10 Great Restaurants in Edinburgh

The Scran & Scallie is one of Edinburgh’s best gastropubs, serving up traditional Scottish scran (food) in the stylish neighbourhood of Stockbridge. The Scran & Scallie has a focus on sustainable Scottish produce, meaning you can expect whatever is on your plate in the evening – whether it’s a seasonal special like Borders grouse or a customer-favourite like the Newhaven lobster – to have arrived fresh that day.

Awarded a prestigious Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide to Britain for 5 years in a row, The Scran & Scallie is just a 10-minute taxi journey from both Edinburgh Waverley and Murrayfield Stadium.

The historic Ship on The Shore Seafood Restaurant and Champagne Bar in Leith has been trading in one form or another for hundreds of years. Known for having the best selection of sustainable seafood in Edinburgh, The Ship on The Shore serves up daily fresh produce from all over Scotland, including rope-reared mussels brought in from the Shetland Isles, prized Loch Creran oysters and hand-dived scallops from the Isle of Mull.

Located just 10 minutes from the city centre along the lively Water of Leith, The Ship on The Shore has a waterfront terrace, great for enjoying alfresco meals with a glass of champagne on summer days.

Howies Waterloo Place, alongside its sister restaurant on Victoria Street, are 2 of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre eateries. Describing itself as “Scottish, seasonal and seriously tasty,” Howies Waterloo Place prides itself on using local Scottish suppliers – with venison from Glen Lyon, salmon from the Shetland Isles and ice cream from the Scottish Borders.

Housed in a grand Georgian building dating back to the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Howies’ historic main dining room is styled with contemporary Scottish twists. Ideally located in the city centre, Howies is less than a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley and just 15 minutes from Edinburgh Castle.

Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar provides hungry and thirsty visitors to nearby Edinburgh Castle with some of the city’s finest food and drink. It has been doing so for more than 20 years. As part of the Scotch Whisky Experience, Amber is known for housing an impressive collection of more than 450 types of the so-called “water of life”, with a wee dram (drink) to suit every meal and palate.

Choose from seasonally inspired signature dishes like Scottish tapas or opt for the ever-popular Taste of Scotland tasting menu, which includes a whisky tour, a trio of starters and mains, and a whisky/dessert pairing to finish.

Angels with Bagpipes isn’t just one of the best-named restaurants in Edinburgh – it also happens to be one of the capital’s most intimate fine-dining spots. Angels with Bagpipes has 4 romantic dining areas and is the perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion.

Ingredients for the elegant menu are sourced from ‘Scotland’s stunning natural larder’, with plenty of Scottish favourites including haggis and smoked salmon. Located on High Street, there’s also an outdoor seating space complete with tartan blankets – ideal for people watching and enjoying a pre-dinner whisky on a cold day.

The Cellar Door is one of Edinburgh’s best restaurants, serving exceptional Scottish dishes using fresh produce with great vegan, veggie and gluten-free options. If you’re a fan of Scotland’s most famous dish, there’s plenty of haggis on the menu, not to mention sea trout from Loch Etive and Ayrshire pork loin – all of which can be tried on one of The Cellar Door’s famous tasting menus.

Situated underneath the George IV Bridge, even finding The Cellar Door feels like an adventure with its blink-and-you’ll-miss-it entrance. Don’t forget to check out the desserts, including the hot toddy panna cotta, served with lemon sorbet, whisky gel and homemade shortbread.

Dine Edinburgh is a top spot that’s hard to beat for stylish nights out and special occasions in Edinburgh Old Town. Located just moments away from the Usher Hall, Royal Lyceum, and Traverse Theatres, it’s a favourite of the pre-theatre crowd. Ingredients for Dine’s seasonal menus are sourced from every corner of Scotland, with an a la carte menu designed by Michelin-starred Chef Stuart Muir.

Meanwhile, Dine Edinburgh’s bar is home to a fine collection of whiskies and wines, but it’s the cocktails they're best known for. You can even have a go at mixing one up yourself on their 2-hour Martini Experience Masterclass.

The award-winning Aizle restaurant at The Garden Room (located within Edinburgh’s Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel) is one of the city’s most unique dining experiences. Known for its tasting menus – with a different harvest of ingredients taking place each season – there’s no menu as such to choose from at the Aizle. Instead, a list of available produce is presented to diners, from which surprise dishes are then created.

Everything at Aizle is made in-house – from hand-churned butter to the kombucha used in their elegant cocktails. Most dietary requirements can be catered for with notice and booking ahead is always recommended.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is an award-winning mash bar in Edinburgh. The brains behind the bar were fed up with Scottish food being stereotyped down to just deep-fried dishes, and they set out on a mission to bring traditional Scottish food to the world. It serves up new takes on classic meals, with menu options like wild Scottish oysters served in an Irn-Bru barbecue sauce and smoked salmon with cranberry-infused gravy.

But the star attraction is, of course, the mash. There are no fewer than 8 types on the menu – from chilli spicy mash to influencer-favourite Stornoway black pudding. You can find it just steps from Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish National Gallery. And if you’re craving a Makars after you leave Scotland, you can always pop into the London branch.

The Piper’s Rest is a traditional Scottish pub just off the Royal Mile and across from the Tron Theatre. It’s the type of pub where you can always expect a warm Scottish welcome. A long-time Edinburgh favourite, The Piper’s Rest menu offers dishes best described as classics from a Scottish granny’s kitchen – that is, hearty, comforting, and packed with locally sourced ingredients.

Don’t leave without trying some of The Piper’s collection of craft beers, ales and whiskies and hearing some local Scottish tunes – there’s free live music 7 nights a week.