The 25 Best Restaurants In Edinburgh 2025

A focus on seasonal ingredients in an informal dining scene. Aizle offers the kind of tasting menu you might expect in a Michelin star restaurant but with a more casual dining feel. The seasonal menus are constantly changing depending on produce available, so there’s always something new to try.

Best of all, there’s an extensive champagne and wine list to choose from-perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Enjoy a sushi dining experience in historic and Instagram worthy surroundings. With views of Edinburgh Castle and decorative lanterns and cherry blossom trees, you’ll be snapping away as you dine!

Kanpai has a delicious menu split into five sections: sushi, tempara, teppan, classics and specials. We recommend you order an assortment of fish and vegetable dishes to satisfy your taste buds.

Think gorgeous wooden bar with a cosy interior, serving European inspired seasonal dishes. Although the atmosphere is informal and casual, the aim of Bon Vivant is for high quality dining.

Fancy a tipple after a long week? Then, you’ll enjoy choosing from the many option available at the wine bar.

With charming tartan cushions forming part of the welcoming interior decor, this is comfort food with a Scottish twist.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with delicious slow cooked beef, tasty gammon and sausages on the menu. Plus, traditional Scottish dishes such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. What a treat!

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, only a short stroll from the famous city castle and George Street, you can escape to Thailand at Chaophraya. The team of expert chefs at the restaurant bring together classic Thai and distinct signature dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, accompanied by a fantastic range of cocktails, wines and beers. You can even take a cocktail masterclass as part of a group- perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

Enjoy breathtaking rooftop views towards Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth as you dine. The decor creates a contemporary and glamorous feel inspired by Thailand.

Cafe St. Honore is a popular French bistro located in Edinburgh, Scotland. The restaurant is known for its traditional French cuisine with a Scottish twist served in smart Parisian style decor. The food is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently to reflect the seasonal produce available.

Cafe St. Honore serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a variety of dishes on offer such as classic French onion soup, confit duck leg, and steak frites. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list featuring wines from France and other regions.

The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and welcoming, with a cozy atmosphere. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, and the service is top-notch.

The restaurant also offers a takeaway service ‘Cafe At Home’.

Overall, Cafe St. Honore is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic French dining experience in Edinburgh.

Fhior places a focus on dishes made from high quality Scottish produce. The menus are always changing to ensure the best seasonal Scottish cuisine. Enjoy a surprise tasting menu for lunch or dinner with delicious meats and fish.

The Elephant House has established itself as one of the best gourmet tea and coffee houses in Edinburgh.

Voted best coffee shop in Edinburgh by The List magazine

A must visit for any Harry Potter fans- author JK Rowling ,had her first book published while she was writing in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in a casual dining environment and don’t forget to sample some sweet treats from the dessert menu.

Located on the famous Royal Mile The Tolbooth Tavern is a staple on the Edinburgh culinary scene. The pub has a 200 year history and is full of character and charm. Sample hearty burgers, traditional haggis and fresh Scottish fish and chips, just some of the favourites on the menu.

For an authentic Scotland experience visitors can listen to traditional music playing on certain dates throughout the year and sample a dram of whiskey!

Howies Waterloo Place is located at the foot of Calton Hill. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and private events- perfect for special occasions.

With an emphasis on Scottish ingredients and seasonal produce you’re in for a treat!  Howies has a varied menu meaning you can choose from steak, fish and vegetarian dishes. What will you try first?

Open 7 days a week and located on one of the most photographed locations in the city, Victoria Terrace. Scotts Kitchen offers alfresco dining when weather allows.

An extensive drinks and wine menu accompanies seasonal food and traditional Scottish favourites like haggis, neeps and tatties.

A casual dining experience where you can enjoy locally sourced Scottish cooking with tasty burgers, fish and risotto all available.

Situated on the picturesque Victoria Street and near to Edinburgh Castle, it’s the perfect stop when sightseeing.

A short walk from St. Andrew Square, Gaucho is a Scottish sustainable restaurant serving free to roam, grass-fed Aberdeen Angus beef. Arguably, the best steak restaurant in Edinburgh this is a luxury dining experience with sophisticated interiors and premium steak cuts on the menu.

There’s also a cocktail bar should you fancy a frozen margarita or two!

Hawksmoor Edinburgh is a steakhouse restaurant located in the city centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is part of the Hawksmoor group, which is known for its high-quality steak and seafood offerings. The restaurant is situated on West Register Street and is housed in a historic building that was once a bank.

The menu at Hawksmoor Edinburgh features a variety of cuts of steak, including rib-eye, sirloin, fillet, and chateaubriand, as well as seafood options such as lobster, oysters, and crab. They also have a range of starters, sides, and desserts to choose from.

In addition to its food offerings, Hawksmoor Edinburgh is also known for its extensive drinks menu, which includes a range of cocktails, wines, and spirits.

The restaurant has a stylish and sophisticated interior, with dark wood furnishings, leather seating, and a marble bar. It also features a private dining room that can accommodate up to 14 people.

Overall, Hawksmoor Edinburgh is a popular choice for those looking for a high-end dining experience in Edinburgh, particularly for steak and seafood lovers.

Would you like spectacular views of an iconic Edinburgh landmark while you dine? Then, head to The Outsider an informal eatery with views of Edinburgh Castle.

The menu is created around fresh, seasonal food. Among the delicious choices find baked hake, braised Ox cheek or chargrilled burger. For a tasty vegetarian option try the pan fried sweet potato gnocchi dish with lemon and sage.

The Dishoom Edinburgh is a popular Indian restaurant located in the Scottish capital. It is part of a chain of restaurants that specialize in serving Indian food with a British twist. The restaurant is known for its stylish decor, friendly service, and delicious menu.

The restaurant’s menu features a wide range of Indian dishes, including small plates, grills, biryanis, and curries. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the chicken tikka, lamb chops, and black daal. Vegetarian options are also available, such as the okra fries and the chana masala.

The Dishoom Edinburgh is located in the city’s St. Andrew Square, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with a stylish and comfortable interior that pays homage to the Bombay cafes of old.

Timberyard is a family run restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. Located in a converted 19th century warehouse with comfy seating and a wood burning stove, Timberyard has a homely, cosy ambiance

There is a focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Dishes include venison, lamb belly and crispy beef. Don’t forget to try a chocolate and salt caramel sweet treat from the dessert options.

Timberyard also has an extensive wine and cocktail menu, featuring a selection of Scottish spirits and beers. Plus, the restaurant cellar shelves hold a number of fine whiskies from well known distilleries.

The Table is located on Dundas Street, in the heart of Edinburgh’s cosmopolitan and cultural city centre. An interactive dining experience, where you can watch as chefs prepare your meal, ready to answer any questions you may have. This is fine dining with a difference!

A seven course set menu made with ingredients from some of Scotland’s best suppliers means you are in for a culinary delight. Expect classic dishes but with a modern twist. Interestingly, the stylish restaurant decor was designed by top Scottish interior designer Fiona Denholm.

Cafe Andaluz is a Spanish restaurant chain with a location in Edinburgh. The restaurants serve a variety of traditional Spanish dishes such as tapas, paella, and seafood. Cafe Andulaz also has a range of wines, bespoke cocktails, and other beverages to complement the food.

The restaurant aims to provide an authentic Spanish dining experience serving you sunshine on a plate with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is decorated with Spanish-inspired artwork and decor making you feel as if you could be dining in Spain not Scotland!

L’Escargot Bleu is a highly regarded French restaurant. The restaurant specializes in traditional French cuisine, with a focus on using locally sourced and seasonal Scottish ingredients to create flavourful dishes.

The restaurant is known for its extensive wine list, which features a selection of French wines as well as other wines from around the world. In addition to its dinner menu, L’Escargot Bleu also offers a pre-theatre menu for those attending city shows.

Some popular dishes at L’Escargot Bleu include escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails), coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine), and tarte tatin (a French apple tart). The restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades, including Chef of the Year and Best Restaurant in Scotland.

Fazenda Bar & Grill is a restaurant that brings South American flavours to the heart of Edinburgh. It is known for its Brazilian-style rodizio dining, where diners can enjoy a variety of meats that are cooked over an open flame and served table-side by passadores (meat carvers).

The restaurant also offers a selection of Argentinian sides and salads to complement the meats, as well as an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. Fazenda Bar & Grill has a stylish and contemporary decor, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

If you’re interested in dining at Fazenda Bar & Grill, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance, as the restaurant can be quite busy, especially during peak hours.

In a beautiful building with a jewel lit dome you’ll find Italian classics for dinner and an open pizza kitchen. You think of a pizza topping and it’s likely to be on the menu at Amarone!

Tempting starters and decadent Italian desserts– think sicilian cheescake and tiramisu will make you feel as if you are eating in the centre of Milan!

Amarone is located close to Edinburgh Playhouse making it an ideal stop for pre theatre dining.

The Tea Rooms at Edinburgh Castle are a delightful place to enjoy a cup of tea and a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views of the city. Located within the castle’s walls, the Tea Rooms offer a unique atmosphere and an opportunity to rest and recharge during your visit to this historic site.

The menu at the Tea Rooms includes a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, soups, cakes, and pastries. Traditional afternoon tea is also available, featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries. All of the food is freshly prepared on site using local Scottish ingredients whenever possible.

In addition to the food and drinks, the Tea Rooms also offer beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can relax and enjoy your tea while looking out over Edinburgh’s skyline or watching the bustle of activity in the castle courtyard below.

Overall, the Tea Rooms at Edinburgh Castle are a must-visit destination for anyone who loves tea, history, and beautiful views. Whether you’re exploring the castle or just passing through the city, be sure to stop by and experience the charm and hospitality of this unique venue.

Cold Town House is a popular pub located in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh. A vibrant neighbourhood with independent boutiques and a variety of cafes and restaurants.

The pub is named after Cold Town, which was the nickname given to the Calton Hill Brewery in Edinburgh in the 1800s.

Cold Town House serves a variety of drinks, including beers, wines, cocktails, and spirits. The pub also has a restaurant that serves a range of classic pub fare, such as pizza, fish and chips, and steak.

One of the highlights of Cold Town House is the award winning rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding cityscape. The terrace is heated and covered, making it a great spot to visit year-round. The team at Cold Town House were excited when the terrace was given a Best Outdoor Area award recently.

Cold Town House is a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat while taking in the sights and sounds of Edinburgh.