The best restaurants in Edinburgh

Edinburgh eats

Edinburgh has well and truly established its status as a foodie’s haven, with its culinary scene widely regarded as among the best in the world.

From traditional Scottish fare to innovative restaurants with famous chefs at the helm; here’s our selection of the city’s must-visit restaurants, all of which have been awarded at least two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

The Kitchin

This former whisky warehouse in Leith’s docklands has been Tom Kitchin’s address since 2006. The sharp and striking interior is complemented with an innovative menu that presents modern British cuisine, influenced by French cooking techniques and crafted with ingredients from Scotland’s fine natural larder.

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This sumptuous restaurant with rooms occupies a handsome Georgian townhouse on Royal Terrace. The name refers to the weekly-changing five-course menu format – a choice of two starters, mains and desserts, punctuated with one soup and one cheese course.

Number One, The Balmoral

Modern Scottish cuisine meets world-class service at Number One. Chef Mathew Sherry and his team showcase the finest seasonal produce via a 7-course set menu, which diners enjoy in the opulently furnished lacquered dining room.

Restaurant Martin Wishart

Understated on the outside, step inside Martin Wishart’s Leith restaurant to discover the coolly elegant interior. The style here is classic French with clear Scottish influences – choose between the tasting, vegetarian and market menus, all of which involve thoroughly fresh and vibrant dishes.

1925 at the Pompadour

Set within one of the city’s most impressive hotels with iconic views up to Edinburgh Castle, Head Chef Dean Banks’ seasonal tasting menu showcases Scotland’s ample natural resources. A true sensory experience is on offer here, with diners being taken on a journey through Banks’ past travels and experiences.

Timberyard

True to its name, this former warehouse still gives the impression of an industrial space – which makes the high-level gastronomy on offer all the more delightful. The Scandi-influenced menu is underpinned with modern, bold and exciting flavours, using ingredients sourced from small artisan suppliers.

The Spence

A former bank that has a real sense of grandeur, with Corinthian columns and statues depicting different aspects of commerce. Inside, glass domed ceilings, ornate cornicing and gold details add to the lavishness of the stunning dining room.

The Little Chartroom

This airy space with navigational charts on the wall and a stripped back Scandi feel has quickly become a Leith stalwart. It offers plain tables, pale wooden chairs, simple banquettes, and an open kitchen wearing its foodie credentials boldly. This is light, bright, modern Scottish cooking, with no heavy or overwhelming flavours or textures.

Locanda de Gusti

Bringing the taste of Napoli to Edinburgh, Locanda de Gusti is indeed an ‘inn of taste’. Expect big-hearted, authentic cooking, where robust, no-frills food is matched by the painted brickwork, unclothed tables and Italian farm kitchen appeal.

Duls West End

Simple and fresh Scottish seafood, just off Lynedoch Place.

Kanpai Sushi

Tucked down a side street behind the Usher and Traverse Theatres, Kanpai Sushi is a small two-room restaurant with a sushi bar. Tables are unclothed and place settings are simple with a small plate, chopsticks and a ceramic soy sauce kettle. Service is attentive, food coming from either the kitchen or the sushi bar.

Rhubarb at Prestonfield

With its incredibly luxurious decor, Rhubarb at Prestonfield is a real stunner. Classical cooking mixes well with contemporary ideas in a far-reaching menu.

The Witchery

Dining experiences don’t get much more atmospheric than this oak-panelled restaurant at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Choose between the Original dining room or the mystique of the Secret Garden dining room – an award-winning, traditional Scottish à la carte menu is served all day.