Edinburgh and the Lothians Restaurants

Edinburgh's eclectic restaurant scene has attracted a brigade of well-known chefs, including the award-winning trio of Martin Wishart, Tom Kitchin, and Paul Kitching. They and dozens of others have abandoned the tried-and-true recipes for more adventurous cuisine. Of course, you can always find traditional fare, which usually means the Scottish-French style that harks back to the historical "Auld Alliance" of the 13th century. The Scottish element is the preference for fresh and local foodstuffs; the French supply the sauces. In Edinburgh, you can sample anything from Malaysian rendang (a thick, coconut-milk stew) to Kurdish kebabs, while the long-established French, Italian, Chinese, Pakistani, and Indian communities ensure that the majority of the globe's most treasured cuisines are well represented.

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  • 1. Mimi's Bakehouse—Leith

    $

    Despite its large interior with acres of seating, this bakery-café still regularly has lines out the door. The reason is simple: it bakes the best cakes in Edinburgh, using everything from Oreos to Reese's Pieces to strawberries and cream. It also serves great breakfasts, all-day brunches (with dishes like black pudding eggs Benedict and five bean chili), and an excellent afternoon tea. From the exceptional food to the fun decor, the friendly service to the reasonable prices, this is a must-try dining experience.

    63 The Shore, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA, Scotland
    0131-555--5908

    Known For

    • Delicious and creative cakes
    • Delicious French toast and breakfast rolls
    • Fun and cheeky decor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 2. Contini George Street

    $$$

    Set within a grand former banking hall on George Street, this superb restaurant serves light but satisfying Italian favorites divided into primi, secondi, and dolci, all within an airy setting of grand Corinthian columns, an open marble-topped bar, intricate wall hangings, and soft gray banquettes. The food choices are strictly seasonal, but regularly appearing favorites include the Scotch beef carpaccio and the homemade ravioli with ricotta and spinach. Come for a light lunch or, with the help of the extensive wine list, a long and indulgent dinner.

    103 George St., Edinburgh, EH2 3ES, Scotland
    0131-225–1550

    Known For

    • Deliciously light Italian cuisine
    • Grand but relaxed setting
    • Tasty Scotch beef carpaccio
  • 3. Dishoom

    $

    The city's most inventive Indian restaurant, Dishoom serves up an all-sensory experience, from the smells that greet you (delicious whiffs of incense mixed with aromatic spices) to the sight and sounds of the interior (the decor is all distressed-wood panels and chandeliers, inspired by Bombay's 1920 Iranian cafés) to the taste of the food itself. A tapas-style menu of deliciously tender meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes welcomes you, along with delicious desserts. Wash down your meal with your pick from the extensive beer and cocktail menu, or come early for breakfast (the sausage and bacon naan rolls are to die for).

    3a St. Andrew Sq., Edinburgh, EH2 2BD, Scotland
    0131-202--6406

    Known For

    • Incredible lamb salli boti
    • Great cocktail and mocktail menu
    • Unique Indian breakfast rolls
  • 4. The King's Wark

    $$

    This gastro-pub at The Shore in Leith combines a beautiful historic setting with great quality food and a wide selection of Scottish gins. At lunchtime, the dark-wood bar does a roaring trade in simple fare such as gourmet burgers, fish cakes, and haggis (traditional or vegetarian), but in the evening, the kitchen ups the ante with a chalkboard menu of locally caught seafood specialties, from hake to monkfish. Exposed stone walls attest to the building's 15th-century origins. Come on Sunday and choose from the legendary brunch and roast dinner menus.

    36 The Shore, Edinburgh, EH6 6QU, Scotland
    0131-554--9260

    Known For

    • Affordable quality cuisine
    • Atmospheric setting
    • Leith's best roast dinner
  • 5. The Steading

    $

    This pleasant pub, set within a converted farm building on the roadside of the A702, serves traditional, freshly prepared pub food, along with hearty snacks like sandwiches and baked potatoes. It is right by the parking lot for the Snowsports Centre, from which several Pentlands walking trails begin.

    118–120 Biggar Rd., Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 7DU, Scotland
    0131-445–1128

    Known For

    • Hearty pub grub
    • Beautiful building
    • Great location
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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