Food and drink in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket

Casual and formal, Scottish and international, sweet and healthy – there are more restaurants, cafés and bars in the Grassmarket than you can shake a stick at! Here are some of our top recommendations….

Casual eats and coffee shops

Catch up over a coffee or a slice of something nice.

Whether you’re looking for a filling breakfast or lunch, La Barantine brings the exquisite flavours of artisan French baking to Edinburgh – stop by for a fluffy croissant or delicious sandwich. If it’s a slice of American style pizza that you crave, Mamma’s American Pizza has over 40 toppings to choose from as well as steak on the stone and pasta.

The Grassmarket Cafe, found at the Grassmarket Community Project, is a great place to grab a coffee or a light lunch. The food is good value for money and tasty, and as a bonus, it all supports the community’s charitable work. You can also pay it forward and give someone in need a breakfast or lunch. Or pop into Lovecrumbs on West Port where not only will you discover a mouth-watering range of cakes and speciality coffee, but also a lovely range of stationary created by talented artists. 

Open for both sit-in and takeaway, Hula Juice Bar, as the name suggests, serves a gorgeous selection of fresh fruit and super juices and smoothies. You can also pick up a tasty and healthy range of soups, wraps and lunch bowls.

Restaurants

Experience worldwide flavours.

Those searching for traditional Scottish dishes using the best seasonal local produce will not be disappointed. Howies Victoria has an excellent menu boasting the best of traditional Scottish cuisine, while it’s sister restaurant, Scotts Kitchen on Victoria Terrace has an outdoor terrace to enjoy views of the bustling streets below. Beautiful food, all of which is made in-house using the very best of Scottish produce, awaits you at the Grain Store, housed in an atmospheric vaulted and alcoved former storeroom. With a casual and informal setting, the Mussel & Steak Bar on West Bow is the place to head for tempting surf and turf dishes.

Not only does Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips have a vast dining space, but their wide menu covers all tastes and requirements, including gluten-free and vegan choices. If you’re looking for somewhere a little off the beaten track, give Under the Stairs a try. Describing themselves as cosy, casual, shabby chic, the welcoming atmosphere is the perfect place to tuck into delicious plates of seasonally inspired food.

If Italian dishes are your go to, o’Oliviero is a traditional Italian ristorante and pizzeria with classically sophisticated interiors and an intimate atmosphere. Or head to Divino Enoteca for elegant fine dining and an extensive wine list. For casual, but tasty and authentic Mexican food, Mariachi on Victoria Street serves all the Tex-Mex favourites, as well as some exciting cocktail creations.

For something truly unique, eclectic bistro, Maison Bleue offers French, North African and traditional Scottish dishes using fresh local ingredients. Its al-fresco area is a lovely place to dine on a summer’s day. Don’t miss the classic French delights of Petit Paris – this friendly bistro offers some great set menu deals, daily specials and a delicious à la carte menu.

Pubs and bars

Traditional pubs with great beer selections, live music and iconic city views.

A wander through the Grassmarket’s streets reveals several bars that are steeped in history – The White Hart is thought to be one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh. It was visited by the poet Robert Burns in 1791, as well as the location that murderers William Burke and William Hare are thought to have used as a hunting ground for some of their unsuspecting victims in the 1820s. The Last Drop and Maggie Dickson’s are a nod to when the Grassmarket was a place of execution.

If you’re looking for a bar with an authentic Irish atmosphere, don’t miss stopping by Biddy Mulligans or Finnegan’s Wake, where they serve up pints of the black stuff as well as live music and crowd-pleasing meals. Traditional Scottish pub, The Fiddler’s Arms hosts live music every weekend, while if whisky is your tipple of choice, The Bow Bar stocks over 390 varieties.

If classy cocktails are more your thing, Dragonfly Cocktail Bar is a stylish spot with a range of specials and old favourites.

Offering unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle, the rooftop terrace of Cold Town House is the perfect place to enjoy one of their locally crafted beers or a glass of prosecco, while on a warm summer’s day the beer garden at Kick Ass Bar is a hotspot for sun seekers.