Popping into the New Town for a fancy brunch? Or is the day's shopping finally complete and you need some top-tier scran? It looks like these St James Quarter restaurants in Edinburgh will have the answer. This part of our capital offers classy steaks, juicy burgers and flavours from around the world with a local twist; here's the cream of the crop.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 5th December 2025
DogHouse Edinburgh serves up wings and loads of quirky bites. If you fancy some nostalgia, select the Hoppy Meal where a beer, burger and side are just £15.25. Want some sunshine while you dine? Pop upstairs for gorgeous views from the St James Quarter rooftop bar.
A charming restaurant bar that's perfect for date night, The Botanist has got everything you could ask for under one roof. The welcoming space is filled with rustic furniture, with a natural look that's added to by pretty greenery and warm lighting.
There's even a beer garden for the warmer months, and they host regular events like live music and bingo. On the menu? Everything from piri piri chicken kebabs to sirloin steak and pan-fried sea bass.
You can find The Alchemist St James Quarter across from Edinburgh Castle as the venue boasts a stylish space to feast on a mix of cuisines. Fill your boots with everything from bao buns and smoky BBQ boards to French dip steak sandwiches.
At Slug and Lettuce in the Omni Centre, you'll be greeted by vibrantly coloured decor and an ideal place for brunch. Its menu is also full of stacked platters with tacos, halloumi fries and croquettes all available in this lively part of town.
Boasting pink decor and pretty flowers, Laila New Town is hands down one of our favourite venues on this list. Just a five-minute walk from St James Quarter, the restaurant offers beaut bottomless brunches and amazing dinner dishes.
Le Monde is one of our favourite St James restaurants due to its blend of Art Deco interiors and continental flavours. Not only is boozy afternoon tea available for £25, but where else can you order tomato ragu followed by katsu curry?
Gaucho Edinburgh has dark interiors with ambient lighting, which sets the perfect scene for a classy evening of Argentinian steak. Come for tender cuts of sirloin and red wine, but don't forget about the creamy truffle mac and cheese.
Next door to St James Quarter are the many restaurants St Andrews Square Edinburgh has to offer. Make a beeline for Dishoom and check out the menu's plethora of iconic dishes, including house black daal and chef's special salli boti.
If you're searching for St James Quarter food options with a touch of decadence, get over to Apex Waterloo. Tuck into three courses of classic dishes like haggis, sea bream and crème brulee, then bask in the elegant interiors that adorn this boutique hotel.
Head over to Duck & Waffle for a brekkie, lunch or dinner you won't forget. The flamboyant menu kicks off with deep-fried Mars Bars and caramelised bananas on waffles, then progresses to serves of beef tartare, bone marrow and lamb belly.
