Imagine a cosy cottage set only a short walk from the historic city centre of Edinburgh. When you arrive you browse the menu at one of the tables outside in the garden – and perhaps enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or a cocktail until you’ve made your decisions. Then you move inside to enjoy fantastic Scottish produce presented in an elegant and flavourful manner at communal tables. That is what awaits at The Cottage at Royal Terrace, here in Edinburgh — the much-loved successor to The Gardener’s Cottage restaurant. A very exciting addition to the dining scene in the city!
This review will be updated when I return to enjoy another meal at The Cottage at Royal Terrace – and was last updated in July 2026.
The Cottage at Royal Terrace in Edinburgh
Only an 18 minute walk from the city centre sits this charming restaurant that locals have been eagerly waiting for since its announcement. There used to be a restaurant in the same venue under the name The Gardener’s Cottage which closed in 2024. I was so sad not to have managed to visit when it was open as I was so curious about the venue – but so excited to hear about the new restaurant opening. The Cottage at Royal Terrace opened in May 2026 and I went along for a lunch with a friend in July on a beautiful sunny day where Edinburgh was showing its best summery self.
The cottage is indeed a cute little stone cottage, tucked away by the London Road Gardens. After being welcomed by Peter, who is the owner and director of The Cottage, we sat down to browse the menu and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine at one of the tables outside in the garden. Even though London Road is a pretty busy road, it’s like stepping into an oasis of calm here. Once we had decided what dishes to go for and establishing the fact that we would share some food as well, we were shown inside to our table. The tables inside are communal, but on the day we were here there was only one other couple at our table and they were seated a couple of chairs away so we did not disturb each other at all.
What was The Gardener’s Cottage? And what is the difference?
The Gardener’s Cottage was a similar concept to the new restaurant and a popular spot in Edinburgh. They also focused on local and seasonal produce with set menus. The difference is of course the new team of Peter Adshead as Director and Jamie Stapleton as head chef. The Gardener’s Cottage was really appreciated by Edinburgh locals and visitors alike, but after the pandemic it wasn’t the same at all but it was still such a shame to see it close in 2024. So I’m really delighted that The Cottage, now in new direction, is open and immediately has become one of my top spots in the city.
♥ Read my guide to the best restaurants in Edinburgh
Lunch & Dinner at The Cottage at Royal Terrace
For the lunch menu there were two dishes per category to choose from and I opted for the Isle of Whight tomatoes for starters, Hogget for mains and a Chocolate tart for dessert. My friend Isabel chose the Mackerel, Barbequed leek and Dorstone goat cheese so we both got to try all the dishes. My stand outs were the Hogget, Mackerel and Chocolate tart but all the dishes were very well put together and really felt like they all celebrated and highlighted local and in-season produce. The cheese is also from my favourite cheese mongers I J Mellis.
Peter also mentioned that a steak tartare will be going on the menu soon so I definitely want to be back to try this as it’s one of my favourite dishes. I need to see if it’s better than my current favourite in Edinburgh, which is at Brasserie Prince.
Pricing
- Lunch menu: 2 course for £25 or 3 courses for £30
- Sunday Lunch: +£10 supplement to the usual lunch menu
- 5 course tasting menu (available every service): £55 per person and paired wine is available for £40
- 7 course tasting menu (available at 18.00 every day): £85 per person and paired wine is available for £55
I think it’s very reasonable for a menu like the one at The Cottage at Royal Terrace as I find it to be one of the loveliest spots for lunch or dinner in Edinburgh.
On the Move to The Cottage at Royal Terrace in Edinburgh
I had such a lovely lunch at The Cottage at Royal Terrace and will definitely be back, especially when friends and family come to visit Edinburgh. It’s one of those spots that I would just love to bring new people to as the whole experience is so lovely. How often can you dine in an old stone cottage right by the city centre of a historic destination? The Cottage is also a restaurant where I’d like to return to time and time again to explore the menu as it changes along with the seasons. And I simply must come back to try the steak tartare!
I would recommend The Cottage to anyone looking for a lovely tasting menu experience. In particular if you don’t mind sharing communal tables, but appreciate their contributing to the atmosphere. Or to any foodies looking for a unique dining experience in the city.
Additional information
- Address: 1 Royal Terrace Gardens, Edinburgh EH7 5DX
- Walking distance to Waverley train station: 18 minutes
- Are reservations required? Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.
- Recommended for: Date nights, foodies, special occasions
- Cuisine: Modern Scottish tasting menu
- Dietary options: Catered for with advance notice
- Parking: Limited on-street parking nearby
- Dog friendly: No
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Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
