It can be tough deciding where to eat in a city that has hundreds of options to choose from. To guarantee that you eat delicious food on your trip to Scotland’s capital city, I compiled a list of my favorite places to eat in Edinburgh.
St. Gile’s Cafe & Pub –
8 St Giles’ St, Edinburgh EH1 1PT, UK
Located right across from St. Gile’s Cathedral, St. Gile’s Cafe & Pub is a convenient place to stop and get breakfast or lunch while you’re out exploring The Royal Mile. The cafe boasts a cheery yellow exterior and a cozy inside made up of exposed brick and stone. My favorite thing to order is their bacon roll with cheese, because the bread is enriched with delicious herbs that will have you wanting to order another.
La Locanda –
61 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BS, UK
This scrummy little Italian restaurant is located just off The Royal Mile on a curvy street that was used as a filming location in Avengers: Infinity War. It serves up the best authentic Italian food I’ve ever had (and I’ve been to Italy!). At dinner time, the restaurant can get very busy, so make reservations! The inside of the restaurant is tiny, but there is seating available outdoors as well. Order the lasagna or the ricotta and spinach ravioli. Better yet, go with a friend and get one of each so you can try them both. I ate there THREE TIMES IN ONE WEEK. Seriously. It’s that good. Did I mention they serve breakfast too?
Howie’s –
29 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ, UK
Howie’s has a few locations throughout the city, but my favorite is the one at Waterloo Place. This restaurant is situated just around the corner from Calton Hill, which made my list of top things to do in Edinburgh. The restaurant is in a beautiful Georgian building with tall windows that allow the restaurant to be flooded with natural light. The spacious dining area is perfect for large groups and the ambiance is ideal for date night. I recommend making reservations, especially if you plan on going for dinner as the restaurant is popular among locals and tourists. The menu is filled with delicious Scottish dishes that vary according to season. Be sure to get the sticky toffee pudding for dessert!
L’Alba D’Oro –
7 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5DH, UK
Named the best fish and chip shop in the UK, L’Alba D’Oro is an institution among locals. The chip shop is located in a residential area of New Town. From the city center, it is a downhill scenic walk that passes by a few gardens. The restaurant itself is only a 7 minute walk to the Royal Botanic Garden. There are a few seats inside, but most people get take away. If you’re lucky enough to be staying close by, they also deliver. Douse your fish in vinegar and don’t forget the chippy sauce!
The Piemaker –
38 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL, UK
If you are on a budget and want yummy cheap food, go to The Piemaker. The storefront is in Old Town and just a 3 minute walk from The Surgeon’s Hall Museum. They have a variety of handheld pies, mostly all for under £3. I’ll let you in on a secret though, the macaroni and cheese pies are the best. They’re so good, I ate them too fast and forgot to take a picture.
Chaophraya –
4th Floor, 33 Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DN, UK
If you want castle views while eating scrumptious food, Chaophraya is the place to go. Located on the 4th floor of a building in New Town, the Thai restaurant has a rooftop terrace with floor to ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of the castle. Call ahead or go to their website to make reservations, and request to sit in the glass enclosed room so you get a view like the one pictured below. Complimentary house made prawn crisps are given to every table. I went twice and ordered the chicken satay for a starter and chicken with cashew nuts. Portions are big so come hungry.
Byron Burger –
29-31 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1SF, UK
Craving a burger in Edinburgh? Byron Burger is the place to go. The burger chain has numerous locations throughout the UK, with two in Edinburgh. I like the one on The Royal Mile, because it is so convenient to a lot of the main attractions. The interior is surprisingly big with comfortable seating, the staff is friendly, and the burgers are big. I like the Byron burger which comes with a house made sauce. My favorite thing on the menu though? THE COURGETTE FRIES (zucchini fries for my fellow Americans).
The Scran & Scallie –
1 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DR, UK
I hope you’re still reading, because I saved the best for last. Located just a short walk from the Royal Botanic Garden, The Scran & Scallie has an unassuming store front and a cozy rustic interior. They have a small bar area where you can be seated on a first come first serve basis, but to guarantee you get the opportunity to eat the best food in Edinburgh, make a reservation. This was my favorite restaurant I ate at in the month I spent in Edinburgh. For a starter, get the homemade veggie crisps which are a nice, light (cheap) snack before your meal. My husband ordered the Sunday roast during one of our visits and really enjoyed it, but I HIGHLY recommend getting the steak pie for your meal. It is one of the best things I’ve eaten in life.
I still have a lot of places to try in Edinburgh. Do you have a favorite restaurant that’s not listed in this post? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
I so which I had this post when I went last summer but I managed by asking locals. One person sent me to a lovely small Korean restaurant the best I’ve had so far its called Kim’s Mini Meals. I also had the opportunity to also eat at the Elephant House where JK Rowling spent most of her time writing the second and third HP book.
I’ll have to check out Kim’s next time I go! Thanks for suggesting it. I dined at Elephant House too. I loved seeing all the sites associated with Harry Potter. Edinburgh has such an incredible literary history!