One thing we know for sure is that if you come to Scotland, no matter where you go, you’ll eat well. We couldn’t pinpoint the best place to eat in Scotland, but we’re going to start a series that explores different cities, towns, and even villages with restaurants and even boutique cafes serving the best food you’ll ever taste.
From traditional Scottish delicacies to international flavours, Scotland has it all. And although we can’t pinpoint the exact best place, we do believe that our Scottish motorhome hub, Edinburgh, is near the top of the best of the best. And it’s one of the best cities for things to do and see.
Read on for the top-rated places to eat in Edinburgh in 2025.
Footlights Bar and Grill
We’ll start with Footlights Bar and Grill because it might not be the most flashy or expensive, but it’s one of the best go-to places if you’re looking for budget pub food. Located on Spittal Street, Edinburgh, the establishment regularly wins sports bar of the year. It’s the type of relaxed, traditional pub atmosphere people are sometimes looking for.
We won’t lie and say the food is the best you’ll eat in Scotland, but it’s a well-rounded experience, and the service is always great. The menu is infused with pub classics and traditional Scottish cuisine that we’d always recommend people taste.
We’d say it’s the perfect place to go if you’re travelling with kids who might be fussy eaters, and dining at a fancy restaurant or even just a restaurant with something other than pub food is out of the question.
Some of the most recommended dishes on the menu include:
- Haggis balls (traditional Scottish)
- Fish and chips
- Posh cow burger
- Steak & ale pie
Makars Mash Bar
This is a restaurant dedicated to serving mash. Even if you’re not a fan of mash, you will be once you leave here.
Makars Mash Bar, located on Bank Street, Edinburgh, has an astonishing 7,571 Google reviews and a 4.8* rating. Its cosy atmosphere and fusion of mashed potato dishes with Scottish delicacies make it a firm favourite with locals and tourists. We promise it’ll be the creamiest, tastiest mash you’ve ever had.
The concept is that you pick your main and then pick your mash. From slow-cooked lamb shank to Makars’ own beef-lamb haggis, every dish is infused with mouthwatering flavours that come served on a bed of creamy, delicious mash. There’s also the option of no mash, but, come on, you’re going to a mash bar…you’ve got to try it!
Some of the best options on the menu include:
- Wild boar sausages with beef dripping, dark gravy
- Roasted chestnut & carrot haggis with their whisky, peppercorn, cream sauce
- Classic Scottish dairy butter mash
- Mild smoked applewood cheese mash
- Mini haggis, neeps & tatties taster (starter)
- Free-range gourmet Scotch egg starter
Considering the quality of the food, this unfussy-atmosphere restaurant will leave your taste buds stunned.
The Duck & Waffle
The Duck & Waffle is taking it upmarket.
The interior design here is stunning, but we know we’re not here to talk about decor. Located in a prime spot, St James Quarter, Edinburgh, the Duck & Waffle is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. It’s a warm, buzz-filled atmosphere that never disappoints with a surprise at every turn, which is why we love the decor so much.
With a respectable 4.6* and 898 Google reviews, it’s tried and tested. It’s not exactly the most specialised menu, but everything served is fresh, high-quality, and with a side of a great atmosphere.
Some of the best dishes on the menu include:
- The Sunday roast
- ‘Wanna-be’ Duck & Waffle
- Scottish breakfast
- The oyster happy hour experience (£1.50 per oyster)
- The seafood set menu (we’d recommend the cataplana fish stew)
The Scran & Scallie
Now we’re definitely taking it upmarket. The Scran & Scallie is Edinburgh’s leading gastropub, which is the proud owner of the prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for a reason. Located on Comely Bank Road, Edinburgh, and with a 4.5* rating from 2,347 Google reviews, this restaurant never fails.
It doesn’t exactly have the most mind-blowing interior, but that’s what we love about it. The rustic, charming vibe feels traditionally Scottish. And whilst the interior might not be anything fancy, the menu certainly is.
Boasting the concept of ‘from plant to plate’, every dish is infused with the freshest, locally sourced flavours from Scotland. Think pub classics with a modern twist. And that’s what we love about it. It’s comfort food but with the Michelin approval.
Some of the best dishes on the menu include:
- 6 Islay oysters
- Seared Orkney scallops, broccoli, pancetta
- Mrs K’s hot smoked salmon salad with avocado and feta
- The Scran & Scallie fish pie
- Ham, egg, and chips
- Highland Wagyu beef burger & chips.
Edinburgh is a feast for all the senses, but it sure does know how to do food. There are so many other amazing restaurants we could have mentioned, so do your research before you go and find your favourite!