Food and drink in the New Town

Introduce your taste buds to something new. With pub grub, fine dining and international cuisine available, there’s something for all moods.

The New Town has some of the best food and drink offerings there is, reflecting the diversity of modern British cuisine. You can take a trip around the world from India to Spain, Italy to America, on to Asia and South America. Each street in the city centre has options to make your mouth water, so if it’s a quick bite to eat you’re after, or a long lingering dinner, you’ll find something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Breakfast and brunch

How do you like your eggs in the morning? At Victor Hugo Deli you can choose from a range of savoury breakfast rolls to get a quick and satisfying breakfast. Why not try their self-named, Eggs Victor Hugo Roll, which is a combination of poached eggs, smoked salmon, cream cheese, rocket and lemon hollandaise all in a soft breakfast brioche roll. If you’re not in a rush, the outside seating at their city centre location has breath-taking views of the castle.

For those seeking a truly indulgent experience, eteaket Tea Room offers brunch, lunch and an afternoon tea service.  The star of the show is their extensive collection of hand-picked, ethically sourced teas. Or pop along to The Coffee Cabinet for mouth-watering brunch options, irresistible cakes and unique sandwiches.

Catch up with friends over a coffee or pop in for something more filling and enjoy an assortment of food made from fresh, local ingredients at Leo’s Beanery. Established in 2009, Leo’s is a family-run café with a cosy interior and outdoor seating, that has long served locals and visitors alike.

Coffee Saints Café is a vibrant, community-driven café with locations in Grassmarket and St James Quarter. Their menu offers everything from breakfast, brunch and lunch, with a fantastic offering of cakes, traybakes and pastries. Also located in St James Quarter is Bubbleology, offering a wide range of delicious bubble tea.

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Casual eats

If you want an affordable global eating experience, look no further than Edinburgh Street Food Market on Leith Street. This bustling foodie’s paradise is packed with a multitude of cuisine from around the world, all served by some of the best independent traders in Scotland. With vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free options, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

For a healthy and nutritious lunch, Island Poké serve poké bowls and bao. Their best-selling house bowls include Yuzu Lomi Lomi Salmon, and the Chicken Teriyaki with double miso chicken.

Tucked away just off Princes Street in amongst the boutiques of Rose Street you’ll find Element, a modern Scottish bar. Their food menu is of traditional Scottish heart influenced by the travels and tastes of their team, making for a modern and elevated level inspired by international cuisine.

With a wide selection of pasta, pizza and sides, Assaggini offers diners a new experience in Italian dining. Specialising in small plates it offers diners the chance to savour a greater variety of dishes and enjoy more of the menu than in a traditional restaurant. For Asian-inspired nutritious food, itsu promises affordable bites made with quality ingredients.

Venture to the St James Quarter and visit Bonnie & Wild’s Food Hall, a celebration of Scottish food and drink with more than a dozen independent food stalls and bars, plus a café, bottle shop, demo kitchen, private dining and events space, all under the one roof.

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Restaurants

For those looking for a more casual dining experience, The Bon Vivant is a popular choice. This bistro-style restaurant and bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of classic French and Scottish dishes, as well as an extensive wine list and creative cocktails.

Another standout restaurant in the New Town is The Dome. Originally built as a bank in 1847, the building was later converted into a bar and restaurant in the 1990s and has since become one of the city’s most iconic venues. The Dome offers a range of dining options, from the informal Garden Café to the elegant Grill Room.

Contini on George Street is a charming Italian eatery. This restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for any occasion, from lunch with friends to a romantic dinner for two. The menu boasts a range of traditional Italian meals, the expertly crafted pasta dishes are a particular highlight. Additionally, the restaurant also has a carefully curated wine list, filled with some exciting choices, which will perfectly complement your meal.

Newcomer to New town is Duck and Waffle. This popular restaurant at St James Quarter, that serves up delicious dishes such as their namesake duck and waffle, as well as other creative and flavourful dishes – who could resist dinner here.

Baba is a contemporary Indian Mezza restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. The menu features a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian curries, all served up in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere. Mowgli Street Food is all about how Indians eat at home and on their streets. The restaurant features tasty Indian street food in tiffin boxes like sticky chicken, butter chicken and more. Or head to Tattu Edinburgh for an unforgettable modern Chinese dining experience, combining exquisite cuisine, captivating ambience, and impeccable service.

Head to Princes Street to Bar and Block, where you can enjoy the free-flowing cocktails and specially selected steaks, cut and cooked just how you like them.

Housed in a stunning 1815 Georgian building with high ceilings and plenty of light, Howies Waterloo Place sits at the foot of Calton Hill. They offer informal dining with daily specials, seasonal menus and a tempting selection of wine, whisky, cocktails and alcohol-free options.

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Pubs and bars

The perfect pair, a stunning view and delicious drink in hand – Cask Smugglers has you covered. Their comprehensive drinks menu is filled to the brim with everything you could want, from draught beer to fabulous cocktails and everything in between.

On George Street you’ll find one of the best cocktail bars in the city, Copper Blossom. This stunning bar has a garden-inspired aesthetic, which is fit for any Instagram feed. However, they are not all beauty over substance, with an extensive cocktail list which not only looks good but tastes even better. They have everything from the classic Pornstar Martini to fun new concoctions like their Copper’s Tea Party Cocktail – which gives earl grey a boozy twist.

Fierce Beer Edinburgh is a taproom for Scotland’s most awarded brewery. With 20 taps of rotational craft beer, house crafted cocktails, extensive selection of independent spirits and rare whisky.

Looking for a stylish bar? The Voodoo Rooms are known for their eclectic décor, lively atmosphere and live entertainment, along with their award-winning cocktails. W Lounge is another great option, with cocktails inspired by the mythical creatures of Scotland’s folklore.

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Cosy drinks

If a cosy pub is more your style, tucked away below the cobbles of Frederick Street you’ll find The Queens Arms. Steeped in heritage, this charming pub is the perfect place to watch the sports of the day with an after-work pint or chat with a well-earned drink after a long day of sign seeing.  Welcoming to both locals and visitors alike, choose your tipple from a selection of malt whiskies, wines, beers and draught lagers and an array of house cocktails and kick back and relax.

 Another great option is Panda & Sons. This speakeasy-style bar is one of the coolest spots in the West End. The entrance is disguised as a vintage barber shop, and once inside, you’ll be transported to a world of prohibition-era cocktails and cool vibes.

Situated in the heart of Canonmills, One Canon showcases locally brewed beer and distilled spirits, alongside Dough Dudes pizza and Machina Coffee, all served by a friendly and welcoming staff.

Located on Level 3 of the vibrant St James Quarter, prepare to supercharge your socialising experiences at Flight Club Edinburgh. Whether you’re going for an unforgettable Social Darts experience, toasting the weekend at their epic Brunch Social, or sipping a show-stopping cocktail (or two), Flight Club Edinburgh is a great destination.

Find out more about the food and drink that the New Town has to offer at edinburghcitycentre.co.uk.

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