Scotland is known for its breathtaking scenery and its equally breathtaking whisky. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: the food in Scotland, especially Edinburgh, keeps pace right along with those other famous attributes. You just have to know where to eat in Edinburgh.
In general, Scottish cuisine borders the comfort food line of Britain (think steak pies and fish and chips). But it’s also known for Scottish salmon, oysters and scallops, Scottish beef and venison, and of course, haggis. Fun fact: Cows in Scotland are actually fed byproducts of whisky production (the non-alcohol parts, obviously) so the world-famous whisky and world-class beef go hand-in-hand.
Let’s get to it: here is where to eat in Edinburgh, a list of the best restaurants guaranteed to change your mind about food in Scotland.
Where to Eat in Edinburgh
Whiski Rooms
You’re in Scotland, and you have to eat haggis. It’s just a fact. (Or so I’ve been told.) The traditional Scottish dish may sound cringe-worthy — and it’s illegal in the U.S.! — but don’t let that stop you from trying it. It’s actually surprisingly good! So what is haggis? Sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs minced with oatmeal, onion, and spices. Traditionally it’s served in sheep’s stomach, but today mostly found by itself.
The best place to have haggis in Edinburgh is Whiski Rooms, a restaurant on the Royal Mile specializing in Scottish cuisine and whisky. They have 300 whiskies, plenty of whisky flights, and a knowledgeable staff, plus whisky classes and tastings. The food is some of the best I’ve had in Edinburgh.
Order :: Haggis, of course. Served with “neeps and tatties” (potatoes and turnips) and a whisky sauce, it pairs perfectly with a flight of scotch. Or opt for the haggis spring roll appetizer: haggis in a crunchy spring roll drizzled with a sweet plum sauce.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
Nobles is a nautical-themed restaurant opened in 1896 with beautiful stained glass windows and a cozy, neighborhood feel. Away from the touristy-heavy streets of Old Town, this Leith spot is well worth the trek to get to. The menu focuses on British and Scottish cuisine, with hearty dishes like Black Pudding and Chicken Terrine, Pomegranate-glazed Lamb Shoulder, and Roast Duck Breast.
For brunch, sweet picks like Brioche French Toast sit alongside Crispy Pork Belly Benedict, Chorizo Baked Eggs, and the Full Scottish (eggs with haggis, sausage, bacon, beans, and black pudding). Vegetarians need not worry; the menu is plenty full of veggy-friendly options.
Order :: the Eggs Nobles, poached eggs and black pudding on house-made bread, covered in Hollandaise.
Saint Giles Cafe
It’s been said that you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning. You also can’t drink all day on an empty stomach, and since we all know you’ll be drinking all day in Edinburgh, you better have a filling breakfast. Start your day at Saint Giles Cafe on the Royal Mile. This cute cafe serves breakfast all day, plus simple favorites like sandwiches and salads.
But the Signature Waffle is the real reason to go. A Belgium waffle is topped with melted brie and strips of bacon and drizzled with maple syrup for the most mind-blowing contrast of sweet, salty, and savory goodness. I’m not lying when I say I thought about this waffle for months and couldn’t wait to return to Edinburgh to have it! (Definitely put it on your where to eat in Edinburgh list!)
Order :: The Saint Giles Waffle, for a waffle that hits all the right spots on flavor. Thankfully served with a side salad for balance!
Queen’s Arms Pub
The United Kingdom is well known for its comfort food that hits the spot on their signature cold, dreary days. Meat pies, fish and chips, and pub burgers are a few favorites that come to mind. Not only are they perfect after a long day of sightseeing, they pair perfectly with a pint of Scottish ale.
Most neighborhood pubs serve surprisingly excellent food, so pick one full of locals for your best bet. One of those is the Queens Arms Pub in New Town. The walls are lined with books and the atmosphere is equal parts comfy and lively. They serve Scottish pub classics and a traditional roast on Sundays, of course.
Order :: Fish and Chips. Yes, you’re not in England and, yes, you should still have it in Scotland. Or opt for anything with Aberdeen Angus Beef (like the burger or steak).
Aurora
Lest you worry all Edinburgh restaurants serve only traditional Scottish food, Aurora comes to save the day. This tiny Leith spot focuses on creatively fresh breakfast and lunch dishes throughout the week — think Eggs Benedict with Truffle Hollandaise, and Fish Arancini with Lemongrass Bisque. But on Friday and Saturday, delectable dinner dishes like Venison Loin with Burnt Peach Sauce, Pork Fillet with Blue Cheese & Mustard Seeds Sauce, and Seabass Ceviche with Lemon & Pepper Cous-Cous steal the show.
Keep an eye out for their special dinner events. We were lucky enough to enjoy a gin pairing dinner featuring Elephant Gin. It was five spectacular courses of exquisite dishes created alongside gin cocktails where each pairing perfectly complemented each other.
Order :: Judging by the gin pairing dinner, I’m convinced any dish Chef Kamil Witek creates will be beyond satisfying.
Polentoni
Polentoni is one of those spots that you’d miss if you were looking for it. It’s so tiny it looks like a coffee shop, with room for maybe five tables. But, as they say, big things come in small packages. And the food at Polentoni is more than memorable.
Even though it’s technically billed as Italian cuisine, Polentoni’s menu — in my mind — was full of creative dishes that exceed categorization. Slow Roasted Pork Belly with Crispy Polenta, Roast Mushrooms with Spinach and Baked Eggs, and Wild Mushroom Gnocchi are just some of the drool-worthy dishes on the brunch menu.
Order :: The Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with buttered kale and Hollandaise on crusty bread (pictured at the very top). The large chunks of salmon and luscious kale kept me full and dreamily remembering my brunch all day.
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Knowing where to eat in Edinburgh isn’t hard, but having a few restaurants on your list like these never hurts!
Related :: what to do in Edinburgh, day trips from Edinburgh and more.
