There are plenty of places to eat in Edinburgh as it is one of the UK’s best places to visit. It is bursting with antiquity, culture, arts, and an array of great nightlife.
As the city continues to evolve with more trendy bars and eclectic eateries popping up on every corner, it seems to be the place to be for food enthusiasts.
Edinburgh is a diverse city where visitors can delve into history and culture and now, enjoy a varied range of delectable delicacies.
Here are the top ten food hotspots around Edinburgh that should not be missed.
1. If you are looking for traditional Scottish cuisine during your visit, The Albanach on Edinburgh’s famed Royal Mile is the ultimate place to score some authentic local fare.
This warm and cozy pub offers a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere with a large menu that offers all of Scotland’s favorite dishes such as haggis and potato pie, fish and chips, and Balmoral chicken.
With a selection of burgers and sandwiches, Albanach’s menu has something for everyone. Indulge in some hearty dishes, wash it down with a cold pint, and don’t forget to save room for dessert – the sticky toffee pudding is to die for!
2. The Witchery by the Castle is a much-loved favorite amongst both tourists and locals. Housing a gothic-style boutique hotel, as well as the restaurant, its dark and mysterious medieval-styled décor, radiates a fantastic ambiance that is both inviting and alluring to guests.
The Witchery’s extensive menu offers some of the freshest local ingredients such as Oban oysters from the waters of Argyllshire. Treat yourself to a juicy steak or smoked wild sea trout.
This delectable dining option never disappoints. Conveniently located close to Edinburgh Castle, it is a perfect choice after an afternoon spent touring the castle.
The castle is open from 9:30 am – 5 pm in summer (4 pm in winter) and tickets are available through the Edinburgh Castle website and cost £17 for adults, £10.20 for children (5-15 years), and £13.60 concession.
3. If you have a craving for something that isn’t traditional Scottish food, go for the best pizza in town at Civerinos.
Open until 1 is this popular Italian is located just off the Royal Mile and has a mouth-watering selection of pies which includes combinations like slow-cooked beef brisket, caramelized onions, red peppers, mozzarella, rocket, and their ‘hot AF’ sauce.
Of course, for those who like to keep it simple, you can order a margarita, pepperoni, and other pizza classics. Civerinos also offers a selection of tasty pasta, salads, and snacks such as fries and arancini.
This place is great for a quick pick-me-up to get you through the day or even a late-night feast after a night out on the town.
4. Stop by for a taste of the place that has got everyone talking in Edinburgh at the moment. Dishoom, located on St. Andrew Square puts a unique twist on Bombay cuisine with original dishes such as lamb samosas, paneer tikka, and sheekh kabab.
However, Dishoom seems to have gained a popular reputation through its breakfast menu. The perfect hangover cure, this mastermind selection of food consists of full breakfasts with Bombay flare and their most famous item – Naan Rolls. The naan rolls are simply genius.
Delve into a bacon and egg naan roll to kick start your Edinburgh morning and you won’t be disappointed. When booking accommodation in Edinburgh, be sure to pick somewhere central that is easily accessible by foot or public transport to main attractions and areas.
Fraser Suites is always a popular choice as it is situated just off the Royal Mile and within walking distance to all the popular spots in town including Dishoom.
5. For the ultimate foodies, there is a gastronomic experience that is like no other. A hidden gem, the Edinburgh Food Studio offers an evening of plate tasting that will bring your taste buds to life.
Serving only approximately 20 guests at a time, the 7- course tasting menu is creatively constructed through experiments with seasonal and local ingredients.
Often hosting guest chefs, this is a rare opportunity to taste culinary magic cooked by top chefs from around the world. Scoring a seat at this exclusive table can be difficult, so make sure you book well in advance.
6. Travel down to the shores of Leith where waterside bars and restaurants create the perfect scene for a crisp winter’s day or a sunny spring afternoon, sitting back and relaxing with a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of wine. While you’re down this way, be sure to stop by Nobles Café Bar & Restaurant.
This welcoming bar is full of charm with classic, yet tasteful décor and friendly staff – you will feel like one of the locals.
Enjoy the tasty menu where you will find brunch favorites like eggs benedict as well as hearty evening meals consisting of rolled Ayrshire pork belly, roast guinea foul, and classic fish and chips.
Getting to and from Leith from the city center is simple and can be reached easiest by bus. Visit lothianbuses.co.uk for bus timetables.
7. Are you keen on some Asian fusion? Enjoy a flavor-bursting meal at Passorn – Edinburgh’s latest Thai addition. Using authentic family recipes, the presentation nearly outdoes the taste.
It’s simple yet sleek décor is modern and sophisticated. Tuck into Kaeng Keow Wan; the hottest Thai green curry or a beloved dish; pad thai.
Passorn also offers a selection of seafood and vegetarian dishes so there is something to please all palettes. Passorn is located near the Meadows, just a 20-minute walk from the city center.
8. How does a gastro pub started by two Michelin-starred chefs sound? Upmarket pub grub that is sure to please, Scran & Scallie will not disappoint.
Its warm and cozy décor makes you feel more like you are in someone’s kitchen rather than in a pub. Its enticing menu will leave you having trouble deciding what to choose because it all sounds delicious.
Starters vary with the likes of lobster ravioli, chili, ginger & shellfish bisque followed up by mains that include chicken and pumpkin caponata or the Scran & Scallie steak pie.
Don’t leave without trying the chocolate and whisky mousse, Scottish brambles, and sorbet – it’s truly delectable!
9. For a great coffee and cake go to Brew Lab Coffee on South College Street. Adored by locals and visitors, these guys take coffee very seriously.
Choose from four rotating single-origin coffees that are expertly made by skilled baristas who constantly practice new brewing techniques to achieve the perfect cup of coffee.
At Brew Lab, you can also enjoy sandwiches, soups, salads, and delightful cakes. Sit back and watch the world go by while sipping on one seriously delicious cup of coffee.
10. How about dinner with a view? That view is the world-famous Edinburgh Castle. There is no better way to end your trip to Edinburgh than with a first-class meal with incredible city views.
Tower Restaurant located above the National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh’s best luxury restaurants. Dine in a beautiful setting and delve into gourmet dishes such as duck breast with celeriac and beetroot purée, red cabbage, and kale or winter squash risotto.
Tower Restaurant also caters to vegetarians and vegans and offers several menus including à la carte dinner, 2/3 course lunch, afternoon tea, and more.
Whether you are a devoted foodie or simply enjoy a traditional meal in the place you are visiting, eating your way through any city is the best way to learn the culture and what the locals are eating.
Edinburgh is full of incredible places to enjoy luxury dining, some good old pub grub, exotic cuisine, and much more.
Summary of places to eat in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city of diverse food options, and there are many places to enjoy a meal during your visit. From traditional Scottish cuisine at The Albanach, to the medieval ambiance of The Witchery by the Castle, to Italian pizza at Civerinos, Bombay cuisine at Dishoom, to gastronomic experiences at the Edinburgh Food Studio, to the classic charm of Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant, and Asian fusion at Passorn, there is something for everyone.
With a wealth of restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Edinburgh. Whether you’re after a casual bite or a gourmet meal, you’re sure to find the perfect place to suit your tastes.
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