10 Best Local Restaurants in Edinburgh

Bluebird Cafe is a must-visit if you're looking for a delicious breakfast in Edinburgh. Their menu is quite diverse, as you'll find traditional Scottish dishes such as black pudding and haggis, as well as American classics like bacon, eggs and pancakes. The Full Scots Breakfast is one of the most popular items on the menu – it comes with fresh and large portions, along with freshly brewed coffee.

Lucky Yu is an Asian fusion restaurant in Elm Row that offers a wide variety of sharable dishes. Popular options include gyoza, bao (buns) and dim sum. There are vegan options like the miso and aubergine gyoza, along with meat dishes such as the lobster and chorizo bao with coconut and chilli mayo. 

Just make sure you book a table in advance, as there are only about 20 or so seats available. Lucky Yu is also BYOB, so grab some cans or a bottle of wine from one of the nearby shops.

Nok's Kitchen is an authentic Thai restaurant in Edinburgh's Stockbridge neighbourhood. It offers beautifully presented and delicious food that's suitable for everyone, including vegans and those with other dietary restrictions. The menu consists of authentic Thai dishes with some recipes that date back centuries, yet they've all been updated to contemporary dining standards. 

The restaurant is styled like a 17th-century townhouse, reinforcing the atmosphere of authenticity. While it has only been open since 2016, Nok's Kitchen has already made a name for itself around town, winning numerous accolades thanks to the hard work of their passionate and dedicated team.

Harmonium offers some of the best vegan dishes in Edinburgh. All of their offerings are not only free from animal products, but they don't feature any animal derivatives at all. Instead, you'll find a completely animal-free menu full of delicious meals for everyone can enjoy. 

As if that weren't enough, the drink menu is also quite robust, with rotating draught and cask beers. There are seasonal cocktails available as well, and the wine list is entirely 100% organic. You can even bring your dog along for a meal if you like, as water bowls and treats are available upon request.

David Bann is one of the leading vegetarian restaurants in all of Scotland, serving dishes that even dedicated meat-eaters can enjoy. The dishes are notably creative and satisfying. Vegetarians can take comfort in the fact that they can choose every item on the menu, but the quality ingredients and dedication to excellence ensure a positive dining experience for everyone, regardless of tastes. Just be sure to leave room for some of their delicious desserts, such as the whisky panna cotta.

Dough Pizzeria is among the best places if you're looking for delicious stone-baked pizza in Edinburgh. They source all their ingredients either from Scotland or their home country of Italy, so you can always count on freshness and authenticity. 

A wide variety of toppings are available for you to customise your own pizza. You can also choose from one of their premade options, such as the parmigiana and quattro formaggi, the latter of which is a common favourite for cheese lovers. As is the case with all the best pizza places, you can also get food delivered right to your door.

The Starbank Inn is a promising destination if you're looking for a place to relax and have a pint. There are plenty of drink options available, and the seating is comfortable enough to let you sit back and watch some footie on TV. 

In terms of food, you'll find the standard pub fare options, but the quality tends to exceed what most may expect from a pub. Fish and chips are among the more popular options here, but you'll also find haggis fritters if you're looking for a meal that's positively Scottish.

The Sheep Heid Inn is housed in a historic building in the heart of Edinburgh. It was a favourite of local poets and monarchs from days past. While its historic charm is inviting, its menu of British and Scottish dishes is notably modern. Consider sitting out in the outdoor garden space to enjoy the gorgeous summer air in Edinburgh while you chow down on your meal.