Want to eat like a local? Treat yourself to the very best of local food and drink at our favourite Scottish bars and restaurants.
Scottish food and drink favourites
Scott’s on Princes Street
53 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2DG
A trendy open-plan bar and restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh, Scott’s on Princes Street is the place to go for a light lunch, relaxed cream tea or traditional evening meal. You can’t beat the stunning views, looking towards Edinburgh Castle, The Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens.
The menu is packed with Scottish classics with modern twists as well as tempting all round favourites. If you haven’t worked up a big appetite, call in for an afternoon tea or enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail, paired with bar nibbles.
Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar
354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE
Delicious and creative dishes have been the hallmark of Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar for over 20 years.
Visitors will not only enjoy the best Scottish cuisine but, if desired, can sample the finest whisky from the restaurant’s unique and unrivalled whisky bar, which boasts rare and sought after single malts and blends.
The seasonally inspired lunch and dinner menus celebrates the best of Scotland’s natural larder (vegetarian and gluten-free options available). If it’s a special occasion, why not opt for their Taste of Scotland menu – available throughout the day and evening, it comprises a trio starter, a trio main and a dessert accompanied by a dram of Scotch whisky.
The Whiski Rooms
4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP
With a bar, bistro, restaurant and shop, The Whiski Rooms neatly captures a superb food and drink experience under one convenient roof.
Their food menu seamlessly blends classic and modern dishes using only the finest, freshest, locally sourced produce, while the drinks menu offers in excess of 300 malts and blended whiskies, not to mention cocktails, Scottish craft beers and an excellent wine list. They also offer whisky tasting with cheese or chocolate if you want to put your tastebuds to the test.
If you fancy trying Scotland’s national drink, you won’t be stuck for choice in Edinburgh, with a number of renowned bars offering a dram or two. Discover more in our guide to The Top 10 Whisky Bars in Edinburgh
The Scran and Scallie
1 Comely Bank Road, Edinburgh, EH4 1DR
The Scran and Scallie is a warm and welcoming gastropub in the popular neighbourhood of Stockbridge serving up delicious Scottish food – or scran – made from high-quality seasonal local produce.
The cosy interior mixes the old features of the building with Scottish tartan and tweed and a touch of Scandinavian influence. On the menu, expect modern dishes such as pan fried cod with pancetta and Highland Wagyu beef burger alongside classics such as fish and chips and steak pie.
Kyloe Restaurant & Grill
1 – 3 Rutland Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AE
Described as Edinburgh’s gourmet steak restaurant, Kyloe Restaurant & Grill focus on using the best cuts of Scottish beer, served with flair and creativity.
All their beef is certified Scotch, sourced from specially selected farms and dry aged for a minimum of 28 days on the bone. Take your pick from fillet, ribeye, sirloin or rump, served with one of their mouth-watering sauces and signature sides.
Their Steak Dinner for Two makes an ideal date-night, or gather the family together for their crowd-pleasing Sunday Roast.
Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom
81-83 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AW
Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom offers a great relaxed dining experience for both beer and food enthusiasts.
The beers on offer are varied and rotational – from fresh Innis & Gunn beer direct from the brewery, to craft beers from Scotland and the rest of the world. And if beer isn’t your thing, there is also a well-crafted range of cocktails, wines and spirits to suit all palates.
All of their fresh and seasonal dishes are carefully paired with complimenting beers for a dining experience full of flavour and quality. Whether you are already familiar with Innis & Gunn (one of the UK’s most successful international craft beer businesses), or you are just discovering them, they have something for everyone.
Howies
29 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ
10-14 Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2HG
4-6 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL
Serving up traditional Scottish fare since 1990, the Howies chain includes their flagship restaurant on Waterloo Place and a café and restaurant in the Grassmarket.
The Victoria Street and Waterloo Place restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, while Scotts Kitchen is open daily from 9am and all-day dining. Their breakfast menu is legendary – whether you opt for the gourmand bap with your choice of filling or The Scotts Big Breakfast, you’ll be full until lunchtime.
Using only the very best ethically sourced produce from local suppliers, all three venues serve a changing menu that celebrates the seasons, featuring meat, shellfish, vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Angels with Bagpipes
343 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1PW
The delightfully named, Angels with Bagpipes offers contemporary Scottish cuisine in a 17th-century setting.
Housed on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the restaurant comprises 4 dining areas, from secluded rooms that are perfect for an intimate private dining experience, to 6-person booths in the heart of the restaurant.
The seasonal menu features tasty bites such as haggis bon bons, fish and chips, lamb loin and 12-hour braised beef.
Looking for more tasty inspiration?
Check out our guide to Food & Drink in Edinburgh