Where to Eat in Edinburgh

A Guide to the Best Local Restaurants

Jun 26, 2025

If you're anything like me, food is part of how you meet a place. It’s in the warm scones at a sleepy café and the crisp pint at a centuries-old pub. Edinburgh, with its moody skies and hidden alleyways, is a place that reveals itself through meals and experiences.

While I love food, I wouldn't say that I'm a "foodie" in the sense that I have an ultra-refined palate and only enjoy fine dining. I'm just a typical gal who loves some grub. After three trips in one year, I wanted to put together a comprehensive list of almost all of the places I've dined. A little caveat to say that there are probably a hundred other places people would recommend, especially those who live locally. However, I only wanted to write out places I've been. If you have a place you recommend, please comment below so readers can see!

Experiential Restaurants

At least once on any trip, I recommend that you take in a unique and atmospheric restaurant that offers a magical experience you won’t find anywhere else. Here's my list of places in Edinburgh that I find truly memorable and worth visiting at least once.

Elephant House

This is one of those Instagrammable places you're going to want to check out. The original Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling is said to have written portions of Harry Potter, was damaged in a fire, so the temporary location is conveniently located on Victoria Street. I highly suggest you pop in for a famed butterbeer, purple cake, and to check out the desk where J.K. Rowling sat.
Address: 30 Victoria St.

The Dome

Located in New Town, this former bank-turned-over-the-top restaurant is decked in chandeliers and holiday lights year-round, making it perfect for a festive night out. This is one of the more popular restaurants in the city, so you will need a reservation. I was always a little intimidated to dine here solo for dinner, so instead, I went for a fantastic brunch.
Address: 14 George Street, EH2 2PF

The Outsider

A modern, window-filled space with castle views and a well-curated seasonal menu, this gorgeous spot is ideal for a candlelit date or a slow solo lunch. I luckily found this place thanks to my social media algorithm. I was able to walk in for lunch, but I do recommend a reservation.
Address: 15-16 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EE

Signet Library Afternoon Tea

This is your ultimate Beauty and the Beast experience. Picture a gorgeous afternoon tea in a grand, historic library with tiers of treats under vaulted ceilings. There are several tea options throughout the city, but this is rated as the top and I have to agree. While pricey, I felt it was worth every penny. The tea is delightful and you get an abundant selection of savory and sweet offerings. A reservation here is a must.
Address: Parliament Square, EH1 1RF

The Witchery
This famed restaurant is the true Edinburgh experience. Right down from the castle, The Witchery gives gothic glamour at its finest with velvet walls, candelabras, and a decadent menu steps from the Royal Mile. I suggest skipping the tea service (do that at the library) and go for a more ambient, dark-lit dinner.
Address: 352 Castlehill, EH1 2NF

Typical Scottish Fare

You can't go to Scotland and not eat like the Scots. If you’re looking for haggis, neeps and tatties, or just a good pint and steak pie, these are some spots I've enjoyed along the way.

The Scran & Scallie

A Michelin Bib Gourmand gastropub with traditional Scottish comfort food done beautifully. Nestled in my favorite part of town, Stockbridge, this restaurant continues to rank among the best in Edinburgh. I had a traditional fish and chips as well as one of the best sticky toffee puddings I've ever eaten.
Address: 1 Comely Bank Road, EH4 1DT

The Orchard (Canonmills)

I stumbled upon this restaurant/pub while famished and on my way to the Royal Botanic Garden. Offering a cozy neighborhood bistro with excellent wine, hearty mains, and a warm welcome, this beautiful restaurant will leave you feeling satisfied. It's become my go-to (I’ve been there four times over three trips). My favorites were the steak pie with chips and the steak, pepper jam, and brie sandwich.
Address: 1-2 Howard Place, EH3 5JZ

New Town Fox

Located between Stockbridge and New Town, this sleek but cozy pub offers modern twists on classics alongside seriously good local comfort foods. I came here for brunch and got the veggie haggis stack with halloumi and it was divine.
Address: 2 Dundas St Edinburgh EH3 6HZ

Teuchters Landing (Leith)
This could also be added to the experiential restaurant list, as it feels like you're inside a ship. Set on the waterfront in Leith with a log fire and whisky galore, this is the perfect post-walk reward. It doesn’t feel much more Scottish than this!
Address: 1c Dock Place, Leith, EH6 6LU

The Doric Tavern
This is Edinburgh’s oldest gastropub and is conveniently located right across from Waverley Station. The tavern serves up hearty and traditional fare in a setting that feels unchanged in the best way. They also have a lovely Sunday roast if you’re craving that.
Address: 15-16 Market Street, EH1 1DE

Malt Shovel Inn
Right around the corner from The Doric Tavern, this centrally located pub is always buzzing. It has excellent service and reliable, satisfying classics. Because of their locations, both The Doric Tavern and Malt Shovel Inn can get quite busy with tourists.
Address: 11-15 Cockburn Street, EH1 1BP

Breakfast and Brunch Favs

I'm big into eating a larger breakfast or brunch when I travel. I like fueling up once in the morning and feeling satiated through the rest of the day. Here are some of my favorite spots I’ve found and revisited.

The Painted Rooster

Located between Dean Village and New Town, I've visited this place twice knowing I would be offered a decent breakfast, a great flat white, and solid pastries. The Painted Rooster offers breakfast classics with a friendly, laid-back vibe and strong coffee.
Address: 3-4 Hope Park Terrace, EH8 9LZ

Fortuna Coffee Bar

Now offering two locations, this is one of my go-to breakfast places. Their granola/Greek yogurt bowls are amazing! The location on Queen Street is very cute and makes for some great photos. I haven't been to the new location, however.
Address: 77 Queen Street, EH2 4NF and 41 FREDERICK ST.

Kubo Café

When I went in last summer, this place had just opened up on one of my favorite streets in Stockbridge. A Filipino-inspired café with fluffy pancakes, ube everything, and beautifully balanced sweet-savory brunches. Go show this new establishment some love!
Address: 39 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AH, United Kingdom

For my full coffee guide with some other great breakfast spots, click here!

If You’re Craving Something Different

Typically by the end of my trip, I’ve had my fill of chips (fries), meat pies, and other heavy UK foods. Luckily, Edinburgh has a great selection of global flavors with local flair. Here are a few places I’ve popped into when I wanted to mix things up or eat something lighter.

Rosa’s Thai

One of my favorite dishes in the world is Chicken Pad Thai, and sometimes I get a crazy craving for it. This place popped up when I Google searched Thai food, and I wasn’t disappointed. A bright and buzzy Thai chain (also in London) with consistently flavorful dishes and fast service.
Address: 43 Frederick Street, EH2 1EP

Pho
St. James Quarter (Edinburgh’s shopping mall) has some great restaurant and food court options if you want something different. This place offers fresh and aromatic Vietnamese dishes (the pho is the obvious choice) in a lovely, relaxed space.
Fourth Floor, St James Quarter, Pho, St James Cres, Edinburgh EH1 3AE, United Kingdom

ButtaBurger
Sometimes you just want a burger and some fries. I had seen this place recommended on YouTube, so I thought I’d give it a try. ButtaBurger offers smash burgers, fries, and shakes with serious flavor and fun toppings.
Address: 137 George Street, EH2 4JY

Söderberg Pavilion (Quartermile)
Recommended to me by a local, this Swedish bakery-meets-pizzeria is known for its ultra-thin sourdough crusts and cinnamon buns you’ll think about later. The all-glass modern establishment near the University of Edinburgh provides a fun and upbeat atmosphere.
Address: 1 Lister Square, EH3 9GL

Have you been to Edinburgh and have other places you suggest we try? Make sure to leave a comment below and share your favorites!