An overview of the finest dining options in Edinburgh

Celebrating Scottish ingredients, traditional dishes are revitalized through creative cooking techniques. Edinburgh’s culinary scene is at the forefront, utilizing some of the finest products Scotland has to offer. Many restaurants cater to the eco-conscious diner, providing numerous options for those who prioritize sustainability.

Top 22 eateries in Edinburgh

While Edinburgh is renowned for its rich culture, including one of the largest street art festivals in the world, it also boasts an outstanding food landscape. Many top restaurants highlight Scottish ingredients, while the city embraces cuisines from around the globe.

From local bistros to vibrant street food markets and five Michelin-starred establishments, Edinburgh's culinary offerings accommodate every budget.

1. The Kitchin

Leading Edinburgh's culinary scene is The Kitchin, helmed by one of the city's most renowned chefs. Located in a refurbished whiskey warehouse in the upscale Leith port area,

Tom Kitchin, a native of Edinburgh, expertly combines traditional French techniques with local Scottish ingredients to create exquisite dishes that have garnered him a Michelin star. The interior features walls adorned with tree bark and partitions of dry stone, making you feel as though you're in the highlands, further enhanced by the kilt-clad staff.

Choose from an à la carte menu filled with seasonal specialties. A map displays the origins of the ingredients, all prepared by the chefs visible from the dining area. If you're unsure of what to select, there's also an alternative chef's menu available.

Address: 78 Commercial Quay, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX

2. Restaurant Martin Wishart

Also gracing the Michelin list is Restaurant Martin Wishart, situated at the picturesque waterfront in Leith. Chef Martin, drawing from his classical French training, crafts inventive European dishes using local ingredients.

Despite its Michelin acclaim, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with set lunch menus making it one of the top spots for midday meals in Edinburgh. You might enjoy confit cod with brown shrimp and Vivaldi potatoes, followed by roast skate, and conclude with a lemon tart topped with Swiss meringue and passionfruit sorbet—all part of the lunch deal.

Address: 54 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RA

3. Alby’s

If you find yourself in Leith craving a quick sandwich, Alby’s is the spot to hit. It might seem odd to need a reservation for a cafe serving sandwiches, but these are no ordinary sandwiches.

The menu changes multiple times a week and features three types of fillings nestled in fluffy focaccia, sometimes grilled to perfection with gooey melted cheese. A side of chips is available to round out your meal. If you fancy roasted beef, arrive early—popular items tend to sell out quickly.

Address: 8 Portland Place, Leith, EH6 6LA

4. Condita

Make your way to Condita, just outside the city center, which has earned its Michelin star for its inventive cooking style. This unassuming spot, transformed from a shop, features just six large wooden tables and no menu. You’ll be at the chef’s mercy, with only a hand-drawn bookmark hinting at what’s ahead. But rest assured, the chef selects top-quality British ingredients that harmonize beautifully for an unforgettable dining experience—truly a must for any food enthusiast.

Address: 15 Salisbury Place, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 1SL

5. Kanpai

At the foot of Edinburgh Castle, Kanpai stands out as one of the premier dining spots in the city center. This traditional Japanese restaurant features private booths and cushioned wooden benches, adorned with hand-painted cherry blossom walls and a sushi bar.

But the authenticity doesn’t stop there. The extensive menu includes classics like California rolls and an array of tempura options, featuring delicately crispy batter on hand-dived scallops, among others. For those looking for something special, there’s a teppanyaki selection with tender Scottish beef, teriyaki salmon, or miso aubergine.

Address: 8-10 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AS

6. Forage and Chatter

For dedicated food enthusiasts, Forage and Chatter is a must-visit in Edinburgh’s West End. True to its name, the restaurant prides itself on using primarily foraged and local ingredients. Set against a backdrop of exposed brick, wooden chairs draped in Balmoral tweed, and tables adorned with various plants, the ambiance is inviting.

The menu features a limited selection, with just four starters, mains, and three desserts, complemented by a cheese course that highlights Scottish cheeses. If you find it hard to choose between the beef tartare or tamarind-glazed lamb shoulder, bring friends so you can sample everything. Main offerings include a pumpkin tagliatelle paired with chestnut and corral inn, Scotland’s take on Manchego.

Address: 1A Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH

7. Locanda de Gusti

For those craving Italian cuisine in Edinburgh's West End, Locanda de Gusti offers a delightful experience. The restaurant captures the essence of southern Italy, serving dishes inspired by Naples.

The chef's passion for authentic home cooking shines through, as he imports many ingredients directly from Naples, blending them with local produce to create some of the finest home-cooked pasta in the city. A standout dish is the lamb shoulder ragu paired with orecchiette, perfectly designed to scoop up the rich, basil-flavored sauce. The knowledgeable staff are exceptionally accommodating, offering alternatives for vegetarian guests.

Address: 102 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2DW

8. The Bon Vivant

Located in Edinburgh’s New Town, The Bon Vivant stands out as one of the top restaurants. This modern and stylish venue serves traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, embracing a European dining style where small sharing plates are presented in a relaxed setting. The food is prepared to the highest standards, featuring haggis served in bonbon form with whisky-infused mayo, and tempura broccoli accompanied by harissa yogurt.

For your main course, indulge in a haunch of venison accompanied by roasted parsnips, parsnip puree, and a decadent chocolate and port sauce. Conclude your meal with a delightful carrot cake featuring candied carrots, a carrot tuile, praline cream, and cream cheese sorbet. Don’t forget to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails at the bar while you wait for your table.

Address: 55 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1D7

9. Six by Nico

Located in New Town, Six by Nico offers a unique dining experience filled with creativity and flair, making it perfect for those who love to share their culinary adventures on Instagram.

With a menu that transforms every six weeks and is inspired by different destinations, one week you might enjoy crunchy chicken tacos from Mexico, while the next could take you to Hanoi, featuring Vietnamese shellfish foam with avocado, grapefruit, and crispy wild rice noodles – delicious!

Address: 97 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ

10. Noto

Nestled in the New Town, Noto is a trendy eatery offering snacks and small plates infused with Asian flavors. Drawing inspiration from a popular dining concept in New York, where the chef honed his skills, the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its ‘simple yet skillful cooking’.

It’s an ideal spot for gathering with friends over cocktails while savoring dishes like chicken yakitori skewers, complemented by the tang of pickled Japanese plums, or prawn toast topped with crunchy bonito flakes.

Address: 47a Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DY

11. Timberyard

Situated near Old Town Edinburgh, where a vibrant marketplace once thrived, Timberyard is housed in a transformed warehouse featuring a Scandi-inspired decor with exposed brick. This restaurant highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers, offering a taste of Nordic-inspired cuisine.

Prepare for a delightful array of tangy flavors; they excel at pickling and curing using foraged ingredients. The berry kombucha is a standout example of their craft. Enjoy a lovage broth paired with crispy, airy spenwood gougere, and savor mussels prepared in cider butter. Timberyard stands out as one of the premier dining spots in Edinburgh's city center.

Address: 10 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DS

12. The Gardner’s Cottage

Nestled in a stone cottage within Royal Terrace Gardens, The Gardner’s Cottage offers a unique dining experience with just three sizable tables, where the chef decides your culinary fate. This restaurant emphasizes sustainability, featuring a tasting menu crafted from ingredients largely sourced from the chef's own garden.

If the idea of beef shin paired with potato terrine and black pudding excites you, just wait until you savor their sticky toffee pudding, enriched with porcini and thyme. While the menu is fixed, it showcases a diverse array of seasonal produce. It's also accommodating for vegetarians, vegans, or pescatarians—just inform them in advance when reserving your table.

Address: 1 Royal Terrace Gardens, London Road, Edinburgh EH7 5DX

13. The Lookout

A trek up the hill leads you to its sibling restaurant, The Lookout, which is perched in an observatory on the north-western side of Calton Hill. With expansive glass walls, it provides breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and the Edinburgh skyline.

The restaurant features sleek interiors with polished concrete floors and an open kitchen, allowing diners to watch the preparation of dishes from the tasting menu. The food focuses on simple, earthy flavors, expertly cooked. Enjoy Shetland hake served alongside mussels on a bed of black garlic, topped with sunflower seeds and a drizzle of lemon for an added kick. It's among the top dinner spots in Edinburgh, offering a value-packed set menu and stunning views that rival the cuisine.

Address: 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA

14. Fhior

Another establishment reflecting Nordic aesthetics is Fhior. Like many premier restaurants in Edinburgh, the chef emphasizes seasonal ingredients at their peak, resulting in simple yet incredibly flavorful dishes.

For lunch, you can indulge in a four-course set menu featuring cod paired with chicken butter, complemented by sea aster for a nutty taste. Dinner offers a grand celebration of Scotland’s finest, with up to ten dishes available on the set menu.

Address: 36 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3SB

15. Saboteur

If you missed the Vietnamese week at Fhior, make a stop at Saboteur, where you can indulge in a feast. Arrive early, as they don’t accept reservations. Settle on a wooden stool at small tables and join the lively crowd of young patrons enjoying delicious Vietnamese street food accompanied by upbeat music in this quirky spot.

Address: 19-20 Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH1 2QZ

16. The Nile Valley Cafe

Edinburgh's dining scene also features African cuisine at The Nile Valley Cafe. Follow the lines behind the university buildings on Chapel Street to discover this modest cafe with a stellar reputation.

It's one of the top spots for a quick lunch in Edinburgh, offering wraps infused with flavors from Sudan and the Middle East. The African wrap is packed with chips and falafel, garnished with feta and drizzled with hummus—perfect fuel for exploring the cobbled streets of the Old Town, one of Edinburgh's best free attractions.

Address: 6 Chapel Street, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9AY

17. LeftField

Nestled among charming cafes and a mix of vintage and designer shops in the trendy Bruntsfield Links neighborhood is LeftField, situated right on the green.

This neighborhood bistro excels in seafood and is an ideal spot to refuel after your adventures. The crispy squid rings are accompanied by a gochujang-spiced mayonnaise, and the chips are lavishly topped with parmesan and truffle—irresistible!

Address: 12 Barclay Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 4HP

18. Hendersons

Nearby in Tollcross, Hendersons offers some of the most creative vegetarian and vegan cuisine. This stylish, botanical-themed restaurant emphasizes locally sourced organic ingredients while drawing inspiration from global flavors. Savor dishes like banana blossom pakora or vegetarian haggis served with a whisky tarragon cream and caramelized onions. The dessert options are equally impressive.

Address: 7-13 Barclay Place, Edinburgh EH10 4HW

19. Aizle

Dining at Aizle transcends simply enjoying good food; it’s an immersive experience. Following the tasting menu concept, you won’t know what to expect, with only an ingredients list to guide your understanding of the meal before you.

This makes for a fascinating experience, especially for food enthusiasts eager to match their knowledge with the ingredients provided. The menu evolves almost daily based on available produce, and they can accommodate vegetarians with advance notice.

Address: 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

20. BABA

A charcoal grill and cocktail bar located on George Street is the go-to spot for those wanting to see and be seen in Edinburgh, BABA. With Levantine flavors, the menu features classic mezze like baba ghanoush topped with pomegranate and mint, hummus dips, and lamb shawarma.

Surprising options include cauliflower shawarma seasoned with ras el hanout and hand-dived scallops drizzled with Urfa burnt butter. Whether you prefer privacy in a booth or a lively atmosphere at the bar, this spot offers a vibrant setting for groups seeking a sophisticated night out.

Address: 130 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JZ

21. The Table

As we near the end of our culinary journey through Edinburgh, The Table stands out. True to its name, it sets high expectations, starting with a warm welcome from the chef upon arrival. This fully open-plan restaurant features a single breakfast bar-style table accommodating up to ten diners, immersing you in the food preparation process.

The chef crafts inventive modern European dishes, often right before your eyes, served in a delightful seven-course dinner. The ambiance feels like dining at the home of an affluent friend with exquisite taste who has hired the finest private chef. If you plan to spend a weekend in Edinburgh, make sure to book well in advance.

Address: 3A Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QG

22. Fortitude

When it comes to coffee in Edinburgh’s city center, there’s only one standout spot, and that’s at York Place. Fortitude is an independent specialty coffee roaster, and it’s certainly among the best available.

They use filtered water to brew their coffee, enhancing its flavors, which explains the long lines that often wrap around the block, especially on weekends. Sip and savor your coffee alongside a freshly baked bun at tables made from sustainable wood, set on a floor reclaimed from a historic church.

Location: 3c York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EB