Where to eat in Edinburgh, Scotland

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From the steep cobblestone lanes in the Old Town to the craggy green hill at Holyrood Park and all that’s in between, there’s a lot to discover in Edinburgh – especially when it comes to the fantastic food scene.

Discover the best way to eat your way around the stunning Scottish capital – and even find in time to fit in a deep-fried Mars bar.

Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Ondine
A stone’s through from Waverley (the main train station) is Ondine – a great spot for lunch or dinner. There’s no better way to celebrate your arrival into Edinburgh than with a glass of bubbles and some seafood. But don’t go expecting just any seafood, they’re known for serving up biggest, freshest, juiciest langoustines in town. Served simply, with a generous portion of aïoli, these are a fine example of the best Scottish seafood. If you’re in Edinburgh and you love fresh seafood, Ondine will not disappoint.

Timberyard
Stripped back, über cool and Scandinavian in style, this modern restaurant, which was once a brick warehouse, is unlike any other restaurant you’re likely to have been to. Choose a tasting menu of four, six or eight courses (for £55, £65 and £75 respectively) and then await a feast that’s made using ingredients supplied by small local producers.

The menu changes with the seasons so unfortunately you might not get to try their epic extraordinary asparagus, truffle and hen’s egg starter, but be assured you’ll eat well at Timberyard – you’ll also get little snacks between courses and perfect, freshly baked bread to start.

The wine list is really good too. They serve wines by the glass and at the table – a waiter comes along with a magnum of wine to pour you a glass.

Brew Lab
If you’re planning on walking up to Arthur’s Seat from the town centre, this coffee shop is a must-visit pit stop on the way. Make sure to get a hill-climbing caffeine fix from this cooler-than-cool café which serves coffee in every which way, shape and form.

The Dogs
This canine-loving restaurant (see if you can count how many tributes to dogs there are in the small room) is in the middle of the main shopping area – perfect for taking the weight off your ‘plates of meat’ after some retail therapy. The menu is simple and inexpensive, with a focus on Scottish ingredients. If you’re looking to tick off some Scottish food bucket list items, opt for their amazing stovies (a sausage and potato stew – pictured below).

The Scran & Scallie
Over near the Botanical Gardens (walk around them to work up an appetite/walk off a big lunch) is Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack’s gastropub. Make sure you book a table beforehand as this charming pub gets pretty busy.

The menu is full of classics such as roast dinner, burger, and fish and chips. Give the Scran & Scallie fish pie a go for a creamy fish and seafood mixture covered in a buttery potato blanket. Comfort food at its finest.

Where to find a deep-fried Mars bar
Yes the locals might scoff at your request (contrary to popular belief those Edinburgh folk don’t make a habit of tucking into them) but you really should try a deep-fried Mars bar when you hit up Edinburgh for the first time. You can pretty much bet that any chippie will sell them but, if you can, head to Café Piccante near the town centre to get what is supposed to be the best.

If you have any more recommendations of places to go, we’d love to know them.