Eat & Drink
Food & Drink in Edinburgh
From traditional Scottish fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, Edinburgh's food scene has something for every palate.
Must-Try Scottish Dishes
Haggis
Scotland's national dish - spiced minced offal with oatmeal, traditionally served with neeps and tatties.
Cullen Skink
Creamy smoked haddock soup originating from the fishing village of Cullen.
Scotch Pie
Traditional double-crust meat pie, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
Cranachan
Traditional Scottish dessert with whipped cream, whisky, honey, raspberries and toasted oatmeal.
Scottish Salmon
World-renowned Scottish salmon - try it smoked, cured, or fresh from local waters.
Shortbread
Buttery Scottish biscuit, perfect with tea or as a souvenir to take home.
Types of Cuisine
Traditional Scottish
Experience authentic Scottish cuisine from haggis to cullen skink. Many restaurants in the Old Town and Grassmarket serve traditional dishes with modern twists.
Fine Dining
Edinburgh boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, particularly in Leith and the New Town. Book well in advance for the city's top tables.
Seafood
Fresh Scottish seafood is exceptional. Look for restaurants serving North Sea fish, Scottish salmon, langoustines, and oysters from the West Coast.
International
Edinburgh's diverse food scene includes excellent Indian, Italian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern restaurants throughout the city.
Where to Eat by Neighbourhood
Old Town & Royal Mile
Tourist-friendly restaurants, traditional Scottish fare, atmospheric historic settings
Traditional Scottish food, tourist-friendly options, historic atmosphere
Grassmarket
Lively pub scene, casual dining, late-night food options beneath Edinburgh Castle
Pubs, casual dining, atmosphere, nightlife
Leith
Edinburgh's foodie destination with Michelin-starred restaurants and waterfront dining
Fine dining, seafood, trendy restaurants, weekend brunch
Stockbridge
Charming village feel with independent cafes, delis, and gastropubs
Brunch, coffee, independent eateries, Sunday lunch
New Town
Upmarket restaurants on George Street, cocktail bars, business dining
Cocktails, fine dining, special occasions
Bruntsfield & Morningside
Local neighbourhood restaurants, family-friendly, excellent brunch spots
Brunch, family dining, local favourites
Drinking in Edinburgh
Historic Pubs
Edinburgh has some of Scotland's oldest pubs. The Grassmarket, Royal Mile, and Old Town are home to centuries-old taverns with real character and history.
Whisky Bars
As the capital of whisky country, Edinburgh has excellent whisky bars with hundreds of malts. The Royal Mile and Old Town have the highest concentration.
Craft Beer
A thriving craft beer scene with local breweries and specialist bars. Look for Scottish craft beers from Edinburgh and beyond.
Cocktail Bars
Sophisticated cocktail bars cluster around George Street, the New Town, and increasingly in Leith. Many have speakeasy-style hidden entrances.
Coffee Culture
Specialty coffee shops have flourished across Edinburgh. The best independents are in Stockbridge, New Town, and the Southside.
Discover Scotch Whisky
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without sampling Scotland's national drink. The city has numerous whisky bars with hundreds of malts to try, plus visitor attractions where you can learn about the whisky-making process.
Look for whisky bars on the Royal Mile and in the Old Town. Many offer tasting flights so you can sample different regions and styles. Staff are usually knowledgeable and can recommend whiskies based on your preferences.
Learn About Scotch Whisky Experience →Edinburgh Coffee Guide
Edinburgh's specialty coffee scene rivals any European capital. From award-winning neighbourhood cafes to artisan roasters, discover the best places for your morning flat white or afternoon pick-me-up.
Explore Coffee Shops →