Where to eat in Edinburgh: the best restaurants and foods

Last Updated on July 10, 2026 by Ioana

If you’re wondering where to eat in Edinburgh I got you. Before visiting, I expected to eat plenty of traditional Scottish food like haggis and hearty pub meals.

What I didn’t expect was just how diverse the city’s food scene would be.

During my solo trip, I found myself eating incredible Indian food at Dishoom (so good that I went back a second time), waiting in line for one of the best bakeries I’ve visited in Europe, discovering authentic Neapolitan pizza from a tiny food truck run by two guys from Naples, and drinking great coffee at small neighborhood cafés.

Of course, Edinburgh also has plenty of opportunities to try traditional Scottish cuisine, from comforting dishes like haggis and Scotch pie to sweet treats like sticky toffee pudding. 

Whether you’re looking for fine dining, casual local favorites, or the best pastries in town, there’s something for every budget and taste.

In this guide, I’m sharing the restaurants, cafés, and bakeries I genuinely enjoyed during my trip, along with a few iconic spots that consistently come highly recommended by both locals and visitors. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

The best restaurants for traditional Scottish food

Makars Mash Bar: my top recommendation

This was easily the restaurant locals recommended to me the most.

Even before arriving in Edinburgh, I kept seeing Makars Mash Bar mentioned in travel guides, Reddit threads, and by people I’d met who had already visited the city. Located just a short walk from the Royal Mile, it’s become one of the best places to try traditional Scottish cuisine without feeling overly touristy.

The menu revolves around comforting Scottish classics served with different types of creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravies. It’s also one of the best places to order Scotland’s national dish: haggis.

I’ll admit that I wasn’t brave enough to try it after learning it’s traditionally made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs mixed with oats and spices. If you’re more adventurous than I am, though, this is probably the perfect place to give it a chance.

If you’re not sold on haggis, there are plenty of other traditional dishes, including slow-cooked meats, vegetarian options, and excellent seasonal specials.

Don’t leave without ordering a bottle of Irn-Bru, Scotland’s iconic bright orange soft drink. It was originally created for workers in Glasgow and has become something of a national obsession.

I didn’t try it myself because everyone described it as tasting very artificial, but it’s one of those classic Scottish experiences.

The Doric

One of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, The Doric is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for traditional Scottish cuisine in a relaxed setting.

It dates back to the 17th century and feels exactly like the kind of historic pub you’d hope to find in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Think dark wood interiors, cozy dining rooms, hearty portions, and a warm welcome the moment you walk through the door.

The menu focuses on classic local food, including steak pie, fish and chips, haggis, Scotch eggs, and an excellent Sunday roast if you’re visiting on the weekend.

If Makars Mash Bar is fully booked, this would be one of my top alternatives.

The Witchery by the Castle

If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or simply want one unforgettable dinner in Edinburgh, The Witchery by the Castle is probably the city’s most iconic fine dining experience.

Located just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle, the restaurant occupies a beautiful historic building filled with antiques, candlelight, rich fabrics, and gothic décor. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else I’ve seen in the city.

The menu changes seasonally and focuses on the highest quality Scottish ingredients, with beautifully presented dishes and an impressive wine list.

It’s definitely expensive, but people don’t come here just for dinner.

They come for the experience.

If you’re looking for an atmospheric restaurant for a special occasion, then this is hard to beat.

My favorite restaurants in Edinburgh

Dishoom: my favorite restaurant

If I could recommend only one restaurant in Edinburgh, it would be Dishoom.

I loved it so much that I ended up eating here twice during my trip.

Originally inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom has developed something of a cult following across the United Kingdom, and after eating here I completely understand why.

Everything I ordered was outstanding.

My favorites were the Ruby Chicken, the famous Black Daal, the fresh Kachumber Salad, crispy Samosas, and plenty of warm plain naan to soak up every last bit of sauce.

I was genuinely doing a little happy dance while eating.

The food was incredible, but what really impressed me was the service. The staff took the time to explain the menu, answer questions, and check in throughout the meal without ever making it feel forced.

If there’s a Dishoom wherever you’re traveling I highly recommend making a reservation. It’s also close by some of the best things to do in Edinburgh, so it’s easy to come here.

Ka Pao

If you’ve already had enough traditional Scottish food and want something completely different, then Ka Pao should be high on your list.

Located in New Town, this modern Thai restaurant has become one of Edinburgh’s hottest independent restaurants. That’s thanks to its bold flavors and creative small plates.

The menu is designed for sharing. So it’s a great place to come with friends or family and order several dishes for the table.

It’s modern without feeling pretentious. And consistently appears in the Good Food Guide as one of Edinburgh’s best restaurants.

The Palmerston

The Palmerston has quickly built a reputation for serving some of Edinburgh’s best modern British food.

Everything revolves around seasonal Scottish produce. Thus, the menu changing depending on what’s available from local farmers and producers.

Bread is baked fresh daily, pasta is made in-house, and every dish feels carefully thought out.

If you’re someone who appreciates restaurants that let high-quality ingredients speak for themselves, this is a fantastic choice.

The best pizza and burgers in Edinburgh

Mr Wood Fire

This is such a hidden gem!

On my walk back toward Fountainbridge, I noticed a small food truck parked outside a church with a line of people waiting.

Curious, I stopped. And I’m so glad I did.

The pizzas are made by two young guys from Naples. And they tasted just as authentic as the pizzas I ate during my trip to Naples.

The dough was light, chewy, and perfectly blistered.

I ordered the pumpkin pizza topped with Italian sausage, cheese, and chili oil.

It might sound like an unusual combination, but it was absolutely delicious.

The owner told me they originally created it as a Halloween special because the pumpkin base is orange. It became so popular that customers kept asking for it, so it earned a permanent place on the menu.

Pizzas cost around £10–15, and it’s takeaway only.

If you’re staying in Fountainbridge like I did, it’s an easy dinner after a long day of sightseeing.

Bread Meats Bread

Sometimes you simply want a really good burger.

Bread Meats Bread has become one of Edinburgh’s favorite casual restaurants thanks to its generous portions, juicy burgers, loaded fries, and consistently good value.

It’s the perfect option if you’ve spent all day exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town and want something comforting before heading back to your hotel.

The best bakeries & coffee shops

Lannan Bakery: worth the hype

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram looking up Edinburgh, you’ve probably seen Lannan Bakery.

Yes, there’s almost always a queue.

And yes, it’s worth waiting.

I arrived around 10 a.m. and waited roughly 20 minutes before getting inside.

I tried three pastries:

• the Coffee Rye Chocolate pastry
• the Custard Cream
• the Apricot Chamomile Crémeux

Every single one was excellent.

The pastries are beautifully laminated, incredibly buttery, and not overly sweet. It easily became one of my favorite bakeries in Europe.

The Milkman

The Milkman is probably Edinburgh’s most photographed coffee shop.

Its location on colorful Victoria Street makes it impossible to miss, and there’s usually a steady stream of people taking photos outside before heading in for coffee.

The café itself is quite small, so seating is limited both inside and outside, but that’s never stopped people from lining up.

Even if you don’t stop for a drink, it’s worth walking past while exploring Victoria Street.

The Coffee Cave

This little café became part of my daily routine.

It sits just across the street from the hotel where I stayed in Fountainbridge, and every morning I’d stop here before heading into the city centre.

It’s tiny.

There isn’t anywhere to sit.

But sometimes those are the places that end up serving the best coffee.

The owner was incredibly friendly, remembered customers, and always seemed genuinely happy to chat despite the constant line.

Their coffee was consistently excellent, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots in Edinburgh.

The best dessert spots in Edinburgh

Mary’s Milk Bar

If you have a sweet tooth, then don’t skip Mary’s Milk Bar.

Located just off Grassmarket, this tiny ice cream shop has developed something of a cult following thanks to its delicious ice cream and constantly changing seasonal flavors.

Instead of offering dozens of options, they focus on a smaller selection made fresh every day using high-quality ingredients.

The result is some of the creamiest ice cream you’ll find anywhere in the city.

Expect a queue if the weather is nice.

It’s absolutely worth the wait.

Mimi’s Bakehouse

If you’re looking for beautiful cakes, afternoon tea, or simply another excuse to eat dessert, Mimi’s Bakehouse is an excellent choice.

The bakery serves everything from layer cakes and cupcakes to scones and traybakes, making it a great afternoon stop if you’ve been sightseeing all morning.

Best pubs, whisky bars, and cocktail bars in Edinburgh

Food is only half of Edinburgh’s dining scene. If you’re staying into the evening, there are a few iconic pubs and bars that are worth adding to your itinerary, whether you’re looking for a dram of Scotch whisky, creative cocktails, or a cozy place to end the day.

Devil’s Advocate

Hidden down Old Fishmarket Close, just a minute’s walk from the Royal Mile, Devil’s Advocate is one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric whisky bars.

The building was once a Victorian pump house and still has exposed stone walls, industrial details, and a warm, cozy atmosphere.

Their whisky list is extensive, but they also serve excellent cocktails and a surprisingly good food menu if you’re looking for dinner and drinks in one place.

Panda & Sons

One of Edinburgh’s most famous cocktail bars, Panda & Sons is hidden behind what looks like an old-fashioned barber shop.

Once you find the secret entrance, you’ll step into a stylish speakeasy serving some of the city’s most creative cocktails.

Even if you’re not a huge cocktail drinker, it’s worth visiting for the experience alone.

Rose Street

If you can’t decide where to go, simply head to Rose Street.

Running parallel to Princes Street, it’s packed with traditional pubs, wine bars, restaurants, and lively terraces. It’s one of my favorite areas for an evening stroll because there are so many places to choose from without needing reservations.

Should you take a food tour?

If you’re only spending a day or two in Edinburgh, I think a food tour is one of the best ways to experience Scottish cuisine beyond haggis.

Most tours combine local history with stops at traditional pubs, bakeries, whisky bars, and independent restaurants while introducing you to classic Scottish dishes.

It’s a particularly good option if you’re traveling solo or simply want someone else to plan where to eat.

Another benefit is that food tours introduce you to small independent restaurants and hidden gems that you might otherwise walk straight past.

If it’s your first time visiting Edinburgh, it’s an easy way to learn about Scottish food while also discovering parts of the city beyond the Royal Mile.

My perfect food day in Edinburgh

If I had just one day to eat my way through Edinburgh again, here’s exactly what I’d do:

🥐 Breakfast: Lannan Bakery

☕ Coffee: The Milkman

🍽️ Lunch: Dishoom

🍦 Dessert: Mary’s Milk Bar

🍕 Dinner: Mr Wood Fire

🥃 Evening: Whisky tasting or a traditional Scottish pub

FAQs about Edinburgh’s food scene

What food is Edinburgh famous for?

Edinburgh is famous for haggis, Scotch pies, full Scottish breakfasts, smoked salmon, sticky toffee pudding, and Irn-Bru. The city also has an outstanding international food scene, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to incredible Indian food and specialty coffee.

Where should I eat on my first trip to Edinburgh?

If it’s your first visit, I’d prioritize Dishoom, Lannan Bakery, Makars Mash Bar, Mary’s Milk Bar, and The Milkman. Together, they give you a great mix of local specialties and some of the best food I had during my trip.

Is Edinburgh expensive for food?

It can be, especially around the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, but I found plenty of great restaurants at reasonable prices. Places like Dishoom and Mr Wood Fire offered excellent value for money.

What Scottish food should I try?

At the very least, try a full Scottish breakfast, haggis (if you’re braver than I was!), sticky toffee pudding, and a bottle of Irn-Bru. They’re all part of the Scottish food experience.

Is Dishoom worth it?

Absolutely. It was my favorite restaurant in Edinburgh, and I ended up eating there twice. Between the outstanding food and genuinely warm service, it’s one of the restaurants I still think about months later.

Where can I find the best coffee in Edinburgh?

If I had to choose, I’d recommend Lannan Bakery for pastries, The Coffee Cave for my everyday coffee, and The Milkman if you want one of Edinburgh’s most famous specialty coffee shops.

Planning your Edinburgh trip?

If you’re still planning your trip, I’d also recommend reading my 3-day Edinburgh itinerary, where I show you exactly how I fit many of these restaurants into my sightseeing days.

And also my guide on where to stay in Edinburgh to help you choose the best neighborhood for your visit.

If you’re spending more than a weekend in the Scottish capital, I also put together my guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh.