Location: Edinburgh
Top Restaurants in Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
- 1. Arthur's SeatVisitScotland Tourism Organisation10 amazing bucket list experiences in Edinburgh
- 2. National Museum of ScotlandVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 of Edinburgh’s top arts attractions
- 3. Edinburgh Old Town
- 4. Royal Yacht BritanniaVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 of Edinburgh’s top arts attractions
- 5. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- 6. Royal Mile
- 7. Edinburgh CastleVisitScotland Tourism Organisation10 don’t miss historic buildings of Edinburgh for a glimpse of the city’s history
- 8. Real Mary King's CloseVisitScotland Tourism Organisation10 amazing bucket list experiences in Edinburgh
- 9. BobCat Alpacas
- 10. Edinburgh Gin DistilleryVisitScotland Tourism Organisation10 best-kept hidden gems and secret places in Edinburgh
Countries
Where to Eat in Edinburgh: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Things to do in Edinburgh
1. Number One at The Balmoral
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Memorable flavours and world-class cuisine. A truly outstanding culinary experience, worthy of its Michelin star for the 13th consecutive year. As one of the finest Edinburgh restaurants, 'Number One' presents an innovative blend of Scottish and French flavours. Saute Foie Gras with duck confit. Borders lamb, broad beans and grelot. Rhubarb and white chocolate panna cotta. Take a seat on the golden banquettes and sample some of Scotland's most creative dishes from our tasting menus. Equally striking are the original artworks from The Royal College of Art that hang on the red lacquered walls.
Reviewed By IrinaB960 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Really one of the best meals I have had. Everything was on point, I mean everything! As expected for a Michelin star, but not always the case.
In Number One, the experience really lived up to the restaurant's name. Food was excellent and plentiful, might I add. Dishes were creative and had verity of ingredients. The bread service, which I do not normally partake in, was phenomenal. Probably best bread I have had in my life. It was hard not to overindulge in fact.
I did not elect to have the wine tasting with my meal as the rest of my colleagues had. Half way through the dinner however, I was so intrigued by the sommelier and his wonderful stories, that I wanted to try some wines. He was glad to bring me a glass and offered a tasting at every step thereafter.
The sommelier was one of the best I have had the pleasure to meet. He was not only knowledgeable, but kept our attention by telling us detailed narratives of each wine and reasons why he selected them to accompany the meal. At the end of our dining experience, he wrote down the wines for us to have. I wish I remembered his name to commemorate him here, but I did not. He really was fantastic and made the dinner that much more special.
This was fantastic experience and meal!
2. The Kitchin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The Kitchin presents modern British seasonal cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques and an appreciation of the best quality ingredients available from Scotland's fantastic natural larder. The restaurant’s philosophy ‘From Nature to Plate’, is a true reflection of Tom’s passion for the finest, freshest Scottish seasonal produce and the cooking at the restaurant reflects Tom’s training under some of the world’s best chefs blended with his own Scottish heritage.
3. Locanda De Gusti
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Southern Italian using the very best of Italian and local Scottish produce.
Reviewed By Kleiw F
One of the tastier meals I've ever had! All the seafood were fresh and perfectly cooked! Huge portions and reasonably priced for what you get in my opinion! Very interesting wine list with Italian wines! Great desserts and proper coffee as well!
Staff is very welcoming, helpful and kind! You get the Italian vibe as soon as you come in!
Feel sad that I don't live in Edinburgh so I can visit that restaurant more often, but surely on my next visit it's going to be the first place that I'll go!
Me and my partner we do appreciate nice food and great accommodation as Greeks so we highly recommend that place!
Thanks for a great evening!
4. Bia Bistrot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 509 reviews
Recommended in the esteemed Michelin Guide, Bia Bistrot offers a cosy bistro setting and timeless British cuisine. Chefs Roisin & Matthias Llorente boast culinary expertise honed across the world, including stints at Gordon Ramsay New York.Championing an ethos of fresh, seasonal and homemade produce, the Bia Bistrot menu showcases a stunning selection of refined flavours. Blending hearty Scottish influences and timeless French refinement, sumptuous dishes include Highland venison carpaccio and red cabbage salad or a succulent cut of Orkney sirloin steak with pepper sauce.A boutique-style wine list features a selective range of bottles, as well as locally brewed ciders and beers, and rare Scottish whiskies. Delicious desserts at Bia Bistro Edinburgh include a refreshing lemon posset with strawberries and proper Scottish shortbread, or a rich gooey chocolate cake.A bright yet cosy dining room features cutesy church pews, creaky exposed floorboards and plush caramel leather. Bia Bistrot is an 8-minute drive from Haymarket Rail Station
Reviewed By gerbilsontour - London, United Kingdom
really great meal with friends. Food was so enjoyable we had 3 coursed - something we rarely do! of particular note was the hake which was outstanding and the ginger cale pudding. we also enjoyed the farmlands pinot noir. would definitely return.
5. Purslane Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 800 reviews
Reviewed By nolanar - Edinburgh
Always wanted to visit.
Booked for lunch on Saturday.
A rather small restaurant of 20seats.
Nice staff- very accommodating and friendly.
Start of with an amuse. Had the Guinea fowl for starters and the lamb for mains followed by the cheese- all excellent!
The paired wines were well chosen.
My partner had the fish with risotto which unfortunately needed something to boost the taste- was a bit bland and the chocolate brownie was excellent.
Definitely will return!
Book before hand as it's likely to be full!
6. Scotch Whisky Bar at The Balmoral
Overall Ratings
5 based on 233 reviews
Our signature whisky bar pays homage to Scotland's national drink and is home to one of Edinburgh's largest collections. Take a seat on one of the tweed sofas and let our Whisky Ambassadors help you choose from over 500 varieties, each one accompanied by a specially selected snack. Dark Swiss chocolate. Smoked almonds.
Reviewed By UKasera - New Delhi, India
This small bar is one of the best whisky bar's I have visited. They have an amazing collection of whiskies and the bartender is extremely knowledgeable and guides you in the right direction according to your whisky preferences. Try some of the Springbank's from the collection.
7. Pickles
Overall Ratings
5 based on 850 reviews
Reviewed By Sonia R - Navan, Meath, Ireland
I can't fault this place at all. The best cheeseboard ever. Service was perfect. Prompt, super friendly, attentive but not intruding, very informative. Warm, cozy, lovely welcoming atmosphere. Interesting and inviting decor. Amazing value. I just loved it and wish I lived in Edinburgh so I could go all the time.
8. Colonnades at The Signet Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 963 reviews
In Edinburgh within the heart of the Signet Library lies the Colonnades, an elegant tea salon. Colonnades is located in an exquisitely calm location just a few paces away from the hustle and bustle of The Royal Mile. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the very best food and drink in Edinburgh provided by award winning hospitality providers, Heritage Portfolio. We specialise in the finest afternoon teas, lunches, champagnes, teas, coffees and cocktails.
Reviewed By BillySinclair - Livingston, United Kingdom
Went with my wife for Christmas lunch as part of our annual pre-Christmas day out in Edinburgh. Colonnades at The Signet Library first came to my attention when trying to book afternoon tea and it was suggested as a venue - it was fully booked on that occasion, but I subscribed to their e-mail list as I thought it looked fantastic.
When the special pre-Christmas lunch was announced, I jumped at the chance and booked it. Suffice to say everything about the experience was amazing - the location, the atmosphere, the service, the drinks and above all the food....."to die for" isn't exaggerating. Can't wait to get back and experience it again.
9. Aizle
Overall Ratings
5 based on 662 reviews
10. Polentoni
Overall Ratings
5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Martin P
This small café at the top end of Easter rd has been open 18 months initialy providing breakfast,brunch and lunch but now evening meals until 9.30.The menu is well chosen and keenly priced but limited always a good sign and has vegetarian options.Yes there is Polenta on the menu not our favourite but they prepare it really well.The Frito misto was so good we had to revisit a second night?Its BOYB which defrays the cost and if your not prepared there are two excellent off licences within a stones throw.Puddings are limited to just three choices but includes Tiramasu our favourite.
