A picture of scottish haggis

Scottish haggis-by Daniel Fader-Wikimedia Commons

10 Best Non-Touristry Restaurants in Edinburg


 

The hilly capital of Scotland, Edinburg boasts many attractions that will surely leave its guests in awe. It has two contrasting must-visit sites, the Medieval old town and the stylish Georgian New town that features numerous gardens and neoclassic structures.

But aside from the typical touristy things to do here, the city is also overflowing with extraordinary activities and non-touristry restaurants that you shouldn’t miss during your holiday.

The city’s food scene is thriving with a healthy mixture of Michelin-starred restaurants, upmarket dining rooms, and trendy cafes.

There is plenty of quality independent food and drink business, from Michelin stars to casual bistros dedicated wholly to what is local and in season.

Looking for ideas of pubs and restaurants to visit that are not too touristy, Edinburg got you covered. Here are the 10 best non-touristy restaurants in Edinburg.

1. Bonnie & Wild

This is a beautiful food hall in Edinburg featuring some of Scotland’s best independent food and drink producers.

Bonnie &Wild showcases more than a dozen independent restaurants, bars, and shops, plus much more live events, cooking shows, pop-ups, and festivals.

It has beautiful high quality food and drinks although they don’t take reservations. Visit their website for more information on their unique dining experience.

They also offer stunning wines, gins, and other spirits from their boutique bottleshop Inverarity Morton, Artisanal Patisserie, and cafes from the Broken Clock cafe and Patisserie of some sublime gelato from their gelateria Joelato.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sun; 9 am-12am
ADDRESS: St James Quarter Fourth Floor, 415-417 St James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AE, United Kingdom
PHONE:+44 131 560 1800

2. Dulse Edinburg

A picture of Scotch woodcock

Scotch Woodcock-by Karenjc-Wikimedia Commons

Dulse is a seafood restaurant in the heart of Edinburg that serves classic Scottish seafood dishes with a modern twist.

The organic dulse is a wonderfully vibrant and versatile seaweed, long favored by the Irish and great to eat on its own raw or add to cooking.

The decor is beautiful with a great atmosphere and friendly welcoming staff. Their website offers more details on their services. It is rated 5 of 5 on Tripadvisor.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tue-Wed; 5 pm-12 am and Thur-Sat; 12 pm-12 am
ADDRESS:17 Queensferry St, Edinburgh EH2 4QW, United Kingdom
PHONE:+44 131 573 7575

3. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar(Edinburg)

A picture of steak with mashed potatoes

Steak with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions-by E4024-Wikimedia Commons

This is an unfussy restaurant specializing in mashed potatoes flavored with meat or vegetarian toppings.

It’s one of Edinburgh’s independent restaurants showcasing inclusive Scottish comfort food and friendly service.

Makars Gourmet has been a winner of the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards for 4years running from 2018-2021.

Visit their website for more information on their menu. The restaurant’s food is inspired by the fine local craft farmers, breweries, and distillers in Scotland.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Mon-Thur;12-8:30pm,Fri-Sat;12-9:30pm and Sun;12-8pm.
ADDRESS:9 & 12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN, United Kingdom
PHONE: +44 131 226 1178

4. The Table

The Table Restaurant logo

The Table (restaurant) logo-by The Table-Wikimedia Commons

The Table has established itself as the first interactive, fine dining experience popular in the city center for its laid-back charm and top-notch service.

It is a small intimate 10-seater restaurant owned by two brothers Sean and Keith who innovate modern Europen dishes for their customers.

The atmosphere here is superb with excellent service from the brothers. Their website offers more details on their services.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Wed-Sat; 7 pm-12 am
ADDRESS:3A Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 6QG, United Kingdom
PHONE:+44 131 281 1689

5. The Grain Store

This is a Scottish restaurant known for its creative menu of fresh local Scottish produce, served in the vaulted and alcoved former storeroom.

It is the most romantic and atmospheric restaurant in Edinburgh with fantastic cuisine. Visit their website for more details on their Scottish delicacies.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Thur-Sat;12-4 pm,5:30-10:30 pm and Sun;12:30-4 pm
ADDRESS:30 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW, United Kingdom
PHONE:+44 131 225 7635

6. Mums Great Comfort Food

A picture of gourmet hot dogs,corn dogs and home fries

Gourmet hot dogs, corn dogs, and home fries-by Bing from Boston –Wikimedia Commons

This is a British restaurant offering traditional, hearty British meals with gourmet sausages, served up in this bright,retro-style diner. It is ranked #10 for burgers in Edinburg.

Make your orders or visit them on their website for mouth-watering dishes. The restaurant is a 3min walk from Greyfriars Kirkyard.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sat; 9 am-10 pm and Sun; 10 am-10 pm
ADDRESS:4A Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN, United Kingdom
PHONE:+44 131 260 9806

7. The Pakora Bar

A picture of Pakora

Pakora-by Miansari66-Wikimedia Commons

The Pakora is a cheery, casual setting for classic Indian eats such as Pakora, samosas, and soups with lassi drinks.

It was founded in 2005 and created by 3 brothers who have a passion for food and a dream to share their mum’s recipes.

It is rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and #33 of 1789 restaurants in Edinburgh. Visit their website to order authentic homemade Punjabi food and other Indian street meals.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tue-Thur and Sun;12-10 pm and Fri-Sat;12-11 pm
ADDRESS: 251-253 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ, United Kingdom
PHONE: +44 131 241 8836

8. Purslane Restaurant

Purslane is a relaxed and intimate townhouse restaurant for Scottish game and seafood with fine dining by candlelight.

It is a small independent family-run restaurant specializing in a large variety of freshly prepared dishes inclusive of sustainably caught seafood.

Visit their website for more information about their services. Purslane is rated 4.8 of 5 on Tripadvisor.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Wed-Sat;12-1:30pm,6-9pm and Sun;12-1:30pm
ADDRESS:33A St Stephen St, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AH, United Kingdom
PHONE:+44 131 226 3500

9. Aizle

Aizle is a modern European restaurant with locally inspired tasting menus in a refined dining room with a countryside vibe.

Aizle is established in the garden room, the Kimpton Charlotte Square, a bright, cool setting in the heart of the city and near Noto Restaurant.

Visit their website to try one of their homemade Kombuchas and its six-course tasting affair at fair prices. It is rated 5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and #96 of 2449 restaurants in Edinburg.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Wed-Sun;5-9 pm
ADDRESS:38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ, United Kingdom
PHONE: +44 131 527 4747

10. Howies Restaurant

Howies is a Scottish restaurant with locally sourced, seasonal offerings presented in a convivial, bright setting with a relaxed feel. It is a family-owned restaurant, serving fresh, seasonal food cooked to order for 31 years.

It has paired back stone walls, wooden floors and an electric mix of Scottish art married marvelously with the historic surroundings.

Howies is located in between the Royal Miles and The Scotch Whiskey Experience. Visit their website to reserve a table for lunch and dinner and get to enjoy a great selection of gin.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Wed-Sun;12-3 pm,5:30-10:30 pm
ADDRESS:10-14 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HG, United Kingdom
PHONE:+44 131 225 1721