A vibrant port district just off of Edinburgh's city centre, Leith is a buzzing area that boasts a gorgeous harbour area on The Shore. Alongside the boats nestled on the waterfront, historic buildings and cool thrift shops, there are plenty of fantastic places to eat in this neighbourhood too.
With three Michelin-starred destinations in the area, this is a great spot for fine dining, but there are plenty of casual eateries to be found as well. Whether you're in the mood for fresh Scottish seafood, authentic Indian dishes or scrumptious Italian fare, check out the very best Leith Edinburgh restaurants in our guide.
Best Restaurants Leith Has To Offer
Martin Wishart Restaurant Leith
Renowned chef Martin Wishart has been running his eponymous restaurant on The Shore at Leith for more than 20 years. He's been awarded a Michelin star for this high-end restaurant, as well as having won the Scottish Chef of the Year award three times in the 2000s. They specialise in modern European dining, combining seasonal Scottish ingredients with classical French cooking techniques.
Take a seat in their modern, light-filled restaurant to enjoy a series of different tasting menus, starting from £145 per person. These change on a regular basis, but you can expect dishes along the lines of Orkney scallops in a parmesan velouté or roast loin of roe deer, with vegetarian options available too. Plus, you can add on wine pairings for an extra £85.
Taste premium Scottish fare at this Michelin star restaurant in Leith.
The Kitchin
Following a philosophy of 'from nature to plate', Michelin-starred restaurant The Kitchin is all about innovative takes on produce sourced from Scotland. Chef Tom Kitchin has worked with some of the top culinary masters across the world, and he uses his skills not only to cook, but also to butcher and fillet their meat and fish in-house, after it's delivered directly from suppliers every day. He's also the mastermind behind Edinburgh destinations KORA and The Scran and Scallie.
Having won countless awards, this place is known all over the UK for its delicious dishes and sultry, dark interiors. Watch as the chefs prepare everything from Highland wagyu beef tartare to roasted Devon blue fin tuna in the open kitchen, or opt for a surprise eight-course tasting menu for £155 per person, showcasing their very best dishes.
When Kitchin's in the kitchen, magic is bound to happen.
Heron
Leith has got quite the reputation for Michelin star restaurants, as Heron can also be found on The Shore - a classy pick run by chefs Tomás Gormley and Sam Yorke. Despite its luxurious eats, the venue itself is modern and understated, with bright, colourful interiors and casual seating options.
They offer both an a la carte and a twelve-course tasting menu, starting from £95 per person. Their seasonal offering changes often, using local Scottish produce in all their dishes - from Shetland mackerel with hazelnut to lamb cooked in cumin and apricot. They offer pescetarian, vegetarian and vegan versions of these too, alongside superb signature cocktails.
For fine dining, this is definitely one of the best restaurants on Leith waterfront.
Granary
A popular destination since 2006, Granary is a welcoming restaurant bar that's best known for its hearty dishes and top-quality pints. Admire views of the waterfront while you dine, surrounded by rustic wooden furnishings, exposed brick walls and hanging lights across two levels.
Munch on baked eggs and French toast in the mornings, or swing by a little later for glazed pork belly bites, wild mushroom risotto, rich cheddar mac 'n' cheese and so much more - including Sunday roasts. Even better, they host live music sessions on the weekends.
Expect some of the best pub food in Leith, Edinburgh at Granary.
The Ship On The Shore Restaurant Leith
Fitting of their position right by the water, The Ship on the Shore is known for serving the very freshest of sustainable Scottish seafood. They pair this with an exquisite selection of Champagnes, cocktails and fine wines, whether you're dining in their elegant, traditional interior or out on the sunny terrace in the summer months.
Choose from a wide variety of seafood platters, alongside classics like fish pie, battered haddock and chips or whole roasted lemon sole, available for both lunch and dinner. You'll get a side of history with your meal here, as this place originally opened in 1834 as a tavern and coffee house, and it's seen a lot of Leith's goings-on over the years.
This historic haunt specialises in seafood platters.
Fishers Restaurant Leith
Another great choice for seafood lovers, Fishers is a nautical-themed restaurant that offers casual, all-day dining. You'll find this traditional eatery on The Shore, inside a repurposed 17th Century watchtower. They've been around for over 20 years, having won multiple awards during that time - including the 202 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best category.
Expect old-school decor with dark wooden tables, panelled walls and mermaid statues dotted about. You can order a la carte or from a set menu, with highlights including whole east coast lobster and a tempura softshell crab burger. But don't fear if you're not a fish fan, as there's a dedicated vegetarian menu too.
If you love seafood, then this place was mer-made for you.
Cutting Chaii
There may be a lot of Scottish-based dishes on this list, but there are plenty of international eats to be enjoyed in Leith too. Cutting Chaii is a relaxed, welcoming restaurant and takeaway that's inspired by the 19th century Irani cafes of Bombay, serving tapas-style Indian dishes that are all halal.
Split dishes between friends, or order two to three for yourself (we won't judge), giving you the chance to sample lots of different flavours. Favourites include charcoal-grilled paneer, deep-fried turmeric aubergine and chilli garlic chicken - with a huge portion of the menu consisting of plant-based plates.
Get your fix of authentic Indian fare at Cutting Chaii.
Cafe Domenico's
When it comes to Italian restaurants in Leith, Cafe Domenico's has to be our favourite. They've been serving locals for more than 25 years, best known for their huge sandwiches and indulgent pasta dishes. They use a combination of local and Italian ingredients to create authentic meals, served in a casual dining space that promises a friendly atmosphere.
Kick off with nduja and parmesan arancini or goat's cheese bruschetta, before feasting on the likes of venison ragu, aubergine caponata and scallop risotto. Plus, there are daily specials chosen by the chef, so there's always something new to try.
For fans of pasta, it has to be Domenico's.
Nobles Bar & Restaurant
Serving delicious dinners and brunch on weekends, Nobles Bar & Restaurant is all about local craft beer, cracking cocktails and quality food. The stunning venue is filled with foliage, high ceilings and stained glass windows, with plush leather booths to relax in.
Their menu consists of gourmet pub food, including some of the best Sunday roasts around. Tuck into the likes of butternut squash risotto, braised shin of beef and a range of sumptuous burgers, or nab brioche French toast and eggs benedict in the mornings.
For pub fare in classy surrounds, check out Nobles.
La Casa
One of the best restaurants on Leith Walk, La Casa is a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant that whips up mouthwatering mezze and tapas sharers. This independent destination is family-run, founded by a young couple who are passionate about Greek and Spanish cuisine.
Expect rustic wooden furnishings and exposed brick walls inside, creating a relaxed space for dining. The menu consists of everything from pan-fried halloumi with caramelised onions to grilled octopus and potatoes or cured ham, available for both lunch and dinner.
Share small plates at this top choice of Leith Walk restaurants.
Want more from the area? Check out the best bars in Leith as well.
