Best Spots in Edinburgh for The Gourmet Explorers
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For food lovers
From the classic Hendersons and Restaurant Martin Wishart, to lesser-known spots worth adding to your trip.
★ 4.9 · 2,139 reviews
Discover Hendersons, Edinburgh's celebrated vegetarian restaurant with a stylish, upmarket feel. Order from its inventive plant-based menu and finish with a Hugo spritz that reviewers call the city's best.
★ 4.7 · 599 reviews
Treat yourself to Restaurant Martin Wishart, Leith's flagship address for refined French cooking. Settle in for a long, polished lunch or dinner of seasonal Scottish ingredients, with attentive service and optional wine pairings.
★ 4.4 · 2,880 reviews
Dine at The Outsider, where split-level rooms frame views of Edinburgh Castle. Settle in with candlelight, hearty seasonal plates like steak frites or fish, and a relaxed pace.
★ 4.4 · 2,504 reviews
Settle into Baba, a warm, rustic-chic spot where Mediterranean plates meet the charcoal grill. Share roasted garlic and grilled dishes with a cocktail in a handsome historic building.
★ 4.5 · 2,266 reviews
Pull up to Civerinos on Forrest Road for pizza that locals say lives up to the hype. Order a thin New York-style slice or a whole pie with creative toppings in a small, buzzing room.
★ 4.5 · 1,246 reviews
Step into 10 to 10 in Delhi, a tiny Edinburgh tea house that diners call a little gem. Share classic Indian dishes with a twist, such as mattar paneer, in a cosy, beautifully decorated room.
★ 4.6 · 4,480 reviews
Queue or book for a table at The Edinburgh Larder, a Blackfriars Street favourite for seasonal Scottish produce. Order the Eggs Royale or brisket benedict and enjoy a proper cup of artisan coffee alongside.
★ 4.4 · 921 reviews
Slip into Noto on Thistle Street, a Bib Gourmand restaurant tucked into New Town. Share inventive small plates, sip a signature cocktail, and choose between the dining room and the bar.
★ 4.6 · 945 reviews
Book a table at Timberyard, the converted warehouse where local Scottish produce meets inventive cooking. Settle into its warm, industrial-chic dining room for a multi-course lunch or dinner with bar drinks on the side.
★ 4.6 · 726 reviews
Grab a table at Ka Pao, a trendy restaurant that keeps going until midnight. Share flavour-packed plates, many of them gluten-free adaptable, in a lively room that rewards repeat visits.
★ 4.4 · 3,579 reviews
Squeeze into Chez Jules, Edinburgh's cheerful red-and-yellow French bistro. Order the steak frites or the good-value set lunch and soak up the lively, noisy atmosphere.
★ 4.5 · 2,781 reviews
Step into The Scran and Scallie, an Edinburgh gastropub where pub comfort meets Modern Scottish cooking. Dig into a hearty steak pie or scallops, then browse the whisky list in a warm, rustic-chic room.
★ 4.8 · 2,469 reviews
Seek out The Roseleaf, a playful Leith bistro near the waterfront where the cocktails arrive in teapots. Sit among the vintage decor and share halloumi fries with honey or a bowl of Cullen skink.
★ 4.7 · 3,478 reviews
Join the brunch crowd at The Pantry, where a virtual queue keeps the wait manageable. Share truffle potatoes, then dig into avocado toast with streaky bacon or a stacked waffle.
★ 4.7 · 4,590 reviews
Start early at Hula, an Edinburgh favourite with fresh, healthy plates and friendly staff. Order apple crisp pancakes or avocado and poached eggs on sourdough, ideally at an outdoor table.
★ 4.7 · 1,485 reviews
Join the queue at Greenwoods, where Edinburgh brunch comes in a bright, stylish room. Tackle the generous full Scottish or order the bacon pancakes that regulars keep coming back for.
★ 4.6 · 982 reviews
Squeeze into Razzo Pizza Napoletana, a tiled, family-run pizzeria that Edinburgh pizza fans rate highly. Order a Neapolitan-style pizza with antipasti or dessert in a cosy, relaxed room.
★ 4.7 · 845 reviews
Grab a wrap at Nile Valley Cafe, the budget favourite Edinburgh's students swear by. Order the Thuri Best at the counter and eat quickly and cheaply before heading back out.
★ 4.7 · 3,358 reviews
Join the queue at Maki & Ramen, the tiny Japanese spot that Edinburgh keeps coming back to. Slurp steak tataki ramen and share tempura, gyoza and salmon hosomaki in a fast, lively room.
★ 4.8 · 842 reviews
Step into Cafe Marlayne, a bustling Edinburgh bistro dressed in artsy decor. Work through classic French dishes such as mussels, duck breast or boeuf, all built around local produce.
★ 4.7 · 1,399 reviews
Step into Kanpai Sushi, an intimate Edinburgh spot where the sushi counter is the centrepiece. Order fresh nigiri and light tempura, then pair them with something from the sake menu.
★ 4.8 · 503 reviews
Plan an evening at LYLA Restaurant & Rooms, one of Edinburgh's most talked-about tasting-menu addresses. Work through a paced sequence of courses, with caviar, scallop, langoustine and halibut among the highlights.
★ 4.1 · 2,236 reviews
Pop into The Mosque Kitchen on Nicolson Square for a cheap, filling curry among locals and students. Pick a vegetarian or meat curry with rice and eat in the busy, informal canteen.
★ 4.8 · 522 reviews
Seek out The Little Chartroom, a compact, understated restaurant worth a trip beyond the centre. Settle in for a considered tasting menu with wine or cocktails in a relaxed yet special setting.
★ 4.7 · 1,323 reviews
Pull up a seat at Origano Cafe & Pizzeria, a cosy, rustic-chic pizzeria with a loyal local following. Tuck into hand-stretched pizza and pasta, starting with the bruschetta, in generous portions.
★ 4.5 · 1,933 reviews
Treat yourself to brunch at Urban Angel, a bright, blonde-wood bistro built around organic and local ingredients. Order the BLT or hummus toast and enjoy the friendly, buzzing room.
★ 5.0 · 186 reviews
Reserve a seat at eòrna, an intimate Edinburgh dining room where you can watch the chef at work. Settle in for a precise, produce-led menu served across a limited evening seating.
★ 4.8 · 488 reviews
Celebrate at Heron, a Leith restaurant overlooking the Shore. Work through a tasting menu with a sommelier-led wine or non-alcoholic pairing, in a room that suits anniversaries and birthdays.
★ 4.6 · 159 reviews
Discover Moss, a small Edinburgh dining room with a tasteful interior and a Scottish tasting menu. Work through seasonal courses, from fish to fermented rhubarb ice cream, with Spanish wines alongside.
★ 4.7 · 167 reviews
Reserve a table at Avery for an unhurried fine-dining evening in Edinburgh. Work through a menu where each course is matched with champagne, wine or a surprise whisky pairing.
Edinburgh · 🍽️ Food
Hendersons
1h15
Restaurant Martin Wishart
2h30
The Outsider Restaurant
Baba
Civerinos
1h
10 to 10 in Delhi
Edinburgh · 🥐 Breakfast
The Edinburgh Larder - Blackfriars Street
Noto
TIMBERYARD
Ka Pao Edinburgh
Chez Jules
The Scran and Scallie
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
The Pantry
Hula
Greenwoods Edinburgh
Razzo Pizza Napoletana
Nile Valley Cafe
45 min
Maki & Ramen
Cafe Marlayne
Kanpai Sushi
LYLA Restaurant & Rooms
1h45
The Mosque Kitchen
The Little Chartroom
Origano Cafe & Pizzeria
Urban Angel cafe
eòrna restaurant
Heron
Moss
Avery Restaurant
