The 30 best places to eat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s food scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. With cosy neighbourhood spots and Michelin-recognised restaurants alongside bustling street food markets and welcoming brunch houses, the Scottish capital offers a blend of tradition and innovation with something for everyone. So whether you’re craving a classic plate of haggis, neeps, and tatties, fresh Mediterranean mezze, delectable pastries or authentic Asian street food, there’s no shortage of incredible places to try.

In this guide, you’ll find a curated selection of the best places to eat in Edinburgh, with restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and more. From hidden gems to local favourites, and everything in between, these are the places that make the city a true foodie destination. So with your appetite in tow, get ready to explore the flavours of Edinburgh and discover your new favourite spots.

First published: 13/09/2022 | This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Read more in my disclaimer.

The best restaurants in Edinburgh

Baba

Fast becoming a household name as one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh, Baba is a mezze restaurant fusing Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with Scottish produce. On the menu, expect a creative and vibrant selection of dishes designed for sharing, and a complementary cocktail list. The Levantine-inspired food offers creamy, spicy, smoky flavours that truly always hit the spot. Make sure you try the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with ptitim and the cauliflower shawarma.

The interiors at Baba are wonderfully on-brand and add to the experience. Find turquoise accents, patterned textiles and colourful decorations in a cosy, inviting space that will immerse you further into your Mediterranean experience.

Menu highlights: cauliflower shawarma; slow-cooked lamb shoulder with ptitim.

Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$-$$$

Pomelo

For an intimate, family-style dinner in Edinburgh, head to Pomelo for some Asian sharing plates. At Pomelo, they’re famous for their hand-ripped noodles, but on the regularly changing menu, you’ll find a whole range of modern Chinese and Asian delights to try. Think char-siu pork, vegetable dishes (like Manchurian gobi), banchan, bao buns, and so much more! What never changes here are the outstanding flavours and the high-quality dishes served.

The restaurant space is tiny, the furniture mismatched, and it really feels like you’re sitting down for a cosy, family meal at Pomelo. Dinner is served on Fridays and Saturdays, and you’ll want to book a few weeks in advance. Alternatively, you can walk in for lunch from Wednesday-Saturday or book brunch on Sundays.

Location | Website | Sample Menu | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$-$$$

Luxford Burgers

Starting out as a ghost kitchen in a shipping container in Leith, Luxford Burgers has quickly grown to one of the most popular burger restaurants in Edinburgh, with two locations and multiple awards under its belt. With locally sourced beef and high-quality ingredients, the independent joint centres on interesting flavours and a laidback vibe.

The menu items are all named after cult movie classics (and yes, Shrek is a cult movie, okay!). Try the Donnie Darko, with crispy garlic chicken, smoked bacon, and sriracha mayo, or the Westworld, with beef patties, barbecue sauce, and onion rings.

Website (with locations) | Menu | Veggie/Vegan friendly? One burger available for each | Price $$

Tipo

Great British Menu alumnus Stuart Ralston has four restaurants in Edinburgh, and Tipo is his answer to laidback Italian dining. The whole restaurant oozes quiet elegance – there’s nothing flashy, just bright, wooden interiors and simple decoration, and a menu delicious enough to earn a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Enjoy small plates and homemade pastas on the stripped-back, sharing-style menu, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Menu highlights include the sundried tomato arancini (on the lunch menu!), the sourdough focaccia, and the bigoli cacio e pepe.

Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Veggie yes; vegan no | Price $$$

Makars Mash Bar

If you’re looking to try haggis during your time in Scotland, Makars Mash Bar is the place to go. This is by no means a hidden gem, earning the spot of one of the best casual dining restaurants in Edinburgh (and the whole of The U.K., according to Trip Advisor). Makars Mash Bar specialises in mashed potatoes, as you may deduce from the name – there’s classic, cheesy, or even black pudding mash on the menu. You’ll also find plenty of Scottish fare, like haggis, neeps, and tatties, Scottish beef and wild boar sausages.

As Makars Mash Bar is one of the most popular restaurants in Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll want to book in advance – the queue for walk-ins can get very long. I recommend booking 3+ weeks in advance for dinner.

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$-$$$

The Basement

There’s healthy competition for the best Mexican food in Edinburgh, with several restaurants and taquerias in the centre alone. For me, The Basement comes out on top. Somewhere between restaurant and tequila bar, you’ll find it all here – delicious food, classic cocktails, live music, colourful interiors – plus, there’s even a Sunday deal where you can enjoy brunch with a Mexican twist.

So whether you’re looking for a cosy dinner, a feast with friends, or a fun night out, The Basement has you covered. And getting the flaming queso is a must!

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$

The Scran & Scallie

For a Scottish gastropub experience, head to The Scran & Scallie. With a friendly, neighbourhood vibe and hearty menu, Tom Kitchin’s restaurant has been welcoming both Stockbridge residents and tourists for over a decade. You can expect all the gastropub classics – like fish and chips, burgers, and pies – with strong Scottish influence and ingredients.

Scotland has more to offer than just food, and you can expect to enjoy all of the charms of Scottish culture at The Scran & Scallie, from the tartan accents, nods to Scots language on the menu, and whisky flights to round off your meal.

Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes but limited options | Price $$$

Ka Pao

Tucked away in the corner of Edinburgh’s St James’ Quarter shopping centre is Ka Pao, a sharing plates restaurant offering up South Asian cuisine. With roots in Glasgow (their first restaurant opened there back in 2020), the Edinburgh outlet is a testament to letting the food do the talking. With a location as commercialised as a shopping centre, Ka Pao still thrives, thanks to its simply delicious menu.

On arrival, you’ll be talked through a menu of dishes that range from small bites to larger curries, which are all designed to be shared between the table. Highlights include the vegan corn ribs, crispy duck leg, and the salt and Szechuan oyster mushrooms. And don’t miss the curated cocktail list!

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$-$$$

La Casa

La Casa is a Mediterranean restaurant with two outlets in Edinburgh, where they combine the ‘sharing plate’ cuisines of Spanish tapas and Eastern Mediterranean mezze. The curated menu fuses the two cuisines perfectly, ensuring complementary flavours regardless of what you order. You’ll find a large selection of cold and hot tapas and mezze, plus some larger dishes, and a sharing menu if you don’t want to choose!

And it’s not just the food offering a fusion of cultures – the interiors at La Casa lie somewhere between Spanish tapas bar and Greek taverna – with colourful tiles, brick details and cosy seating. The whole experience is fresh and bright, and a great choice for summer dining in the city.

Menu highlights: saganaki, bruschetta

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$

Pizza Geeks

Pizza Geeks is a pizza restaurant and takeaway with three locations in Edinburgh. With a geeky menu paying homage to the likes of Super Mario, Lord of the Rings and Dragon Ball Z (and interiors to match), you can experience something a little different to the typical Italian pizza restaurant here.

Passionate about giving back, Pizza Geeks has one of the best community initiatives going. In cooperation with a variety of local charities, the ‘Pizza for the People’ scheme sees a different pizza on the menu nominated each month, and with every purchase of that pizza, one is donated to a homeless person, or someone in need. So you can do some good while enjoying delicious pizza.

Website (with location and menus) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $

Fava

Find a little slice of Greece in Edinburgh at Fava. Their ethos is simple – bringing authentic Greek flavours to the city, and with their fresh, colourful menu of food imported from Greece, the team at Fava is doing exactly that. The rustic and boho interiors give a relaxed and friendly vibe, and the space is usually bustling with diners tucking into a table of food.

The portions at Fava are generous, with a mix of Greek mezze, gyros, and other mains. My favourite thing to get is the sharing platter, offering a taste of all the best Greek street food. You’ll also find a drinks menu full of Greek wines, beers and spirits.

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $-$$

Down the Hatch

Canadians and Brits have bonded over their love of cheese and gravy-slathered chips (or fries…). In the U.K., find it at your local chip shop; in Canada, they call it poutine. So, it makes sense that an authentic Canadian diner fits right into Edinburgh’s foodie scene.

You’ll find a menu of comfort food at Down the Hatch, including burgers, dirty fries, cheesesteaks, and wings. Of course, there’s also a wide variety of poutine, and Canadian beer to wash it all down.

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes but limited options | Price $$

Paradise Palms

A familiar face in the city’s veggie food scene, Paradise Palms is known as one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for vegetarian and vegan food. The soulful, American-inspired menu offers burgers, dirty fries, southern fried spices, and nachos that are tasty enough to appeal to meat eaters too! The menu is 100% vegetarian, and about 99% vegan.

Plus, Paradise Palms is more than just a great vegan food spot. The vibrant, neon interiors promise a great night out, and the seasonal cocktails ensure that happens! Find regular events, live music and DJ sets, so you can dance your heart out until the early hours of the morning.

Location | Website | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$

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Check out the top activities in Edinburgh for your trip!

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The best brunch in Edinburgh

Greenwoods

If there’s one thing all Scots appreciate, it’s a good full Scottish fry-up. And Greenwoods is serving up one of the best. You can stick to the classics, or try out their veggie and vegan options, with grilled paneer, scrambled tofu, and crispy potatoes on the menu. Plus you’ll find a great selection of other brunch options to try, like eggs benedict (classic and with a twist!) and pancakes.

Greenwoods actually started out in Amsterdam and still operates several successful brunch spots over there. You’ll notice some nods to The Netherlands, like the loose-leaf tea selection from Holland, and ‘The Dutchman’ on the brunch menu.

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$

Singapore Coffee House

Probably the tiniest brunch restaurant in Edinburgh, Singapore Coffee House has about 4 tables and often a long queue outside. And there are not many places I’d say of this, but the wait here is more than worth it! Head for opening to get breakfast, and let yourself be transported to the coffee houses (kopitiams) of Singapore.

With a goal to bring an authentic Singaporean experience to Edinburgh, you’ll find a menu that celebrates all the best of the country’s culinary influences. Try the likes of Kaya toast, Roti Canai, or Kopi, with rich and authentic flavours. And like so many of Edinburgh’s restaurants, you’ll find some Scottish twists on the menu, like the haggis-stuffed Murtabak or sausage roti.

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $-$$

Toast

Hailing themselves as Edinburgh’s first wine café, Toast is an all-day eatery and drinks space in the heart of Leith. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, or a selection of evening dishes – plus coffee, drinks, and a small bakery – they really do it all here! Plus, the bright space boats beautiful views over The Shore and it’s the perfect location for a post-brunch stroll around one of Edinburgh’s coolest neighbourhoods.

For me, the brunch menu is the standout offering. Find a crafted, imaginative menu that goes beyond the classics, with the likes of shakshuka and huevos rancheros, plus familiar favourites like avocado on toast and eggs benedict.

Menu highlights: masala beans on toast, American pancakes

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Veggie yes; vegan no | Price $$

The best places for lunch in Edinburgh

Albys

If I was pressed to pick my top place to eat in Edinburgh overall, Alby’s would come out on top – and I’m not alone in that. The sandwich shop, with two outlets in the city, is a cult favourite for many locals, and Alby’s finds itself sold out most weekends. The premise is so simple it has become the brand’s slogan – big hot sandwiches.

The menu of sandwiches on offer changes fairly regularly, as the team are always coming up with new creations. What you can expect from every one, though, is a slab of focaccia (not an exaggeration!) filled to the brim with perfectly curated, innovative fillings and flavours. Some of my favourites are the pork souvlaki and fried chicken caesar.

Website | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$

Toast Tea

Try the best Korean sandos in Edinburgh at Toast Tea, an Asian sandwich bar offering up homemade lunch fare. You’ll find savoury and sweet toasts, rice sandwiches and tofu pockets, plus handcrafted teas and Asian-inspired drinks.

Toast Tea is well-situated next to Holyrood Park, so I recommend taking your lunch to go and heading there. You can enjoy your meal and then take a wander, seeing the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and perhaps climbing the famous Arthur’s Seat.

Menu highlights: crispy chicken sando; peach fizz drink

Location | Website (with sample menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $

Chez Jules

On Edinburgh’s Hanover Street, tucked down at basement level so that you might miss it if not for the bright yellow sign, is Chez Jules, a laidback, rustic French restaurant serving cheap and traditional fare. There’s always a warm and friendly atmosphere inside, with classic red checkered tablecloths and candlelit tables.

Chez Jules is most famous for its lunch deal where just £12.90 will get you a three-course meal (yes, you read that right!). Start with warming French onion soup, before tucking into a generous portion of steak frites, and then dessert, if you still have room. It’s hands down the best value lunch in Edinburgh.

Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan friendly? No (very limited options) | Price $

Cairngorm Coffee

Although their main offering is locally roasted coffee, Cairngorm Coffee has earned a name for itself among the best lunch spots in Edinburgh. Head along and grab the famous cheese toastie, composed of sourdough, a blend of cheeses and punchy chilli jam – it’s the best you’ll find in the city! While the cheese toastie steals the spotlight, you’ll find a few other menu offerings and sweet treats available.

And of course, don’t miss out on the coffee here. Cairngorm Coffee takes pride in sourcing high-quality beans, and then roasting them at their own roastery just outside of Edinburgh. No matter how you like your brew, the baristas are passionate about delivering a top-tier coffee experience.

Location | Website | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes (cheese toastie not vegan!) | Price $

Civerinos

One of the coolest restaurants in Edinburgh has some of the best pizza in the world (TimeOut said it, not just me!). Sounds like the perfect combo, right? Civerinos is an American-style pizza outlet serving up New Haven, New York, and Detroit-style pizzas across their four Edinburgh locations.

Visit Hunter Square or Stockbridge for a sit-down meal with old-school, American-diner interiors. Or, check out Forrest Road for Civerinos Slice, where you can grab a giant slice or pie to go and enjoy it at the nearby Meadows. If the weather’s good, head out to Portobello and enjoy your slice on the beach.

Website (with locations and menus) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $

The Outsider Restaurant

In the heart of Edinburgh is The Outsider Restaurant – a homely, laid-back restaurant serving modern European cuisine. The ingredients and presentation are elevated, with a regularly changing menu that reflects the seasons, and daily specials. Plus, you can enjoy one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle from the restaurant.

Visit The Outsider at lunch for some of the best value food in the city. With dishes like steak frites, steamed mussels, and a chargrilled burger on offer, some mains are less than £10 – leaving room in the budget to add on one of their delicious cheeseboards for dessert! You can also dine for dinner service, enjoying similar fare with a selection of starters and sides.

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Limited options, especially for vegans | Price $-$$$

Other places to eat in Edinburgh

Pickles

Tucked away on Broughton Street is Pickles, a wonderfully cosy wine and charcuterie bar. The country-kitchen style interiors feature dark wooden furniture, tartan accents and homely decorations, inviting you in to relax with a drink. Perfect for a natter and a nibble, you’ll love Pickles for a romantic date night or a catch-up with friends.

The famous Pickles charcuterie platters come loaded with meats, cheeses, pickles, and chutneys, plus bread and oatcakes on the side. You can also try some local patés, or buy a jar to take home! Alongside your food, choose from a generous wine list (the staff will happily help you choose one suited to your tastes) or their selection of beers, wines and spirits.

Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Veggie yes; vegan no | Price $$

Patina

Pastries are worth travelling for, and Edinburgh’s Patina more than proves that. The bakery is a little outside of Edinburgh’s centre, sitting out west near the airport, but is luckily easily reached via the tram line. In venturing out to Patina, you’ll find one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh. The spacious and bright bakery shines amongst the corporate offices of Edinburgh Park and offers the most delicious pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. Savoury or sweet, flakey pastry or crusty bread – everything is delicious here.

You’ll find ample seating at Patina, with coffee and cold drinks on the menu, so it’s perfect for lunch or a Sunday sweet treat. And if the weather’s nice (a rarity in Scotland, I know), grab a spot at one of the sun-soaked outdoor tables.

Menu highlights: ham & cheese croissant; apple danish; focaccia sandwiches

Location | Website | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Veggie yes; some vegan options | Price $

Edinburgh Street Food

Edinburgh Street Food is one of the city’s coolest foodie spots. The market brings together some of Edinburgh’s best street food vendors in a lively, vibrant space. Alongside the local vendors, the drinks menu features an amazing lineup of Scottish breweries and distilleries, with beers, spirits, and ciders to choose from. With indoor and outdoor seating, regular events, live music and sports screenings, Edinburgh Street Food is a true all-rounder!

Some of the traders are set up exclusively at Edinburgh Street Food, and others have expanded from their own restaurant spaces in the city – meaning you can stick with your favourites or try something new. There’s burgers, fried chicken, South American cuisine, American barbecue, pizza – and so much more! Plus, they keep the menu fresh with guest vendors so you’ll never get bored of what’s on offer here.

Menu highlights: baos from Bundits; loaded fries from Fat Patty’s; pork belly from The Peruvian.

Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $-$$

Kilted Donut

Kilted Donut is a must-visit for doughnut lovers in Edinburgh. The artisan bakery has locations across the city, including at the iconic Grassmarket, and has become a go-to spot for indulgent, handmade doughnuts. The doughnuts are made fresh every night by a team of bakers who love to experiment with exciting and inventive flavours – in fact, the menu rotates monthly with new doughnuts to enjoy.

Try from classics like glazed, jammy, or Boston cream or pick from some of the specials. In the past, they’ve featured flavours like banoffee, tiramisu, mango tajin, and raspberry lemonade! Plus, many of the doughnuts at Kilted Donut are vegan (around half of the menu).

Top tip: for a taste of Scotland, try the cranachan doughnut. With a sweet cream filling, raspberry glaze and a sprinkling of oats, this is the perfect twist on a classic Scottish dessert.

Website (with locations) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $

The Artisan Pasta Maker x Bacco

Two neighbouring outlets on Dundas Street have collaborated to create one of the coolest places to eat in Edinburgh. In what is primarily a shop selling fresh pasta to cook at home, there are only a couple of seats available to enjoy a sit-down meal from The Artisan Pasta Maker’s hot food menu. However, head next door to Bacco and they’ll offer you the pasta menu, bringing their neighbour’s dishes straight to your table. The cosy wine bar is the perfect setting for some Italian fare and the food pairs perfectly with their expert selection of drinks.

You’ll want to book in advance to secure a spot at Bacco, especially at the weekend. And of course, if you fancy cooking some gourmet pasta at home, you can swing by The Artisan Pasta Maker to pick some up, fresh from the kitchen. The various filled pastas are their biggest hit, and you’ll find extras like sauces to mix in as well.

Location | Instagram | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $$

Mary’s Milk Bar

On any sunny day in Edinburgh, you’ll find a queue snaking around Edinburgh’s Grassmarket that leads to Mary’s Milk Bar. The charming gelateria is a cult favourite among locals and a must-visit spot for tourists, thanks to its top-tier gelato and innovative flavours. Owner Mary posts the daily selection of flavours on Instagram and in the shop window. Choose from menu regulars such as milk, dark chocolate, or salted caramel, or see what fun inventions are on the menu for your visit! There are always a couple of vegan flavours available.

Once you make it inside (don’t worry, the queue always moves quickly), you’ll find a tiny, retro space with pastel colours and fun decorations. There’s also homemade artisanal chocolate on sale, plus other trinkets and treats.

Menu highlights: salted caramel, sage cream

Location | Website | Instagram (with daily menu) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes | Price $

Lannan

Another Edinburgh outlet that’s partial to a long queue is Lannan, the city’s most viral bakery. Since it opened back in July 2023, there’s been a line of customers snatching up delectable pastries and baked goods from the rustic, French-inspired shop. The quality and variety of the bakes on offer are more than worthy of Lannan’s popularity, but be prepared for an early morning if you want to try the best offerings!

There are classic pastries, such as croissants and pain au chocolats, on the menu, as well as an endless rotation of savoury and sweet delights. The custard slice is a long-time favourite!

Location | Website | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Veggie yes; vegan no | Price $

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Where are you most excited to try on this list? Or, if you’ve been to Edinburgh, where are your favourite spots – and are there any that I’ve missed? I’m always looking to discover new places to eat in Edinburgh so leave me a comment and let me know!