Discover the Best Food and Drink in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city that boasts of a rich history, stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes. But, did you know that it’s also home to some of the most delicious food and drink in the country? From traditional Scottish delicacies to international cuisine, the city has plenty to offer. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of Edinburgh, showing you the best places to eat and drink, the must-try dishes and drinks, and answering some frequently asked questions. So, let’s get started!

Must-Try Dishes and Drinks in Edinburgh 🍽️🍷

When in Edinburgh, you can’t miss out on these iconic dishes and drinks:

Haggis 🍲

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, mixed with oats, onions and spices, and cooked in a sheep’s stomach. It may not sound appealing, but it’s a must-try dish if you’re in Scotland. You can find haggis in almost every restaurant in Edinburgh, but we recommend trying it at The Royal McGregor, a pub located in the city centre that serves some of the best haggis in town.

Scotch Whisky 🥃

Scotch whisky is Scotland’s national drink, and Edinburgh is home to some of the best whisky bars in the world. The Scotch Whisky Experience is a great place to start your whisky journey, where you can learn about the history and production of whisky, and even taste some of the finest whiskies in the country. If you’re looking for a cosy and intimate whisky bar, we recommend The Bow Bar, which offers a wide range of whiskies from all over Scotland.

Cullen Skink 🍵

Cullen Skink is a hearty soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions and cream. It’s a popular dish in Edinburgh, especially during the colder months. The best place to try Cullen Skink is at The Ship on the Shore, a seafood restaurant located in the city’s historic port of Leith.

Gin 🍸

Gin has become increasingly popular in Edinburgh in recent years, with several artisan gin distilleries popping up in the city. Pickering’s Gin is one of the most famous gin distilleries in Edinburgh, where you can take a tour of the distillery and taste some of their award-winning gins. If you’re looking for a gin bar, we recommend The Jolly Botanist, which has an extensive selection of gins from all over the world.

Cranachan 🍨

Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, honey, whisky, raspberries and toasted oats. It’s a delicious and indulgent dessert that you can find in almost every restaurant in Edinburgh. For a unique twist on this classic dessert, try the Cranachan Cheesecake at The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern Scottish cuisine.

Where to Eat and Drink in Edinburgh 🍴🍻

Edinburgh has a diverse food and drink scene, with something to suit every budget and taste. Here are some of our top picks:

The Kitchin 🍽️

The Kitchin is a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by renowned Scottish chef Tom Kitchin. The restaurant serves modern Scottish cuisine, using the finest local and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes daily, but some of the must-try dishes include the hand-dived scallops and the roasted grouse.

The Scran and Scallie 🍴

The Scran and Scallie is a gastropub located in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Stockbridge. The menu features traditional Scottish dishes with a modern twist, such as the haggis pops and the venison haunch. The pub also has a great selection of craft beers and whiskies.

The Devil’s Advocate 🍸

The Devil’s Advocate is a cosy and chic bar located in the Old Town. The bar serves a range of classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as a selection of whiskies and craft beers. The bar also has a restaurant that serves Scottish-inspired dishes.

The Outsider 🍽️

The Outsider is a contemporary restaurant located on the top floor of a building in the heart of Edinburgh. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the city, as well as a menu that features Scottish and international dishes, such as the wild boar ragu and the tandoori chicken.

The Hanging Bat 🍻

The Hanging Bat is a craft beer bar located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Tollcross. The bar has a rotating selection of beers from all over the world, as well as a small menu of bar snacks and burgers. The bar also hosts regular events, such as beer tastings and tap takeovers.

FAQs about Food and Drink in Edinburgh 🍽️🍷

1. What is the best time to visit Edinburgh for food and drink?

The best time to visit Edinburgh for food and drink is during the summer months (June to August), when the city hosts several food and drink festivals, such as the Edinburgh Food Festival and the Edinburgh Gin Festival.

2. What is the most popular food in Edinburgh?

The most popular food in Edinburgh is haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, mixed with oats, onions and spices, and cooked in a sheep’s stomach.

3. What is the most popular drink in Edinburgh?

The most popular drink in Edinburgh is Scotch whisky, which is Scotland’s national drink.

4. What is the best place to try traditional Scottish food in Edinburgh?

The best place to try traditional Scottish food in Edinburgh is The Royal McGregor, a pub located in the city centre that serves some of the best haggis in town.

5. What is the best place to try craft beer in Edinburgh?

The best place to try craft beer in Edinburgh is The Hanging Bat, a craft beer bar located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Tollcross.

6. What is the best place to try gin in Edinburgh?

The best place to try gin in Edinburgh is The Jolly Botanist, a gin bar that has an extensive selection of gins from all over the world.

7. What is the best place to try seafood in Edinburgh?

The best place to try seafood in Edinburgh is The Ship on the Shore, a seafood restaurant located in the city’s historic port of Leith.

8. What is the best place to try Michelin-starred cuisine in Edinburgh?

The best place to try Michelin-starred cuisine in Edinburgh is The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by renowned Scottish chef Tom Kitchin.

9. What is the best place to try vegetarian and vegan food in Edinburgh?

The best place to try vegetarian and vegan food in Edinburgh is Henderson’s Vegan, a restaurant that serves vegetarian and vegan dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

10. What is the best place to try coffee in Edinburgh?

The best place to try coffee in Edinburgh is Brew Lab, a specialty coffee shop that roasts its own coffee beans and serves a range of artisanal coffees.

11. What is the best place to try cocktails in Edinburgh?

The best place to try cocktails in Edinburgh is The Devil’s Advocate, a cosy and chic bar that serves a range of classic and contemporary cocktails.

12. What is the best place to try street food in Edinburgh?

The best place to try street food in Edinburgh is The Pitt, a street food market that takes place every Saturday in the neighbourhood of Leith.

13. What is the best place to try afternoon tea in Edinburgh?

The best place to try afternoon tea in Edinburgh is The Colonnades at The Signet Library, a grand and elegant space that serves traditional afternoon tea with a Scottish twist.

The Verdict 🍽️🍷

Edinburgh is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse and exciting food and drink scene that’s sure to satisfy all tastes and budgets. From traditional Scottish delicacies to international cuisine, the city has something for everyone. So, whether you’re a whisky lover, a gin enthusiast, a seafood connoisseur or a dessert addict, Edinburgh has got you covered.

Disclaimer 📝

The information provided in this article is accurate at the time of publishing. However, restaurants and bars may change their menus and opening hours without prior notice, so we recommend checking their websites or contacting them directly before visiting. Additionally, we do not endorse any specific establishment mentioned in this article, and we are not responsible for any experiences or outcomes that may arise from visiting them.