Best Food Areas In Edinburgh

Discover the Culinary Wonders of Scotland’s Capital City

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city famed for its rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring architecture. It is also known for its delectable cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves to try out new culinary delights, Edinburgh has got you covered. This guide will take you on a journey through the best food areas in Edinburgh and reveal the hidden gems that the city has to offer.

1. 🍲 Old Town

The Old Town of Edinburgh is where you’ll find some of the city’s oldest and most historical sites, including the famous Edinburgh Castle. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city. If you’re looking for traditional Scottish cuisine, head to The Witchery by the Castle. This restaurant, located in a historic building, serves up delicious haggis and other Scottish classics. For a more casual experience, try Oink, a small but popular eatery that serves up mouth-watering hog roast sandwiches.

2. 🍳 New Town

The New Town of Edinburgh, which was built in the 18th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also one of the best areas in the city for food. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, check out The Dome. This restaurant is located in a stunning Georgian building and serves up delicious dishes made with local ingredients. Another great option is The Printing Press Bar and Kitchen, which offers a modern twist on traditional Scottish cuisine.

3. 🌮 Leith

Leith is a vibrant area in the north of Edinburgh that is known for its fantastic food scene. The area is home to The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up some of the best seafood in the city. For a more casual experience, check out The Pitt, a street food market that takes place every Saturday.

4. 🍜 Southside

The Southside of Edinburgh is a diverse area that is home to many international restaurants and cafes. If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine, head to Harajuku Kitchen. This restaurant serves up delicious sushi and other Japanese dishes. Another great option is The Southern, a restaurant that specializes in Southern-style comfort food.

5. 🥘 Stockbridge

Stockbridge is a picturesque area in the north of Edinburgh that is known for its quaint cafes and restaurants. If you’re a fan of brunch, head to The Pantry. This popular cafe serves up delicious breakfast dishes and is a favorite among locals. For a more upscale experience, check out Scran and Scallie, a gastropub that serves up modern Scottish cuisine.

6. 🍺 Grassmarket

The Grassmarket is a historic area in the heart of Edinburgh that is known for its lively atmosphere and excellent food and drink scene. If you’re a beer lover, head to BrewDog, a popular brewery that offers a wide range of craft beers. For a more traditional Scottish experience, check out The Last Drop, a cozy pub that serves up delicious pub grub.

7. 🍰 Bruntsfield

Bruntsfield is a charming area in the south of Edinburgh that is known for its boutique shops and cafes. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to Lovecrumbs. This quirky cafe serves up delicious cakes and pastries that are made fresh every day. Another great option is Project Coffee, a stylish cafe that serves up delicious coffee and brunch dishes.

8. 🍷 Morningside

Morningside is a leafy suburb in the south of Edinburgh that is known for its upmarket shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot, head to Cucina, an Italian restaurant that serves up delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients. For a more casual experience, check out The Canny Man’s, a cozy pub that offers a wide range of beers and pub grub.

9. 🍔 Tollcross

Tollcross is a bustling area in the west of Edinburgh that is known for its excellent food scene. If you’re in the mood for burgers, head to Bread Meats Bread. This popular burger joint serves up delicious burgers made with locally sourced ingredients. For a more upscale experience, check out The Gardener’s Cottage. This restaurant offers a seasonal menu made with local ingredients.

10. 🌯 Fountainbridge

Fountainbridge is a lively area in the west of Edinburgh that is known for its diverse food scene. If you’re looking for Mexican cuisine, head to El Cartel. This restaurant serves up delicious tacos and margaritas. Another great option is Soderberg Bakery, a Swedish bakery that offers delicious pastries and coffee.

11. 🍣 West End

The West End of Edinburgh is a trendy area that is known for its independent shops and restaurants. If you’re in the mood for sushi, head to Kanpai. This restaurant serves up delicious sushi and other Japanese dishes. Another great option is Dishoom, an Indian restaurant that offers a unique take on traditional Indian cuisine.

12. 🍲 Haymarket

Haymarket is a bustling area in the west of Edinburgh that is known for its great food and drink scene. If you’re looking for Scottish cuisine, head to The Atelier. This restaurant serves up delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. For a more casual experience, check out The Hanging Bat, a trendy bar that offers a wide range of craft beers and delicious pub grub.

13. 🍧 Old Dalry

Old Dalry is an up-and-coming area in the west of Edinburgh that is known for its independent shops and restaurants. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to Mary’s Milk Bar. This popular ice cream parlor serves up delicious ice cream made with fresh ingredients. Another great option is The Blackbird Bakery, which offers a wide range of cakes and pastries.

FAQs

1. What is Scotland’s national dish?

Scotland’s national dish is haggis, which is made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, spices, and oats, and traditionally cooked in a sheep’s stomach.

2. What is a typical Scottish breakfast?

A typical Scottish breakfast includes bacon, eggs, black pudding, sausages, and fried bread, along with Scottish staples like tattie scones and oatcakes.

3. What is neeps and tatties?

Neeps and tatties is a traditional Scottish dish that consists of mashed turnips (neeps) and mashed potatoes (tatties), usually served with haggis.

4. What is Cullen skink?

Cullen skink is a traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream.

5. What is a Scottish high tea?

A Scottish high tea is a meal that is served in the late afternoon or early evening and typically consists of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea.

6. What is a Scottish tablet?

Scottish tablet is a sweet treat that is similar to fudge but is harder and more brittle. It is made from sugar, condensed milk, and butter.

7. What is a Scotch pie?

A Scotch pie is a small pie that is filled with minced meat, usually beef or mutton, and is traditionally eaten cold.

8. What is a stovies?

Stovies is a traditional Scottish dish that is made with potatoes, onions, and meat, usually beef or lamb, that is cooked slowly and served hot.

9. What is bannock?

Bannock is a traditional Scottish bread that is made from oats, barley, or wheat. It is often served with butter and jam.

10. What is a deep-fried Mars bar?

A deep-fried Mars bar is a Mars chocolate bar that has been battered and deep-fried, typically served with chips (fries) and vinegar.

11. What is the best time to visit Edinburgh for food?

The best time to visit Edinburgh for food is in August, when the city hosts the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. During this time, the city is bustling with food events and pop-up restaurants.

12. What is the dress code for restaurants in Edinburgh?

The dress code for restaurants in Edinburgh varies, but most restaurants accept casual dress. However, if you’re planning on dining at a fine dining restaurant, it’s best to dress up a bit.

13. What are some vegetarian and vegan options in Edinburgh?

There are many vegetarian and vegan options in Edinburgh. Some popular options include Henderson’s Salad Table, a vegetarian restaurant that