Ah, the almighty pub lunch; it's one of life's greatest pleasures and something that our city pulls off to a tee. The capital is absolutely brimming with boozers that sling out restaurant-quality grub, from traditional hangouts with a penchant for pies to stylish spots whipping up internationally inspired fare. So if you're looking for a top Edinburgh gastropub? We've got the lowdown right here.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 19th June 2025
While there's plenty to stuff your face with at The Haymarket, it's gained quite the reputation for its perfectly prepared pies. Get your smackers around wild boar and chorizo nestled in shortcrust pastry, a medley of fish topped with cheddar mash and so much more.
On the hunt for the best pubs in Edinburgh city centre? The Conan Doyle promises a truly authentic feel, with regal wallpaper, tall bar stools and vintage artwork. Make your way over to scoff down towering burgers and scrumptious Sunday roasts.
Found within minutes of the capital's famous landmarks and shops, The Mitre is the perfect place to put your feet up after pounding the pavement. Crowd-pleasing favourites take centre stage here, so pull up a chair to gobble down haggis, neeps and tatties alongside Cullen skink.
If you're looking for the best gastropub in Edinburgh city centre, Rose Street Brewery is a great choice. It's favoured among locals for its charming interiors and droolworthy menu, which includes burgers, salads and salmon drizzled in Champagne sauce.
A gastropub and cocktail bar all under one roof, The Salisbury Arms promises great quality food and drink in a relaxed setting. Expect cosy interiors that combine traditional and modern features, from a roaring fireplace to comfy armchairs.
Whether you're dining inside or out in the sunny beer garden, you can tuck into the likes of rotisserie chicken, crispy halloumi burgers or a stone-baked king prawn pizza.
Ask anybody about where to find the best pub food in Edinburgh city centre and the answer on their lips will surely be The Greyfriars Bobby. Situated on Candlemaker Row, this iconic watering hole whips up cracking cuisine, from Balmoral chicken to an indulgent pulled lamb and red wine pie.
Cravings for classic pub grub will certainly be satisfied at The Kenilworth. On the menu? Everything from toad in the hole and stovies through to hunters chicken. You won't be going thirsty here either, as the extensive drinks list showcases lip-smacking wines and cask ales.
For those of you seeking out the best pub lunch in Edinburgh city centre, make sure to check out Southpour. This trendy haunt, which features bare-brick walls and leather booths, cooks up a storm in the kitchen. Expect plates like honey-glazed cod, duck shawarma and massaman curry.
Swing by Hector's in Stockbridge to fill your boots with all kinds of fabulous fare. While our favourite dish is the grilled seabass fillets with heritage potatoes and white wine velouté, the seafood linguine and roasted pumpkin look equally as enticing.
Renowned for its quirky interiors and friendly Irish banter, Biddy Mulligans is one of the best pubs in Edinburgh Old Town. The menu is simply jam-packed with hearty bites, so whether you fancy IPA-battered fish and chips, a warming lamb stew or black pudding Scotch eggs, it's got you covered.
Dating back to the 17th century, The Last Drop embodies the traditional tavern vibe, which is channelled into the menu of homely British bites. With options such as haggis sausages and mash plus juicy ribeye steaks, it's definitely one of the best gastropubs in Edinburgh Old Town.
Nestled within the remnants of the 16th-century Flodden Wall, The World's End is a historic pub that oozes traditional Scottish charm. It takes its name from a time when this wall separated the city from the unknown world beyond, and features old-school interiors like low ceilings and cosy nooks to drink in.
They serve traditional eats here, from vintage cheddar and bacon burgers to steak and ale pie or pulled mushroom chilli. There are plenty of pints to wash it all down, as well as £7 cocktails like a raspberry Tom Collins. And if you're a sports fan, you'll often find live events being shown too.
