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Insider's Guide To Edinburgh - Food/Drink
Back to BlogPosted: 1 year ago
From cobblestone streets and hidden closes to castles and volcanoes, Edinburgh is truly one of a kind. The perfect city for a holiday you won’t be short of things to do, whether you are an ardent foodie or a whisky lover or simply want to wander around, Edinburgh does not disappoint. Quaint cafes are dotted about for coffee breaks, spectacular art galleries are the perfect spot for escaping the rain and independent boutiques are the best spots for a little shopping.
FOOD / COFFEE
Toast, Leith
Wine cafe located at The Shore, Leith, offering casual coffee, wine, and food options. A great place for informal catchups over coffee accompanied by delicious brunch dishes or relaxing into the evening with their carefully considered natural wine list. The Shore offers a wide range of eateries and is a very trendy district!
Cafēn, Dundas Street
https://www.instagram.com/cafenspecialitycoffee/
A specialty brew and multi-roast café located just across the road from us! Since opening, Cafēn has been a major hit, serving expertly crafted coffee in a stylish, cosy Scandinavian-inspired setting. It's the perfect spot to sit back and unwind, though takeaway is also available.
The Pantry, North West Circus Place
https://www.thepantryedinburgh.co.uk/
A fantastic place to kick off your day with a tasty breakfast or brunch! Located in Stockbridge, The Pantry offers a variety of fresh options for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. On a sunny day, you can enjoy your meal outdoors, while their charming and cosy interior makes dining inside just as delightful. Be sure to try their Eggs Benedict—it’s a dish they consistently perfect!
Mirin, Albert Place
A relaxed, independent restaurant on Leith Walk serving Asian fusion small plates, dumplings, and noodles. It’s a great place to catch up with friends (though it’s small, so booking is recommended!) or settle in for the evening and watch the lively streets of Leith. With a regularly updated menu, it’s worth following their Instagram to stay in the loop. Their dumplings are a must-try—worth visiting for them alone!
Paloma, Henderson Street
New to Leith and just a short walk from The Shore, Paloma is a charming taco spot offering hand-pressed corn tortillas, flavourful small plates, and delicious cocktails. It's the perfect place for a laid-back dinner or a catch-up with friends. As the name suggests, their signature Paloma Cocktail is a must-try—refreshing and the ideal pairing for their fresh tacos!
The Fishmarket, Newhaven
https://www.thefishmarketnewhaven.co.uk/
Still an active Fishmarket today, The Fishmarket Newhaven offers a great seaside eatery with deliciously fresh fish & chips (a Scottish staple!) to sit in or take away. Weather permitting, sit outside and enjoy the impressive views looking out to the Firth of Forth! Attached to their well-renowned fish monger next door, where you can buy freshly caught Scottish fish & seafood.
BaBa, George Street
A rustic yet contemporary destination for delicious food and drink that combines Middle Eastern cuisine with Scottish influences. The perfect opportunity for a sharing menu with mezze style plates as well as beautifully flavoursome meat and fish dishes straight from the charcoal grill. This is one our favourites at Epitome and a must visit when in Edinburgh!
SPRY, Haddington Place
A neighbourhood wine bar and shop, specialising in naturally made wines. Offering a selection of small plates or five course set menu using local and seasonal produce. A simple, stylish and cosy nook perfect for relaxing into the evening or a casual catch up with friends.
Rotonda, Dundas Street
https://www.instagram.com/rotonda_edinburgh/
A cosy cafe just next door to Epitome! An excellent coffee shop with an array of delicious cakes, soup, freshly made toasties as well as hand-picked goodies to choose from the shop. Ideal for a quick bite to eat or takeaway!
Ondine, George IV Bridge
https://www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk/
Tucked away in the Edinburgh’s New Town, located just off the Royal Mile, Ondine offer a wide selection of fresh seafood, oysters and tailored selection of wine and whisky. The perfect choice for a sophisticated and creative menu that encompasses good quality Scottish produce. Make the most of their deep fried oysters during their Oyster Happy Hour (Tues- Fri, 5.30-6.30pm, bar only).
Timberyard, Lady Lawson Street
Housed in a renovated 19th-century warehouse, Timberyard is a family-run Michelin-starred restaurant, recently celebrating its third consecutive year of recognition. Focused on ingredient-driven cuisine, it highlights locally sourced, seasonal produce through a choice of lunch, five-course, or tasting menus. From start to finish, it’s a beautifully curated experience and well worth a visit.
Montrose, Montrose Terrace
https://www.montroserestaurant.co/
Recently opened, Montrose adds another cosy neighbourhood wine bar & restaurant to Edinburgh. Featuring an impressive wine list with the option of small plates, set menus or fine dining (situated upstairs). A cool, calm and candle-lit eatery, perfect for intimate dinners and winding down.
DRINKS
Goodbrothers Wine, Dundas Street
https://www.goodbrothers.co.uk/
Another neighbor of ours, featuring a unique Wine Cafe. With an extensive selection of fine wines, Good Brothers has become a popular destination for locals. It's the ideal spot to relax in the evening or catch up with friends. A cosy nook for enjoying wine, cheese, and small bites – what's not to love?
Bacco, Dundas St
A cozy, softly lit wine bar ideal for small gatherings or a spontaneous after-work drink, offering a selection of Italian wines. Unwind with a glass of wine (or an Aperol!) and enjoy a delicious plate of freshly made pasta from their neighbouring spot, The Artisan Pasta Maker.
Nightcap
An intimate bar in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town serving wine, beer and freshly mixed cocktails. The speak-easy style bar offers exquisitely crafted concoctions using premium ingredients in a unique and contemporary atmosphere. It truly is the perfect nightcap to end your evening.
Bramble
A hidden gem nestled in the centre of Edinburgh, offering an intimate evening of delicious cocktails! The layout offers small alcoves and tucked away tables, lending itself to the intimacy and relaxed feel. At the weekend you may find live DJ’s bringing a lively atmosphere making it an ideal place to celebrate and unwind.
