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. Kalpna

    $

    Amid an ordinary row of shops, the facade of this vegan and vegetarian Indian restaurant may be unremarkable, but the food is exceptional and great value, too. You'll find south- and west-Indian specialties, including dum aloo kashmiri (a medium-spicy potato dish with a sauce made from honey, ginger, and almonds) and baingan achari (red-hot marinated eggplants). Consider the affordable lunchtime buffet for £8.99.

    2–3 St. Patrick Sq., Edinburgh, EH8 9EZ, Scotland
    0131-667--9890

    Known For

    • Authentic veggie Indian fare
    • Lively interior with exotic mosaics
    • Great lunchtime buffet
  • 2. Lovecrumbs

    $

    A bakery-café with an inordinately sweet tooth, Lovecrumbs joyously, deliciously, and unashamedly focuses on what really matters in life: cake. It serves delectable confections of all kinds, from sumptuous Victoria sponges to heavenly peanut-butter brownies to mouthwatering lemon tarts. You'll find an occasional savory baked good on the menu, but don't count on it. Eat inside with a cup a coffee among the quirky knickknacks, or get your cake to go. The opening times are advertised with the caveat "roughly," but you will know the place by the appreciative crowds at busy times.

    155 W. Port, Edinburgh, EH3 9DP, Scotland
    0131-629–0626

    Known For

    • Extraordinary cakes galore
    • Junk shop-esque decor
    • Large crowds despite unpredictable opening times

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 3. 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
  • 4. Oink

    $

    For a quick, cheap bite while wandering the Royal Mile, you can't beat Oink—possibly the best hog roast (pulled pork) in Edinburgh. Located on Canongate (there are two other outlets, but this one is the best), it was founded by two farmers in 2008, and their high-quality, hand-reared pork has proved a huge hit ever since. The idea is simple: choose your bread, choose your stuffing (try the haggis), and choose your sauce, then watch it all being combined with delicious pulled pork and—on request—salty crackling. There are three sizes available: piglet (80 grams, about 3 ounces), oink (160 grams), and grunter (250 grams).

    82 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BZ, Scotland
    07584-637416

    Known For

    • Unbelievable pulled pork
    • Great-value lunch
    • No options for vegetarians
  • 5. Civerinos

    $ | Old Town

    With its primary color interiors, blaring 1980s hip-hop soundtrack, and brightly dressed waitstaff, this pizza diner may be Edinburgh's most upbeat dining option yet. Luckily, the food is equally joyful: take your pick from a dozen delicious pizza pies, from meaty feasts to vegan delights, or opt for a tasty pasta or salad instead. The clientele skews young and hip, but the quality of the food means it'll appeal to everyone.

    5 Hunter Sq., Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1QW, Scotland
    0131-220--0851

    Known For

    • Edinburgh's best pizza pies
    • Mood-liftingly bright decor
    • Bingeable garlic crust bites
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. David Bann

    $

    This hip eatery, situated just off the Royal Mile, serves exclusively vegetarian and vegan favorites, and its inventive dishes and modern interior make it a popular place with young locals. The menu changes constantly, but the invariably creative, flavorful dishes often leave carnivores forgetting they're eating vegetarian. The food is very affordable, and there's free water with mint and strawberries. You may need to book in advance during the summer.

    56–58 St. Mary's St., Edinburgh, EH1 1SX, Scotland
    0131-556–5888

    Known For

    • Superb vegetarian and vegan cuisine
    • Very affordable
    • Lovely setting
  • 7. 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
  • 8. First Coast

    $

    This laid-back bistro, just a few minutes from Haymarket Station, has a loyal following—and for good reason. Its multicultural menu combines Scottish classics with everything from Thai sweep potato soup to Italian affogato. Hardwood floors, stone walls, soft-blue hues, and seaside paintings set a coastal theme. The international wine list is as varied as the daily specials. Lunch and early-evening menus offer good value, with three courses for £16.

    97–101 Dalry Rd., Edinburgh, EH11 2AB, Scotland
    0131-313--4404

    Known For

    • Great international fare with vegetarian options
    • Big on flavor
    • Relaxing interiors

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 9. Hanam's

    $

    Kurdish food may not be as well known as other Middle Eastern cuisines, but dishes like bayengaan surocrau (marinated slow-roasted eggplant) and lamb tashreeb (a flavorful casserole) are worth checking out. Hanam's proudly promotes Kurdish cuisine, but also serves more familiar and equally delicious Middle Eastern fare, from shish kebabs to falafel. The deep-red interiors have a relaxed vibe, and you can bring your own alcohol. It's also possible to smoke a hookah pipe on the heated terrace.

    3 Johnston Terr., Edinburgh, EH1 2PW, Scotland
    0131-225–1329

    Known For

    • Traditional Kurdish cooking
    • BYOB policy
    • Hookah on heated terrace
  • 10. The Original Rosslyn Inn

    $

    This atmospheric inn, on the crossroads in the center of Roslin village, serves tasty and hearty pub grub, from fish-and-chips and burgers to good veggie options. The inn, which also has rooms, is very close to Rosslyn Chapel; walk past the car park for a few minutes and you'll see it on the other side of the main road.

    2–4 Main St., Edinburgh, EH25 9LE, Scotland
    0131-440--2384

    Known For

    • Traditional Scottish pub
    • Great steak-and-ale pie
    • Convenient location
  • 11. 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

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