Wondering where to eat outdoors in Edinburgh? Then you're in luck. So that you can sink your teeth into all the alfresco dining our city has to offer, we've put together this roundup of the best restaurants boasting open-air seating. From rooftop terraces serving up Thai delights to sprawling beer gardens dishing out wood-fired pizzas, these are the places you need to discover.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 5th December 2025
Nab a spot on DogHouse Edinburgh's raised outdoor terrace for alfresco dining with a view. What's on offer? A bucketload of burgers, wings and salads, with plenty of vegan options too. Pair that with one of the venue's cracking craft beers for the ultimate feast.
Browns Brasserie & Bar offers outdoor dining on George Street Edinburgh, featuring a number of pretty tables for sunshine nibbles. Nab yourself a seat and chomp on the restaurant's delicious European dishes while enjoying the sunshine.
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Over on George Street, Slug and Lettuce is home to a gorgeous space that's primed for alfresco munching. Think verdant astroturf, huge parasols, garden furniture and a pretty shrub or two. Here, you can indulge in bottomless brunches and tasty small plates.
Head on over to BrewDog's bars on Lothian Road or in Cowgate and you'll find lots of tables lining the streets, giving you one cool plot for a post-work pint. That's not all though, as the venue is also dishing up mouthwatering burgers, boozy brunches and a hearty choice of plant-based bites.
One of the best outdoor restaurants in Edinburgh city centre, Chaophraya features a sleek rooftop terrace with floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible castle views. Make your way over for tantalising Thai treats, including stir-fries, curries, salads and cracking cocktails.
Hector's is a great choice if you're looking for pubs with outdoor seating. It's always buzzing, thanks to its neighbourhood feel, and serves up a classic menu of gastro grub. Plates include fish and chips, as well as summery nourish bowls, which you can wash down with beaut cocktails.
When it comes to the best restaurants outside in Edinburgh, mosey down to Black Ivy. Decked out with cascading floral decor, plush throws and string lights, it's the perfect plot for a bottomless brunch or Sunday roast.
The Three Sisters offers some of the best outdoor dining in Edinburgh. While in the stunning surrounds of its charming beer garden, tuck into wood-fired pizzas, hefty burgers and loaded fries. Need a tipple to go with your meal? Choose from a fab selection of craft pints and cocktails.
Make your way over to Luckebooths which boasts stylish outdoor seating right on the high street. Boasting fabulous city views, parasols, heaters and candlelight, it's simply perfect for indulging in elevated Scottish fare.
If you're wondering where to eat outside in Edinburgh Old Town, head on over to The Devil's Advocate Bar & Kitchen. This cosy space not only boasts traditional yet stylish interiors, but also stunning menus championing seasonal and local produce.
Looking for Edinburgh restaurants with outdoor seating? Found just a stone's throw from Princes Street, Angels Share is a winning joint for alfresco eats. Pull up a chair and wolf down plates of Scottish cuisine, with only the finest seasonal produce used to make up the menu.
Boasting a stylish terrace, Loudons Fountainbridge is one of the best places for a delicious brunch. Enjoy everything from Scottish smoked salmon and Korean beef brisket to French toast and much more, alongside a cocktail or two.
One of the city's most eye-catching bars, The Botanist can be found in St James Quarter. The interiors boast rustic wooden decor and warm lighting, while their sunny beer garden is located at the front, filled with luscious greenery and outdoor furniture.
Their cocktail menu is full of quirky, gin-based blends, as well as plenty of classics. Pair your drink with tasty plates like sirloin steak kebabs, pan-fried sea bass or crispy chicken burgers. There's entertainment on the cards too, from live music to bingo nights.
Promising unbeatable views of the entire city, Braid Hills Hotel is a charming building that boasts multiple bars, restaurants and private hire spaces on-site. But what really sets it apart is the gorgeous outdoor terrace, where you can look out over Edinburgh as you dine.
Their menu is made up of locally sourced ingredients, ranging from steamed Shetland mussels to pumpkin ravioli or mushroom and spinach Wellington. Plus, they serve one of the most delicious Sunday roasts in the area.
While Contini George Street impresses indoors with its magnificent Florentine-inspired dining room, it also offers fantastic options for outdoor dining, perfect for enjoying Edinburgh's city vibes during warmer months. Their outdoor seating area invites diners to savour authentic Italian flavours in a lively yet relaxed setting.
The menu features fresh pasta, vibrant salads like watermelon with goat cheese, and seafood dishes that pair beautifully with their carefully curated wine list.
For Parisian vibes right here in Edinburgh, try Le Monde on for size. This snazzy cocktail bar and restaurant showcases a cool outdoor terrace that's ideal for sunny lunches and alfresco dinners. Pop by for delights such as fried pumpkin gnocchi and chicken katsu.
Boasting a spacious outdoor terrace and views of the stunning gardens surrounding it, The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant can be found within The Scottish National Gallery. Take a seat under one of their large umbrellas, or soak up the sun instead.
They specialise in sustainable, locally sourced produce, served across breakfast, lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea. Think Cullen skink, fish and chips or a range of hearty salads.
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On those rare sunny Edinburgh days, Pizza Pilgrims is the perfect place to enjoy a meal outdoors. Located on Rose Street, this lively pizzeria offers a cosy outdoor seating area where you can tuck into freshly made Neapolitan pizzas while watching the world go by.
Whether you are indulging in a smoky aubergine parmigiana or sharing a margherita with friends, the combination of great food, fresh air, and a relaxed atmosphere makes for a fantastic alfresco dining experience.
If you're wondering where to eat outside in Edinburgh, 56 North is not to be missed. It boasts sunny streetside tables, as well as an eye-catching secret garden in the back, which is decked out with blooming foliage and lovely parasols. As for food? Chow down on the likes of fillet steak sandwiches and Thai red curries.
With its enviable sky-high terrace that overlooks the castle, Cold Town House is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Edinburgh. Make your way through its menu of droolworthy pizzas and refreshing craft beers while admiring the awe-inspiring views.
Looking for the best places to eat outside in Edinburgh? The Pear Tree's sprawling beer garden is one of the best around. A popular haunt for students and locals alike, the pub serves up a delicious array of burgers, sandwiches and Scottish classics, as well as cask ale and whisky aplenty.
If it's a beautiful day and you don't want to miss out on the sunshine, pop over to The Last Drop, one of the best restaurants with outdoor seating in Edinburgh. Sporting several streetside tables, this old-school boozer lets you scoff down pub classics while topping up your tan at the same time.
