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The Greyfriars Bobby pub in the Old Town, with outdoor seating
Explore Edinburgh

Food & drink in Edinburgh

Brunch to whisky. Local guides, honest tips and the best times to go.

By Updated

Photo: Zachary Dinkins / Unsplash

In short

Edinburgh’s best food is mostly outside the tourist streets around the Castle. Leith, especially the Shore, is the city’s food heartland; Stockbridge and Bruntsfield are best for brunch and cafés; and the Old Town is worth it if you step one street off the Royal Mile.

The Greyfriars Bobby pub in the Old Town, with outdoor seatingFood & drink

Cover story

Where to eat in Edinburgh, by neighbourhood

Where locals eat in Edinburgh, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, from seafood on the Shore in Leith to brunch in Stockbridge and cosy Old Town pubs.

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Where to go

Places worth the trip

All photo spots
The Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill overlooking the Edinburgh skyline at golden hour01Calton HillEast EndBest: sunriseDean Village and the Water of Leith at sunrise02Dean VillageWest EndBest: early morningHouses and greenery on Circus Lane, Stockbridge03Circus LaneStockbridgeBest: grey daysColourful shopfronts on Victoria Street in the Old Town04Victoria StreetOld TownBest: before 8amLooking out over Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat05Arthur's SeatHolyrood ParkBest: golden hourA carved dog on a gravestone in Greyfriars Kirkyard06Greyfriars KirkyardOld TownBest: misty daysStone buildings beside the Water of Leith07The Shore, LeithLeithBest: blue hourPortobello Beach and the promenade at night08Portobello BeachPortobelloBest: sunrise

Good to know

Food & drink questions

Where is the best area to eat in Edinburgh?

Leith, particularly around the Shore, has the highest concentration of good restaurants. Stockbridge and Bruntsfield are great for relaxed neighbourhood places.

Do I need to book restaurants in Edinburgh?

For popular restaurants at weekends, during the August festivals and in December, yes. Book ahead whenever you can.

More guides

All guides
Edinburgh Castle above Old Town buildings and a stone staircaseEssentials
The best things to do in Edinburgh: 30 picks from a localThe best things to do in Edinburgh, from the Castle and Arthur's Seat to Dean Village, Leith and Portobello, with a local's tips on when to go and what to skip.6 min readUpdated 4 November 2026
The Balmoral clock tower and Scott Monument at golden hourPlanning
The best time to visit Edinburgh: a month-by-month guideWhen to visit Edinburgh, month by month, with the weather, daylight, crowds and the festivals and events worth planning around, from a local.3 min readUpdated 4 November 2026
The red Forth Bridge under a clear blue skyDay trips
The best day trips from EdinburghEasy day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus, including the Forth Bridges, North Berwick, Stirling, Linlithgow and Glasgow.3 min readUpdated 4 November 2026

Explore

More of the city

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A walker on Circus Lane in Stockbridge

Only Edinburgh Photo Walks

Get photographed in Edinburgh

Small, relaxed photo walks with a local photographer, at the spots in this guide. Holiday portraits, couples and proposals, or learn to shoot the city yourself.

See photo walks