Cosy Winter Restaurants In Edinburgh

Known up and down the country for their rustic interiors and gorgeous displays of flowers and foliage, The Botanist is a top choice for meals out in the colder months. Their Edinburgh outpost can be found in St James Quarter, filled with greenery, glowing lights and plush velvet armchairs. It's also a fun pick, thanks to regular quiz nights and live music sessions.

They serve some of the most creative cocktails around, with a focus on floral, gin-based concoctions. As for the menu, expect everything from baked camembert sharers to sausage and mash, as well as their signature hanging kebabs - including crispy halloumi, salt and pepper pork belly and much more.

Overlooking the local park in Bruntsfield, Black Ivy is a beautiful bar and restaurant that boasts roaring fireplaces, green leather booths and stunning wisteria displays hanging from the ceiling, as well as elegant chandeliers. You'll find regular live DJs in the bar, while the dining space is more relaxed.

From afternoon tea to Sunday roasts, you can enjoy all manner of winter meals here - including a main dish and drink for just £15 Monday to Thursday. Tuck into the likes of three-cheese macaroni, moules frites and sriracha-glazed chicken burgers, washed down with a classic cocktail or two.

A stylish boutique hotel that boasts its very own bar and restaurant, Angels Share is situated on Hope Street in the city centre. Whether you're taking a seat in the dimly lit bar or snuggling up on one of their cosy booths in the corner, you can sip whisky and cocktails under ornate chandeliers. And if you visit on the weekend, you'll find live music performances taking place.

It's not just the drinks menu that's impressive here, as they've got a wide variety of dishes to tuck into. Think confit duck leg with pancetta, herb-crusted cod and potato terrine or chilli jam-topped vegan burgers, followed by an indulgent millionaire brownie.

Escape the winter weather to the warm, floral interiors and traditional Italian cooking of Scarpetta on George Street. There's plenty of retro charm to go with your pasta, pizza, sizzling seafood or rich, indulgent tiramisu.

Warm your cockles a little longer with a glass of hearty Italian red or transport yourself to sunnier climes with a continental cocktail, from the Campari spritz to the Tony negroni.

Part of the Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street, Number One is a one of the best winter restaurants in Edinburgh city centre. Run by Chef Mathew Sherry and his award-winning team, this place is consistently popular among locals - having earned four AA Rosettes and a recommendation in the Michelin Guide over the years. 

There are plenty of comfy armchairs and booths to relax in while you dine, with a homely atmosphere created by the warm lighting and living room-style decor - featuring artwork from Royal Academy of Art in London.

Thanks to talented chefs and a restaurant manager that won Hotel Restaurant Manager of the year 2021, you can expect a top-notch meal here. They serve a seven-course tasting menu for £135 per person, with a three-course option from £99, including the likes of Shetland halibut with caviar to lobster bisque and pumpkin souffle.

Located in the Haymarket area, Rustom is a charming restaurant serving the very best of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Their chefs have got over 50 years of combined experience between them, using traditional techniques and halal ingredients to bring you authentic flavours.

Taking inspiration from their ancestors, the owners are passionate about bringing South Asian culture to Scotland, in a magnificent space that's modelled around the dining rooms of Mugal South Asian Palaces. The venue is decked out in elegant chandeliers and dark furnishings, with leather booth seating and comfy armchairs to relax on. 

The menu features everything from mango and lime chicken tikka to spiced lentil tadka dal or pineapple and garlic lamb curry - with mains starting from just £10.95 each. And though they have a fully licensed bar on site, you can also bring along your own booze.

If you're after the best cosy restaurants in Edinburgh city centre, be sure to head to Duck & Waffle on St James Square. It's best known for its fantastic brunch, featuring dishes like eggs Florentine, full Scottish breakfasts and, of course, their signature duck and waffles topped with fried eggs and mustard maple syrup.

It's not just morning meals that they offer though, as you'll also find juicy burgers, honey-glazed pork belly and two-course Sunday roasts for £30 - think juicy cuts of meat or a mushroom and cheddar Wellington with all the trimmings, followed by chocolate ganache. 

Ideal for date night or groups meals in style, the welcoming venue is decked out in leather sofas, pretty plants and neon signs - with low lighting to create an intimate atmosphere.

Situated on Comely Bank Road in Stockbridge, The Scran & Scallie is a homely gastropub and restaurant run by Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack. The space is filled with exposed brick walls and interior fabrics sourced from the Isle of Bute, while their furniture largely comes from Scandinavia.

Their delicious Scottish menu follows the 'from nature to plate' philosophy that chef Tom Kitchin uses in all his ventures. Get stuck into classics like fish pie or ham, egg and chips, alongside spelt and lentil burgers or cauliflower steaks. As for drinks, think refreshing draught beers and cocktails.

One of Balmoral Hotel's brilliant restaurants, Brasserie Prince is a romantic choice of winter restaurants, thanks to its pretty patterned walls lined with bookshelves, marble-topped tables and plush leather booths to cosy up in. This is part of the the Roux culinary dynasty, cooking up the finest French cooking using fresh Scottish produce.

Executive Chef Paul Hart runs the kitchen, preparing a sumptuous a la carte selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday roasts. They've got a crustacea bar serving caviar and Scottish oysters, alongside sizzling steaks, pumpkin gnocchi, wild mushroom ravioli and more.