Although the city is of average size for a European capital, Edinburgh has some great places to go, whether it’s to have a drink with friends in an atmospheric bar, enjoy a good brunch on a Saturday morning, or discover a typical Scottish dishin one of its many restaurants. It’s all about knowing where to go to discover Scotland’s culinary side once you’re there.
What are the 10 best restaurants in Edinburgh ?
In this article, we present the 10 best typical restaurants in Edinburgh. You’ll have the opportunity to make up your own mind at one of these 10 addresses, and get the full flavour of the Scottish atmosphere through their various offerings.
5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.6/5 – Google
Let’s start with a small and affordable gourmet restaurant. Typical and charming at the same time, the Dine restaurant is to be discovered in Edinburgh city center where you’ll enjoy tasty local cuisine with a good Scottish salmon.
A really friendly place that we recommend, located on the 1st floor at 10 Cambridge St, EH1 2ED.
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Address : 10 Cambridge St, EH1 2ED
Opening hours : Wed – Sun: 12h – 23h
Phone number : +44 131 218 1818
What we think of Dine
Advantages
- Tasty cuisine
- Very good local salmon
- Typical location
What we like best
The right address for affordable gourmet cuisine.
Discover the best bars in Edinburgh to enjoy the friendly local atmosphere !
5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.7/5 – Google
The setting of the typical Scottish restaurant The Tollhouse is charming. You’ll eat fresh dishes with good wine served by friendly and very helpful staff.
We highly recommend it if you like a cosy, family atmosphere. The address is 50 Brandon Terrace, EH3 5BX.
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Address : 50 Brandon Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 5BX
Opening hours : Mon – Sun: 12h – 23h
Phone number : +44 131 224 2424
Our opinion of The Tollhouse
Advantages
- Family atmosphere
- A warm welcome
- Fresh and delicious dishes
What we like the best
Local cuisine accompanied by a good wine to enjoy fresh dishes.
Discover the best brunches in Edinburgh to get each of your days here off to a great start !
5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.7/5 – Google
When you go to Dine Murrayfield, you’ll get your money’s worthwith the fine portions served. The starters and cocktails are excellent, especially the haggis and clap shot with a good whisky sauce in a well-refined presentation.
The main courses are well presented by attentive, friendly staff, and the decor is tasteful.
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Address : 8 Murrayfield Pl, Edinburgh EH12 6AA
Opening hours : Mon – Sat: 8:30am – 11pm / Sun: 9:30am – 11pm
Phone number : +44 131 374 4800
What we think of Dine Murrayfield
Advantages
- Very good whiskies
- Refined cuisine
- Nice welcome
What we like best
Their famous delicious haggis !
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4.5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.6/5 – Google
Another great place to eat local in Scotland’s capital, with absolutely delicious meals and a menu clear enough to know what good dishes are on offer.
The warm welcome from the smiling waiters will let you know that you’re in for a great meal. First Coast is located at 97-101 Dalry Rd, EH11 2AB.
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Address : 97-101 Dalry Rd, EH11 2AB
Opening hours : Mon-Thu: 12h-14h, 17-22h/ Fri-Sat: 12h-22h
Phone number : +44 131 313 4404
What we think of First Coast
Advantages
- Large choice menu level
- Nice welcome
- Delicious and refined cuisine
What we like best
The delicious Monk Fish Tail prepared the Scottish way;
4.5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.7/5 – Google
If you choose to go to Blonde Restaurant, you’ll enjoy tasty meat and fish dishes as well as great vegetarian options.
For attentive service from smiling staff, you’ll get your money’s worth at 71-75 St. Leonard’s St, EH8 9QR.
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Address : 71-75 St. Leonard’s St, EH8 9QR
Opening hours : Mon: 18h-21h / Tue-Sun: 12h-14h30, 18h-22h
Phone number : +44 131 668 2917
What we think of Blonde Restaurant
Advantages
- Vegetarian dishes available
- Beautiful presentation of Scottish cuisine
- Very smiling staff
What we like best
Their beautiful vegetarian options while remaining in typical Scottish dishes.
5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.7/5 – Google
With a professional and very warm welcome, Forage & Chatter is located in a basement with an idyllic setting. The dishes are exceptionally presented with modern visuals and very good taste.
You’ll be treated to an explosion of flavor for this well sought-after Scottish cuisine. Although prices are quite high, you’ll get your money’s worth if you head to 1A Alva St, EH2 4PH.
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Address : 1A Alva St, EH2 4PH.
Opening hours : Wed-Fri: 5pm-9pm / Sat: 12pm-2pm, 5pm-9pm
Phone number : +44 131 225 4599
What we think of Forage & Chatter
Advantages
- Cuisine made with passion
- Very professional and fast service
- Local ambience
What we like best
A typical tavern atmosphere in the basement.
5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.8/5 – Google
Here’s a very chic place in Edinburgh where you’ll feel incredibly comfortable and relaxed. The restaurant’s staff will be truly attentive. You’ll be treated to a beautifully presented tasting menu for good value for money.
Food lovers will be delighted by the many local dishes on offer at the Borough restaurant at 50-54 Henderson St, Leith, EH6 6DE.
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Address : 50-54 Henderson St, Leith, EH6 6DE
Opening hours : Wed-Sat: 12pm-9pm
Phone number : +44 131 554 7655
What we think of the Borough
Advantages
- Good value for money
- Local and delicious dishes
- Friendly place
What we like best
Their tasting menu is not to be missed!
4.5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.6/5 – Google
Fans of Scottish lobster will appreciate heading to Fishers restaurant, renowned for its famous seafood dishes.
The reception has often been criticized in the past, but fortunately the popularity of this restaurant has been restored, which is why we recommend it for good local food. The address is 1 Shore, Leith, EH6 6QW.
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Address : 1 Shore, Leith, EH6 6QW
Opening hours : Mon-Sun: 12h-22h30
Phone number : +44 131 554 5666
What we think of Fishers
Advantages
- Seafood specialty
- New staff very helpful
- Quality cuisine
What we like best
Their famous lobster, to be enjoyed without moderation.
4.5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.5/5 – Google
This small restaurant offers both brunch and lunchtime meals. Located in Bath Street, just off the Portobello promenade, Butternut Squash allows you to eat your meal with a beautiful unobstructed view. Go to 10 Bath St, Portobello, EH15 1EY.
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Address : 10 Bath St, Portobello, EH15 1EY
Opening hours : Mon-Sun: 9am-3pm
Phone number : +44 7778 390751
What we think of Butternut Squash
Advantages
- Good brunches to discover
- Location well situated in the city
- Friendly staff
What we like best
The breathtaking view you discover while eating good local food.
4.5/5 – TripAdvisor
4.5/5 – Google
Let’s end this top 10 with The Magnum which is nothing but a very friendly place with a manager and his waiters who are both adorable and very helpful. The dishes are delicious and nicely presented.
We recommend you try their famous cheesecake, which is excellent! This restaurant is located at 1 Albany St, EH1 3PY.
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Address : 1 Albany St, EH1 3PY
Opening hours : Sun-Thu: 12h-00h / Fri, Sat: 12h-1h
Phone number : +44 131 557 4366
What we think of Magnum
Advantages
- Meeting the locals
- Delicious, well-presented dishes
- Helpful and accommodating staff
What we like best
Cheesecakes are the speciality of the establishment.
Discover Edinburgh's culinary art through its best restaurants
Edinburgh’s best restaurants offer much more than tasty meals; they tell stories, reveal traditions and capture the very essence of this vibrant Scottish city. From authentic local flavors to modern gastronomic creations, every bite is an experience in its own right.
Whether you’re a food lover or a culinary explorer, Edinburgh is truly a destination in its own right to satisfy all your gastronomic cravings. Immerse yourself in this rich and diverse culinary scene to discover the unique flavors of Scotland’s capital.