3 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Scotland

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Edinburgh's eclectic restaurant scene has attracted a brigade of well-known chefs, including the award-winning trio of Martin Wishart, Tom Kitchin, and Paul Kitching. They and dozens of others have abandoned the tried-and-true recipes for more adventurous cuisine. Of course, you can always find traditional fare, which usually means the Scottish-French style that harks back to the historical "Auld Alliance" of the 13th century. The Scottish element is the preference for fresh and local foodstuffs; the French supply the sauces. In Edinburgh, you can sample anything from Malaysian rendang (a thick, coconut-milk stew) to Kurdish kebabs, while the long-established French, Italian, Chinese, Pakistani, and Indian communities ensure that the majority of the globe's most treasured cuisines are well represented.

Cannonball Restaurant

$$$ | Old Town Fodor's Choice

The name refers to one of the most delightful quirks of Edinburgh's Old Town—the cannonball embedded in the wall outside, said to have been fired at the castle while Bonnie Prince Charlie was in residence (not true, but a good story). The atmosphere in this three-story restaurant and whisky bar is casual and relaxed, even with the gorgeous art deco dining room with views of the castle esplanade. The inventive menus change seasonally, but perennial favorites include the bread-crumbed haggis with whisky cream and white chocolate with strawberry sorbet.

Italian Fodor's Choice $$$ Lunch Dinner
356 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF, Scotland
0131-225–1550
www.contini.com/cannonball
Known For
  • Inventive Scots seafood and meat dishes
  • Great views of the castle
  • Portobello haggis cannonballs
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

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Cibo

$$

A mile west of Roslin, this welcoming Italian spot serves classic pasta, pizza, seafood, and meat dishes—from spaghetti carbonara to eggplant parmigiana—in a modern dining room. It may be a tad pricey but given the lack of decent eateries in the area, it's your best dining bet if you're visiting the chapel, especially with kids in tow.

Contini George Street

$$$ | New Town

Set within a grand former banking hall on George Street, this superb restaurant serves light but satisfying Italian favorites divided into primi, secondi, and dolci, all within an airy setting of grand Corinthian columns, an open marble-topped bar, intricate wall hangings, and soft gray banquettes. The food choices are strictly seasonal, but regularly appearing favorites include the Scotch beef carpaccio and the homemade ravioli with ricotta and spinach. Come for a light lunch or, with the help of the extensive wine list, a long and indulgent dinner.

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