Food and drink on the Royal Mile

The Old Town is so much more than haggis, neeps and tatties (although you will find plenty of that here, if you’re into that kind of thing). From cutting-edge fine dining to cosy traditional pubs and restaurants, the culinary scene in Edinburgh’s Old Town is one of the widest and varied in the city.

You’ll find some of the very best of what Edinburgh has to offer when it comes to food and drink in the Old Town, no matter your budget. 

Breakfast and brunch

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and there’s lots of top breakfast and brunch spots to try on The Royal Mile.

Enjoy delicious, seasonal and local food at The Edinburgh Larder – one of Edinburgh’s hidden food gems.This artisan cafe prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to create a range of mouth-watering dishes. From classic Eggs Benedict to their signature Full Scottish Breakfast, there’s something for every palate. Don’t forget to grab a cup of their exceptional coffee!

Milkman Café is another amazing brunch spot, this hip coffee bar is a great people watching location. Their brunch menu offers delicious breakfast burritos, freshly made waffles, and a selection of avocado toasts that will leave your mouth watering. Of course, no brunch would be complete without a great coffee selection, and Milkman Café does not disappoint. They offer a wide range of high-quality coffee blends, each with its own unique flavour. The cafe’s atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, making it the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday morning.

If you need a hot brew to kickstart your day, Southern Cross Cafe will sort you out with its range of serious espresso drinks, homemade cakes and light meals made with local produce. Or stop by Procaffeination, a charming little cafe with ‘great cake’, delicious lattes, and fresh fruit juices and smoothies.

Laila Cafe is a cosy little cafe tucked away on Cockburn Street. The menu features a delicious range of unique brunch options, including pink avocado toast, lemon méringue waffles, Oreo french toast and rose buttermilk pancakes topped with candy floss, chantilly cream, rose syrup and fresh berries. Laila Cafe is famous for their instagrammable pink aesthetic making it the best place for a morning selfie. 

For a delicious sweet treat, Mimi’s Bakehouse has you covered. They serve a vast range of speciality drinks, cakes and scones alongside an all-day brunch menu. If you’re looking for something more savoury, Copper Still offer delicious, fresh, Scottish food daily from breakfast through to dinner. Whether it’s a big breakfast to set you up for a day of exploring, or, a quiet spot to recharge your batteries over dinner, the Copper Still is the ideal place to relax in the heart of historic Edinburgh.

Discover the perfect blend of local and international cuisine at Calton View Cafe. The serve their unique coffee roast accompanied by a well curated breakfast and lunch menu which is a favourite among guests. With a breathtaking view of Calton Hill, every visit promises a delightful and memorable experience!

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Casual eats

You won’t have trouble finding a range of lunch and evening meal options, with restaurants ranging from the popular and familiar chains like Pizza Express and Filling Station to one-of-a-kind and independent restaurants, pubs and bars serving delicious food to suit all tastes.

Makars Mash Bar is a casual eatery located on the Royal Mile, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a leisurely meal with friends. The menu is centred around their signature dish, mash potatoes, served with a variety of different toppings, from traditional haggis to vegetarian options. The restaurant also offers a range of Scottish favourites, like Cullen Skink soup and Scotch pies. For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant has a range of desserts on offer, including traditional Scottish Cranachan, a creamy dessert made with raspberries, oats, and whisky.

For a truly authentic Scottish experience, head to The Haggis Box, where you can savour freshly made haggis accompanied by traditional neeps and tatties, alongside a variety of sauces. They also cater to dietary preferences with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available.

Luckenbooths is an all day dining location on the Royal Mile. Whether it’s a mouth-watering breakfast and brunch you’re after or a delicious dinner, Luckenbooths do it all. Enjoy the very best in Scottish produce and service in this family friendly restaurant and lounge or relax on the sun trap terrace overlooking the most famous landmarks in the city.

Whether you are looking for brunches, dinner or cocktails, Hot Toddy welcomes you to relax and savour a mix of warm, locally sourced and fresh ingredients that celebrate the best of Scottish food and drink in a charming, tranquil garden restaurant. Their menu offers seasonal Scottish flavours with a range of options, including meat, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. Or relax in their cosy whisky lounge where you can journey into the history of Scottish whisky in an evening of whisky tasting and storytelling with local experts.

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Restaurants

Enjoy the very best of Scottish seasonal Artisan produce in Cannonball Restaurant &  Bar, which is a historic 17th century three storey building offering fabulous views of Edinburgh Castle. 

If you’re in the mood for a flavour explosion, look no further than Noks Kitchen. This popular Thai restaurant has a branch in Stockbridge and a location on the Royal Mile. The food here is simply stunning, with dishes that are bursting with flavour and made with fresh ingredients. Their menu offers a variety of dishes to choose from, including traditional curries, noodle dishes, and soups. You can also order their delicious Thai street food, which includes Thai fish cakes, crispy spring rolls, and satay skewers. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or sweet, Noks Kitchen has got you covered.

Home to Scottish Tapas and Taste of Scotland dining, Amber Restaurant creates delicious dishes served with an innovative flair. Choose from over 450 drams in Amber’s whisky bar, from well-known favourites to hidden gems ready to discover.

For those looking for vegetarian options, David Bann is the perfect spot. This restaurant is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Scotland and serves up delicious and inventive vegetarian and vegan dishes. With dishes such as pea and truffle risotto, spiced aubergine, and smoked tofu with pak choi, there is something for everyone at David Bann. The restaurant also offers a great selection of wines to pair with your meal. Don’t miss out on this vegetarian gem when exploring the Royal Mile.

If you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience, Wedgwood is the perfect spot. This restaurant offers an intimate and elegant setting, perfect for a special night out. Their menu is creative and changes frequently to reflect the seasons and local ingredients. Dishes may include smoked duck breast, cured salmon, and venison loin. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, with options from all over the world. Be sure to save room for dessert, as their pastry chef creates some of the most beautiful and delicious desserts in town.

Specialising in French country cooking from the wild and rural Languedoc region, situated in the sunny French Mediterranean coast bordering with Spain, La Garrigue offers alternative food whilst keeping the Gallic stamp of quality. This French restaurant is located just a stones throw away from the Royal Mile.

Brewhemia is best known for being the city’s largest restaurant and bar with 5 rooms. They are considered to be Scotland’s only beer palace (home to 12 copper tanks filled with a selection of unpasteurised and unfiltered beers), but beer is not all Brewhemia has to offer. The restaurant offers seasonal menus with dishes created with Scottish produce and has options for everyone from decadent brunching to Sunday roasts and afternoon teas.

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Pubs and bars

Just out for drinks? You’ll find pubs and bars serving creative cocktails, rare whiskies, ales, beers and other non-alcoholic beverages throughout the Old Town. Head to the Cowgate if you’re after a late-night dance, or enjoy a dram after your meal at the Devil’s Advocate on Advocate’s Close.

Old Town is a whisky-lovers heaven and a good whisky bar is never too far away in this part of Edinburgh. The Albanach on the Royal Mile has hundreds of whiskys to sip and sample, while the Bow Bar is a famous no-frills establishment on Victoria Street that has a wide range of single malts to try. In fact, The Old Town is full of fantastic whisky bars, so take your pick and get ready to find your new favourite dram. 

Located in a building within Edinburgh’s Old Town Conservation Area and World Heritage Site, John’s Coffee House and Tavern invites visitors to step into history while enjoying the best of Scotland’s culinary offerings. Sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, the coffee house and tavern serves hot beverages, locally sourced food, fine wines, beers & ciders, and whisky.

The Burrow is a hidden gem for bold cocktails and exquisite whisky in a stylish, intimate atmosphere. Their skilled bartenders craft a selection of exciting signature cocktails, and whisky enthusiasts can explore their impressive collection of old and rare whiskies. 

Showing just about every sporting event you could ask for, The Globe Bar serves beer from across the globe. They host quiz nights on a Monday and their karaoke on a Thursday isn’t one to miss! Alternatively The Royal Mile Tavern are a traditional Scottish pub. Open every day from 12pm – 1am, they serve an enormous selection of drinks including over 100 different whiskies and a selection of ever-changing craft ales.

For those looking to sip on a tall glass of champagne or call out Sláinte with a dram in hand, Nor’ Loft has something for everyone. Also offering seasonal small plates and sharing platters to go with your drink of choice. Or you can pay a visit to one of Edinburgh’s smallest pubs, The Halfway House. This is a cosy, historic and atmospheric Railway themed pub, which specialises in cask conditioned Real Ale from established, and new microbreweries across Scotland and England. They have four handpumps featuring seasonal guest beers and a wide range of Malt Whisky.

Tucked away in one of the Royal Mile’s many ancient closes, Mackays on the Mile is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. With a 100-bottle-strong collection of Scottish Malt Whisky, there’s something for everyone. If it’s historic pubs you’re after, The Tolbooth Tavern is a cosy traditional Scottish pub full of character and charm.

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