Food & culture · Edinburgh
What to Eat in Edinburgh: A Food Guide
A food guide to Edinburgh: the dishes worth seeking out, what to drink, dining etiquette and the neighbourhoods to eat in.
Updated 2026-07-01
What to eat in Edinburgh
Haggis, neeps and tatties
Traditional Scottish plate — vegan versions widely available.
Cullen skink
Rich smoked-haddock soup from the Moray coast.
Full Scottish breakfast
Includes tattie scone and Lorne (square) sausage.
What to drink
Single malt whisky is the icon — Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a great tasting stop.
Dining etiquette and practicalities
Tip 10–12.5% at sit-down (often included as service).
Order at the bar in pubs; no table service traditionally.
Where to eat in Edinburgh
Old Town (Royal Mile)
Castle + Royal Mile + Holyrood + closes — Witchery, Radisson Collection Royal Mile, Old Waverley.
New Town (Georgian)
Princes Street + George Street + Charlotte Square — Balmoral (Rocco Forte), Kimpton Charlotte Square, Waldorf Astoria Caledonian.
Stockbridge
Village-feel bohemian + Water of Leith walk + Sunday market — Nira Caledonia, Ardmor House B&B.
Leith + The Shore
Regenerated waterfront + Michelin-starred Kitchin + Royal Yacht Britannia — Malmaison Edinburgh, Fingal (floating hotel), Ocean Hotel.
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