The Witchery by the Castle
A gothic-themed restaurant in a 16th-century building at the gates of the castle, with rich, candlelit dining rooms.
Known for: Scottish beef, seafood, game
£65+ per person
Special occasion Good for Couples · Groups
Edinburgh
9 real restaurants, cafés, bars, markets and food experiences, from inexpensive to special occasion.
9 places to eat and drink in Edinburgh
££££ Special occasion
Oink
A hog-roast sandwich stall in the Old Town serving roast pork in a roll with stuffing and apple sauce.
Known for: Hog roast roll
Under about £18 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
Mimi’s Bakehouse
A cake shop and café known for its outrageous cakes and afternoon tea.
Known for: Cakes, afternoon tea
Under about £18 per person
Good for Couples · Families
The Elephant House
The café where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the early Harry Potter books, with castle views from the back room.
Known for: Coffee and cake with a view
About £18–35 per person
Good for Couples · Families
Café Royal Circle Bar
A Victorian pub with tiled portraits, ornate ceilings and oysters on the menu.
Known for: Oysters, real ale, Scotch whisky
About £18–35 per person
Local favourite Good for Groups · Couples
The Sheep Heid Inn
A historic village pub with a skittles alley, said to be one of Scotland’s oldest, beside Holyrood Park.
Known for: Sunday roast, real ale
About £18–35 per person
Local favourite Good for Groups · Couples
Mums Great Comfort Food
A cheerful café serving hearty Scottish comfort food such as haggis, neeps and tatties and sausage and mash.
Known for: Haggis, mash, pies
Under about £18 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
Timberyard
A Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted warehouse, with an emphasis on foraged and Scottish produce.
Known for: Tasting menu
£65+ per person
Special occasion Good for Couples · Groups
Dishoom Edinburgh
The Edinburgh branch of the popular Bombay-café-style restaurant, in a Georgian townhouse.
Known for: Bacon naan roll, black daal
About £18–35 per person
Good for Families · Groups
£ to ££££ is an approximate guide to price level and the per-person range is an estimate, not live pricing. “Good for” is a rule of thumb. Opening times and menus change: check with the venue before you go.
Local dishes to try in Edinburgh 3
Haggis, neeps and tatties
Cullen skink
Scottish shortbread and tablet
