With Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament building nearby, the Old Town is adorned with history. We have plenty of dining gems here too, with everything from fancy breakfasts and seafood, to bargain bites on offer. Read on to enjoy our crown jewels of the best restaurants in Edinburgh Old Town.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 1st August 2025
When it comes down to Old Town restaurants, Laila Cockburn Street is a top choice. Dig into a range of mouthwatering brunch plates, from the likes of Oreo French toast covered in a sweet mascarpone to shakshouka boasting lemon greek yogurt.
For cheap places to eat in Edinburgh, The Mitre is a belter. Balmoral chicken and lentil cottage pie are picks of this pub's mains menu. But for fans of scampi and squid, bring some pals and share a mouthwatering fish platter.
If you want sourdough pizzas with a plethora of craft beer to choose from, BrewDog Edinburgh Cowgate is the one. We recommend finishing on the signature ice lolly for dessert, but there are no prizes for guessing its special ingredient.
Nestled in a historic building just steps from Edinburgh Castle, Cannonball Restaurant & Bar is a gem of the Old Town dining scene. With menus that change monthly to reflect the seasons, Cannonball serves up fresh, locally sourced Scottish fare in a sophisticated setting that pays homage to both tradition and innovation.
Tuck into small plates at the bar during the day or opt for a more refined tasting menu in the evening, all while enjoying exceptional views of the Royal Mile.
Located on the iconic Royal Mile, PIGGS is an intimate wine and tapas bar. Run by two brothers with a passion for Spanish culture, this independent eatery promises a welcoming atmosphere and sultry, dark interiors.
They offer one of the largest selections of wine around, available both by the glass and by the bottle. Pair these delicious tipples with a range of small plates, from pan con tomate to Manchego truffle fries or charred octopus with smoked paprika.
Located in the Old Town, The Devil's Advocate Bar & Kitchen is slinging out scrumptious British cuisine. Munch on everything from roasted cauliflower and mouthwatering pork belly to juicy steaks and smoked fish platters. To top it off, nab a glass or two of whisky.
Head to Luckenbooths for classy minimal interiors, stunning views of the capital and an intriguing mix of flavours. If you're in the mood for a fancy morning treat here, indulge in some banoffee pancakes or pumpkin-spiced French toast.
Divino Enoteca is one of many Italian restaurants Edinburgh Old Town can shout about. However, few can match this beaut venue's authentic pasta menu, which includes ragu pappardelle, seafood linguine and pesto risotto.
Come to The Last Drop for a solid menu of pub classics and local specials. This quirky venue's burgers are juicy too, with 'The Ultimate' boasting a double patty of beef and chicken with smoked house salsa. Haggis can be added inside for an extra £2, naturally.
For the best Italian Edinburgh Old Town has to offer, Civerinos is right up there. If you don't fancy one of its charcuterie boards or iconic pizza slices, make your way through zucchini, meatballs and the rest of the enticing small plates.
Ting Thai Caravan is a popular venue boasting a huge mix of soups and classics dishes. There's a no reservation policy here, so you better be on the ball to tuck into its beloved lemongrass chicken, confit duck or beef panang curries.
