Where to eat in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's food is better than its reputation. Scottish seafood, beef, game and fresh produce are cooked in a range of restaurants, from old oyster bars to small modern kitchens. Try haggis once, eat seafood by the water in Leith, and book the best places in August.
The short answer
- Best area to eat
- Leith for seafood and modern cooking, and the New Town for classic restaurants.
- Order this
- Haggis with neeps and tatties, cullen skink, and fresh Scottish seafood.
- When to eat
- Lunch from noon and dinner from 6pm to 8pm.
- Book or walk in
- Book for dinner, and book weeks ahead in August.
- Tipping
- Leave about 10 per cent if service is not included.
What to eat in Edinburgh
- Haggis, neeps and tattiesA spiced sheep offal pudding with mashed turnip and potato, the national dish.
- Cullen skinkA thick soup of smoked haddock, potato and onion, a Scottish classic.
- Scottish seafoodLangoustines, scallops, oysters and mussels from the west coast and the Firth of Forth.
- Scotch beef and gameAberdeen Angus beef, venison and grouse, in season at good restaurants.
- CranachanA dessert of whipped cream, raspberries, oats and whisky.
- Afternoon teaTea with sandwiches, scones and cakes, served at hotels and tearooms across the city.
Where to eat in Edinburgh, by neighborhood
Leith
The old port with seafood restaurants and several Michelin-listed places. Take the tram or bus from the center.
New Town
Classic restaurants, oyster bars and cafés on and around George Street and Thistle Street.
Old Town and Grassmarket
Traditional pubs, old inns and small restaurants, with a mix of tourist and local places. Choose with care.
Places worth a booking or a queue
-
Café Royal Oyster Bar
£££Oyster bar and restaurant · New Town
Orderoysters and the fish of the day
A Victorian pub with stained glass, tiled walls and seafood that has been served here for generations.
- Book
- Book for dinner, or sit at the bar.
Confirmed open: caferoyaledinburgh.com
-
Wedgwood The Restaurant
£££Restaurant · Old Town
Orderthe seasonal tasting menu
A small restaurant on the Royal Mile with Scottish ingredients and wild herbs foraged locally.
- Book
- Book several days ahead.
Confirmed open: whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk
-
Mother India's Cafe
£Indian restaurant · Old Town
Ordera few small plates to share
An Edinburgh favorite near the university that serves Indian food as small sharing plates, easy on the budget.
- Book
- Walk in, or book for groups.
Confirmed open: opentable.co.uk
-
Oink
£Takeaway · Grassmarket and Victoria Street
Ordera hog roast roll with stuffing and apple sauce
A small shop that roasts one whole hog a day and sells it in rolls, so it closes when the pork runs out.
- Book
- Walk in.
Confirmed open: oinkhogroast.co.uk
Food markets in Edinburgh
- Stockbridge MarketA Sunday market with street food, bakers, cheesemakers and craft stalls, in a leafy square.Open Sundays, 10am to 4pmSource: tastescot.co.uk
- Edinburgh Farmers' MarketScottish produce, meat, cheese and baking, held in the shadow of the castle.Open Saturdays, 9am to 2pmSource: organised.co
How Edinburgh eats
- Meal timesLunch from noon and dinner from 6pm. Many kitchens close at 9pm.
- TippingLeave about 10 per cent if service is not included. Check the bill.
- ReservationsBook for dinner at weekends, and weeks ahead in August.
- PubsOrder and pay at the bar. Many serve good food all day.
Signs of a place to walk past
A tartan-themed restaurant with a piper outside.
A menu with haggis in every dish and no other Scottish ingredient.
A tourist menu on the Royal Mile with a fixed price and a free drink.
Eating in Edinburgh: questions people ask
What food is Edinburgh known for?
Haggis, cullen skink, Scottish seafood, beef and game. Whisky is the national drink.
Where is the best place to eat in Edinburgh?
Leith for seafood and modern restaurants, and the New Town for classic places.
What is haggis?
A pudding of sheep offal, oats and spices, served with mashed turnip and potato. Vegetarian versions are widely available.
Do I need to book restaurants in Edinburgh?
For dinner, yes, especially on weekends and in August. Lunch is easier.