Fine dining in Edinburgh

54 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL

Avery is the evolution of American chef Rodney Wages’ Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name in San Francisco. In 2023, Wages closed Avery San Francisco and moved the restaurant to Edinburgh after having fallen in love with the Scottish capital.

The menu takes inspiration from the sea and the wild, as well as the bold, bright and imaginative style of the restaurant’s namesake, American artist Milton Avery. Unique, hand-crafted tableware is used to complement the flavours, textures and aromas of each dish, reflecting Avery’s elevated yet relaxed atmosphere.

Diners can enjoy a 15-course tasting menu which changes regularly to celebrate the best seasonal ingredients, with a particular focus on Japanese cooking techniques. Signatures include Tortellini in brood and Cheese tart, a reimagining of a classic pecan pie.

A comprehensive wine list complements the menu, with particular attention given to French, Italian and Californian wines. Sake is also central to Avery’s drinks offering.

14 Eyre Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5EP

At the intimate Cardinal visitors can experience an elevated take on modern Scottish dining, with a 13-course tasting menu served in the evening and a shorter, more concise offering for lunch available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Each dish on the menu highlights the bounty of Scotland’s natural larder, with the team working closely with local suppliers and producers to celebrate the best of the seasons. The drinks offering features a natural-led wine list that focuses on European producers that use biodynamic and regenerative practices.

Inside the 24-cover restaurant, the dark and intimate space is painted pitch black, with modern, atmospheric lighting creating an elegant yet convivial dining space. Tables are laid with stoneware from Samuel Sparrow, and artwork comes from Art In Healthcare, a charity which works across Scotland to bring art into community, health and social care settings.

14 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PF

Grand and opulent, The Dome is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

A former 19th century bank, diners can enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or dinner under its majestic dome. Traditional fare includes haggis, neeps and tatties served with a whisky sauce, while the restaurant’s menu also offers mouth-watering flavours from further afield, all presented in a manner that befits its surroundings.

Be sure to pay a visit during the festive season when the building is festooned with an array of dazzling lights and stunning Christmas tree.

36 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3SB

Owner of numerous awards and a listing in the Good Food Guide and Michelin Guide, Fhior’s ethos lies in showcasing Scottish seasonal produce.

Guests visiting the restaurant can choose between a seven or ten-course tasting menu – a dining experience that delivers a constantly evolving series of dishes.

Keep an eye on their website for their Mixtapes supper club. Featuring a new menu each month, these take place in Fhior’s intimate private dining room and kitchen, which means that each dish is cooked and served directly in front of you by their chefs: giving you a front row view into each step of the seasonally-inspired beautifully curated dishes.

Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF

The Witchery is a unique and dare we say, slightly magical, dining venue situated a short walk from Edinburgh Castle.

It has been delighting tastebuds for many years and has gained an outstanding reputation for providing superb cuisine using only the best seasonal produce. Scottish seafood, lamb, game and a legendary Angus beef steak tartare feature on an inspirational menu.

Open for lunch and dinner, diners can also opt for a pre and post-theatre supper.

Gleneagles Townhouse, 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD

Set in the heart of Gleneagles Townhouse, a luxury 5 star hotel, The Spence is adorned with towering columns and intricate cornicing – the perfect backdrop to enjoy their seasonally-inspired dishes.

Open from morning until night, it is open to both hotel guests and members, and non-residents. Choose from the beautifully presented breakfast, à la carte or afternoon tea menus. Or for the perfect weekend treat, the Brunch Club (a feast of delicious food accompanied by live music on the last weekend of every month) or the sumptuous Sunday lunch offer the perfect excuse to catch up with family and friends.

Just in for drinks? The restaurants central bar sits underneath an extraordinary glass-domed ceiling and serves up a seasonally rotating, locally inspired list of cocktails, local whiskies, beers, spirits and wine.

Priestfield Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT

The very best of Scottish cooking is on the menu at Rhubarb Restaurant in the sumptuous surroundings of Prestonfield House Hotel.

Diners can choose from an eclectic fare of Glenkinchie whisky-cured sea trout, Glen Etive red deer, Angus beef châteaubriand and rhubarb Gâteau St Honoré for a sweet finale.

78 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6LX

Based near the shore in Leith, The Kitchin is a Michelin star restaurant offering up an authentic Scottish feel with a few modern twists. During your meal you will be presented with a map showing where all the produce has come from, giving an opportunity to learn a little Scottish geography as you eat.

The restaurant gives diners a view into the actual kitchen – and if you’re lucky enough to be booked in on a certain day, you might be able to catch a glimpse of chef Tom Kitchin himself preparing meals.

267 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BQ

A passion for fine food and drink is the driving force behind Wedgwood the Restaurant on the Royal Mile, which offers guests an appetizing and inventive menu, taking pride in the best local ingredients.

If you want a truly unique experience, consider joining chef Paul Wedgwood on a gastronomic expedition with the restaurant’s bespoke “Wild Foraging Experience” around Edinburgh.

Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

Located within the illustrious Balmoral Hotel, Number One expertly combines Scottish cuisine with modern touches.

For a special treat, why not try this 4 AA Rosette restaurant’s 7 course daily menu, which is a showcase of fresh seasonal produce.

10 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DS

Breathing new life into what was previously a props and costume store, Timberyard is a Michelin starred relaxed restaurant which mixes rustic charm with an exceptional menu.

Making creative dishes comprised of locally sourced artisan produce, the charm of this restaurant is added to by a woodburning stove and chunky wooden tables.