Looking for the best Edinburgh restaurants can get overwhelming quickly, especially when every place seems like a ‘must-try.’ This guide makes it easier by sharing solid recommendations, organised by vibe, budget, and area.
Here you’ll find my favourite restaurants in Edinburgh – places I’ve enjoyed and am happy to recommend to fellow food lovers. These spots offer more than good food; they have a welcoming atmosphere, rich history, and lots of character.
Enjoy exploring Edinburgh’s food scene!
Table of Contents
Howies Victoria: Best Scottish Restaurant Near the Royal Mile
Classic Scottish on Iconic Victoria Street
In my opinion, Howies Victoria is one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh city and the top spot to try Scottish food.
It’s on Victoria Street, which is probably the most photographed street in Europe, close to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
The restaurant does a great job of mixing tradition with a modern touch.
Locals also love this restaurant. They come here to celebrate anniversaries or enjoy time with friends and colleagues. People choose it for the great food, cosy atmosphere, and fair prices for an Old Town spot.
The best place to try Scottish cuisine
I have visited Howie’s many times, with my family or if I have visitors who want to find a good place to eat in Edinburgh, that’s my first recommendation.
To get a real idea of what the Scottish cuisine is, get the Cullen Skink as a starter – a creamy, smoked haddock soup that is arguably the best in the city.
To get a real idea of what the Scottish cuisine is, get the Cullen Skink as a starter – a creamy, smoked haddock soup that is arguably the best in the city.
For your main course, try the Scottish Wild Venison and Juniper Casserole. It’s tender, rich, and comforting.
If you prefer haggis, this is the place to order it. Their haggis is among the best in the city, rich and warming, served with creamy mash and neeps. The peppery oatmeal crust gives a nice crunch, and the whisky gravy makes it special. The smoky aroma makes the dish even more memorable.
If you have dietary needs, Howies also offers vegetarian haggis so everyone can enjoy this Scottish classic.
They are also known for fresh seafood, often featuring a “catch of the day” from the nearby Peterhead docks.
Ideal central location - close to Edinburgh Castle and the famous Royal Mile
The restaurant is in a historic building just minutes from Edinburgh Castle and has an informal but elegant feel. Inside, it’s warm and cosy, with wooden floors, candlelight, and local art on the walls.
📍 Good to know: Situated in a charming 19th-century school building.
At Howies, ask your server about the murals from when the building was a 19th-century school. You’ll notice old classroom doors and stone floors, which add to the unique atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions
You are within minutes of the Royal Mile, so this is ideal after a tour of Edinburgh Castle or the nearby visit to Camera Obscura.
After lunch, walk down the hill to explore the Grassmarket. It was once a cattle market and is now a lively square with pubs and independent shops.
Victoria Street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley, so take time to browse the bookshops and boutiques before or after your meal.
Location: Old Town
Address: 10–14 Victoria Street, Edinburgh
Address: 10–14 Victoria Street, Edinburgh
📍 Since it is a very popular place, it is a good idea to book a table.
The Sheep Heid Inn: Best Historic Pub in Edinburgh (Duddingston)
A Pub with 650+ Years of History
A short trip from the busy city centre brings you to Duddingston, where The Sheep Heid Inn offers an authentic taste of Scottish history.
Open since 1360, it’s often called Scotland’s oldest pub, making it a special place that feels like stepping back in time.
What Makes The Sheep Heid Inn Unique?
The Sheep Heid Inn, Scotland’s oldest surviving pub, boasts a rich history spanning over six centuries.
It has served guests for over 650 years, including royals like Mary Queen of Scots and King James VI, who enjoyed playing skittles here.
The well-kept Victorian skittle alley at the back is still open for visitors, letting you join in the fun and feel part of history.
Comforting Pub Food with a Scottish Twist
The Sheep Heid Inn serves premium pub food, putting a refined spin on British comfort dishes with a Scottish twist.
The menu includes classics like gourmet burgers and fish and chips, but the real highlights are the Sunday roasts and seasonal pies.
On my last visit, I enjoyed the Balmoral Chicken—chicken fillet with haggis and bacon, served with chive mash, roasted vegetables, and a rich whisky sauce. It shows how well chicken and haggis go together.
For dessert, the traditional Cranachan, a creamy mix of raspberries, cream, whisky, and toasted oats, is a must-try.
The British Steak & Malbec Pie is also recommended for its rich flavour and tender texture.
Portions are generous, and the ingredients are high quality, making it perfect after a day out.
Little Historical Touches
In the heart of Duddingston, The Sheep Heid Inn feels like a country pub within the city.
The building has thick stone walls, low-beamed ceilings, and fireplaces that seem to hold centuries of stories.
One of the best parts of visiting is spotting the details that connect the pub to Scotland’s royal and local history.
King James VI is said to have come here to bowl when he needed a break from court, and the skittle alley still feels like a playful piece of that time.
Queen Elizabeth II also visited in July 2016; if you’re lucky, you might sit where she once enjoyed a beer.
When it’s quiet, take time to wander, look at the old photos, hunting prints, and historical notes on the walls, and peek into the bowling alley to imagine all the games played there.
Nearby Attractions
The location is ideal for outdoor lovers and history fans.
The inn is right at the base of Arthur’s Seat, the old volcano that stands out in Edinburgh’s skyline. Climbing to the top gives you great city views, making your meal afterwards even more rewarding.
Duddingston Loch, nearby, is peaceful for a walk, and Holyrood Park offers miles of beautiful trails, perfect for a walk before or after your meal.
If you want a pub with real Scottish food, local character, and the feeling that you’ve visited an important part of the city, The Sheep Heid Inn should be on your list. I love this pub—maybe you will too.
Location: Duddingston
Address: 43–45 The Causeway, Edinburgh
Makar’s Mash Bar: Best Quick Lunch in Edinburgh Old Town
Comfort Food, Scottish Style
If you want a comforting Scottish meal with something a little different, Makars Mash Bar is a great pick. They focus on comfort food and get their ingredients from local farms.
It’s a casual, lively spot with a café vibe, great for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner. The friendly staff serve up good food in a warm, simple space.
📍 Here’s a fun fact: “Makar” means poet, which makes sense because they truly turn mash into something special!
What Makes It Special?
What I love about this place is the variety. Makar’s takes the classic Scottish “tattie” and lets you build your own meal.
It’s easy: choose your main dish, called the ‘Makar,’ and then pick your mash. They stand out for their mash options, from classic buttered mash to creative varieties like whisky mash, cheddar mash, or black pudding mash.
Imagine the smell of whisky in the steam or the sharp taste of melted cheddar mixed into creamy potatoes. Mmmm …
Great Scottish comfort food
On my first visit, I didn’t know what to order because everything looked great. I was curious but a little nervous to try haggis for the first time. Was it really as hearty as people say?
I decided on Makars homemade beef-lamb haggis with heather honey and turnip puree.
Sitting at a rustic wooden table, I could smell the slow-cooked meats and buttery mash. The staff, with their warm Scottish accents, helped me choose and made the meal feel special.
When my food arrived, the portion was big, there was lots of sauce, and it tasted amazing. Being unsure at first made the meal even more enjoyable.
Meals cost between £19 and £23, which is a good deal for the quality and experience. If you’re not too hungry, you can ask for a smaller portion for 20% less.
The menu has Scottish classics, with both traditional and vegetarian haggis as highlights. The mash is the star, but the toppings are just as good. The Slow-Cooked Beef Shoulder with horseradish gravy stands out, as does their Award-Winning Haggis, which comes in meat, vegetarian, or vegan versions.
If you want something different, try the Lion’s Mane Mushroom dishes. They even grow the mushrooms themselves. There are lots of vegetarian and vegan options, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
Things to Do Nearby
Since it’s in the centre of town, Makar’s Mash Bar is a great stop for tourists. It’s just steps from the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery.
The Real Mary King’s Close, where you can explore old underground streets, is also nearby.
If you want to walk off your meal, Princes Street Gardens are just a short stroll away.
For a local experience after your meal at Makar’s Mash Bar, walk a few steps to the Jolly Judge pub to end your evening. It’s tucked down a close off the Royal Mile and feels like a real hidden Edinburgh spot, not just another tourist bar.
👉 To avoid crowds, visit in the mid-afternoon or late evening. It’s smart to book a table during busy times, especially on weekends and during tourist season.
Location: Old Town
Address: 9–12 Bank St, Edinburgh
Deacon’s House Café: Best Hidden Courtyard Café on the Royal Mile
History in a Cup
If you’re looking for a coffee break or a light meal on the Royal Mile, I suggest stopping by Deacon’s House Café.
It’s more than just a spot for a scone. The whole place draws you into one of Edinburgh’s most famous legends, with the interior sharing its story.
A cup of coffee and a step back in time to the 18th century
The cafe is located in the former home and workshop of Deacon Brodie, the 18th-century guild leader who was a respected citizen by day and a notorious burglar by night.
His double life famously inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
The café is set in a historic Royal Mile building, which adds a special atmosphere to your coffee break.
These walls really do tell a story. They’re covered with murals from the period and scenes from William Brodie’s life.
Have a cup of tea and let the murals take you back to the 18th century.
My favourite place in the Royal Mile for a cup of coffee or a light lunch
The menu features traditional Scottish café food, perfect for a midday break.
I love their Hand-Baked Scones with clotted cream and jam—some of the best in the city. Their homemade cakes, especially the Victoria Sponge, are also a treat.
If you want a true Scottish breakfast, try their Full Deacon Breakfast with Stornoway black pudding. When I ordered it, my plate came with smoked Ayrshire bacon, pork and veal sausage, Stornoway black pudding, free-range egg porridge, roasted cherry tomatoes, beans, toast, and butter. It was delicious and filling.
There’s also a nice selection for a light lunch, including Toasties, Quiches, and a soup of the day. On my last visit, I had the tomato soup with basil, it was delicious and only 6.20£.
“Hidden gem” in the Royal Mile
The cafe really is a hidden gem. You walk through a narrow stone passageway into a courtyard and a lovely wood-panelled dining room.
Even though it’s just steps from the Royal Mile, it feels quiet and tucked away. The courtyard offers outdoor seating, which is rare in Old Town.
Nearby attractions
This spot is ideal for exploring the Lawnmarket area of the Royal Mile. St Giles’ Cathedral is just down the street, and The Writers’ Museum is right across in Lady Stair’s Close, celebrating Scotland’s critical literary figures.
Even more interesting, you’re just a short walk from The Real Mary King’s Close. This underground network of streets, preserved since the 17th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.
Location: Old Town, Royal Mile
Address: 304 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh
