Best Restaurants In Edinburgh City Centre

Make your way to The Scottish National Gallery to discover The Scottish Cafe & restaurant inside - a charming eatery that has won many awards over the years. Expect high ceilings, colourful furniture and large windows, which look out over the beautiful gardens surrounding the building.

They serve a wide range of dishes made with local, sustainably sourced produce, from breakfast to lunch and afternoon tea. Tuck into the likes of haggis bon bons, buffalo mozzarella salads or fish and chips, or a variety of homemade cakes.

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.

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.

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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.

Nestled in the heart of George Street, Scarpetta serves up traditional Italian dishes in its warm, vibrant, Nonna's kitchen style interiors. Expect plenty of cosy, retro charm as you tuck into saucy meatballs, woodfired pizzas, hearty pasta and sensational seafood.

When it's time to raise a glass to a magnificent meal time, there's wines from across the regions plus classic cocktails with a continental twist, from the tiramisu martini to the Tony negroni.

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.

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.

Nok's long and mouthwatering menu packs in everything from big-name curries to lesser-known regional dishes. In its plush leather booths, you can tuck into panang and massaman or chef's specials like Nok Nutty Curry and Khao Soi Short Rib.

Over on the drinks list, there's Thai beers, signature cocktails and paired wines to keep your whistle wet. Add street art and botanical decorations and you've got classic Thai dining in the heart of Edinburgh.

Ideal for date night or a relaxed but classy group meal, Dublin Street Social is a charming neighbourhood restaurant that welcomes locals and visitors alike. Sip draught beers, cocktails and great quality wine, paired with scrumptious small plates.

Tuck into everything from carrot and chilli risotto to tender poached crab claws or butterfly king prawns. Plus, they serve tasty brunch plates like eggs benedict and buttermilk pancakes with bacon.

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.

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.

Right in the middle of Edinburgh's bustling city centre, Pizza Pilgrims is a haven for pizza lovers. Their slow-risen dough, high-quality ingredients, and passion for Neapolitan tradition result in pizzas that are both light and full of flavour.

Whether you are in the mood for a simple margherita or a decadent mushroom and truffle, you will find a menu that celebrates bold Italian flavours. The two-floor setup also means there is always something going on, from lively dinners to interactive pizza-making experiences.

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.

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.

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.

Looking for a hidden gem right in the heart of the city? Located along the Royal Mile, PIGGS is an independent wine and tapas bar, run by two brothers with a love of Spanish culture. Expect an intimate, welcoming atmosphere with dark interiors, ideal for date night.

Tuck into tasty tapas plates, ranging from classics like patatas bravas to deep-fried chorizo loaded fries or creamy grilled goat's cheese. To pair with it? one of the best selections of wines around, available by the glass or the bottle.

Located in the iconic Assembly Rooms at 54 George Street, Rio Steakhouse is a sophisticated Brazilian restaurant that's ideal for date night or group meals, but make sure you come hungry. You can enjoy unlimited Churrasco meat here, carved right in front of you by their expert Gaucho chefs.

You'll begin your meal at the gourmet salad bar, where they serve an array of delicious imported cheese, cured meats and vegetable dishes. As for the venue itself, expect ornate high ceilings, pretty foliage, plush velvet armchairs and a striking bar.

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.

The Botanist, found in St James Quarter, is a great shout for drinks and dining - especially if you're after date night ideas. Its chic decor blends rustic wood, gorgeous greenery and warm lighting, creating a welcoming space to eat in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aizle in Edinburgh presents a refined tasting menu shaped by the rhythm of the seasons, with each dish crafted from Scotland's finest local ingredients under the direction of celebrated chef Stuart Ralston. The restaurant's sleek, minimalist design is paired with warm, attentive service, offering a dining experience that feels both intimate and contemporary.

Its commitment to creativity and quality has earned Aizle a place in the Michelin Guide and recognition as a finalist for the top Fine Dining Experience at the Edinburgh Restaurant Awards.

Located above the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh's cultural quarter, Dine is a top quality restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Stuart Muir. They serve modern Scottish cuisine in a luxurious setting, while still maintaining a laid-back atmosphere.

Expect stylish interiors that feature comfy seating, an indoor tree and a small selection of streetside tables. As for the menu? Think duck pastrami, pan-seared scallops, herb-crusted pork loin and so much more.

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.

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.