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Wondering where to eat in the heart of Edinburgh? With so much choice, finding the best Edinburgh Old Town restaurants can be daunting. This area of the city is where you will find everything from fine dining Scottish cuisine to hanger-curing pub grub!
For evening meals, it is always best to book ahead to avoid disappointment. Looking for somewhere to drink as well as dine? We’ve detailed that in our places to eat in Edinburgh Old Town guide, too.
If we’ve missed out your favourite, tell us in the comments below.
→ Planning your trip to the Old Town? Start here
Edinburgh’s Old Town Restaurants
Cockburn Street
- Brewhemia (Market Street) – Pub grub, spacious bars, live music, features in our brunch guide
- Krua Khun Mae Thai – Tucked away down Craig’s Close
- Viva Mexico – Attentive staff, cool decor, cocktails and Mexican menu, features in our Mexican food guide
- Scran – New kid on the block, nice cocktails and nachos
- Arcade – Trendy eatery dedicated to haggis and whisky
- Arcade has a secret vodka bar. Read about it in our pubs guide
→ Read next Old Town hotels for all budgets
The Royal Mile (Or Close)
- The Witchery By The Castle – Edinburgh’s most famous restaurant
- The Devil’s Advocate – Modern restaurant with outside seating, cocktails
- Deacon Brodies Tavern – Pub food on the Royal Mile
- Bubba Q – Fun BBQ and beers joint (like beer? Here’s our craft guide)
- Civerinos – Cool, lively pizza place that serves drinks, here’s our pizza guide for more
- The Piper’s Rest – Scottish decor and menu, check out the Oor Wullie paper in the loos
- The City Cafe – An Ev Ed favourite for boozy milkshakes and casual food
- Angels With Bagpipes – Scottish fine dining in a 16th-century building
In the Old Town, pubs aren’t just drinking dens they are also haunted watering holes! Find out which Edinburgh pubs are haunted and by whom here.
Really into the spooky stuff? Here’s our Halloween in Edinburgh guide, most of which can be done all year round!
Grassmarket Restaurants (Pub Grub)
- The Last Drop – Lovely wee pub with food menu and good tunes
- Biddy Mulligans – Irish bar with ‘good mood food’
- Cold Town House – Rooftop bar with castle views, pizza
- Mary’s Milk Bar – It’s ice-cream but deserves a mention!
You may also like | Edinburgh’s coolest roof top bars and beer gardens
Victoria Street Restaurants
- Howies – Scottish produce, try the sticky toffee pudding
- Maxies Bistro – Indoor and al fresco dining on Victoria Terrace
- Scotts – Sister restaurant to Howies
Like venues you can take photos at? Here’s the best city IG spots
By Time of Day
Brunch In Edinburgh Old Town
In this section we’ll discuss where you fill up for a big day of exploring and where to dine out at your leisure, maybe with a wee Mimosa?
- Cafe Hub (Castlehill) – Casual setting, 1840s building, outside tables
- Southern Cross (Cockburn St) – Busy cafe serving Scottish produce
- Lailas (Cockburn St) – Instagram heaven, it’s pink, you cannot miss it
- Scran (North Bridge Arcade) – Brunch and cocktails
- The Edinburgh Larder (Blackfriars) – Relaxed cafe, deli counter
- Hula (West Bow) – Acai and smoothy bowl delights
- Loudons – Big eggs benny spot tucked behind The Royal Mile
Here’s our full brunch in Edinburgh review.
Lunch In Edinburgh Old Town
Many of the restaurants named in our locations section offer lunch menus. Some at a reduced price!
In this section of our where to eat in Edinburgh’s Old Town guide, we will look at cafes that specialise in lunch as well as some takeout options to save you time.
- Nor’ Loft (Market Street Hotel) – 3 small plates for under £20 and cocktails
- The Baked Potato Shop (Cockburn St) – Takeout only, popular stuffed pots
- @Pizza (Royal Mile)- Subway style build your own pizza
- Canongate Cafe (Canongate) – Police box serving coffee and snacks
- Mimi’s Bakehouse (Royal Mile) – Banging avo toast, afternoon tea & cakes
- Oink (Canongate) – Pulled pork specialist
Our Old Town Edinburgh Guides
- The ultimate guide to Edinburgh’s Old Town
- 50 fun Old Town activities for everyone
- Where to stay in the historic Old Town
- Best Old Town Airbnbs incl. Harry Potter
- Our favourite Old Town pubs and bars
- Walking tours including history and Harry Potter
- Spooky ghost tours featuring Edinburgh’s Underground
- Every Harry Potter location fans can’t miss
Any questions or comments?
Let us know below.