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.

Umai is a casual Japanese restaurant that serves up delicious sushi and ramen bowls. The sushi is made fresh to order and their ramen bowls are perfect for a warming lunch on a cold Edinburgh day.

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.

Pizza and beer are the order of the day at the Foundry Project. This cool and contemporary bar serves up delicious pizzas, craft beers and cocktails, all in a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out with friends.

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.