Where to eat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, in Scotland, is such a beautiful city. Steeped in history and with stunning architecture and tons of culture, Edinburgh is a brilliant city to visit. It’s also a great city for those who love their food! Boasting 7 Michelin-starred restaurants (one of which is featured in this post) and family-run and independent restaurants serving seasonal, locally produced food – you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here’s where to eat in Edinburgh.

Hakata-Ya

If you love Japanese food then head to Hakata-Ya. Tucked away just behind Princes Street on Rose Street, you’ll find this cozy, authentic Japanese restaurant – which has been around since 2007. And if you like sake, you’re in for a treat as they do sake tasting flights as well as a sake tasting menu where they will pair your food with sake!

Chef and owner, Tang-Qun, left a head chef position at one of London’s leading Sushi restaurants to travel to Fukuoka in Japan, with his wife Yoshi, to learn how to make authentic ramen. He loved it so much that he wanted to learn from the best so that when he opened his own restaurant, he was serving it as authentically as it should be.

I didn’t order the ramen, sadly, but I had the chicken Japchae (potato) noodles, which were delicious and served piping hot. The portion was big too! Hakata-Ya is a great little restaurant for delicious Japanese food at an affordable price.

Chaophraya

Chaophraya is a Thai restaurant located just off Princes Street. It’s actually a small chain of restaurants with locations in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Leeds and a few more. I went for dinner one night with my cousin and his wife as they’ve been a few times and love it.

I was having such a great time that I totally forgot to take any pictures of the food! But trust me, as a lover of Thai food, the food was great. If I’m honest, the service could’ve been a bit better as it was a bit slow. However, they were really busy that night and they gave us a free drink to make up for it. If you’re looking for Thai food in Edinburgh, with a great rooftop view of Edinburgh Castle, head to Chaophraya.

Kora by Tom Kitchin

Can’t get a reservation at The Kitchin in Leith? Head to Kora by Tom Kitchin instead! It may not have a Michelin star but you’re in for the same high standards and wonderful food and service. Located in the Bruntsfield area of Edinburgh, Kora is very much a neighbourhood restaurant.

Kora describes itself as a ‘nature to plate’ restaurant, and showcases the best of seasonal Scottish produce, which is sustainably sourced. As expected, the food was fabulous. I love it when there are dishes on a menu that I’ve never heard of. Like the Pithivier of Castle game Sika deer with beetroot. Not only was it delicious, it looked amazing.

My starter of pumpkin tortellini was incredible. My Italian husband was skeptical but then tasted it and said it was amazing – and it was. The presentation was pretty theatrical too! Kora is an excellent choice for an exceptional meal in Edinburgh that won’t break the bank.

Noto

Noto is definitely one for the foodies! It may not have a Michelin star (yet) but it has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Chef-owner Stuart was inspired by his time in New York (literally one of my favourite cities and one with amazing restaurants) and named the restaurant after his NYC room-mate and friend, Bob Noto.

The dishes are influenced by global cuisine but there’s often a focus on Asian flavours. The menu is designed to be small, sharing plates. We ordered seven dishes between us and it was plenty! The food is really exceptional. I loved everything I ate. The anster, mushroom & truffle croquettes were so good, we ordered a second portion. Addictive!

A top tip though, book a table rather than the bar. We thought the bar would be more like a counter where you watch the chefs cook but nope… it’s a bar! And it’s separated from the restaurant so not the most ideal place to be seated for eating.

The Ship on the Shore

Leith is such a vibrant area in Edinburgh and definitely not one to be missed! One restaurant that is great – especially when the weather is good – is The Ship on the Shore. I’ve been here many times for lunch with my family and it never disappoints.

Describing themselves as a seafood restaurant and champagne bar, they pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients and seafood, which arrives daily from sustainable sources. Their fish and chips is delicious with the perfect crispy batter. And of course if you’re visiting from abroad, you simply have to order fish and chips – it’s a national dish!

As a seafood restaurant, there is of course a focus on fish and seafood. But there are also some vegetarian and non-seafood options too on the menu. It’s a great restaurant serving excellent food in a lovely setting.

The Witchery

I have to admit, it has been many years since I ate at The Witchery (hence no photos) but it is an absolute institution in Edinburgh and definitely one to add to your list. Housed in a Medieval building just near the gates of Edinburgh Castle, stepping inside the Witchery is like stepping back in time. The restaurant has been around since 1979 and its name comes from the hundreds of men and women who were burned at the stakes, as witches, on Castlehill during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The decor is very opulent and sumptuous. It definitely feels like you’re stepping back in history when you enter as it’s very atmospheric. As well as lunch and dinner, you can also go for Afternoon Tea. The food at The Witchery is fine dining, with prices to match.

Timberyard

If you’re looking to splash the cash on a fancy Michelin-starred meal then book a table at Timberyard. Situated behind Edinburgh Castle, Timberyard is a modern, family-run restaurant which is set in an old warehouse, dating back to the 19th century. We’ve been for both lunch and dinner and both times we went it was fantastic. But it is very pricey.

Like the decor, the food is modern and seasonal. They pride themselves on being ingredient-led and using local, artisan suppliers. When we first visited, they had an à la carte menu but now you choose between a tasting menu or a five course menu (at dinner) or three courses (at lunch).

A meal at Timberyard is a special experience and definitely one to book if you’re treating yourself or celebrating a special occasion.

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