10 Must-Visit Eateries in Central Edinburgh You Can't Miss
No trip to Scotland would be complete without savoring its incredible food. Edinburgh has a diverse set of flavors, offering everything from hearty Scottish classics to international cuisine. On my recent trip to Scotland in October 2024, we spent an entire week in Edinburgh seeing the sights and savouring the incredible selection of food.
In this article, I’ve rounded up 10 must-visit eateries in Central Edinburgh that showcase the city’s culinary charm, each with its own unique vibe and delicious offerings. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional Scottish dish or something with an international twist, these spots are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Breakfast, Light Bites and Coffee
For a true taste of Scotland, start at The Thistle Cafe, where you can dive into local favorites like haggis, neeps, and tatties, served in a cozy, rustic setting. Located in a small alley off the Royal Mile, the Thistle is one of the few places we found open early for breakfast. (Later in winter) During the summer, an outdoor patio is the perfect place for a quick lunch or drink. If you arrive on an early flight and do not want the expensive continental breakfast at your hotel, this is the perfect option.
If you're in the mood for a light bite, coffee or sweets, Coffee n More offers a fantastic range of coffee and pastries. Located on Cockburn street between Market Street and High Street (The Royal Mile), this is a perfect place to rest and revitalize between shopping and sightseeing. Again, prices are more reasonable than hotel breakfasts.
Family Friendly, Simple Lunch
For a cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering Italian cuisine, Gordon’s Trattoria is a must-visit, where the pizza and pastas are as comforting as they are delicious. Located directly along the Royal Mile, this traditional looking Italian eatery will satisfy even the young ones. Red and white checkered tablecloths provide the backdrop for this simple yet delicious restaurant.
Pub Fare for Lunch or Dinner
The Malt Shovel is another gem, offering a great selection of Scottish ales alongside hearty meals that hit the spot. Located on the lower end of Cockburn Street, the Malt Shovel is the perfect place to refresh and revitalize before taking the steep walk up the street to the Royal Mile.
For a more elevated pub experience, The Cafe Royal offers a delightful mix of traditional Scottish dishes and a stellar drink menu, making it an ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed evening out. Established in 1826, and moved in 1863, this historic pub exudes timeless Scottish charm. Its walls are adorned with striking Royal Doulton ceramic murals adding a unique touch to the atmosphere. The Cafe Royal is Scotland’s oldest oyster bar.
A Bit of History
If you're seeking something truly macabre, head to The Last Drop. Historically, this pub is believed to have been the final stop for prisoners on death row, offering them their last drink before execution. Crowds would gather in the square across the street to watch public hangings, the last of which took place in 1864. Today, The Last Drop is a historic pub with a warm atmosphere and a menu that highlights Scottish pub fare with a modern twist.
Deacon Brodies offers another taste of Scottish history and has both great food and a connection to Edinburgh’s famous Deacon Brodie, known for inspiring the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Deacon Brodie’s is located centrally on The Royal Mile and is busy every night with a 30-60 minute wait. The bar on the lower level serves as the waiting area for the restaurant on the second floor. Having eaten there several times, I would highly recommend the Scotch Broth soup, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Balmoral Chicken and Steak and Ale Pie.
The Tolbooth Tavern, one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs dating back to 1820, offers a genuine taste of Scotland’s history along with a pint of local beer. Located at the eastern end of the Royal Mile, the tavern occupies the lower level of the medieval Canongate Tolbooth building, which was constructed in 1591. Burgers, pies and fish and chips are the go-to dishes. Whiskey flights and draft beers are enjoyable in this historic setting.
Finer Dining
For Italian comfort food, Bella Italia delivers classic pasta dishes and pizzas, all made with fresh ingredients and plenty of flavor. Centrally located on the Royal Mile, Bella Italia is perfect for a familiar taste in downtown Edinburgh.
Looking for something a bit more unique? The Avocat offers contemporary European dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. During summer, select share menus offer tasty samplings of several culinary delights. During our stay in Edinburgh, we dined here twice sampling many of their specialties. There bar contains one of the largest selection (over 300 bottles) of fantastic Scottish and world whiskies. Have the bartender create your own whiskey flight or choose one of their choices.
Final Thoughts
In between sightseeing and exploring the city’s history, these eateries are the perfect places to take a break, indulge in delicious food, and experience the authentic flavors that make Edinburgh such a special destination. With a variety of choices for every meal of the day, from casual bites to refined dining, there’s no shortage of culinary adventures waiting for you in the heart of Scotland’s capital.
Whether you are in Edinburgh for one day or a week or longer, you will not be disappointed eating in any of these establishments.
Some great recommendations here Laura and another restaurant I'd include that offers great food and a magnificent view is The Tower that sits atop the Museum of Scotland. A tiny pub packed with atmosphere is the Ensign Ewart just down from the castle on Castle Hill. I recall having a couple of beers in there before the Tattoo one year with a couple of guys from a Scottish Regiment in their full regalia and we almost filled the place. I'm back to Edinburgh next month to look over a newly discovered Artemisia Gentileschi painting that's on exhibition in Holyrood Palace, so no doubt will be sampling some of the great food offerings in the city.
Did you eat at all of these? Love the tiled Royal Doulton art pieces. Thank you! Been to Edinburgh many years ago that I don't remember where I've eaten but this was a beautiful tour around the city.