Best Places To Eat In Edinburgh

Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh and looking for the best places to eat? Edinburgh is a city that has a rich history and culture, and the food scene is no exception. From traditional Scottish dishes to international cuisine, Edinburgh has something to offer for everyone. In this article, we will take you through some of the best places to eat in Edinburgh, where you can indulge in delicious food and drinks.

The Kitchin 🍴

The Kitchin, located in the Leith area of Edinburgh, is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a contemporary Scottish cuisine experience. The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and the food is a true reflection of Scotland’s natural larder. The menu includes dishes such as roasted hand-dived Orkney scallops, Shetland cod, and Scottish beef. The Kitchin is a perfect place for a special occasion or romantic meal.

El Cartel 🌮

If you are looking for Mexican street food, El Cartel is the place to go. Located in Thistle Street, El Cartel is a small and intimate restaurant that serves up some of the tastiest tacos, quesadillas, and margaritas in town. The menu is simple, but the food is full of flavor and packs a punch. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.

The Witchery by the Castle 🎱

The Witchery by the Castle is one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh, located in the heart of the Old Town, adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. The restaurant is housed in a historic 16th-century building and offers a unique dining experience, with candlelit tables, oak paneling, and a rich tapestry of colors and textures. The menu at The Witchery is all about indulgence, with dishes such as lobster thermidor and roast saddle of lamb.

The Scran and Scallie 🍚

The Scran and Scallie is a gastropub located in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh. The restaurant serves up traditional Scottish comfort food with a modern twist, using the best ingredients from local suppliers. The menu includes dishes such as Cullen skink, haggis, and neeps, and classic fish and chips. The Scran and Scallie is a great place to relax with friends and family and enjoy a pint of Scottish ale.

The Mosque Kitchen 🍗

The Mosque Kitchen is a unique dining experience located in the basement of the Edinburgh Central Mosque. The restaurant serves up delicious and affordable Indian and Pakistani cuisine, with dishes such as biryani, curry, and samosas. The food is freshly prepared each day, and the portions are generous. The Mosque Kitchen is a popular spot among locals and tourists, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

The Shore 🌮

The Shore is a seafood restaurant located in Leith, overlooking the Water of Leith. The restaurant has a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with an emphasis on fresh, sustainable seafood. The menu includes dishes such as pan-seared scallops, fish and chips, and shellfish platters. The Shore is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail while watching the boats go by.

Castle Terrace 🍭

Castle Terrace is a fine dining restaurant located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The restaurant has a contemporary interior and a menu that celebrates Scottish ingredients and flavors. The dishes are beautifully presented and full of flavor, with options such as smoked salmon, lamb, and venison. Castle Terrace is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two.

The Outsider 🌮

The Outsider is a unique restaurant located on George IV Bridge, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. The restaurant has a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu includes dishes such as grilled sea bass, steak frites, and vegetarian options. The Outsider is a great place to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset over the city.

Café St. Honoré 🍽

Café St. Honoré is a French bistro located in the New Town area of Edinburgh. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with an emphasis on organic and local produce. The menu includes dishes such as French onion soup, duck confit, and tarte tatin. Café St. Honoré is a perfect place for a romantic meal or a catch-up with friends.

The Dogs 🍜

The Dogs is a quirky restaurant located in the New Town area of Edinburgh. The restaurant serves up hearty Scottish dishes with a twist, using the best produce from local suppliers. The menu includes dishes such as haggis and black pudding bonbons, chicken liver parfait, and venison stew. The Dogs is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy some comfort food.

The Dome 🎃

The Dome is one of the grandest restaurants in Edinburgh, located in a stunning Georgian building in the New Town area. The restaurant has a luxurious and elegant atmosphere, with a menu that celebrates Scottish and British cuisine. The menu includes dishes such as roast beef, smoked haddock, and cullen skink. The Dome is a perfect place for a special occasion or a romantic meal.

The Elephant House 🌱

The Elephant House is a must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans, as it was the café where J.K. Rowling wrote some of the early chapters of the Harry Potter books. The café serves up delicious coffee, tea, and cakes, as well as light meals and snacks. The Elephant House has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.

The Royal McGregor 🌞

The Royal McGregor is a Scottish bar located in the Old Town area of Edinburgh. The bar serves up traditional Scottish dishes, such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as classic pub grub. The Royal McGregor has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with live music and entertainment throughout the week.

The Caffeine Drip 🍺

The Caffeine Drip is a café located in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, serving up delicious coffee, tea, and baked goods. The café has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating. The Caffeine Drip is a great place to work or catch up with friends over a cup of coffee.

The Devil’s Advocate 🍷

The Devil’s Advocate is a bar and restaurant located in the Old Town area of Edinburgh. The bar serves up a great selection of Scottish and international whiskies, as well as craft beers and cocktails. The restaurant has a menu that celebrates Scottish ingredients, with dishes such as haggis bonbons, venison burgers, and Scottish salmon. The Devil’s Advocate is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the traditional Scottish dish?

Haggis, neeps, and tatties are considered the traditional Scottish dish, consisting of haggis, mashed turnips, and mashed potatoes.

2. What is the best time to visit Edinburgh for food?

Edinburgh has a vibrant food scene all year round, but it is especially lively during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, where you can enjoy a range of street food and pop-up restaurants.

3. What is the best place to try Scottish seafood?

The Shore is one of the best places to try Scottish seafood, with a menu that includes fresh and sustainable seafood.

4. Where can I find the best Indian food in Edinburgh?

The Mosque Kitchen is a unique dining experience that serves up delicious and affordable Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

5. What is the best place to go for a romantic meal in Edinburgh?

The Witchery by the Castle is one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh, with a candlelit atmosphere and an indulgent menu.

6. Where can I find the best coffee in Edinburgh?

The Caffeine Drip is a cozy café in the Stockbridge area that serves up delicious coffee and baked goods.

7. What is the best place to go for a drink in Edinburgh?

The Devil’s Advocate is a bar and restaurant that serves up a great selection of Scottish and international whiskies, craft beers, and cocktails.

8. What is the best place to try Mexican food in Edinburgh?

El Cartel is a small and intimate restaurant that serves up some of the tastiest tacos, quesadillas, and margaritas in town.

9. What is the best place to go for a Sunday roast in Edinburgh?

The Dogs is a quirky restaurant that serves up hearty Scottish dishes with a twist, including a delicious Sunday roast.

10. What is the best place to go for afternoon tea in Edinburgh?

The Dome is one of the grandest restaurants in Edinburgh that offers an indulgent afternoon tea experience.

11. What is the best place to try vegetarian food in Edinburgh?