Quick answers — eating in Edinburgh
- Best restaurant overall
- Restaurant Andrew Fairlie
- Best value
- Noto (£50-£80 / $65-100)
- Strongest cuisines
- British, French, Modern European, Seafood
- Dishes to try
- Haggis, Cullen Skink, Fish and Chips, Scotch Pie
- Booking window
- For Michelin-starred establishments like Restaurant Andrew Fairlie or The Kitchin, booking 2-3 months in advance is strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Availability can be extremely limited.
Booking highly sought-after restaurants often requires reservations several weeks to months in advance. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to formal, with jackets sometimes recommended for dinner. Tipping around 10-15% for good service is customary. Dinner hours generally commence around 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
British
Best British restaurants in Edinburgh
Modern British kitchens cook seasonal produce with French technique — and the best value in the category is very often lunch at a starred pub rather than dinner in town.
The Kitchin
One MICHELIN StarModern Scottish · Leith · £125-£195 / $155-245
Tom Kitchin
Tom Kitchin's flagship restaurant champions a 'From Nature to Plate' philosophy, showcasing the finest Scottish ingredients through innovative, seasonal cooking. Housed in a former whisky bond, the stylish, rustic-chic interior perfectly complements the robust yet refined dishes. It remains a cornerstone of Edinburgh's fine dining, offering an authentic taste of Scotland's larder.
Order: Creel-caught Langoustines, Whole roasted Anjou Pigeon
Condita
One MICHELIN StarModern Scottish · Tollcross · £135-£165 / $170-205
Conor McLoughlin
Condita offers an intimate and immersive dining experience with a surprise tasting menu that highlights exceptional Scottish ingredients. The small, unassuming entrance leads to a minimalist, art-filled interior, fostering a sense of discovery. Chef McLoughlin's dishes are known for their creativity, intricate plating, and intense, natural flavours, providing a truly unique culinary narrative.
Order: Seasonal tasting menu (dishes change frequently)
Noto
Bib GourmandScottish-Asian · New Town · £50-£80 / $65-100
Stuart Ralston
Noto, inspired by Chef Stuart Ralston's time in New York and Hong Kong, offers a vibrant menu of Scottish ingredients prepared with Asian influences. The atmosphere is stylishly casual, with an open kitchen adding to the buzz. This popular spot consistently delivers creative small plates and larger dishes that are both accessible and exciting, making it a fantastic value.
Order: Crab & Dashi Risotto, Fried Chicken with Gochujang
Aizle
MICHELIN SelectedModern Scottish · St Leonard's · £85-£110 / $105-135
Stuart Ralston
Aizle presents a unique dining concept where guests are presented with a list of seasonal ingredients rather than a traditional menu. Chef Stuart Ralston then crafts a multi-course tasting menu entirely based on these components. The sleek, contemporary dining room provides a relaxed yet refined setting for this imaginative and ingredient-driven culinary journey.
Order: Surprise tasting menu based on seasonal ingredients
The Witchery by the Castle
Acclaimed local fine diningScottish · Old Town · £80-£120 / $100-150
Nestled just steps from Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery offers an exceptionally atmospheric and theatrical dining experience in a historic, candlelit setting. The opulent, Gothic-inspired interiors create a truly memorable backdrop for its rich, classic Scottish dishes, focusing on prime meat and game. It's an iconic destination for a grand occasion, epitomising romantic indulgence.
Order: Angus Beef Wellington, Seafood Platter
French
Best French restaurants in Edinburgh
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie
Two MICHELIN StarsModern Scottish/French · Gleneagles (Perthshire, near Edinburgh) · £220-£280 / $275-350
Stephen McLaughlin
Nestled within the Gleneagles Hotel, this restaurant offers an exquisite journey through refined Scottish produce with classical French techniques. The opulent yet intimate dining room provides a luxurious setting for its celebrated signature dishes. Chef McLaughlin expertly continues the legacy of the late Andrew Fairlie, upholding its reputation as one of Scotland's premier culinary destinations.
Order: Smoked Lobster, French Onion Soup with Comté cheese
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Edinburgh
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Restaurant Martin Wishart
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Leith · £125-£195 / $155-245
Martin Wishart
A long-standing pillar of Edinburgh's culinary landscape, Restaurant Martin Wishart delivers meticulously crafted modern European cuisine with a strong emphasis on seasonal Scottish produce. The elegant, understated dining room provides a sophisticated backdrop for chef Wishart's precise and balanced dishes. It continues to be a benchmark for classical refinement and culinary excellence in the city.
Order: Hand-dived Scallops, Perthshire Roe Deer
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Ondine
MICHELIN SelectedSeafood · Old Town · £60-£100 / $75-125
Roy Brett
Perched above the historic Royal Mile, Ondine is Edinburgh's premier seafood restaurant, renowned for its commitment to sustainably sourced Scottish fish and shellfish. The elegant, contemporary dining room offers views over the Old Town, creating a sophisticated backdrop for Chef Roy Brett's expertly prepared dishes. It's a must for lovers of pristine maritime flavours.
Order: Shellfish Platter, Whole Roasted Turbot
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Edinburgh
Oink
Specialising in hog roasts, Oink serves delicious pulled pork rolls with various stuffings and sauces. Choose from haggis, sage and onion, or apple sauce. A generous roll costs around £5-£8.
Union of Genius
Edinburgh's original soup kitchen offers an ever-changing daily menu of delicious, hearty, and often vegan-friendly soups. Perfect for a warming lunch, a bowl costs approximately £5-£7 and includes bread.
Civerinos Slice
Serving New York-style pizza by the generous slice or whole pie, Civerinos Slice is a popular spot for a quick, satisfying meal. Expect creative toppings and classic options, with slices from £4-£6.
Ting Thai CARAVAN
This lively spot offers authentic and flavourful Thai street food in a casual, bustling atmosphere. Dishes like Pad Thai, curries, and stir-fries are served quickly and are great value, typically £9-£15 per main.
Maison Bleue at Home
Located in Morningside, this charming bistro serves a range of Scottish, French, and North African-inspired dishes. Their lunch and pre-theatre menus offer excellent value, with mains around £12-£18.
Local dishes
What to eat in Edinburgh
Haggis
Scotland's national dish, Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt. Traditionally encased in an animal's stomach, it's now often in synthetic casing. Served with 'neeps and tatties' (turnip and potatoes), it's a flavourful, earthy, and essential Scottish experience. Find it at traditional pubs like The World's End on the Royal Mile.
Cullen Skink
A thick, creamy, and wonderfully comforting Scottish soup originating from the town of Cullen in Moray. Made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, it's a hearty and warming dish perfect for a chilly Scottish day. Often served with crusty bread, this seafood chowder-like soup is a staple on many pub and restaurant menus, including The Edinburgh Larder for a delicious version.
Fish and Chips
A British classic, Edinburgh offers excellent versions of this takeaway staple. Fresh white fish, typically cod or haddock, is battered and deep-fried until golden and crispy, served alongside thick-cut chips (fries). Often accompanied by mushy peas or tartare sauce, it's best enjoyed by the seaside in Leith. Try Ondine Oyster & Grill for an elevated version or a local chippy for the authentic experience.
Scotch Pie
A small, double-crusted meat pie, traditionally filled with minced mutton or other meat, seasoned with pepper and other spices. The pastry is typically a hot-water crust, sturdy enough to hold the filling. It's a popular snack or light meal, often found in bakeries and at sporting events. The Scran & Scallie in Stockbridge offers a gourmet take on this classic.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
A rich, moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, covered in a luscious toffee sauce, and often served with vanilla ice cream or custard. It's a quintessential British dessert, offering warmth and sweetness. Many Edinburgh restaurants feature it on their dessert menus. For a memorable version, seek it out at The Witchery by the Castle for a decadent treat.
Stovies
A traditional Scottish dish made from leftover roasted meat (often beef or lamb) and potatoes, slowly simmered with onions, carrots, and other vegetables in a rich gravy or stock. The name 'stovies' comes from the Scots word 'stove,' referring to the stewing process. It's a comforting, homely meal. Many traditional Scottish restaurants, like Howies Victoria Street, serve excellent stovies.
Tablet
A traditional Scottish confectionery, similar to fudge but with a harder, more crystalline texture and a crumbly mouthfeel. Made from sugar, condensed milk, and butter, it's boiled to a high temperature and then allowed to cool and set. It comes in various flavours, but the plain butter version is classic. You can find it in sweet shops and market stalls throughout Edinburgh.
Irn-Bru
Often called 'Scotland's other national drink,' Irn-Bru is a bright orange carbonated soft drink. With a unique, indescribable flavour that many compare to bubblegum, cream soda, or even an unidentifiable mix of fruit flavours, it's a cultural icon. It's widely available in shops, pubs, and restaurants across Edinburgh, a must-try for any visitor to Scotland.
How to book a table in Edinburgh
- · For Michelin-starred establishments like Restaurant Andrew Fairlie or The Kitchin, booking 2-3 months in advance is strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Availability can be extremely limited.
- · Many fine-dining restaurants require a deposit or credit card details to secure reservations. Be aware of strict cancellation policies, often involving a penalty if cancelled within 48-72 hours of the booking.
- · Consider booking lunch menus at starred restaurants for a more accessible price point. These often feature smaller versions of dinner dishes, offering a taste of the kitchen's expertise at reduced cost.
- · Be punctual for your reservation, as late arrivals may impact your dining experience or even result in the cancellation of your table, especially during peak service hours.
FAQ
Edinburgh restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Edinburgh?
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles (Perthshire, near Edinburgh) is the benchmark table — Modern Scottish/French, led by Stephen McLaughlin, two michelin stars, around £220-£280 / $275-350 per person. Order the Smoked Lobster, French Onion Soup with Comté cheese
Where is the best British restaurant in Edinburgh?
The Kitchin in Leith is the British table to book in Edinburgh (£125-£195 / $155-245 per person). Other strong options: Condita, Noto, Aizle.
Where is the best French restaurant in Edinburgh?
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles (Perthshire, near Edinburgh) is the French table to book in Edinburgh (£220-£280 / $275-350 per person).
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Edinburgh?
Restaurant Martin Wishart in Leith is the modern European table to book in Edinburgh (£125-£195 / $155-245 per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Edinburgh?
Ondine in Old Town is the seafood table to book in Edinburgh (£60-£100 / $75-125 per person).
Where can I eat well in Edinburgh without spending a fortune?
Noto is the best-value table on this list at roughly £50-£80 / $65-100 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Oink, Union of Genius, Civerinos Slice.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Edinburgh?
For Michelin-starred establishments like Restaurant Andrew Fairlie or The Kitchin, booking 2-3 months in advance is strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Availability can be extremely limited. Many fine-dining restaurants require a deposit or credit card details to secure reservations. Be aware of strict cancellation policies, often involving a penalty if cancelled within 48-72 hours of the booking.
What food is Edinburgh famous for?
Haggis, Cullen Skink, Fish and Chips, Scotch Pie, Sticky Toffee Pudding — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Scotland's national dish, Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt. Traditionally encased in an animal's stomach, it's now often in synthetic casing. Served with 'neeps and tatties' (turnip and potatoes), it's a flavourful, earthy, and essential Scottish experience. Find it at traditional pubs like The World's End on the Royal Mile.
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