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.

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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.

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Scottish restaurants

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.

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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Fine dining

The Royal Mile offer an endless number of restaurants, perfect for all occasions and tastes. Enjoy the very best of Scottish seasonal Artisan produce at Cannonball Restaurant & Bar, which is a historic 17th century three storey building that once served as a schoolhouse. With fabulous views of Edinburgh Castle, this unique setting combines rich history with fine dining, making it a memorable stop for any visitor.

Home to Scottish Tapas and Taste of Scotland dining, Amber Restaurant creates delicious dishes served with an innovative flair. Located within The Scotch Whisky Experience, just steps from the Castle Esplanade, they celebrate Scotland’s culinary and distilling heritage. Choose from over 450 drams in Amber’s whisky bar, from well-known favourites to hidden gems ready to discover.

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 stone’s throw away from the Royal Mile.

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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. 

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.

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