While perhaps better known for its reams of traditional pubs, the Scottish capital also doesn't skimp in the food department. From getting your spice fix at an Indian eatery to settling down in a venue with gorgeous views over the castle, our city really has it all. Stuck for ideas? Read on to discover the best restaurants in Edinburgh city centre.
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A top choice for cool restaurants in Edinburgh city centre, thanks to its accompanying lineup of theatrical cocktails, The Alchemist is great if you want a bit of everything. The international small plates and mains will have you munching on dishes such as burgers, bao buns and brunches. Plus, there's a George Street site as well.
Settle down for a Champagne brunch or a meal of British classics thanks to Browns Brasserie & Bar, one of the best restaurants on George Street, Edinburgh. Better yet, these gorgeous interiors of hanging lights and blue leather booths are perfect for popping on Insta.
Located in Edinburgh city centre, The Bon Vivant is ideal for everything from delicious dinners and Sunday roasts to small bites and much more. Our favourites? We recommend nabbing the hake fishcakes and the truffle parmesan chips, alongside a glass of wine.
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If you're after the best places to eat in Edinburgh city centre, El Cartel promises scrumptious eats in a fun setting. Enjoy Mexican cuisine such as pork carnitas tacos and street corn with chilli and mayo or head here for a delish frozen margarita. Not in the area? There's a Roxburgh site as well.
If only sushi will do for your next meal out, then YO! on Princes Street has everything you could want and more. Fronting a whole vegan menu, plenty of your favourite pieces and other Japanese classics like katsu curry, this venue is quite the contender.
Say hello to Edinburgh's pink paradise, Laila New Town and its sister site on Cockburn Street. This rose-coloured eatery is renowned for its delightful brunches (we can't get enough of the creme brulee French toast), although the dinner menu of sharing plates is sure to have you drooling at the thought too.
While Lady Libertine's cool, retro interiors are enough to pull you in, it's the mouthwatering menu of top-notch grub that'll have you staying for hours. Get your chops around banging brunches or divine dinners, including brisket buns, pan-fried salmon and monkfish skewers.
Gaucho is your go-to for Argentinian cuts of meat. It's serving the mouthwatering morsels with eggs for brunch or accompanied by sides of mac 'n' cheese and more at dinner, making the swanky spot one of the best steak restaurants in Edinburgh city centre.
If you're looking for the best restaurants in Edinburgh Old Town, you'll certainly want to check out Luckenbooths. This casual dining destination is open all day long, meaning that banging breakfasts, scrumptious Sunday roasts and so much more are ripe for the picking.
When looking for Edinburgh restaurants with a view, you'd be hard pushed to find something better than Thai eatery Chaophraya. With Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth making up the skyline when gazing out the window of this swish space, it's the perfect place for date night.
The Devil's Advocate Bar & Kitchen serves as one of the best casual restaurants in Edinburgh. Check out everything from roasted cauliflower to juicy steaks and truffle chips. For drinks, we recommend the house martini or a whisky.
If reasonably priced restaurants in Edinburgh city centre are what you're looking for, then check out Slug and Lettuce. Rustling up everything from bottomless brunches to Sunday roasts, afternoon teas and burgers, it's a great destination for any time of day.
For sumptuous steaks, take a trip to Hawksmoor in St Andrew Square. From tender cuts of Chateaubriand to t-bone and prime rib, alongside a range of Sunday roasts too, this restaurant's menu transports meat lovers to their very own idea of heaven.
A gorgeous spot near Edinburgh Castle, Angels Share is a chic boutique hotel that's hiding a beautiful restaurant and bar. Head here to dine in the decadent space, tucking into the likes of seared scallops and crème brûlée.
Inspired by countries across the world, as you'd probably guessed from its name, Le Monde is whipping up a range of tasty plates and brunch dishes. Topping it off? A menu of cocktails that highlights each global city's best booze.
While a wine bar at heart, Veeno is also one of our favourite Italian restaurants in Edinburgh city centre, thanks to its menu packed with classics. Think tagliatelle ai funghi, bolognese and tiramisu, all accompanied by a refreshing glass of vino or an aperitivo.
Founded by a former MasterChef champion, Wahaca is the place to get your fix of Mexican food. If you nab a table at the New Town eatery, you'll be washing tacos down with tequila-laced drinks in no time at all.
One of the best restaurants in Edinburgh's Old Town, Mowgli is set to be a haven of Indian cuisine. There are tiffins full of vibrant grub, top street food for munching on and a selection of authentic curries to get your lips around.
Found in the heart of Edinburgh, the foliage-adorned Scotsman Hotel & Grand Cafe really is a bit of a beaut. But that's not where it stops, as this joint is also renowned for slinging out all kinds of gorgeous grub, from prosciutto halibut to juicy venison, accompanied by killer cocktails. It's even got a stunning outdoor area overlooking the castle too.
Howies Restaurant In Edinburgh has gained itself an iconic status for cooking up a storm of seasonal Scottish fare. Each and every dish (and drink, for that matter) is made with local produce, showcasing everything from traditional haggis to whole lobster and burgers.
When it comes to Michelin star restaurants in Edinburgh city centre, one of our absolute faves is Timberyard. Slinging out locally sourced dishes in an uber-chic converted warehouse, this highly acclaimed hotspot is not to be missed and is completely perfect for date nights.
This opulent retreat in the city centre is a bar, restaurant, live music and entertainment venue all in one. While The Voodoo Rooms is famous for its choice of tequila and rum, the menu of crispy tofu katsu curry or cod fillet accompanied by pommes Anna is also bound to impress.
The Lookout By Gardener's Cottage boasts a prime spot on Calton Hill, with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout to make sure you're drinking up all the views. Serving fabulous fare from lunchtime to decadent evening tasting menus, this lofty legend is one of the best Scottish restaurants in Edinburgh city centre.
Number One is the place to go if you fancy a bit of fine dining in Edinburgh city centre. As it's boasted a spot in the Michelin Guide for many years now, you can bet this snazzy spot knows what's up in the good grub department. Think contemporary Scottish cuisine in slinky surrounds.
One of the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh city centre is Tantra, which transports you to South Asia with its food, entertainment and interiors. To top it off, it even has 24-carat dishes, including the slow-cooked lamb shank encrusted in golf leaf.
Boteco Do Brasil has to be up there for its entertainment value and parties. Chow down on Brazilian fare, from moqueca to burgers, all while sipping on rum punch or watermelon martinis and enjoying the Latin soundtrack.
Just a stone's throw from Waverly Train Station and the St James Quarter, you'll find Apex Waterloo Place Hotel putting on themed afternoon teas or jazz nights at its stylish Elliot's Bar and Restaurant. Head here for beautiful Georgian features and an outstanding meal.
Scottish-born Six By Nico is now a tasting menu staple in cities across the country, as well as one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh city centre. Here, you'll find regularly changing, themed offerings, which include wine pairings and unique cocktails too.
