The Best Restaurant 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.

Baba

$$ | New Town

Set within the upmarket Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Baba serves tasty Middle Easternspecifically Levantinefare in a colorful, shabby-chic setting. Dishes are designed for sharing so take your pick from the mezze and grills menu, where highlights include the baba ghanoush (with pomegranate seed and mint) and the beef and bone marrow kofte. It's tempting to fill up on warm pita bread, but try to save space for a cardamom panna cotta dessert. Individual dishes aren't extravagant, but it's surprisingly easy to rack up a sizeable bill.

130 George St., Edinburgh, EH2 4JZ, Scotland
0131-527--4999
Known For
  • Costs that quickly add up
  • Delicious hummus with a zhug (Yemeni hot sauce) kick
  • Inventive takes on Middle Eastern staples

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