentic Italian ingredients and cooked to perfection. Try the Rustica pizza with spicy nduja sausage and roasted red peppers, or build your own from their extensive list of toppings.

🍣The Best Sushi: Kanpai Sushi

Kanpai Sushi offers some of the best sushi in Edinburgh Old Town. Their expert chefs use only the freshest ingredients to create beautifully presented dishes that taste as good as they look. Be sure to try the Dragon Roll, made with prawn tempura, avocado, and eel sauce.

🍨The Best Ice Cream: Mary’s Milk Bar

No visit to Edinburgh Old Town is complete without a stop at Mary’s Milk Bar. This cute ice cream parlor serves up delicious, homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors, including Scottish Tablet and Raspberry Sorbet. They also offer hot chocolate and other sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.

🍷The Best Wine Bar: Smith & Gertrude

Smith & Gertrude is the perfect spot for a romantic night out or a cozy catch-up with friends. This intimate wine bar offers an extensive selection of wines from around the world, as well as charcuterie boards and other tasty snacks. Be sure to ask the knowledgeable staff for their recommendations.

💼The Best Business Lunch: The Witchery by the Castle

If you’re looking to impress a client or seal a deal over lunch, The Witchery by the Castle is the place to go. This historic restaurant is located in a 16th-century building, offering a unique and elegant dining experience. They offer a set lunch menu featuring Scottish classics like Cullen Skink and Borders Beef.

🍹The Best Cocktail Bar: Bramble

Bramble is a hidden gem in Edinburgh’s Old Town, located down a quiet alleyway. This speakeasy-style bar offers creative cocktails made with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. Try the Bramble, their signature drink made with gin, blackberry liqueur, lemon, and sugar.

🍝The Best Pasta: La Favorita

La Favorita is a popular Italian restaurant in Edinburgh Old Town, known for their delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas. But did you know they also serve up some of the best pasta in the city? Their homemade spaghetti alla carbonara and linguine with clams are not to be missed.

🥂The Best Champagne Bar: Champagne Central

Champagne Central is located in the stunning Grand Central Hotel, offering a luxurious atmosphere for a special occasion or a fancy night out. They offer an extensive selection of champagnes and sparkling wines, as well as delicious bar bites and afternoon tea.

🍛The Best Indian: Dishoom

Dishoom is a Bombay-style cafe that offers a unique twist on Indian cuisine. Their menu features classic dishes like biryanis and curries, as well as street food-inspired options like vada pav and bhel. Be sure to try their signature Mattar Paneer and Black Daal.

🍺The Best Pub: The Bow Bar

The Bow Bar is a traditional Scottish pub located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This cozy spot offers an impressive selection of cask ales, craft beers, and whiskies. The friendly staff and warm atmosphere make it the perfect place for a pint with friends.

🍦The Best Gelato: Artisan Cheesecakes

Artisan Cheesecakes offers some of the best gelato in Edinburgh Old Town. Their homemade gelato is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and comes in a variety of flavors, including Salted Caramel and Pistachio. They also offer delicious cheesecakes and other desserts.

🍴What Makes Edinburgh Old Town’s Food Scene So Unique?

Edinburgh’s Old Town is home to a unique culinary culture that blends traditional Scottish dishes with international flavors and modern techniques. Many of the city’s top restaurants source their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers, ensuring the freshest and highest quality dishes.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall cafes, Edinburgh Old Town offers something for every palate and budget. The food scene is constantly evolving and expanding, with new restaurants and bars opening up all the time.

🤔FAQs

What are the best vegetarian options in Edinburgh Old Town?

For vegetarians, we recommend checking out Henderson’s, a popular vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of tasty dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Another great option is The Baked Potato Shop, which serves up hearty baked potatoes with a variety of toppings.

Where can I find the best fish and chips in Edinburgh Old Town?

The best fish and chips in Edinburgh Old Town can be found at The Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar. Their crispy battered fish and homemade chips are a must-try, and they also offer other seafood dishes like fish tacos and seafood platters.

What’s the dress code for Edinburgh Old Town’s top restaurants?

Dress codes vary depending on the restaurant, but most top restaurants in Edinburgh Old Town have a smart-casual dress code. Avoid wearing athletic wear or flip flops, and opt for dressier attire like dress pants and a button-down shirt.

What’s the best time of day to visit Mary’s Milk Bar?

Mary’s Milk Bar is a popular destination, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines. Try visiting in the morning or mid-afternoon when it’s less busy.

Do I need to make a reservation for The Witchery by the Castle?

Yes, we recommend making a reservation in advance for The Witchery by the Castle as it’s a popular spot for business lunches and special occasions. You can make a reservation on their website or by calling the restaurant directly.

What’s the best way to get around Edinburgh Old Town?

Edinburgh Old Town is easily walkable, so we recommend exploring the area on foot. You can also take the bus or tram to get to other parts of the city.

Is it safe to eat street food in Edinburgh Old Town?

Yes, street food in Edinburgh Old Town is generally safe to eat as long as you choose reputable vendors. Be sure to look for stalls with long lines or high ratings online, and avoid eating food that’s been sitting out for too long.

What’s the best way to experience Edinburgh Old Town’s food scene?

We recommend taking a food tour to experience Edinburgh Old Town’s food scene. This will allow you to try a variety of dishes and learn about the city’s culinary history and culture. Some popular food tour companies in Edinburgh include Eat Walk Edinburgh and Secret Food Tours.

What’s the best time of year to visit Edinburgh Old Town?

Edinburgh Old Town is beautiful year-round, but we recommend visiting in the summer months when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor events and festivals. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which takes place