Edinburgh has emerged as one of the most exciting food destinations of 2025, with a dynamic and diverse dining scene that has captivated food enthusiasts and critics alike. The city’s recent surge of innovative restaurants, cafes, and wine bars has been recognized in both the Good Food Guide and Michelin Guide, further cementing its status as a culinary hub. From casual eateries to fine dining, Edinburgh offers something for every palate, and here are 10 must-visit spots that showcase the best of the city’s gastronomy.
The Palmerston is a local favorite, beloved for its light-filled, welcoming space housed in a former bank. Known for its focus on sustainability and locally-sourced produce, the menu features hearty, comforting dishes like baked Berkshire pork shoulder with swede mash and cider-sage sauce. The restaurant also offers a weekday set lunch, which is a great value for those looking for a quick but satisfying meal.
In Leith, Ardfern has become a beloved institution. Created by award-winning chef Roberta Hall-McCarron, this all-day cafe and wine bar next door to her flagship restaurant, The Little Chartroom, serves up everything from fresh doughnuts and pork belly brioche buns to bold dishes like barbecue aubergine tacos and braised beef pie. Ardfern’s laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for both a quick bite and a leisurely meal.
For lovers of Sichuan cuisine, Pomelo offers an irresistible menu of hand-ripped noodles and family-style dishes bursting with bold, spicy flavors. The small but vibrant space fills with steam as diners enjoy dishes like spicy noodles with Sichuan peppercorns or the restaurant’s take on dumplings, all designed for sharing.
In Bruntsfield, Leftfield serves up some of the freshest seafood in the city, with a menu focused on the finest local ingredients prepared with creativity. Dishes like Shetland mussels and sea trout with wild garlic butter offer a taste of Scotland’s natural bounty, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.
At Ka Pao, the flavors of Southeast Asia take center stage in a fun and experimental setting. With an ever-changing menu that celebrates Scotland’s produce, diners can expect dishes like Arbroath smokie miang, corn ribs with salted coconut, and shrimp, all perfect for sharing with friends. The sharing menu is an excellent way to sample the full range of creative small plates on offer.
Harajuku Kitchen sets the bar for Japanese food in Edinburgh, with delicate sashimi and expertly crafted dishes like tempura and grilled fish. The rustic bistro atmosphere adds to the dining experience, and the £14.90 weekday lunch menu offers an unbeatable value for those seeking high-quality Japanese fare.
A sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Timberyard, Montrose offers a more affordable yet equally experimental take on Scottish ingredients. The menu features playful dishes like cucumber with burnt vegetable dressing and egg yolk, as well as oysters and low-intervention wines. The restaurant’s weekend set lunch is a perfect introduction to its creative cuisine.
For a special treat, Lyla offers a luxurious dining experience where chef Stuart Ralston crafts exquisite seafood-focused courses. With intricate dishes like cured plaice with radish flowers, langoustine wrapped in crisp pastry, and fresh trout sashimi, Lyla provides a memorable dining experience for those looking to indulge.
Kitchen Table by Twelve Triangles is a cozy, mismatched cafe known for its delicious pastries and sourdough bread. Whether you’re in the mood for granola with homemade yogurt or a hearty sandwich with roasted aubergine and hummus, the cafe’s offerings make it a standout spot for breakfast or lunch.
Lastly, Eleanore provides a calm, minimalist space where the focus is squarely on the food. The set menu features dishes like cod au poivre with creamed spinach and Roscoff onions, and no visit is complete without trying their cult favorite, the Tirami-choux bun. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for a relaxed, high-quality dining experience.
Each of these 10 restaurants exemplifies Edinburgh’s culinary creativity, offering everything from experimental fine dining to casual comfort food, and all are sure to delight those eager to explore the city’s exciting food scene.
