When you think about traditional Scottish cuisine you probably think about haggis, porridge and of course, deep fried mars bars – but there’s much more on offer. So, if you’re looking to have some proper traditional scran, these are the best Scottish restaurants in Edinburgh for it.
This stunning restaurant was opened by Darren Murray when he realised he was tired of working in restaurants he couldn’t afford dinner at – so he came up with Borough, a middle ground of fine dining for a fair price. Expect simplicity at this Scottish restaurant in Edinburgh, with a menu that changes on the daily based on what’s coming in. Diners can expect to enjoy a delicious four course meal for just £35.
Built waaay back in 1836 for the keeper of Royal Terrace Gardens, The Gardener’s Cottage is now home to one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, Scotland. The restaurant bases a lot of its dishes around seasonality, featuring home-grown ingredients such as wild garlic and lovage in their dishes. Oh, and the building looks beautiful when it’s surrounded by blooming flowers in spring.
Sometimes, simplicity is best – and this restaurant is a testament to that. No bookings are taken at Pickles (except for Xmas Eve), so prepare yourself to queue for the amazing delights that await you. Serving up a simple collection of local cheeses (think Arran smoked cheddar and creamy Strathdon blue), this is a proper cosy traditional Scottish restaurant in Edinburgh. P.S it gets pretty packed, so don’t be shy of talking to your table neighbours.
By dining at Amber Restaurant, we can say for certain you’ll tick two things off your Scottish Bucket list – visiting the Royal Mile and trying Scottish whisky. We’d probably rank this at the most traditional Scottish restaurant in Edinburgh – the chefs create delicious dishes and serve up Scottish Tapas and the Scottish tasting menu to show you exactly how it should be done.
This Scottish chain was established back in 1990 and has been serving up traditional Scottish food in Edinburgh ever since. With three restaurants in the heart of Edinburgh (Howies Waterloo, Howies Victoria and Scotts Kitchen), they dish up fresh and delicious plates 7 days a week - because they’re good like that. Not only is the food stunning, but the restaurants themselves aren’t too bad on the eyes either.
When it comes to finding the most authentic Scottish breakfasts in Edinburgh, Nobles is the place to visit. The full breakfasts are a moment of luxury, with haggis from Findlay’s of Portobello and black pudding from Stornoway – and of course some absolutely delicious vegetarian and vegan options too. If you’d rather visit for a traditional dinner, this restaurant-pub is committed to serving Scottish produce across their evening menu.
A more affordable option for traditional Scottish food in Edinburgh, Ghillie Dhu is great fun to visit (and even more fun on Fridays – aka ceilidh dancing night). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (with a handy children’s menu), choose from delicious options like the smoked haddock fishcakes to Scottish rope grown mussels – the seasonal menu offers up plenty of fresh local produce.
One of the pricier restaurants on list, The Little Chartroom is an intimate little spot (18 covers btw - * that * little) to grab a delicious meal. Based on Leith Walk – one of Edinburgh’s recent hotspots for bars, cafes and restaurants, it’s a must-see area.
The market for vegan Scottish cuisine in Edinburgh has been notoriously lacking but rest-assured, they’re catching up. Harmonium serves up 100% vegan comfort foods with a classic Scottish twist – like the Irn Brunie (a chocolate brownie served with Irn Bru syrup, what else?).
Who knew there was a large population of Italians in Scotland? Not us – but now we know and love Polentoni, a stunning Scottish-Italian restaurant in Edinburgh. A daytime spot, expect to eat delicious and comfy foods like pasta with fennel sausage and fresh seafood. Oh, and of course they serve up amazing coffees.
Also located on the Royal Mile, The Witchery is often described as Edinburgh’s best kept secret – and for good reason. Based just a hop, skip and jump away from Edinburgh Castle, the restaurant is steeped in history and cosy atmosphere – the perfect setting for a small dinner gathering. Their (award-winning) a la carte menu is served all day, made all-the-more special by the fresh Scottish lobsters, langoustines, beef and lamb.
Run by the team at Gardener’s Cottage, The Lookout is the perfect place to grab dinner with an excellent view across Edinburgh. Again, this one is a little on the expensive side but if you’re looking for a stunning seasonal set menu, this is definitely the place for you.
This award-winning gastro pub is the proud holder of a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand 2019. With a relaxed dining feel and menus which demonstrate just how amazing Scottish cuisine can be, there’s not much to dislike at Scran & Scallie. If you’re craving something super savoury and traditional, try out the Ham, Egg & Chips or the Sunday Roast (a classic in the UK).
Another Royal Mile classic, Wedgewood is committed to creating high quality foods using the very best Scottish ingredients on the market. The menu changes seasonally (four times a year) and works daily based on what comes into the kitchen. And, if you’re really committed to trying out traditional Scottish foods, order their ‘Wee Tour of Scotland’ tasting menu – from Lothian wild leek to Shetland scallop, they have a variety of Scots specialties.
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