We have now had a place in Edinburgh for almost 4 years, and all the time we fall more in love with the city due to it's close proximity to nature, especially the highlands. There are so many incredible places to eat in Edinburgh, you are truly spoilt for choice but I have listed some of our favourite restaurants, cafes and bars in and around Edinburgh to help you shortlist.
Fava Greek Morrison Street ££
We recommend booking a table, as it can get really busy- for good reason. The food is delicious, the interiors and ambience is a vibe. Prices aren't too high, especially as portions are good but there is a temptation to order lots as it all sounds incredible.
Chizuru Tei Japanese Morrison St, Edinburgh £
Dining times can be limited as they get very busy. This is a cute, rustic little restaurant near Haymarket Station. Food is cooked fresh and is delicious.
Ting Thai Caravan Thai/ Asian, Lothian Rd/ Teviot Place £
Ting Thai Caravan has cheap, super tasty Thai food, in a relaxed setting. Food can be very spicy but every meal we've had has been insanely good. Would be a great spot for a first date, as it's a fun atmosphere. Booking might be a good idea, we have had to wait at busy times.
Taza in Town Mediterranean Cuisine, Bread St £
This is one of my own personal favourites, I LOVE this little 'street' foodesque cafe, that serves incredible mediterrean food, cooked fresh. You can watch the chefs rolling pastry from the window. It's often very busy/ fast paced and this is not a fine dining restaurant but it's well worth a stop in to refuel when having busy days.
Nanyang Malaysian Restaurant Lister Square ££
When you're craving Malaysian, it can be tricky to find decent food in the UK. Look no further, Nanyang has incredible, authentic tasting Malaysian cuisine. Our favourite is the Roti Canai. It's not cheap, but reasonable and it's a handy position if you're visiting the University.
SEN Vietnamese, West Nicholson Street ££
We were told about SEN by a friend that visited- it's always a good sign when a restaurant is personally recommended. We squeezed a booking in, in the middle of the afternoon as it was fully booked. SEN is a tiny family owned restaurant, cooking exceptionally delicious Vietnamese food. You will need to book well in advance, but it is very much worth it.
Indigo Yard Gastro pub/ bar Charlotte Lane ££
This ended up being one of our regular 'locals' if we were out and about in the city. It has an industrial feel and usually has a good buzz at the weekends. The food is fairly mediocre, but we tend to prefer getting a drinks and enjoying the atmosphere. It does get quite busy with hen parties/ birthdays or on match days at Murrayfield, so if you're so inclined you can book tables.
Scott's Bistro Port Edgar Marina ££
Although a little way outside of Edinburgh city, Scott's is absolutely worth the trip. It's industrial chic and the place to be at the weekends. The setting outside is wonderful and a great excuse to see the bridges up close. It's fairly reasonably priced for the food you get, which is fantastic. It is a good idea to book, as Scott's is popular and gets busy in the evenings and weekends. And don't forget to register your car if you drive in.
Panda & Sons Cocktail bar Queen Street ££
If you're looking for an effortlessly cool cocktail bar to impress, Panda & Sons is it. It can be tricky to find, but that is part of the fun. It's worth booking. The cocktails are on the pricier end, but this bar is as much about the experience and ambiance as it is the drinks- which are delicious.
Hey Palu Cocktail bar Bread St ££
Hey Palu is a highly commended cocktail bar near Old Town, with very good reason. It's cosy, warm with excellent drinks and first class service. We would highly recommend booking.
The Bothy- Murrayfield Hotel Gastropub Corstophine Road ££
The Bothy is the restaurant/ bar of the Murrayfield Hotel. Again this was one of our locals. It's cosy with great food. But the real draw for us, and what I hope for you, is it is a great position on the Water of Leith, for a mid river walk pit stop. It's close to the urban otters, so an opportunity for wildlife and pint!
I hope you have found our suggestions for delicious food and drinks in Edinburgh useful. All restaurants were visited as fully paying happy customers and this blog received no sponsorship. If you've got a place you think we should try, drop us a message!