15 perfect restaurants in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Welcome to the bonny land of haggis, kilts, and culinary delights! The article on the 15 best restaurants in Edinburgh is like a regal feast for the senses. From cosy dining havens tucked away in cobbled alleys, where drizzle and whiskey blend gracefully, to modern gastronomical temples where kilts are swapped for fine dining attire, this list will have your taste buds dancing a Highland Fling. So, grab your knife and fork and embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will leave you proclaiming "Edinburgh, you've really bagpip-ed my appetite!"

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1. Wedgwood the Restaurant

4.6 (586)

267 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ, UK

Welcome to Wedgwood the Restaurant in Edinburgh, where culinary artistry meets whimsy and your taste buds embark on a whimsical rollercoaster ride. Here, the chef transforms locally sourced ingredients into gastronomic masterpieces that are guaranteed to make your stomach sing the Hallelujah chorus. Prepare yourself for a delightful dance of flavors, where every bite is like a tickle from a mischievous unicorn, leaving you craving for more.

www.wedgwoodtherestaurant.co.uk

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2. 21212

4.4 (339)

3 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AB, UK

Nestled in the enchanting heart of Edinburgh, lies the quirky and memorable postcode of 21212. Like a mischievous code waiting to be deciphered, this magical corner of the city beckons you to unlock its secrets. Prepare to be whisked away into a gastronomic wonderland, as you savor Michelin-starred cuisine from chef Paul Kitching, where each plate is like a whimsical work of edible art. And when you've had your fill, indulge in the ultimate luxury at 21212's exquisite boutique hotel, where every room feels like a room from Wonderland itself, complete with plush furnishings fit for the Queen of Hearts.

www.21212restaurant.co.uk

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3. Aizle

4.8 (489)

38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ, UK

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, Aizle is a culinary gem that promises an experience both palatably perplexing and cheekily delightful. This cheeky little restaurant avoids any pesky menu by adopting a "trust me, darling" approach that leaves you at the whimsical mercy of their imaginative chefs. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure where you may find yourself immersed in a sea of curiously named dishes that encroach delightfully upon the border of genius and madness.

www.aizle.co.uk

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4. The Witchery by the Castle

Witchery by the Castle, 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, UK

Nestled right next to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery is like a seductive temptress dressed in Gothic finery, inviting you to enter a world of enchantment and culinary mischief. With its bewitching decor, dark oak paneling, and flickering candlelight, this renowned restaurant effortlessly lures you into a deliciously eerie atmosphere that makes you half expect to be served by witches on broomsticks. So be prepared to cast aside diets and embrace indulgence as you savor delectable dishes fit for a witch's spellbinding feast.

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5. The Scran & Scallie

4.5 (1881)

1 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DR, UK

Welcome to The Scran & Scallie, where culinary masters and bonnie lads come together for a taste bud extravaganza in Edinburgh! With its charming Scottish flair, this pub is the perfect spot to treat your munchies with heavenly plates of locally-sourced delicacies. From the brawny haggis to the luscious cranachan, this eatery is sure to leave your belly singing with joy!

scranandscallie.com

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6. The Kitchin

4.8 (1760)

78, Commercial Quay, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX, UK

Welcome to The Kitchin, where culinary dreams come true and taste buds are sent on a rollercoaster ride! Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this restaurant provides an extraordinary gastronomic adventure that will have you exclaiming, "Haggis, where have you been all my life?" With Chef Tom Kitchin at the helm, prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you pondering life's greatest questions, such as, "Why haven't I moved to Scotland yet?"

thekitchin.com

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7. The Stockbridge Restaurant

4.6 (177)

54 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AL, UK

Welcome to The Stockbridge Restaurant, where you'll embark on a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds do a happy little jig. Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, this cozy little gem offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city – perfect for those who want to wine, dine, and leave their worries behind. With its intimate atmosphere and diverse menu that would make even the pickiest of eaters weak in the knees, prepare to be swept off your feet by a symphony of flavors that will elevate your dining experience to new heights.

www.thestockbridgerestaurant.co.uk

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8. The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage

4.1 (412)

38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK

Tucked away in the charming neighborhood of Stockbridge, lies The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage - an enchanting and whimsical sanctuary for food enthusiasts. With its eccentric blend of modernity and rusticity, The Lookout will transport you to a realm where dining becomes an artful adventure. Lose yourself in the wrought-iron chairs and delicate fairy lights, as you savor their delectable menu, carefully curated to make even the pickiest of palates giggle with delight.

www.thelookoutedinburgh.co

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9. Restaurant Martin Wishart

4.7 (458)

54 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RA, UK

Welcome to Restaurant Martin Wishart in Edinburgh, where culinary excellence meets more Michelin stars than an astronomer's telescope. Prepare to embark on a flavor-filled voyage as Chef Wishart expertly navigates through ingredients like a seasoned explorer, all while maintaining a suave demeanor that would make James Bond jealous. With every dish served, you'll experience culinary artistry so impressive, Picasso himself would hang up his paintbrush and pick up a fork.

www.restaurantmartinwishart.co.uk

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10. The Honours

4.6 (277)

58A N Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3LU, UK

Welcome to The Honours in Edinburgh, where dining becomes a regal affair fit for royalty, or at least those craving a flavorful adventure. Prepare to be dazzled by exquisite French cuisine, as if Edinburgh and Paris decided to have a scrumptious rendezvous. The menu offers dishes that could make any food critic dance with delight, whether it's their famous steak tartare bursting with flavor or a chocolate mousse that'll have you thinking you've found the Eiffel Tower of desserts.

thehonours.co.uk

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11. Dishoom Edinburgh

4.6 (7114)

3a St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD, UK

Welcome to Dishoom Edinburgh, where the city's dynamic energy meets the tantalizing aromas of Indian cuisine! Nestled amidst the charming cobblestone streets, this eatery promises to transport your taste buds on a joyride through a symphony of spices. Prepare to be whisked away to a vibrant world of delectable dishes, where the curries are hotter than Scotland's temperamental weather and the naan breads are fluffier than a Highland cow's coat.

www.dishoom.com

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12. El Cartel

4.6 (928)

64 Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1EN, UK

Welcome to El Cartel, where you can indulge in mouth-watering Mexican cuisine amidst the charming streets of Edinburgh. Prepare to embark on a flavor-filled adventure that will leave your taste buds screaming "¡Olé!" As you step inside this vibrant eatery, be prepared to be transported to the lively streets of Mexico, where tacos reign supreme and margaritas flow like water (but remember, it's definitely not water). El Cartel is your ticket to escape the haggis and bagpipes of Edinburgh and dive headfirst into a world of zesty salsas and guacamole that will make you question whether you've accidentally stumbled into a hidden Mexican gem. From their tantalizing street-style tacos that are packed with more flavor than a bag of jalapeños, to their mind-blowing loaded nachos that could bring a tear of joy to even the most skeptical taste buds, El Cartel promises a fiesta for your senses. Don't forget to wash down your delectable Mexican feast with one of their legendary margaritas that could make even the Scottish Highlands seem like Cancun. Sip on these magical elixirs of tequila-infused joy and watch as your worries melt away faster than a scoop of guacamole on a sunny day. So, amigos, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey at El Cartel – where the only thing hotter than the food is the enthusiasm of the staff, and possibly, the weather outside.

www.elcartelmexicana.co.uk

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13. Ondine

4.3 (818)

2 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD, UK

Welcome to Ondine, where the culinary wonders of the deep sea meet the enchanting streets of Edinburgh! Nestled in the heart of the city, this seafood haven is a siren’s call for both locals and tourists alike. Prepare to be lured in by the tantalizing aromas of freshly caught Scottish delights and the spellbinding ambiance which will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an underwater world, without the need for diving gear!

www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk

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14. The Gardener's Cottage

4.2 (418)

Royal Terrace Gardens, 1 London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5DX, UK

Welcome to The Gardener's Cottage, a delightful eatery nestled in the heart of beautiful Edinburgh! This cozy cottage-turned-restaurant will make you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret garden-party feast. Prepare to dine in harmony with nature, as the restaurant's quirky vintage decor and communal seating will have you clinking glasses with newfound friends while debating the profound topic of whether hummus is a dessert. Don't worry about bringing gardening tools though, as the only thing you'll be pruning here is your appetite!

www.thegardenerscottage.co

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15. Castle Terrace Restaurant

4.7 (418)

33-35 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EL, UK

Welcome to Castle Terrace Restaurant, the gastronomic haven located in the heart of picturesque Edinburgh. With a menu crafted to make your taste buds dance a jig of joy, this delightful establishment is known to show even the hungriest of travelers the true meaning of food heaven. Prepare yourself for a culinary experience so extraordinary, you might just consider setting up a tent right at their doorstep to save time on future food quests!

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Edinburgh by plane is to fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is located approximately 8 miles from the city center, with many major airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair offering direct flights from a range of cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Edinburgh is a great option for those who prefer to travel at their own pace or are traveling with a lot of luggage. You can reach Edinburgh by taking the M8 motorway, which connects the city to Glasgow and other major cities in the region.

Train

The most convenient way to travel to Edinburgh by train is to catch a train to Edinburgh Waverley station, which is located in the heart of the city center and is well connected to the rest of the UK. Trains are available from a range of cities including London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Boat

If you're traveling from Europe, taking a ferry to Rosyth in Fife is a great option. From there, you can easily reach Edinburgh by car, bus, or train. DFDS Seaways operates a direct ferry service from Zeebrugge, Belgium to Rosyth.

Bus

The best way to get to Edinburgh by bus is to take a coach from Edinburgh Bus Station, which is located just a short walk from the city center. A variety of coach companies, including National Express and Scottish Citylink, provide direct services from various cities across the UK.

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