Best Places To Eat Dinner Edinburgh

Discover the top restaurants, cafes, and bars to dine in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is famous for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. But did you know that this city is also a food lover’s paradise? From traditional Scottish dishes to modern and fusion cuisine, Edinburgh has it all. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best places to eat dinner in Edinburgh, so you can indulge in the city’s delicious offerings and enjoy a memorable dining experience.

The Kitchin – A Michelin Starred Restaurant

🌟 The Kitchin is a Michelin starred restaurant located in Edinburgh’s Leith area, known for its seasonal Scottish cuisine that celebrates the country’s produce. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant ambiance, with attentive and knowledgeable staff that will guide you through the menu. Don’t miss their signature dishes, such as the roasted loin of roe deer or the smoked haddock.

The Witchery By The Castle – A Romantic Dinner Spot

💘 The Witchery By The Castle is a charming and historic restaurant located near Edinburgh Castle, with dimly lit interiors, velvet drapes, and candlelight. This spot is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Their menu features classic Scottish dishes, such as haggis, neeps & tatties, and grilled beef fillet with whisky sauce. For dessert, try their famous chocolate and Drambuie tart.

The Scran & Scallie – A Casual Gastropub

🍺 The Scran & Scallie is a casual gastropub located in the city’s Stockbridge area, with a cozy and lively atmosphere, perfect for a laid-back dinner with friends or family. Their menu features modern Scottish cuisine, with options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Try their Cullen skink soup, the venison burger, or the roast pork belly. For beer lovers, they have a great selection of local and international brews.

The Outsider – A Rooftop Restaurant with a View

🌆 The Outsider is a rooftop restaurant located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and landmarks. Their menu features modern and innovative cuisine, with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. Try their crispy pork belly, the seared sea bass, or the roasted beetroot salad. For dessert, don’t miss their sticky toffee pudding.

Ondine – A Seafood Restaurant

🐟 Ondine is a seafood restaurant located in the city center, known for its fresh and sustainable seafood dishes. Their menu features a wide range of options, from oysters to lobsters, and everything in between. Try their grilled langoustines, the fish and chips, or the pan-fried hake. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive list.

The Dome – A Stunning Architectural Restaurant

🏛️ The Dome is a stunning architectural restaurant located in a historic building in Edinburgh’s New Town, with intricate details, grand chandeliers, and an impressive dome ceiling. Their menu features Scottish and British cuisine, with options for all tastes. Try their succulent steaks, the roasted root vegetables, or the wild mushroom risotto. For dessert, indulge in their sticky toffee pudding or the chocolate fondant.

Dishoom – A Bombay-Inspired Cafe

🇮🇳 Dishoom is a Bombay-inspired cafe located in the city center, known for its vibrant ambiance and flavorful dishes. Their menu features Indian street food, small plates, and curries, with options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Try their vada pau, the black daal, or the lamb raan. For drinks, they have a great selection of chai, lassis, and cocktails.

The Dogs – A Rustic Bistro

🐾 The Dogs is a rustic bistro located in the city center, with a cozy and relaxed ambiance, perfect for a casual dinner or a quick bite. Their menu features Scottish and European cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients. Try their haggis, neeps & tatties, the venison and red wine casserole, or the grilled mackerel. For dessert, they have a great selection of homemade cakes and tarts.

The Shore – A Seafood and Wine Bar

🍷 The Shore is a seafood and wine bar located in Edinburgh’s Leith area, with a contemporary and stylish ambiance, perfect for a date or a night out with friends. Their menu features fresh and sustainable seafood, with an emphasis on oysters and mussels. Try their seafood platter, the grilled seabass, or the linguine with clams. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive list, or try their signature cocktails.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar – A Casual Scottish Spot

🥔 Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is a casual Scottish spot located in the city center, with a cozy and friendly ambiance, perfect for a low-key dinner or a snack. Their menu features Scottish comfort food, with an emphasis on mashed potatoes. Try their haggis, neeps & tatties, the wild mushroom and truffle oil mash, or the steak and ale pie. They also have great options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners.

21212 – A Fine Dining Experience

🍽️ 21212 is a fine dining restaurant located in a Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh’s New Town, with an intimate and elegant ambiance, perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. Their menu features modern and innovative cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients. Try their foie gras terrine, the roasted scallops, or the slow-cooked pork belly. For dessert, don’t miss their lemon tart or the chocolate fondant.

The Table – A Chef’s Table Experience

🍴 The Table is a unique dining experience located in the city center, where you can enjoy a chef’s table meal with a front-row view of the kitchen. Their menu features modern Scottish cuisine, with an emphasis on creativity and presentation. Try their smoked salmon mousse, the lamb rump with goat cheese, or the chocolate and raspberry tart. The menu changes regularly, so you can always expect something new and exciting.

The Garden – A Vegetarian Restaurant

🌿 The Garden is a vegetarian restaurant located in the city center, with a bright and colorful ambiance, perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Their menu features vegetarian and vegan dishes, with an emphasis on organic and seasonal produce. Try their beetroot carpaccio, the courgette and feta fritters, or the chickpea and spinach curry. For dessert, they have a great selection of cakes and pastries.

Angels Share – A Whisky Bar and Restaurant

🥃 Angels Share is a whisky bar and restaurant located in the city center, known for its extensive whisky selection and Scottish cuisine. Their menu features classic dishes, such as Cullen skink, haggis, neeps & tatties, and slow-cooked beef cheek. Pair your meal with a dram of whisky from their impressive collection, or try their signature cocktails. The bar also hosts regular whisky tastings and events.

The Honours – A Brasserie and Grill

🍽️ The Honours is a brasserie and grill located in the city center, with a stylish and sophisticated ambiance, perfect for a business dinner or a celebration. Their menu features Scottish and French cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Try their confit duck leg, the ribeye steak, or the lemon sole meunière. For dessert, indulge in their crème brûlée or the chocolate and hazelnut tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the typical cost of dinner in Edinburgh?

The cost of dinner in Edinburgh varies depending on the restaurant and the type of cuisine. However, expect to pay around £30-£50 per person for a mid-range restaurant, and £50-£100 for a high-end or Michelin-starred restaurant.

2. Do I need to make a reservation for dinner in Edinburgh?

It’s always recommended to make a reservation, especially for popular restaurants or during peak season. You can make a reservation online or by calling the restaurant directly.

3. What are the typical opening hours for dinner in Edinburgh?

Most restaurants in Edinburgh are open for dinner from around 5 pm to 10 pm, although some may have different opening hours. It’s always best to check the restaurant’s website or call them for more information.

4. What are some typical Scottish dishes I should try for dinner in Edinburgh?

Some typical Scottish dishes you should try for dinner in Edinburgh include haggis, neeps