A great view turns a good meal into a memorable one, and Edinburgh serves up rooftops over the Old Town and waterfront tables beneath the Forth bridges. Whether you want the Castle framed by a rooftop terrace or the sea on your plate, these spots deliver the backdrop.
Here are the best restaurants with a view, and where to find them.
Where to Eat: Edinburgh Restaurants with a View
- Cold Town House (Grassmarket) – A brewpub with a rooftop terrace looking straight up to Edinburgh Castle – one of the best views in the Old Town.
- Chaophraya (City Centre) – A glamorous upper-floor Thai dining room with views out over the rooftops of the city centre.
- Scott’s Kitchen (Victoria Terrace) – Perched above photogenic Victoria Street, a lovely spot for Scottish food with an Old Town outlook.
- Orocco Pier (South Queensferry) – A waterfront restaurant with terrace views of the three iconic Forth bridges.
- Scotts, South Queensferry (High St) – Another Queensferry favourite for relaxed dining beside the water and the bridges.
What to Expect
Views come in two flavours here – rooftop cityscapes over the Old Town, and waterfront panoramas out in South Queensferry. Rooftop terraces like Cold Town House get busy in good weather, so book, and aim for a clear evening or sunset for the best of it.
Who It Suits
Anyone wanting to combine dinner with a proper Edinburgh outlook – visitors, couples and photographers alike. For a Castle view head to Cold Town House or Scott’s Kitchen; for the Forth bridges, take the short trip to South Queensferry.
Practical Tips
- Book rooftop terraces ahead, especially on warm or clear evenings.
- Aim for sunset for the best light over the Castle or the bridges.
- South Queensferry is a short train or bus ride from the centre and worth it.
- Terrace seating can be weather-dependent – check when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Edinburgh restaurant has the best view of the Castle?
The rooftop terrace at Cold Town House in the Grassmarket has one of the best Castle views in the city. Scott’s Kitchen above Victoria Street is another scenic Old Town option.
Where can I eat with a view of the Forth bridges?
Head to South Queensferry, where Orocco Pier and Scotts offer waterfront dining with views of the three Forth bridges, a short trip from central Edinburgh.
