9 Good Places To Eat In Edinburgh You Must Try
Looking for good places to eat in Edinburgh? This foodie guide includes them all.
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful places located in Scotland, the United Kingdom, and there are so many amazing things to do – from visiting its medieval buildings and mysterious alleys to enjoying the local food in one of the many good places to eat in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is famous for its history, art and literature, stunning views, traditional cuisine and friendly locals.
If you’re after history, you can learn about Edinburgh’s and Scottish history by visiting the well-known Edinburgh Castle or the National Museum of Scotland.
However, if you’re more interested in literature, you need to attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival or visit the Writer’s Museum.
If you’re like me, you’ll definitely be excited about getting stunning views from places like Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat, or Edinburgh’s Castle, as well as food.
Who doesn’t love trying local food when travelling to a new place?
Edinburgh cuisine offers comfort food, and although some meals may seem a bit unconventional, you don’t need to worry because there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Edinburgh that have a good variety of dishes (including vegetarian and vegan).
Keep reading this guide to discover where to eat in Edinburgh for the first time.
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What to eat in Edinburgh – 7 Traditional Scottish Foods
If you’re looking for traditional dishes, here are some of the meals and sweets you can try.
- Haggis – a savoury pudding made of lamb’s puck (heart, lungs and liver), minced and mixed with oatmeal and seasoned with onion, cayenne pepper, and other spices.
- Black pudding – a blend of onions, pork fat, oatmeal, flavourings and pig’s blood.
- Porridge – rolled oats with milk or water.
- Cullen skink – a soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.
- Smoked salmon – salmon fillets that have been cured and smoked hot or cold.
- Shortbread – a biscuit made of sugar, butter and wheat flour.
- Cranachan – a dessert of cream and seasonal raspberries bolstered by Scottish oats and whisky.
Where to eat in Edinburgh
1. Contini
Contini is a great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you fancy Italian food with a twist, then this is the place for you.
Not only does the restaurant’s facade (formerly a bank) look beautiful, but the interior too.
They have incredible Italian dishes made with Scottish products. When you go to Contini, you must try the crispy arancini and panna cotta.
Contini location and opening times
Price range: ££
📍 Location: 103 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3ES, United Kingdom
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday from 2 pm to 8 pm
2. Dishoom
If you’re a fan of Indian food, you must go to Dishoom. It specializes in Mumbai cuisine and it’s way different from going to have a normal curry.
It’s a very popular place, and you’ll know this if you’ve ever watched Somebody Feed Phil as in the London episode, he goes to the Dishoom and shows how amazing the food is there! So I would highly recommend booking a table in advance.
As you walk through the door, the front of the house will kindly welcome you and walk you to your table. The kitchen is on the main floor, so you’ll quickly see how tidy and clean the kitchen is as you walk upstairs/downstairs to the dining room.
My table was upstairs, and it had a beautiful window view of St. Andrew Square Garden. We were given the menu, which was full of delicious meal options, and talked through it.
We chose two small plates (okra chips and vegetable samosas), one from the grill (Masala prawns) and the main one (Chicken ruby, which is one of their specialities) with a bowl of rice and garlic naan bread. Also, two mango lassi to drink.
All the food was amazing, and all the plates came very quickly! I absolutely loved the crunchy okra chips, which I had never tried, and the succulent and grilled prawns.
Last but not least, I struggled to choose a dessert because there were so many delicious options. However, if you’re a chocolate lover, I recommend getting the chocolate pudding with chilli ice cream.
I didn’t have enough space for a hot drink, but I wish I had the authentic masala chai.
Dishoom location and opening times
Price range: £££
📍 Location: 3A St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 8 am to 11 pm
Thursday to Saturday: 8 am to 12 am
Sunday: 8 am to 11 pm
3. Restaurant Martin Wishart
If you’re after fine dining, you should visit this Michelin-star restaurant located in the port of Leith. Martin Wishart offers Modern European cuisine using the best Scottish produce, and it’s one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh.
Their menu offers everything from ceviche and scallops to vegetarian meals like pumpkin risotto and French Emmental soufflé.
This restaurant is definitely a must-go if you want to treat yourself and have a different food experience.
Restaurant Martin Wishart location and opening times
Price range: ££££
📍 Location: 54 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RA
Opening times:
Lunch – Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 to 1:30 pm
Dinner – Wednesday to Saturday: 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
4. Loudons
Loudons is one of the most well-known cafes/restaurants in the city, offering a diverse menu suitable for everyone – meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans!
I visited Loudons in Fountainbridge for breakfast and am so glad I did! I tried the French toast with sliced Banana, apple and blackberry Compote, toasted Almonds and icing sugar, and it was amazing. You can tell they serve homemade bread, and all the ingredients are locally sourced.
Fancy a taste of Scottish produce? Try Loudons Full Breakfast which includes bacon, sausage, egg, haggis, black pudding, homemade potato scone (also known as tattie scone), homemade baked beans, mushroom and toasted homemade bread.
Loudons location and opening times
Price range: ££
Locations:
📍 Loudons Fountainbridge – 94B Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QA
📍 Loudons New Waverley – 2 Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh EH8 8FT
Opening times for Loudons Fountainbridge:
Monday to Friday – 8 am to 3 pm
Saturday and Sunday – 8 am to 4 pm
5. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar Company
People say that Makars is one of the must-eat places in Edinburgh, and I was gutted I couldn’t try this famous restaurant during my Edinburgh visit!
I visited it a couple of times, and they didn’t have any tables available; I tried to book a table, and they didn’t have reservations until two weeks later. So my number one piece of advice is that you book it very in advance just in case.
Makars, located 5 minute walk from Princes Street, is all about comfort food but with delicious, healthy and locally sourced ingredients!
It’s the perfect place to try traditional Scottish meals, but you can expect much more than haggis. Their speciality is mashed potatoes, as you can tell by the name, and you can have many types of mash – tomato and herb salsa, classic, Scottish cheddar, etc.
Also, if you have any dietary requirements, it’s great to know that they have gluten and dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Makars location and opening times
Price range: ££
📍 Location: 9 & 12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday.: 12 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 12 pm to 9:30 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 8 pm
6. Hula Cafe
I saw Hula Cafe on Instagram and knew I had to try it during my Edinburgh trip! They have a good variety of breakfast and brunch options – from delicious smoothie bowls to wraps and soups.
I went for lunchtime and couldn’t resist trying the sriracha chicken wrap with smashed avocado and sesame slaw and a bowl of the day’s soup. The day’s soup was mushroom, and although I am not a big fan of mushroom soup, I must admit this one was delicious. It was filling and had a spicy quick (not too spicy, just perfect). The wrap didn’t disappoint, either!
So, if you’re pretty hungry, I would highly recommend getting the lunch special which includes a bowl of soup and a sandwich or wrap.
My partner tried the falafel wrap, and I can tell you it was really nice too, as we tend to share meals (that’s one of the best things to do with your travel partner, right?)
Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to revisit Hula Cafe for breakfast, but I hope I can go next time.
Hula location and opening times
Price range: ££
Locations:
📍 Hula Fountainbridge – 94A Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QA
📍 Hula Grassmarket – 103-105 West Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JP
Opening times Hula Fountainbridge:
Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 3 pm (No reservation needed!)
7. German Doner Kebab
Another quick bite option is German Doner Kebab! I ended up there because you know a place is good when there is a big queue.
They don’t only serve the traditional and original German Doner Kebab, but different variations (doner quesadilla, doner burger, etc.)
If you want a change, I highly recommend getting the new kebab sandwich with fewer calories but full of flavour.
Also, if you’re tired after a long day of walking around Edinburgh, you can order one via Uber Eats or Deliveroo to your hotel.
Doner Kebab location and opening times
Price range: £
📍 Location: 85-87 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9AW
Opening times:
Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 10:30 pm (opened until 11:00 pm for takeaway)
8. Mary’s Milk Bar
Who doesn’t like ice cream?
Mary’s Milk Bar, located in the historic area of Grassmarket and only four minutes from Edinburgh Castle, has the best quality gelato and chocolate in the city. But what makes it even better is the fact that they regularly change the flavours.
During the summer months, you can expect long queues to get ice cream, so you better get there early as they open.
Mary’s Milk Bar location and opening times
Price range: ££
📍 Location: 19 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HS
Opening times:
Wednesday to Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm
9. Bite me Edinburgh
If you’re after a quick bite, Bite me Edinburgh is your place! It’s located in Haymarket, and although it’s a small place, believe me, they have delicious hot drinks and sandwiches to eat in or on the go.
It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or hot chocolate when you’re in a rush or want to make the most of your time visiting places in Edinburgh rather than spending time sitting in a place to have breakfast.
Bite Me Edinburgh location and opening times
Price range: £
📍 Location: 167 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3 8AG
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 2:30 pm
Conclusion on the best places to eat in Edinburgh
As you can see, Edinburgh is full of amazing restaurants and cafe options, so if you’re a foodie and you really want to try any of these places, I would book them in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during festive times.
Another great way to discover authentic Scottish food is by booking a food tour. In this 3-hour food tour, you’ll taste traditional dishes as well as famous whiskies and gins and meet other foodies too.
Enjoy your time in Edinburgh!
Cristina xx
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Top things to do before visiting Edinburgh
- Travelling to Edinburgh by train? Get your train tickets with Trainline
- Book accommodation in Edinburgh with Booking.com
- Have a look at Get Your Guide for fun activities and day trips from Edinburgh.
- Book a free walking tour with GuruWalk.
- Are you planning a road trip across Scotland? Check out car rentals here.
- Book travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip.
Oooo, I must try German Doner Kebab! Great list, there is a lot of choice in Edinburgh!
Thank you, Katy! 🙂 The German Doner Kebab was delicious, so I highly recommend getting one!
Been to Edinburgh so many times but only know of Mary’s Milk Bar – adding all of these to my list for my next trip!
It’s great to hear you’re adding all of these suggestions 🙂
I remember the food in Edinburgh being top notch. I especially loved the haggis! I want to go back and try Restaurant Martin! Yum.
Yes, I was very impressed by the quality of food and service in every place I ate 🙂
I already love Edinburgh, but I haven’t been back for the last 4 years…now it sounds (and looks) like the food has got even better! 😀 Yum! I can’t wait until we can come back and try more.
Edinburgh is truly beautiful! I hope you go back soon and try some of these places 🙂
I loved the food in Edinburgh. There are so many cute restaurants and cafes. I totally need to go to these spots you mention in this article next time I’m back. Everything looks amazing! 🙂
I totally agree with you 🙂 Food is one of the best things about Edinburgh.
Everything looks delicious! It is nice to know that there are different types of food available besides traditonal scottish fare. We cant WAIT to walk on the cobbled streets and enjoy Edinburgh. Thank you for the post, will be pinning it for later.
I agree with you, Sophia 🙂 It’s always nice to have a good variety of cuisines to choose from. Also, I hope you can go to Edinburgh soon!
To be totally honest I didn’t realize Scotland had such great looking food! Great post 🙂
Thank you! I was excited to find so many food options 🙂