Best restaurants in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most food-friendly cities with loads of Michelin-listed restaurants, many cool cafes, and a wide range of cuisines.
To give you a better flavour of the Edinburgh food scene, we’ve avoided the chains and compiled list of places all over the city for varying budgets. These places tie in perfectly with a stay at nearby Seton Sands!
Modern British / Scottish
The Spence
Formerly a Royal Bank of Scotland building, the grand interior of The Spence gives you a preview of what to expect: fine dining in a luxurious setting, with a mid-priced menu which has earned its chef Jonny Wright, his Michelin listing.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu is a beautifully presented, unfussy celebration of British surf and turf. Highlights include the Gigha halibut served with sea greens and preserved lemons and roast Scottish lamb rump.
Part of the Gleneagles Townhouse members club, The Spence is worth a visit for a bit of Edinburgh luxury (also visit The Dome, another former bank building on George Street, for an equally luxurious cocktail to finish).
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Makars is a low-key hidden gem. Situated off the Royal Mile and near St Giles Cathedral, Makars demonstrates that traditional Scottish home cooking can be delicious and gourmet too.
All their beef is locally sourced, and this is a great place to sample that Scottish classic – haggis, here served with heather honey, turnip puree and a unique whisky, peppercorn, mustard, and cream sauce. There are great vegetarian and vegan alternatives, and make sure you ask to visit the mushroom emporium (Makar’s grow their own lion’s mane in a spooky, high-tech darkroom).
And what about the gourmet mash? Makars have nine varieties ranging from chilli spicy mash to rumble-de-thumps (smoked bacon and spring onion). It’s a small place and they have won multiple awards, so book early or take away.
The Witchery
For something with a little more history and legend surrounding it, The Witchery has been in existence for over forty years, and is world-renowned, in part due to its prime location right by Edinburgh Castle esplanade.
Its gorgeous interior will take your breath away, with its sixteenth-century building and wood-panelled dining hall. There’s also a second “secret garden” outdoor seating area situated in an adjacent schoolyard. You won’t find a more romantic dining experience.
Afternoon tea by candlelight is a must here, with delicious Edinburgh gin cured Scottish salmon on rye bread a highlight, served with champagne, of course. In the evenings, choose from a range of seafood, game, and meat dishes, focusing on locally sourced ingredients. It’s expensive, but if you’re visiting the Castle, this would round off your visit perfectly. Book well in advance!
Quinn’s Café
Sometimes all you need is a traditional full Scottish breakfast, and one of the best places for that morning after recovery is Quinn’s at West Port. Rated the number one Edinburgh eatery by TripAdvisor visitors, this unpretentious cafe must be doing something right.
The Scottish breakfast terrifically adds black pudding or haggis to the traditional bacon, Lorne sausage, egg, and beans. Visitors also rave about the homemade scones and smoothies. For value, convenience and service, there are few better venues.
Cannonball
Another wonderfully situated eatery (right by the Castle), Cannonball is an Italian-owned Scottish cuisine celebrating treat, which is reasonably priced given the location and presentation. A cannonball lodged into the building exterior gives the place its name.
Food ranges from cannonball-shaped haggis served with pickled turnips and whisky cream to Borders lamb with a garlic sauce and sauteed Phantassie leeks. The quality extends to the delicious desserts and local cheeses, and the cocktails come highly recommended by visitors too.
Enjoy views of the Castle as you dine!
The Grain Store
Hidden away above the boutiques and shops on Victoria Street, The Grain Store is a local’s favourite, offering fine dining in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town. It’s a great place to sample some of the luxurious highlights of Scottish cuisine including oysters, venison, and scallops.
Although Scottish fare dominates the menu, there’s also a tasty beetroot, goat’s cheese and caramelised nut tart for starters and pannacotta with crushed berries for dessert.
It has a cosy and rustic interior, with a great view down to Victoria Street and hardwood furniture throughout. Perfect for a business lunch or a romantic dinner, The Grain Store is a must-visit after a visit to the nearby National Museum of Scotland or the iconic Greyfriars’ Bobby statue.
Chinese / Asian
Tattu combines designer dining and delicious Chinese food. The service comes highly rated, and the food is beautifully presented and very tasty.
The menu is a mix of the traditional (dim sum, aromatic duck pancakes) and the innovative (tuna sashimi with rose, cucumber, and wasabi). There are fantastic sharing options, which are a little pricey but offer the chance to sample a wide range of dishes. If you’re feeling flush, try the Japanese black wagyu, a rare cattle breed.
Vegan and Vegetarian
Henderson’s
This vegan and vegetarian café and buffet has been in existence since 1962 and was a pioneer of vegetarian dining in the city.
A third generation of the Henderson family now run the restaurant, which is most famous for its basement buffet, with sculpted wood benches and a daily selection of delicious salads and cakes which achieve the miraculous combination of being tasty AND healthy.
Situated in the New Town at Hanover Street, Henderson’s run a series of events too, ranging from wine tastings to urban foraging walks. It’s one of the cosiest restaurants on rainy days too.
Indian
The Prahna Indian Grill
If you’re visiting Edinburgh Zoo in Corstorphine, stop in at the Praha Indian Grill for one of the highest-rated Indian meals in the capital. The restaurant offers its own unique take on British Indian cuisine, with a menu including such starters as sweet chilli haggis pakora, monk fish tikka and hand-dived king scallop.
Main courses include many grilled seafood and meat choices, without being as large as some Indian restaurants. That selectiveness is a benefit, allowing Praha to deliver beautifully presented, tasty specialities like the South Indian Cochin Carnival, in which a mix of Scottish seafood is steeped in a mild Kerala spice sauce.
Spice lovers can opt for a chicken jalfrezi or lamb bhuna, and if you’re hungry in the afternoon, why not try their “Afternoon Chai” and sample a range of tasty bites with a glass of prosecco or cocktail.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.