Best Edinburgh New Town Restaurants

Colourful Antigua Street location Laila is the go-to destination for all your brunch and lunch needs, staying open until 9pm Thursday to Sunday as well for evening meals. Step through their baby pink door to discover neon signs and quirky touches like a bath filled with multi-coloured balls, with a fun all-day menu to match.

Expect rose buttermilk pancakes topped with candy floss, beetroot-infused pink avocado on toast, chargrilled cheeseburgers and so much more. Wash it down with one of their signature cocktails for less than a tenner, or treat yourself to a funfetti hot chocolate.

Situated in the heart of New Town, Contini George Street offers a striking dining experience in a grand former banking hall, blending Italian elegance with Scottish hospitality. Its vibrant seasonal menu is crafted daily, showcasing the finest ingredients from Italy and Scotland, making it a standout restaurant in this historic district.

With spacious dining areas and a private room for up to 16 guests, Contini caters to everything from casual lunches to large private events. The mix of classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist ensures a delicious meal every time you visit.

A neighbourhood bar and restaurant in the heart of the New Town, Dublin Street Social welcomes locals and visitors alike as part of the family. Expect natural wood, pretty foliage and twinkling fairy lights throughout, as well as a small outdoor dining area.

They're all about small plates, great wine and cocktails, though there's a cracking selection of draught beer on offer too. Hungry? They serve everything from salmon and eggs in the morning to dinners of handmade potato gnocchi and spiced buttermilk chicken.

For an Edinburgh New Town restaurant that's full of character and style, head to The Botanist in St James Quarter. Both the drinks and the decor are botanical-themed here, so you can sip on all sorts of floral gin cocktails while surrounded by leafy plants.

There's an extensive menu to get stuck into, whether you're visiting for brunch, lunch or dinner. Nab any three small plates for £22.50, or tuck into hearty plates of chicken katsu curry or fish and chips. They're most famous for their hanging kebabs though, which are filled with anything from salt and pepper pork belly to crispy halloumi.

This chic, boutique hotel boasts a pretty stylish dining space, flaunting elegant chandeliers, decadent, dark leather seating and exposed brick walls that feature floor-to-ceiling windows. There are several cosy corners to relax in here, as well as a stylish bar serving up a great selection of whiskies and cocktails.

They specialise in contemporary Scottish cuisine, putting modern twists on some of the favourites. Enjoy haggis with crushed brown butter neeps, herb-crusted cod with potato terrine or harissa-spiced lentils and beetroot, before finishing up with a millionaire brownie.

Situated on Hanover Street, Mowgli is a truly gorgeous Indian restaurant that's decked out in fairy lights, indoor trees and opulent high ceilings - created by celebrity chef Nisha Katona. You'll find it inside a Grade I-listed building, and it's even dog-friendly, so the whole family can come along.

Their menu is inspired by Indian street food, ranging from lamb chops with fenugreek fries to tea-steeped chickpeas and spiced paneer - with something to suit all dietary requirements. And if you just can't decide, try one of their tiffin boxes for four tiers of meat and vegetables chosen by the chef.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, Pizza Pilgrims brings an authentic taste of Naples to Rose Street. With slow-proved dough, high-quality toppings, and a dedication to proper Neapolitan techniques, every pizza on the menu is a flavour-packed experience.

The mushroom and truffle is rich and earthy, while the margherita showcases simple perfection. The flexible upstairs space adds an extra layer of charm, offering everything from live music to interactive pizza-making sessions. Whether you are stopping by for a casual bite or planning a larger gathering, this New Town gem is a must-visit.

Stunning doesn't even cover it when it comes to describing Chaophraya, a fourth-floor restaurant on Castle Street that looks out over the city from its spacious rooftop terrace - promising views of Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth.

Owner Kim and her team of talented chefs whip up home-style Thai dishes here all day long, featuring classic bites like pad Thai or green curry alongside stir-fries, salads, soups and more. This venue group has been around since 2004, by Kim and her husband, inspired by her upbringing in Thailand.

The renowned steak restaurant takes pride of place in St Andrew's Square, boasting luxury leather seating, floor-to-ceiling windows and a marble-topped bar. These are signature aspects of the group, which was founded in 1993 and has won 'sustainable restaurant of the year' since then.

All their Argentinian steaks are sourced sustainably, and there's an extensive collection of wines and cocktails to pair your meal with. Dishes include sea bass ceviche, barbecue miso aubergine or chateaubriand sharing cuts, to name a few. There are lots of delicious sides to go with your meat too, such as truffle mac and cheese or confit mushrooms.

After lunch in Edinburgh New Town? Inspired by traditional Iranian cafes in Bombay, Dishoom is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the whole country. The interiors are old-fashioned and classy, featuring dark wooden furniture and retro signs from old train stations.

Enjoy Bombay breakfasts of masala beans and streaky bacon, or swing by a little later for the likes of gunpowder potatoes, tandoori lamb chops and jackfruit biryani. Dishoom has been serving tasty fare up and down the country since 2005, founded by two cousins, having developed a cult following over the years.

If you're after Edinburgh New Town restaurants open for lunch and dinner, check out Wahaca on South Andrew Street. This popular Mexican restaurant was founded by former MasterChef champion Thomasina Miers, with a strong commitment to sustainability as part of their ethos. They've been carbon neutral since 2016, supporting organic farmers and using only free-range meat.

The first of their restaurants to open in Scotland, this venue is filled with pretty plants and colourful furniture. As for the menu, you can expect stunning small plates like sweet potato and feta taquitos or chorizo quesadillas, as well as larger plates such as slow-cooked beef burritos and ancho mushroom enchiladas.

A stunning Brazilian steakhouse on George Street, Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill is bringing you fine dining in chic, modern surrounds. The open-plan space features a burnt orange colour scheme and dark wooden furnishings, ideal for a sophisticated date night.

They specialise in churrasco dining, inspired by South American and Iberican cuisines, with a mouthwatering menu that ranges from dry-aged tomahawk to truffle risotto and yellowfin tuna steaks.