Food and Drink in Edinburgh’s West End

The West End is a hive of unique eating and drinking spots, each with their own individual personality.

Casual eats

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable bite to eat or a cosy spot to grab a coffee, the West End has plenty of options to choose from.

Social Bite is not just any sandwich shop, it is a social enterprise that supports homelessness. Visited by celebrities such as George Clooney and Leonardo Di Caprio, it has a great reputation for delicious sandwiches, salads and soups. They also offer a ‘pay it forward’ option where you can purchase a meal or coffee for someone in need.

For a caffeine fix, Cairngorm Coffee is the place to go. This coffee shop prides itself on its high-quality coffee, roasted in-house, and served in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

Restaurants

The West End is home to some of Edinburgh’s most popular and highly-rated restaurants, serving up cuisine from all around the world. 

For wine lovers, Le Di Vin is a must-visit. This award-winning wine bar and restaurant has an extensive wine list featuring wines from all around the world, as well as a menu that showcases the best of Scottish produce.

Located in the heart of the West End, Indigo Yard is a cool and contemporary bar and restaurant that’s perfect for alfresco dining. The menu features classic dishes made with the best Scottish produce, and the outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying a sunny day in Edinburgh.

Pubs and bars

If you’re looking for a fun night out, NQ64 is the perfect spot. This retro arcade bar has a huge selection of classic arcade games, from Pac-Man to Street Fighter, as well as a wide range of beers, cocktails and snacks.

If you fancy a bit of pampering, no visit to Edinburgh would be complete without experiencing a relaxing visit to The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. Offering fantastic dining and drinking options at their in-house bar and brasserie, One Square has an impressive variety of over 70 gins – including one of their very own! 

Talking of gin, be sure to enjoy a cheeky glass in the intriguing Heads & Tales bar tucked under Rutland Place. As this is the home of the iconic Edinburgh Gin, you can enjoy your refreshing G&T while watching the next batch of gin being distilled.

Located on Morrison street, just a stone’s throw away from Festival Square, Usher Hall and Haymarket Station, The Festival has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, where visitors can expect an exciting cocktail menu, a great range of rotational craft beer alongside traditional cask ale. And if the weather is on the sunny side, the beer garden is a popular spot.