Where to eat European food in Edinburgh: The Best Restaurants and Bars

January 2, 2020 Terina Blouin

Discover Restaurants offering the best European food in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. Edinburgh’s neighborhoods developed as the city did. Originally its heart lay in the alleys and cobbled streets of the Old Town, below the castle. Then, in the late-18th century, the residential focus shifted north to a huge planned Georgian New Town. That’s now become the city’s business center, while visitor attractions and nightlife have become fairly evenly shared between these two central districts. Around them, a ring of residential districts now house most of those living in central Edinburgh. Though less good for sightseeing, these neighborhoods are just as busy and typified by thriving restaurant scenes and large parks.
Things to do in Edinburgh

10. Mono Restaurant

85 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1HN Scotland Italian, Mediterranean, European, Contemporary Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Free Wifi [email protected] +44 131 466 4726 http://www.monorestaurant.co.uk
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

5 based on 301 reviews

Mono Restaurant

Expect to encounter a multi-sensory experience; visual, textual, taste. Simplistic and natural interiors, complementing the effortless and fresh cuisine that follows the roots of culinary principles in Italy: excellent quality ingredients, honest cooking

Reviewed By Appelgren

Great restaurant, hard to find, well there we were surprised by a lovely Prosecco, three amuse bouches, starters like grouse or ravioli with truffles (generous) followed by mains, venison with hazelnut or guineafowl. Interesting but short winelist. Dessert was a divine nutella accompamied by an icecold expressomartini. All in all was this a great experience and in my humble opinion they deserve one star in The Michelin Guide. When the bill came I was surprised, prepared to pay at least 100£ more than I had to!

9. Sonder

74-78 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9PT Scotland European, British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 131 667 7032 http://restaurant-sonder.com
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5 based on 231 reviews

Sonder

A new independent restaurant opened in Edinburghs southside. Sonder is an open plan dining / kitchen experience, serving modern European dishes.

Reviewed By daichef2

Booked this having looked at tripadvisor for recommendations and were not disappointed but mostly intruigued. The waiter gave us a low down of how to order and how much and we had really small portions of very tasty highly complex foods often with pourings of concentrated jus poured by the waiter. Not a place to fo if you’re hungry nor fussy but interesting and a new concept for us. Quite expensive but then probably heavy on man hours to produce.

8. Aurora

187 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh EH6 5LQ Scotland European, British, Fusion, Scottish Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Free Wifi [email protected] +44 131 554 5537 http://www.auroraedinburgh.co.uk
Food
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5 based on 254 reviews

Aurora

Aurora is a small bistro in the heart of Leith. Serving breakfast and lunch until 4pm; dinner from 5pm. Licensed restaurant - Dogs welcome

Reviewed By Jane L

The food is divine - sharing plates of the highest standard that are beautifully presented and so so tasty. The service is attentive without being overbearing - a perfect balance achieved by very lovely people.The perfect little eaterie but keep it to yourself or we’ll never get a table.....

7. Number One at The Balmoral

1 Princes Street The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ Scotland European, British, Scottish, International Dinner Seating, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 131 557 6727 http://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/restaurants-and-bars/number-one/
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5 based on 1794 reviews

Number One at The Balmoral

Memorable flavours and world-class cuisine. A truly outstanding culinary experience, worthy of its Michelin star. Step into Number One’s dining room and sink into one of the dove grey wool banquettes. Contemporary art abounds on the lacquered red walls, f

Reviewed By 111TWIGAMINHAAFRIKA

We pre-booked online, a must for busy periods.As you enter the restaurant bar you are greeted with such warmth, friendly, professional and great service as we took drinks first before heading to the restaurant for our early dinner.Fine menu, excellent drinks menu, this was three courses taken, par excellence!Delicious cuisine, fine atmosphere, grand deco', and excellent service. A place where you are made to feel special...

6. Ostara

52 Coburg Street, Edinburgh EH6 6HJ Scotland Cafe, European, Healthy, Scottish, Deli Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Free Wifi [email protected] +44 131 261 5441 http://ostaracafe.co.uk/
Food
Service
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 209 reviews

Ostara

We source our food responsibly, supporting small food producers and suppliers, building relationships with the people who help create what we eat. Organic produce will feature across the menu which may change slightly depending on what our local farms and

Reviewed By Noel G

I went there today for the first time because I wanted to experience the porridges and black pudding. I didn't regret my choice for the whole experience! The ladies working there were extremely nice, concerned about my opinion on the food and the whole establishment had a great vibe, welcoming and warming environment no doubt! Will definitely return one day!

5. Purslane Restaurant

33A St. Stephen Street, Edinburgh EH3 5AH Scotland French, British, Scottish, European, International Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 131 226 3500 http://www.purslanerestaurant.co.uk/
Food
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 1032 reviews

Purslane Restaurant

Reviewed By SK2210

Visited this restaurant whilst visiting Edinburgh, saw the great reviews on TripAdvisor and it did not disappoint in any way. It's a small tucked away restaurant, would recommend booking early in advance. The service was welcoming and friendly, nothing was a trouble. The food here is amazing, its comparable to many fine dining restaurants I've visited in London, if not better!! Each course was perfectly cooked and presented. I love the way the restaurant shows off local produce. If ever in Edinburgh again, I wouldn't think twice about dining here again!

Where to Eat in Edinburgh: The Best Restaurants and Bars

4. New Chapter

18 Eyre Place New Town, Canonmills, Edinburgh EH3 5EP Scotland European, British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 131 556 0006 http://newchapterrestaurant.co.uk/
Food
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 1183 reviews

New Chapter

Reviewed By lupolady

We had another fabulous family lunch. I had the Scottish girolle mushrooms to start with again. Can't resist them, followed by the confit duck leg, which was delicious. The waitresses are lovely and very attentive and everyone enjoyed the lovely surroundings. The food is just like a picture on a plate. Can't wait to go back again x

Top 10 Things to do in Edinburgh, United Kingdom (UK)

3. The Table

3A Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QG Scotland European, British, Scottish Dinner Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, BYOB [email protected] +44 131 281 1689 http://www.thetableedinburgh.com/
Food
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 362 reviews

The Table

The Table is a small, intimate 10 seater restaurant in Edinburgh's New Town. We have one sitting per day at 7pm and we serve one multi course tasting menu. The menu is £80 per person Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and £90 on Friday and Saturday. Reservat

Reviewed By Djsloan

Wonderful experience having dinner at The Table. Two chefs cooking for only ten lucky diners. Great to see the food being prepared and interact with the Chefs. No fussing about with menus, everyone gets served the same 7 course menu. There wasn’t one dish I didn’t like which is unusual when having a tasting menu. The food is quite simply excellent. One (if not the) top restaurant in Edinburgh.

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2. Aizle

107-109 St. Leonards Street, Edinburgh EH8 9QY Scotland European, British, Scottish, International Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +44 131 662 9349 http://aizle.co.uk/
Food
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 897 reviews

Aizle

Reviewed By Alan_SAFC

We returned to Aizle for our third wedding anniversary, having celebrated our first here 2 years ago. This place is amazing. They turn wonderful fresh ingredients into something really special. The staff are lovely - we had a real laugh with them this time - and they are so helpful. Food and wine pairings were fantastic. Couldn’t ask for anything more. Thank you for making another anniversary celebration so special!

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1. Restaurant Martin Wishart

54 Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA Scotland French, European, British, Scottish, Contemporary Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Street Parking [email protected] +44 131 553 3557 http://www.martin-wishart.co.uk/
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 1384 reviews

Restaurant Martin Wishart

Martin Wishart, an Edinburgh-born chef, has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s most highly respected chefs. It is the importance of fresh ingredients, discipline in the kitchen, a passion for food and a deep understanding of classic French cook

Reviewed By bettymat2018

This is the second Michelin Star restaurant we have visited this year. What a fabulous experience. It has the character found in Leith and celebrates its location and regional foods by being unpretentious and fitting in to the setting. Once inside the atmosphere clearly indicates that one has stepped up to another dining experience. The service was attentive without being intrusive. Each plate was presented as a work of art, which seems to be a hallmark of award winning restaurants. Once seated one begins to be served multiple, tastes, and bits of interesting Bites. It’s a bit pretentious, one bread choice was described in heavy French accent as having porridge, I asked ”oatmeal?” , yes, oatmeal bread with three butters or toppings in tiny arranged dishes. I chose a lamb main course that my husband described as so tender “you could eat it if you had no teeth” with a lovely crusty top breading. I would return for that. He had an amazing fish main. One thing we enjoyed, all diners seemed were dressed as if this was special. We agree, it is special.

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