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
Howies
Howies – 29 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ
Howies – 10-14 Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2HG
Scotts Kitchen – 4-6 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL
Serving up traditional Scottish fare since 1990, the Howies, an independent restaurant group, includes their flagship restaurant on Waterloo place and a cafe and restaurant on Victoria Street.
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 Highlander breakfast bap 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.
Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar
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.
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 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
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.
Angels with Bagpipes
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.
The Haggis Box
Based in the Scottish Storytelling centre on the Royal Mile, Haggis Box offers traditional, vegetarian & vegan haggis (all made with gluten free oats), neeps & tatties with a choice of delicious sauces.
If haggis is not to your taste, homemade soup and light lunches are also on offer along with cake and coffee. For those starting their day at Haggis Box, breakfast rolls and porridge are also served.
Haggis Box is licensed with a selection of Tempest beers and Thistly Cross ciders.
The Auld Hundred
The Auld Hundred – 100 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2NN
The Auld Hundred, in the New Town neighbourhood, is one of the earliest of Rose Street’s many and varied pubs. It began as a mission hall before becoming a pub in the 1800s, with its history etched into every corner..
With proudly Scottish inspired menu and a superb range of hearty pub classics, Auld Hundred offers the perfect place to enjoy good food and fine drink in comfort and relaxation.
Makars Mash Bar
Makar’s Mash Bar – 9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN
At Makers Mash Bar, guests can enjoy traditional Scottish flavours, comforting pub classics, and an excellent selection of whisky, beer and handcrafted drinks.
Try scotch eggs, slow cooked lamb, beef and custom made haggis with nine types of mash to choose from. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free diners are fully catered for. Makers Mash Bar even have a Mushroom Emporium in the basement which guests are welcome to visit.
The Edinburgh Larder
The Edinburgh Larder – 15 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NB
The Edinbugh Larder on Blackfriars Street, just of the Royal Mile, is dedicated to showcasing the very best of Scottish produce in a warm and welcoming setting.
The café serves seasonal breakfasts, brunches and lunches using locally sourced ingredients, artisan coffee, and traditional Scottish flavours.
Looking for more tasty inspiration?
Check out our guide to food and drink in Edinburgh