Edinburgh

9 real restaurants, cafés, bars, markets and food experiences, from inexpensive to special occasion.

9 places to eat and drink in Edinburgh

A seafood dish (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

The Witchery by the Castle

Restaurant · Castlehill

££££ Special occasion

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

A hearty traditional stew (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Oink

Restaurant · Grassmarket

£ Inexpensive

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

Fresh pastries and croissants (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Mimi’s Bakehouse

Bakery · Leith and New Town

£ Inexpensive

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

A cup of coffee at a café (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

The Elephant House

Café · George IV Bridge

££ Mid-range

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

A seafood dish (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Café Royal Circle Bar

Bar · New Town

££ Mid-range

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

Glasses of beer (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

The Sheep Heid Inn

Bar · Duddingston

££ Mid-range

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

German sausages (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Mums Great Comfort Food

Restaurant · Old Town

£ Inexpensive

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

A plated fine-dining dish (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Timberyard

Restaurant · Lady Lawson Street

££££ Special occasion

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

A cup of coffee at a café (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Dishoom Edinburgh

Restaurant · St Andrew Square

££ Mid-range

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

    The national dish, with a dram of whisky

  • Cullen skink

    A creamy smoked haddock soup

  • Scottish shortbread and tablet

    A sweet local treat

Food markets & tastings in Things to Do 2