When it comes to finding the best restaurants in Edinburgh, it’s far from a one-size-fits-all affair. Just like the city’s quirky charm, these eateries are as diverse as they come—and thank goodness for that! Whether you’re wandering through the ancient, cobblestone streets of Old Town or exploring the trendy vibes of Leith, there’s a dining spot just waiting to blow your taste buds away.
Leith, for instance, is the playground for those who love their food with a side of cool, boasting creative hotspots like Ardfern and Eleanore. Meanwhile, Stockbridge caters to the fancy folk with its fine-dining gems, including the chef’s counter at eòrna—where posh meets plate in the most delicious way.
And let’s not forget, come August, the best restaurants in Edinburgh are swarmed by culture vultures craving both art and a good meal. From Michelin-starred marvels to chill wine bars, Edinburgh’s got something for everyone. So, ready to eat your way through the best restaurants in Edinburgh? Bon appétit!
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Unveiling Edinburgh’s Culinary Gems: The Best Restaurants in Edinburgh for Every Craving
Lyla: The Crown Jewel of Edinburgh’s Fine Dining Scene
Best for: A splurge that’s worth every penny
If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Edinburgh to really impress, Lyla is the ultimate showstopper. Think of it as the grand finale in the culinary fireworks of chef Stuart Ralston (yes, the genius behind Aizle and more). This is his swan song, and he’s pulling out all the stops—so you know it’s going to be something special.
Prepare for a sensory rollercoaster with a tasting menu that’s nothing short of art. We’re talking delicate canapés that crumble at a touch, an umami custard that’s basically flavor dynamite, and wagyu beef so good it might ruin you for all other meat. Oh, and did we mention the fish dishes? Just one bite, and you’ll be hooked.
The swanky dining room, the top-tier staff, and the open kitchen add a dash of drama to the experience, making Lyla one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh you’ll talk about long after the bill’s paid. Sure, the price might make you wince, but for foodie nirvana, it’s a small sacrifice.
Eòrna: Where Special Occasions Meet Culinary Theatre
Best for: Turning any dinner into a memorable event
Looking for one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh to make your special occasion unforgettable? Enter Eòrna, where dining is a full-on performance, starring Chef Brian Grigor and sommelier Glen Montgomery. With only 12 lucky diners seated around the chef’s table, you’ll be up close and personal with the action, watching these two masters of their craft deliver a night of Scottish fine dining like no other.
Eòrna’s menu is a love letter to Scotland’s seasonal bounty. From a summery strawberry dessert that tastes like sunshine to a rich salmon dish straight from the local rivers, each plate is a celebration of the land. And with Glen’s expert wine pairings and charming Irish banter, the experience is as fun as it is refined.
This isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for fine dining; it’s where culinary artistry meets entertainment, proving that haute cuisine can be both elegant and enjoyable. If you’re seeking a meal to remember, Eòrna is the place to be.
Avery: Edinburgh’s Playground for Culinary Daredevils
Best for: Eating outside the box—literally
When it comes to the best restaurants in Edinburgh, Avery doesn’t just think outside the box—it’s redefined what that box can be. Chef Rodney Wages shipped his Michelin-starred genius from San Francisco and set up shop in a shipping container. Because why not make dining an adventure?
At Avery, expect a tasting menu that’s a wild ride through boundary-pushing flavors. Picture chorizo broth mingling with Scottish seafood or caviar lava with anchovy jelly—essentially Willy Wonka meets haute cuisine. Dining here is less about just eating and more about exploring the frontiers of flavor. If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh that will blow your mind and your taste buds, Avery is your destination. Buckle up for a meal that’s anything but ordinary!
Timberyard: Where Seasonal Magic Meets Scandi Chic in Edinburgh
Best for: When you want your food as fresh as your Instagram feed
Tucked away in a stylishly converted Scandi-inspired brick warehouse near the Grassmarket, Timberyard is a shining star among the best restaurants in Edinburgh. This Michelin-starred gem serves up seasonal fare that’s as fresh as it is fabulous, with ingredients sourced from local growers and suppliers.
Imagine this: meaty bass paired with mussels, sea beet, and a whisper of vermouth, or caramelized pork belly cozying up to buttery cabbage and salted apple. And let’s not forget the roasted pink fir potatoes—glazed with shallots and herbs, they’re the kind of spuds that’ll make you reconsider all other potatoes.
Timberyard isn’t just about impressive dishes; they pickle, cure, and forage, adding homemade surprises like dark red berry kombucha to their menu. Whether you’re diving into their full tasting menu or keeping it casual with a lunch set, Timberyard is a standout in the best restaurants in Edinburgh, making every meal a memorable adventure.
Heron: Where Michelin-Star Magic Meets Leith’s Finest
Best for: Michelin-starred dishes that’ll have you crowing with delight
Heron, named after the elegant bird that gracefully patrols our waters, isn’t just another fish joint in Leith—it’s a Michelin-starred marvel that’s making waves. Despite being under five years old, this modern Scots restaurant has already hooked a star and a slew of fans who love their seafood with a side of sophistication.
At Heron, you’ll find dishes that play with your taste buds like a pro—think Orkney scallops with a zingy ponzu twist or market fish paired with clams and salty fingers that’ll make you rethink your whole seafood experience. And if you’re starting off with sourdough and brown crab butter, you’re in for a treat.
Just a heads-up: dining in Leith is not for the faint-hearted wallet-wise, and Heron’s tasting menu with wine pairing might make your bank account do a double-take at a cool £204. But hey, for Michelin-starred delight, sometimes you just have to splurge and let the good times roll!
Aizle: The Ultimate Adventure in Seasonal Scottish Delights
Best for: A taste of Scotland that’ll make you wish you lived here
If you’re hunting for one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh that turns seasonal ingredients into culinary masterpieces, Aizle is your jackpot. Scottish chef Stuart Ralston and his team have crafted a multi-course tasting menu that celebrates local produce with the kind of finesse that makes other restaurants green with envy.
At Aizle, you’ll kick off with an ingredient list—because who doesn’t love a little mystery? Prepare for a journey through buttery brioche with chicken liver parfait, silky North Sea crab chawanmushi, and peppery venison tartare with sweet beetroot. And don’t worry, vegetarians, Aizle’s veggie menu is as thoughtful and inspired as their carnivorous offerings.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Aizle deserves a spot on your list of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. We’d make the trip to Edinburgh just to dine here again and again—it’s that good!
Montrose: The Ultimate Spot for a Long, Luxe Lunch
Best for: Turning a simple lunch into a culinary extravaganza
The Radford family, Edinburgh’s hospitality royalty (they’re the geniuses behind Timberyard, which snagged a Michelin star in 2023), have done it again with Montrose. This chic two-story gem is a serious contender for the best restaurants in Edinburgh—and it’s not just because of its Michelin pedigree.
Upstairs, you’ll find a set menu that’s as posh as it sounds, featuring four courses of perfectly executed dishes often cooked over coals. It’s fine dining without the stuffiness, thanks to plush, linen-draped walls and a contemporary touch that keeps things from getting too fussy.
Downstairs, Montrose turns into a casual hangout with moules frites, burrata balls, and a pick-and-mix of drinks ranging from pints to rare vintage champagnes. Whether you’re dining with high hopes or just popping in for a quick bite, Montrose has you covered. It’s the kind of place that makes you look like you’ve nailed the lunch game—and left you feeling smugly satisfied.
Ardfern: Brunch Bliss in Edinburgh’s Coolest Spot
Best for: Turning a casual brunch into a gourmet delight
Roberta Hall, Edinburgh’s culinary mastermind behind The Little Chart Room and Eleanore, has once again worked her magic with Ardfern. This gem is quickly climbing the ranks of the best restaurants in Edinburgh—and for good reason. It’s laid-back yet top-notch, where high-quality produce meets a cozy atmosphere.
Start your day with breakfast doughnuts or a fry-up that’s so homemade it’ll make you question why you ever ate pre-made bacon. Swing by later for bar snacks that defy the ordinary: think hashbrowns with mushroom ketchup and pecorino, or indulge in chocolate peanut butter tarts and local cheeses.
And let’s not forget the drinks—whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, craft beers, or wines, Ardfern has a libation for every taste. Plus, you can snag some goodies from the shop section on your way out. It’s the kind of spot that makes brunch an event, not just a meal.
Eleanore: Fine Dining Without the Fine Print
Best for: Value-packed, elegant dining
When it comes to the best restaurants in Edinburgh, Eleanore is a little white box of joy that proves fine dining doesn’t have to break the bank. This charming spot, with its shelves of pickles and pantry delights, feels like you’re in the heart of the action—without risking a splatter of sauce.
At under £40 for a set lunch, you can savor dishes like asparagus and wild garlic hash browns or crab croustade that’s more than just a fancy name. Dinner nudges up to £65, but it’s still a steal for the stellar cooking from Roberta Hall’s team. Eleanore delivers big flavors and seasonal brilliance at a price that won’t have you hiding your wallet.
Cardinal: A Culinary Playground by Edinburgh’s Young Maestro
Best for: Culinary creativity and surprises
If you’re hunting for one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh where the chef’s motto is “Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?”, look no further than Cardinal. Tomás Gormley, Edinburgh’s culinary wunderkind, has taken his impressive experience from Heron and Skua to create a dining experience that’s nothing short of a flavor adventure.
At Cardinal, one of the top best restaurants in Edinburgh, expect inventive cookery that plays with your senses. Picture this: a beef tallow candle melting into your dish tableside and a flavor-your-own shaved ice for dessert. Yes, you read that right—a dessert experience that turns you into a flavor wizard! Highlights include doughnuts begging to be dipped into cod’s roe. The service is as sharp as Gormley’s creativity, and the drink selection is on par with the food. Cardinal proves that fine dining at the best restaurants in Edinburgh can be both jaw-droppingly inventive and incredibly fun.
