The Best Restaurants in Edinburgh

The most recently crowned of Edinburgh’s MICHELIN-Star restaurants, AVERY arrived in the city in 2024 after a long-haul flight from San Francisco. Chef-Owner Rodney Wages and his family were so taken with the Scottish capital that they decided to relocate here, and bring their restaurant with them. Wages has taken to Scotland like a duck to water, quickly incorporating the best of the local larder into technically impressive dishes that provide plenty of flavour but come with a lightness of touch that still feels Californian.

Sitting over on the university side of the city, close to Holyrood Park and the path up to the famous Arthur’s Seat, is this One-Star restaurant with just six tables. They take their surprise menu concept seriously here, making every effort to conceal the nature of the dishes until served, with the ‘menu’ consisting of just a few drawings of ingredients that will feature. The chefs add well-judged playful elements and are at their most skilful when elevating seemingly simple ingredients and combinations to new heights.

Chef and restaurateur Stuart Ralston is a big player in the Edinburgh dining scene, with no fewer than four restaurants in The MICHELIN Guide. This, the MICHELIN-Starred crown jewel in his empire, is a seafood-focussed operation that puts Scottish produce front and centre. A tasting menu format allows for greater seasonality and though it may be pricey, you’ll get some expertly prepared luxury ingredients for your money. As an added bonus, it’s situated in the city’s famous Royal Terrace – if you enjoy a grand Edinburgh townhouse, then this is the place for you.

Another of Stuart Ralston's many restaurants in the city is this wallet-friendly eatery inspired by his time working around the world. There’s a pan-Asian influence in particular, with dishes like temaki and bao buns on the menu, and the cooking is uncomplicated and appealing, boasting fresh, well-balanced flavours. The chocolate and miso dessert has been on the menu since they opened, becoming something of a signature, and is perfect for those looking for a rich finish to their meal.

10 minutes’ walk from Noto is the Kimpton Charlotte Square hotel, which is also home to Noto’s sister restaurant, aizle.

The suburb of Stockbridge is home to this bijou restaurant nestled in the basement of a fine period house near the Royal Circus. Run with real pride and a big heart, it features modern dishes that blend a classical French base with a creative edge. Local, seasonal produce plays a big part in the cooking, which at lunch takes the form of a fixed-price menu that represents great value for money. Two tasting menus of differing lengths are available for dinner, as are two levels of wine pairings.

Staying the night? Nira Caledonia, a MICHELIN Guide hotel, is just a three-minute walk away.

Edinburgh is a city with more basement restaurants than most. Its towering Georgian townhouses lend themselves to intimate, cosy spots tucked away just below street level – like this sweetly run operation from the same team as nearby Cardinal. Another restaurant in the Stockbridge scene, the cooking at Skua is underpinned by quality British ingredients and is refreshingly unfussy. The menu of small plates is perfect for sharing and helps to keep the whole experience gloriously good value.

Unfussy, comforting and thoroughly enjoyable, it’s easy to see why this gastropub on the edge of Stockbridge has been a hit since day one. It’s perennially busy, so be sure to book or you might miss out on the relaxed atmosphere and pub favourites like their signature fish pie. Scottish ingredients are incorporated throughout the hearty cooking and it’s all very reasonably priced. Stick around for dessert, as this is often where the kitchen shines brightest. Young ‘scallies’ have their own menu, so you can bring the whole family along.

If you fancy a touch of glamour during your time in Edinburgh, then head over to the luxurious Gleneagles Townhouse hotel and its restaurant, The Spence. The building was once the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ and much of the Victorian splendour has remained for a truly grand setting to dine in. ‘The spence’ is a Scottish term for the ‘the larder’, so it comes as no surprise to see the country’s fine produce allowed to shine in dishes which are rooted in classical technique – some eye-catching presentation is an added bonus. Don't forget to begin your visit with a drink at the bar, as the team were awarded the MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award in 2024.

The Spence is a part of the Gleneagles Townhouse hotel, which holds One MICHELIN Key.

Tucked away near the famous Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s finest restaurants, easily identified by its bright-red doors. Once a warehouse for storing theatre sets, the restaurant has retained a certain visual rusticity which pairs well with the clean, no-nonsense cooking that extracts big flavours from just a few ingredients; there is certainly no small amount of skill involved in creating understated dishes that are so impressive. The wide-ranging wine list contains plenty to please fans of natural and low-intervention options.

Looking for somewhere to stay in the Old Town? We recommend Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, a 10-minute walk from Timberyard.

Another Stuart Ralston operation, this time with his brother Scott heading up the kitchen, there’s a distinct Italian slant to this Hanover Street spot just a stone’s throw from Noto. A relatively new addition to the Edinburgh dining scene, it boasts quality homemade pastas like pappardelle with crab and chilli, alongside a selection of small plates and the occasional larger one. The cooking is straightforward, fresh and flavoursome whilst sticking to a reasonable price point.

Just round the corner from tipo is Intercontinental Hotels Edinburgh The George.