The moment of taking the first bite of the best meal you’ve had in a while is worth recreating time and time again. A sensational culinary experience is a journey on its own, yet mastery of the craft is not as easily achieved. While Edinburgh is abundant in choice when it comes to places to eat, we have put together a list of the Scottish capital’s best restaurants to check out.
1. The Kitchin
On top of being one of the five Michelin-star restaurants in Edinburgh, The Kitchin was also named one of the best restaurants in the world in 2023. What is more, The Kitchin was in the top 5 in Harden’s List of the best restaurants in the UK. The Kitchin is run by celebrity Chef Tom Kitchin, with the motto ‘from nature to plate’: the ingredients are sourced solely from our bonnie Scotland, where guests are presented with meals inspired by British and French cuisines. Guests can also peek through the glass wall in the kitchen allowing everyone to witness the art of Michelin-starred cooking. While it’s £110 for a three-course dinner, budget-conscious guests can opt for the three-course lunch menu, which is also stunning, by the way, and costs £52.50.
78, Commercial Quay, Leith, EH6 6LX
2. Makars Mash Bar
That’s right, there’s a gourmet mashed potato bar in Edinburgh that also grows its own mushrooms in the basement. Makars Mash Bar is a local business specialising in revealing the best of the locally sourced Scottish larder, especially some good ol’ tatties. The Makars website states they aim to make “locally produced food like my granny used to cook. And my goodness she was one hell of a cook !”. Guests can also visit the basement, where the Mushroom Emporium is located, where the owners have created a trippy wee world lit by UV lights.
9 – 12 North Bank Street, EH1 2LN
3. Ting Thai
There is a reason why there is ALWAYS a queue outside Ting Thai on Teviot Place. The restaurant is walk-ins only, so guests cannot book in advance, resulting in having to wait to be seated. Thing Thai is a place for excellent Thai street food, where the food comes out quickly and the atmosphere is non-pretentious. However, visitors should not expect to stay for longer than an hour, as once you’re done eating and drinking, you’re expected to give your table away for the next people in the queue. Our favourites on the menu include the Massaman curry with beef and the Tofu J small box of crunchy tofu pieces with sweet chilli sauce. Sorry, I just cannot handle spicy food!
8, 9 Teviot Pl, EH1 2QZ
4. The Basement
Take your partner, your kids, your mom, your uncle, your pals and your dug to The Basement, as their homemade guac, tacos and fajitas are just on another level. We have been coming here for at least six years, and it’s safe to say the spot is just as good every single time. The Basement is deservingly on the list of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, offering Mexican food for the soul. Plus, guests can enjoy a wee flavoured margarita or five, as well as a cosy basement atmosphere with regular live music on the weekends. And for those looking for a good first date spot in Edinburgh, this is it.
12a, 10a Broughton St, EH1 3RH
5. Pizza Geeks
For those looking for the best pizza in Edinburgh, Pizza Geeks is the one to seek out. Starting off at Edinburgh’s street markets and events, the brand now owns two branches in the city. Guests can enjoy decent stonebaked pizza at a pop-culture-themed restaurant that’s also affordable while supporting a local business that was founded by a group of guys who all met at a party.
19 Dalry Rd, EH11 2BQ
7 Commercial St, Leith EH6 6JA
6. Duck & Waffle
Those who enjoy the finer things in life will be delighted by Duck & Waffle. The restaurant is named after its signature dish, which, unsurprisingly, contains a buttermilk waffle topped with a crispy duck leg confit and fried duck egg doused in mustard maple syrup. The main menu is delightfully wholesome nonetheless, with vegan, gluten-free, breakfast, brunch, all-day and late-night sections. Plus, visitors can opt for a Set Menu, available every Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 5pm to 11pm, costing only £23 for a two-course meal and £28 for three courses.
400-402 St James Cres, EH1 3AE
7. tipo
tipo is Edinburgh’s newest restaurant listed on the Michelin guide, receiving the prestigious Bib Gourmand. What is more, it is the first Scottish restaurant since 2022 to receive the accolade. Guests can expect excellent pasta dishes at tipo, which is named after the ’00 flour which is used for pasta-making. To find more affordable restaurants listed on the Michelin guide that won’t break the bank, check out our list here.
8. Bibimbap
Boasting a relaxed atmosphere and colourful decor, Bibimbap is one of the city’s newest Korean street food spots and sits deservingly on our best restaurants list in Edinburgh. The menu consists of a variety of well-known Korean dishes that will be prepared with love right in front of guests with an expected hit of taste and flavour. The treats in question are Kimchi, deopbap, Corn Dogs, Yum Yum fried chicken, soup, and noodles, in addition to the famous Bibimbap dish. The restaurant also has some mean cocktails: go for the BBB Mai Tai that comes with Brugal rum, almond syrup, triple sec and pineapple juice!
9. Tattu
As far as pretty restaurants go, Tattu is easily the prettiest restaurant in Edinburgh. Decked in cherry blossoms, the interior design is not the only noteworthy aspect of Tattu Edinburgh: the innovative, seasonal Chinese-inspired menu is the real essence of what the spot is all about. With a concept for sharing food, where food lovers can try a bit of everything while having a well-deserved break with friends and family. Plus, visitors can indulge in creative cocktails with a theatrical twist during the culinary experience.
18 W Register St, EH2 2AA
10. Eve
Located at the top of Cowgate near Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, Eve is part of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, offering live music, carefully crafted signature cocktails and dining for any meal during the day. The food at Eve is not only budget-friendly, but also seriously decent. Guests can enjoy a relaxed, trendy atmosphere with a cocktail in hand, whether it is for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
11. KORA by TK
KORA By Tom Kitchin is a local family business, owned by Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin and Michaela Kitchin. Offering a seasonal menu made from local produce throughout, the neighbourhood restaurant is delighting guests with an exciting brunch menu, as well as a wholesome dinner menu with a stellar wine list (seriously, the wine list is sublime).
14-17 Bruntsfield Pl, EH10 4HN
12. The Beach House
The Beach House boasts probably the best outdoor seating views in the city as it’s pretty much on the beach, with plenty of blankets to go around. Dine while overlooking Portobello Beach any time of the day, with fresh local produce and baked goods. The same people also own The Beach House Bakery which provides freshly baked bread daily, as well as cakes, sorbets and gelatos made from scratch with locally sourced, organic ingredients. The spot also offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, which are perfect for any occasion. For those not feeling like sitting outside, head indoors to keep warm and enjoy quirky, sea-themed decor with a friendly service. Honestly, we can’t get enough of this place!
57 Bath St, Portobello, EH15 1HE
13. Hot Toddy
This one’s a newer addition to Edinburgh’s food scene, and is completely covered in plants. The greenery of the place makes it one of the most beautiful restaurants in Edinburgh, but it’s not just about the looks. Guests can indulge in creative cocktails, while the food menu boasts some brunch favourites, as well as wholesome meals. We especially loved the spinach and mushroom croquettes, the venison, the deep-fried Mars bars and the cheese board. Bon Appetit!
15-19 Jeffrey St, EH1 1DR