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.

However, if you prefer something sweet to kick off the day, the mouth-watering pancakes at Bakery Andante are for you. Their fluffy pancakes come with a choice of bacon and maple syrup or caramelised pineapples with rum and raisins – who could resist.

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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.

Butta Burger is another amazing lunch time destination. With a wide selection of flavoursome burgers from the classic bacon to the spicy vegan chilli. These scrumptious burgers, along with the yummy sides on offer, are too good to pass up on.

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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.

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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. To make it even better, their iconic secret domes give you the unique advantage of enjoying the views no matter what the unpredictable Scottish weather has instore.

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.

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.

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

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