The best restaurants in Edinburgh: a local’s guide to fine dining, hidden gems and must-visit spots

As an Edinburgh local who has spend over a decade in the city centre exploring casual little lunch spots and elegant fine dining restaurants, I feel like I now know a thing or two about the best restaurants and food in the city. And I am definitely not a gate-keeper, so in this guide I have shared all my tried-and-tested favourite spots that I recommend to friends time and time again. Whether you are looking for a restaurant for a good pub lunch or a fancier occasion celebratory meal, I have included my top tips for every category I could think of!

This guide will be updated continuously as I discover and experience more of the best restaurants in Edinburgh and was last updated in September 2026.

The best restaurants in Edinburgh

Some of my best ever restaurant experiences has been in the city I now call home. Edinburgh has some incredible food spots in a variety of categories and it’s been quite tough to pick out my favourites. Although I love trying new food and especially whilst travelling, I am also quite picky about my restaurant experiences. Not only do I want the food to be good but I want attentive service and a good restaurant atmosphere to enhance the whole experience.

Being from Sweden, I have been accused by my husband to have quite a “European palate” (his words, not mine) so sometimes I can be a bit hesitant toward the beige food of the UK. That’s not to say that there is really good food here as well – and I think the food scene in Edinburgh really showcases that. Especially in the recommendations I have included here for you.

♥ Looking for somewhere to stay in Edinburgh? Read my guide to the best hotels in the city here!

Moa’s best: top 3 must-visit restaurants in Edinburgh and what to order

It was a difficult choice, but I eventually managed to narrow it down to these three. These picks are those kind of places and dishes I will come back for over and over again!

• Steak frites at The Outsider
• Padron peppers, coconut corn ribs and hispi cabbage at Ka Pao
• Steak tartare at Brasserie Prince

See our other Edinburgh food & drink guides here:

• Best Spots in Edinburgh for Breakfast & Brunch
• A guide to the best cafés in Edinburgh: A locals favourites
• The best Sunday Roast in Edinburgh: delicious picks with all the trimmings
• The best Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh Scotland: Scones, Sandwiches & City Views
• The best cocktail bars in Edinburgh: recommendations from a local

Quick guide to the best restaurants in Edinburgh

Here is a little quick overview to some of my favourite spots in these categories. To read a bit more about them, you’ll find each restaurant in their respective categories further down.

• The best restaurant in Edinburgh for a special occasion: The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse
• Where to try haggis in Edinburgh: Amber at The Scotch Whisky Experience
• The best steak in Edinburgh: Kyloe
• The best fine dining in Edinburgh: Layla
• For the best seafood: Fishers
• For food with an Edinburgh view: 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant at Johnnie Walker
• For vegetarian & vegan: Soul Vegan
• For gluten free: Bodega

The best restaurants in Edinburgh – by category

I have divided my restaurant recommendations in different categories to make it easier to see what these restaurants focus on and what type of food they serve. In here you will find everything from Scottish cuisine and fine dining but also my favourite hidden gems.

The best restaurants in Edinburgh to try Scottish Cuisine

As someone who thinks food is part of a travel experience, I would say you can’t come to Scotland and not try some Scottish Cuisine. Classic dishes like cullen skink, haggis or steak pie are hearty and comforting – and of course absolutely delicious! I have a separate category for seafood, so even though this could be something considered part of Scottish cuisine and it’s a particular category I love, I know its not for everyone.

• The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse: my favourite for a celebratory meal and this gorgeous old bank building is the most beautiful venue in Edinburgh to enjoy a meal.
• Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience: I used to work as a whisky tour guide here and the Amber restaurant is a great spot to try Scottish cuisine – and of course also a dram of scotch whisky!
• Badger & Co: is a Scottish Larder that focuses on local and seasonal ingredients. Here you can find classic dishes like Cullen Skink and this seafood soup is a must-try in my opinion as well as steak pie, fish and chips or Scottish cheeses.

Where to try haggis in Edinburgh?

I know a lot of people might be a little scared of haggis because of it being traditionally encased in a sheep stomach, but I’m here to tell you that it’s absolutely delicious. Personally I would consider it a must-try in Scotland. If you don’t want to try the traditional haggis, neeps & tatties you can also try haggis bon bons as a starter or even a haggis pizza!

• Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience: makes fantastic haggis dishes and the whisky sauce here is one of the best in the city.
• Makars Mash Bar: has won several awards with Tripadvisors Traveller’s Choice and is a very popular spot in the Old Town. The concept is simple, you order mashed potatoes and whatever you want with it be it sausages, mushrooms, chicken or haggis.
• Cannonball: located right next to the castle in a charming old building which really gives you a taste of the old town.

Haggis, neeps & tatties: Scotland’s national dish which consists of haggis, turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties). It is often served with a whisky cream sauce and pairs really well with a scotch whisky, such as a Talisker 10 Year Old which has notes of black pepper and fruit.

Seafood

Seafood is definitely a category that I would say Scotland excels at. I grew up in Sweden in a family that loves shellfish in particular so I was delighted when I discovered how good the oysters, crabs, langoustines and scallops were in my new home country. When you try fresh seafood in Scotland, it really is world-class!

• Fishers: have two restaurants in Edinburgh – one in the city centre and one in Leith. They serve really fresh seafood and have a good variety from scallops, ceviche dishes and crab to lobster and langoustines or soups.
• White Horse Oyster Bar: I had never tried oysters before moving to Scotland but it’s a favourite of mine now. Scottish oysters are really good and I usually like mine with a raspberry vinaigrette as well as a glass of champagne to pair.

Classic restaurants

Edinburgh, like many other places, have a couple of really classic restaurants that are often bistro style and are more like iconic institutions rather than just somewhere to go for food.

• The Palmerston: locals love this spot because of it’s quality food, elegant atmosphere and classic menu. Definitely one of my top picks for restaurants in Edinburgh!
• Brasserie Prince: inside The Balmoral hotel is a wonderful spot for food and I would especially recommend their steak tartare which is made table-side.

Pub food

Who doesn’t love a comforting meal in a cosy pub? I personally tend to go for a steak or chicken pie, but other pub classics like a fish and chips tend to be featured on the menu in any decent pub as well.

• The Queens Arms: has incredibly comforting food and such a cosy pub to visit even if you’re just in for a drink.
• Teuchter’s Landing: The West End pub is my local and if you go don’t miss a game of “Hoop of destiny” where you can win a dram of whisky.
• The Sheeps Heid: is a charming country side pub perfect to visit along with a long walk around Arthurs Seat and to Dr Neils Garden
• The Auld Hoose: known for its enormous nacho plate which went viral on social media – but it’s also very tasty. I would however recommend bringing some company to share the food with…

Gastro pubs

Gastro pubs are often slightly fancier versions of your classic pub with a culinary focus, more similar to a restaurant.

• The Captain Darling: a charming pub in my favourite Edinburgh neighbourhood Stockbridge.
• Scran & Scallie: is a well known gastropub in Stockbridge which is run by Michelin-star chef Tom Kitchin and his team of chefs.

Sunday Roast

A Sunday Roast is a British classic which usually consists of a cut of meat or chicken along with roast potatoes, gravy and vegetables. It’s not uncommon to see restaurant offer a set Sunday roast menu which is available on (you guessed it) Sundays and often they have to be booked in advance. There are many good locations for a roast but The Kyloe restaurant in Edinburgh’s West End is without doubt one of the best spots I have ever been for a Sunday roast.

• Hawksmoor: are very good at meat in particular and have a whole blackboard of cuts to choose between. It’s always a good spot to go for food – and they also have a very reasonable set lunch deal most of the year which is well worth the money.
• Ardfern: by Chef Roberta Hall is a favourite amongst me and my friends for food. The restaurant has such a lovely atmosphere and the flavours and dishes always seem to be very well put together – and the Sunday roast is no exception.
• Kyloe: the Sunday Roast here is ordered by weight, must be booked in advance and is great for sharing with a group of friends or a partner. It also includes unlimited sides and a sticky toffee pudding for dessert so you’re sure not to leave feeling hungry.

Fine dining & Tasting Menus

Personally I have a soft spot for tasting menus. I love when I am able to try a variety of foods. am also incrdibly indecisive so really appreciate when someone else has already made the decision for me.

• The Kitchin: is a Michelin starred restaurant in Leith, ran by Tom Kitchin. I went for their lunch menu for my birthday and had a lovely time exploring the set lunch menu with paired wines.
• Heron: I still dream about the crab canapés at Heron. I love the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere in this Leith restaurant.
• Moss: Tucked away in Stockbridge you will find Moss where the menu shows you exactly where the ingredients come from. Almost everything being sourced from nearby areas of Scotland.
• Layla: is also a Michelin star restaurant and one of the most renowned in the city. The 10 course menu is £185 per person (drinks are an additional cost) and it is recommended to allow 3.5 hours for the dinner.
• The Cottage at Royal Terrace: a quaint little cottage walking distance to the city centre. One of the best food experiences in Edinburgh for me. Read my review of the Cottage here.

Steak restaurants

There are quite a few excellent restaurants in Edinburgh for steaks and various cuts of meat. Here are some of my favourites.

• Kyloe: focuses on being the best steak experience they can and the focus is on Scottish cuts. I’ve never been dissappointed eating at Kyloe and it’s always a challenge to decide which cuts and dishes to go for.
• Hawksmoor: not only does a good Sunday Roast but their general menu is a treat. They specialise on steaks and the cast-iron fillet steak with béarnaise is usually a favourite of mine.
• The Spanish Butcher: is where you go for a Spanish twists to the menu. Of course there is charcuterie like Jamon Ibérico but also galician cuts of meat or dishes from the grill.
• Fazenda: You will never leave feeling hungry from this Brazilian churrasco rodizio style restaurant where you pay a set price and enjoy as many dishes as you wish. Just turn your card green when you want food to keep being served, or red when you need a break.

Vegetarian & Vegan

There is of course plenty of places that do vegetarian dishes as well. However these are restaurants that do vegetarian dishes particularly well and offer a good variety. I particularly love Ka Pao and often end up ordering completely vegetarian dishes, although I don’t have any dietary requirements. Vegetarian and vegan dishes done well, are just so good!

• Ka Pao: southeast asian cuisine and I recommend getting dishes to share to try a variety of the food. My favourites are the padron peppers, coconut corn ribs and hispi cabbage.
• Soul Vegan: is a Malaysian vegan restaurant where it’s always difficult to choose what to order as everything sounds so tasty.
• Nova Pizza: pizza and pasta dishes that are totally vegan-friendly and run by a Roman family.
• Hendersons: focuses on vegetarian and vegan dishes and they even have a Swedish kladdkaka (mud cake) on their menu!

Bonus: Twelve Traingles is one of my favourite bakeries in Edinburgh. They have a lemon and cinnamon swirl pastry which is just fantastic – and vegan as well.

Gluten free

My father in law is coeliac so I have gotten a pretty good insight into the gluten free side of Edinburgh. Although I don’t think it’s as progressive as places like Stockholm. However Edinburgh is now fairly good for finding gluten free options. Mexican restaurants like Bodega are fantastic as everything on the menu is gluten free. And at the lovely Ardfern all dietary requirements can be catered for with advanced notice. Bellfield Brewery is a gluten free beer brewery and their pop-up food partners make sure to have a good gluten free selection.

• Bodega: here everything on the menu is gluten-free as they use corn-tortillas for their tacos and dishes. Such an appreciated spot by locals.
• Ardfern: has a dedicated gluten free menu available upon request. A lot of dishes can be made gluten-free.
• Edinburgh Street Food: is a great spot for trying different dishes from different businesses. There are also quite a few gluten-free options, especially from Antojitos.
• Ka Pao: not only a good spot for vegetarian dishes, but most dishes can also be made gluten free. So this is one that my family usually go to as everyone can enjoy the good here.
• Bellfield Brewery: Edinburgh’s gluten free brewery which often has food pop ups that are also gluten free or have gluten-free options.

Bonus: Sugar Daddy’s is Edinburgh’s popular gluten free bakery where everything is 100% gluten free

International Cuisine & Fusion

Some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh focus on international cuisine and there are plenty of great options for fantastic food in the city. I’m always keen to try new spots. Especially if I hear about a new restaurant popping up which is owned by people from the areas and countries where the food is from.

Thai

• Chaophraya: this thai restaurant is located on the top floor on Castle Street in the city centre and has some stunning views. They also have lovely thai-flavour inspired cocktails. I usually order the pad thai as I really like the one here.
• Ting Thai: does not take reservations but you can walk in and sit down for lunch or dinner. A great spot to enjoy lovely thai food of various spice levels.

Italian

Often when I ask people what their favourite cuisine is, Italian is right at the top. Edinburgh has some really good Italian restaurants that are family-owned. A lot of them are also available for takeaway if you want to pick it up and sit in the park or get delivery to where you are staying.

• Civerinos: one of my favourite Italians in the city! The food feels really comforting and is such a treat. Especially along with an aperol spritz or two.
• Tipo: is an Italian restaurant which focuses on small plates. Don’t expect any pizza here, but lovely dishes like burrata with romesco or vodka pappardelle.
• Sotto: is an enoteco and trattoria in Stockbridge. It is a great spot for Italian wine and great pasta dishes in particular.

French

I have a soft spot for the French kitchen as I just adore french onion soup, steak tartare and escargot!

• Brasserie Prince: the best steak tartare in Edinburgh if you ask me. They have a classic French bistro menu with lots of options to choose from.
• Chez Jules: an incredibly priced lunch menu where you get three courses for £15.90 and wine is served in water glasses. It feels casual, chic and very French.
• L’escargot Bleu: for many this is THE French restaurant in Edinburgh. It has an everchanging seasonal menu and a steak tartare prepared table-side.

East Asian

Another type of cuisine close to my heart, is that of the East Asian countries and although they can differ quite a lot I always find mysef drawn to them.

• Nishiki: has the best ramen in Edinburgh, if you ask me. The texture and flavour of the noodles is very good and the pork broth is just delicious. I would also recommend the crispy chicken gyozas.
• Yamato: served a range of foods from izakaya style and teppanyaki to sushi and A5 Wagyu beef. Very fresh and flavourful!
• Tattuu: is more of a fine dining-esque restaurant focusing on modern Chinese cuisine. The interiors almost feel like stepping into another world in spite of its city centre location.
• Noodle meets Chang’an: fantastic hand-torn noodles! My recommendation is the Biang Biang that is incredibly tasty and not too spicy.

Indian

• Gautams: my personal favourite of the Indian restaurants in Edinburgh and they actually also focus on Nepalese food.
• Yaduvanshi: a perfect spot to go with friends to share dishes and its city centre location is very convenient.
• Dishoom: especially good for breakfast and their delicious bacon naan roll and chai drink which is well known in Edinburgh!

Bonus: Edinburgh Street Food or Bonnie & Wild are both food halls where you can order dishes from all over the world. You decide entirely what dishes to order from what venue.

Read all our Edinburgh restaurant reviews here

• Brasserie Prince: French cuisine and elegant cocktails at The Balmoral Hotel
• The Cottage at Royal Terrace: Is this the City’s Most Charming Scottish Restaurant?

Need more inspiration for your Edinburgh trip?

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