Edinburgh skyline and cityscape - Popular travel destination in United Kingdom, Europe
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Europe

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

Safety Score

8/10

Currency

GBP

Language

English

Timezone

Europe/London

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland, captivates visitors with its stunning blend of medieval charm and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the extinct volcanic hill of Arthur's Seat, the city's cobbled streets are alive with history, festivals, and gastronomic delights. Travelers can immerse themselves in its rich heritage, from the haunting tales of the Royal Mile to the dynamic atmosphere of the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, making it an unforgettable destination.

Edinburgh CastleThe Royal MileFestivals (FringeInternational)Arthur's SeatScottish Whisky

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the late spring to early autumn, specifically from May to September. This period offers mild weather and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic sites and enjoying outdoor festiva

Weather Throughout the Year
Jan5°50mm
Feb5°40mm
Mar7°50mm
Apr9°45mm
May12°45mm
Jun15°50mm
Jul17°60mm
Aug16°70mm
Sep14°60mm
Oct11°70mm
Nov7°60mm
Dec5°60mm

Best Restaurants in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Where to Eat in Edinburgh - Dining Guide

Michelin star

eòrna restaurant

$$$
5
68 Hamilton Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5AZ, UK

Eòrna restaurant in Edinburgh provides an exceptional and memorable dining experience, with meticulously prepared dishes, perfect wine pairings, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Pros
  • +Extraordinary food
  • +Impeccable service
  • +Perfect wine pairing
Cons
  • -PROXIMITY:
gourmet restaurant

Under The Table

$$$
4.9
3A1, Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 6QG, UK
Five-minute walk from Princes Street.

"Under the Table" in Edinburgh appears to be an appealing dining spot with high-quality food and friendly staff. The restaurant's central location, unique dishes, and great value for money make it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Pros
  • +Quality food
  • +Attentive staff
  • +Great value
Cons
  • -Noisy atmosphere
  • -Slow service
fine dining

The Kitchin

$$$$
4.8
78, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX, UK

The Kitchin in Edinburgh provides an outstanding culinary experience, showcasing Scottish fine dining at its best. The warm, professional service and the personal touch from Chef Tom Kitchin himself make this Michelin-star restaurant a memorable and highly recommended destination.

Pros
  • +Exceptional cuisine
  • +Friendly atmosphere
  • +Personal chef interaction
Cons
  • -Inconsistent pacing
  • -Tough duck dish
Michelin star

LYLA Restaurant & Rooms

$$$
4.8
3 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AB, UK

LYLA Restaurant & Rooms in Edinburgh provides an exceptional dining experience with a seamless blend of atmosphere, service, and cuisine. The restaurant's unique seafood focus with subtle Japanese influences, attentive staff, and remarkable drink selections, has earned it high praise and repeat visits from many customers.

Pros
  • +Exceptional cuisine
  • +Knowledgeable staff
  • +Elegant atmosphere
Cons
  • -Expensive
Michelin star

Condita

$$$
4.8
15 Salisbury Pl, Edinburgh EH9 1SL, UK

Condita in Edinburgh is a highly praised dining experience marked by exceptional dishes, thoughtful service, and a playful atmosphere. The restaurant's innovative and carefully crafted menu leaves a lasting impression.

Pros
  • +Exceptional cuisine
  • +Attentive service
  • +Fun atmosphere
Cons
  • -Poor restroom conditions
gourmet restaurant

FIN & GRAPE

$$$
4.8
19 Colinton Rd, Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 5DP, UK

Fin & Grape in Edinburgh provides an exceptional dining experience with a variety of unique seafood dishes, excellent service, and a well-curated drinks menu.

Pros
  • +Outstanding small plates
  • +Excellent service
  • +Great drinks menu
Cons
  • -High pricing
  • -Small portions
gourmet restaurant

Decanter Winery and Dinery

$$$
4.8
183 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DG, UK

Decanter Winery and Dinery in Edinburgh is a hidden gem offering an intimate dining experience, with a large wine menu, excellent food options, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Pros
  • +Fantastic food
  • +Large wine menu
  • +Cosy atmosphere
Cons
  • -Personal food preferences
upscale restaurant

Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill Edinburgh

$$$
4.7
102 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3DF, UK

Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill in Edinburgh offers exceptional food and service, providing a memorable dining experience for special occasions.

Pros
  • +Exceptional service
  • +High-quality food
  • +Attentive staff
Cons
  • -Slightly pricey
luxury restaurant

Prestonfield House

$$$
4.7
Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5UT, UK

Prestonfield House in Edinburgh offers a truly exceptional experience, with guests praising its luxurious ambiance, attentive and friendly staff, and delicious food. The hotel is also renowned for its efficient service during large events and its pet-friendly policy.

Pros
  • +Luxurious ambiance
  • +Excellent service
  • +Delicious food
Cons
  • -Slightly reduced extras
Michelin star

Heron

$$$
4.8
87, 91A Henderson St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6ED, UK
Near the docks

Heron, a Michelin star restaurant in Edinburgh, offers a unique dining experience with a focus on seasonal, local produce and thoughtful wine pairings. While the restaurant received mixed reviews, many patrons appreciated the personal service, exceptional taste, and the overall experience.

Pros
  • +Divine taste
  • +Personal service
  • +Thoughtful wine pairings
Cons
  • -Smaller portions
  • -Serious atmosphere
fine dining

Purslane Restaurant

$$$
4.8
33A St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AH, UK

Purslane Restaurant in Edinburgh offers an excellent dining experience with expertly cooked and varied courses, complemented by a great wine selection. The intimate, understated atmosphere adds to the charm of the place.

Pros
  • +Delicious food
  • +Wine selection
  • +Coeliac adaptation
Cons
  • -Limited menu
  • -Tight space
gourmet restaurant

radiCibus

$$$
4.8
2 Deanhaugh St, Edinburgh EH4 1LY, UK

RadiCibus in Edinburgh offers an elevated Italian dining experience with a sophisticated ambience, attentive service, and a remarkable menu that celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine.

Pros
  • +Incredible food
  • +Modern decor
  • +Excellent service
Cons
  • -Long wait
  • -Portion size
gourmet restaurant

The Table

$$$
4.8
3A Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 6QG, UK

The Table in Edinburgh offers an intimate chef's table experience serving meticulously crafted dishes. While some guests praised the food and atmosphere, others found the portion sizes and execution somewhat lacking.

Pros
  • +Chef's table experience
  • +Attentive staff
  • +Unique atmosphere
Cons
  • -Small portions
  • -Inconsistent temperature
gourmet restaurant

PIGGS

$$$
4.8
171 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DG, UK

PIGGS in Edinburgh generally offers a delightful dining experience, with outstanding tapas dishes and excellent service that lives up to the hype.

Pros
  • +Authentic cuisine
  • +Exceptional service
  • +Memorable atmosphere
Cons
  • -Overpriced
  • -Unbalanced flavours
fine dining

Restaurant Martin Wishart

$$$$
4.7
54 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RA, UK

Restaurant Martin Wishart in Edinburgh consistently delivers a top-notch dining experience, combining classical French cuisine with impeccable service to create memorable meals.

Pros
  • +Michelin-starred
  • +Outstanding food
  • +Excellent service
Cons
  • -Mixed dessert reviews
Japanese

Kawaneko Katsu & Coffee

$$
4.9
62 Elm Row, Edinburgh EH7 4AQ, UK

Kawaneko Katsu & Coffee in Edinburgh offers customers an authentic, delicious, and hearty Japanese dining experience in a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

Pros
  • +Generous portions
  • +Authentic cuisine
  • +Friendly owner
Cons
  • -PROXIMITY:
Italian

Osteria Dei Sapori

$$
4.9
2/4 Bridge Rd, Colinton, Edinburgh EH13 0LF, UK

good restaurant

Roseleaf Bar Cafe

$$
4.8
23/24 Sandport Pl, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EW, UK

local favorite restaurant

The Walnut

$$
4.8
9 Croall Pl, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH7 4LT, UK

The Walnut in Edinburgh offers a delightful culinary experience with its locally sourced food, great service and cozy atmosphere. It's a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Pros
  • +Delicious food
  • +Attentive service
  • +Cozy atmosphere
Cons
  • -PROXIMITY:
popular restaurant

CATA Edinburgh

$$
4.8
30 N W Circus Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6TP, UK

CATA Edinburgh is a highly recommended Spanish restaurant offering authentic, delicious tapas and a friendly, attentive staff. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and excellent service make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Pros
  • +Authentic cuisine
  • +Friendly service
  • +Excellent tapas
Cons
  • -PROXIMITY:
French bistro

Bijou Bistro

$$
4.7
2 Restalrig Rd, Edinburgh EH6 8BN, UK

Bijou Bistro in Edinburgh provides a cozy and splendid atmosphere, serving a variety of delicious food with friendly and warm service.

Pros
  • +Cozy ambiance
  • +Delicious food
  • +Friendly service
Cons
  • -PROXIMITY:
Italian

Domenico's

$$
4.8
30 Sandport St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EP, UK

Domenico's, a cosy, independent Italian restaurant in Edinburgh, is highly recommended for its delicious food with a Scottish twist, generous portions, and friendly staff.

Pros
  • +Authentic Italian cuisine
  • +Friendly staff
  • +Generous portions
Cons
  • -A bit dark for photos
Italian

Gaia

$$
4.8
32 Crighton Pl, Edinburgh EH7 4NY, UK

Gaia in Edinburgh is highly praised for its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent Italian cuisine. Reviewers commend the place for its value for money and variety of Italian products for sale.

Pros
  • +Cozy atmosphere
  • +Friendly staff
  • +Tasty food
Cons
  • -PROXIMITY:
Italian

San Ciro's

$$
4.8
148 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5DT, UK

San Ciro's in Edinburgh is a beloved gem offering an authentic and delicious pizza experience, served by a friendly and accommodating team.

Pros
  • +Authentic pizza
  • +Friendly staff
  • +Varied toppings
Cons
  • -Inconsistent cooking
Japanese

Raku

$$
4.8
31 Crighton Pl, Edinburgh EH7 4NY, UK

Raku in Edinburgh is a delightful Japanese restaurant, praised for its excellent food and sizable portions. The atmosphere is vibrant and caters to those seeking delicious Katsu dishes.

Pros
  • +Delicious food
  • +Generous portions
  • +Great atmosphere
Cons
  • -Limited service
  • -Restricted indoor pet access

Discover where to eat in Edinburgh with our guide to the 25 best restaurants. Edinburgh's food scene offers everything from authentic United Kingdom cuisine to international flavors, street food to fine dining.

Popular dining spots include eòrna restaurant, Under The Table, The Kitchin, each offering unique culinary experiences.

Food is an essential part of any Edinburgh experience. We recommend trying local specialties and exploring different neighborhoods for the best dining experiences in Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh

Edinburgh is known for its unique culinary scene. Explore local specialties and regional dishes at our recommended restaurants above. From street food to fine dining, there's something for every taste.

For popular restaurants, especially for dinner, reservations are recommended. Many restaurants now accept online bookings. Casual spots and lunch service typically don't require reservations.

Meal costs vary widely in Edinburgh. Budget options range from affordable street food to mid-range restaurants. Check our restaurant recommendations for options at different price points.

Explore More of Edinburgh

About Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh offers travelers an authentic United Kingdom experience with its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and attractions. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, savoring local flavors, or discovering hidden gems, Edinburgh promises memorable adventures for every type of traveler. Our curated guide features 12 must-see attractions, 25 recommended restaurants, 25 places to stay, carefully selected to help you make the most of your visit. Use Free City Guides to plan your perfect Edinburgh itinerary, discover local favorites, and travel smarter with insider tips from experienced travelers.

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