Many of Edinburgh’s best restaurants offer great lunch menus, with reasonable prices and good-quality, locally sourced ingredients. A set lunch menu is usually a selection of dishes at a fixed price: many restaurants offer two or three courses, while others have a lunch menu or weekday specials.
Drinks, some sides and supplements may be charged extra. Dessert may be part of a three-course menu or one of the options on a two-course menu, so always check what the offer includes.
Here are seven restaurants with good lunch options. The prices shown were published when we reviewed the menus and may change, especially during the festivals, at Christmas or on special dates.
1. Howies Victoria Street
10-14 Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2HG
Victoria Street is a must in the Old Town, and Howies has established itself as a favourite restaurant in the city, close to the Grassmarket, the Castle and the Royal Mile. It’s usually busy, so book ahead or go early.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, stone walls and wooden floors, and classic Scottish dishes with a modern twist, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, such as haggis, neeps and tatties or the catch of the day. The published offer is two courses for £19.95, with lunch served daily from 12 noon to 2.30pm. Check the conditions and any supplements when you book.
2. David Bann
56-58 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX
David Bann is the place for a vegetarian or vegan set lunch right in the historic centre, a great choice for a relaxed meal with more elaborate dishes than a café.
Its lunch menu is served Sunday to Friday, 12 noon to 4pm, with two courses for £24.50 or three for £31. Don’t confuse it with the group menu, which has different conditions and prices.
3. Wildfire
192 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AZ
Wildfire is a cosy little bistro on Rose Street, specialising in Scottish meat and seafood, with excellent service and hearty portions. A great option for lunch in the New Town, especially if you like an intimate setting.
Lunch is served on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the restaurant’s current lunch menu for prices, dishes and supplements. Booking is recommended, as it is small.
4. Wedgwood the Restaurant
267 Canongate (Royal Mile), Edinburgh EH8 8BQ
Wedgwood has won several awards and features in the Michelin Guide, making it one of Edinburgh’s top restaurants for a special meal, right on the Royal Mile. The ingredients are carefully chosen, the chef even forages for some of them, and the menu changes with the seasons.
The published lunch menu offers one course for £17.50, two for £27.50 or three for £32.50. Lunch bookings start at 12 noon; check availability and supplements. The menu on the website is a guide and may change on the day of your visit.
5. First Coast
97-101 Dalry Road (Haymarket), Edinburgh EH11 2AB
First Coast is a bistro on Dalry Road, near Haymarket, combining contemporary Scottish cooking with international influences. A good alternative if you are staying in the West End or want to eat off the tourist trail.
Its website advertises lunch Thursday to Saturday. The lunch menu offers two courses for £24.95 or three for £29.95, with supplements on some dishes. Check the price and times when you book.
6. Fishers
1 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW
Fishers, on The Shore in Leith, is a great choice if you fancy fish or seafood. The original restaurant lets you combine lunch with a walk by the mouth of the Water of Leith.
Its lunch menu is served Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 5pm, with two courses for £25 or three for £30. Fishers in the City, on Thistle Street, has its own conditions, so check the menu of the restaurant you plan to visit.
7. Hendersons
7–13 Barclay Place, Edinburgh EH10 4HW
Hendersons is an option for a vegetarian or vegan lunch near the Meadows, with a seasonal menu of plant-based dishes in a restaurant setting.
Its website advertises weekday lunch specials. These are not a fixed two- or three-course menu, so check the format, price and days before you go. The kitchen closes between 4pm and 5pm.
Lunch menus at a glance
| Restaurant | Availability | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| Howies Victoria Street | Daily, 12–2.30pm | 2 courses: £19.95 |
| David Bann | Sunday–Friday, 12–4pm | 2 courses: £24.50 / 3: £31 |
| Wildfire | Friday and Saturday | Check current menu |
| Wedgwood | Daily; bookings from 12 noon | 1 course: £17.50 / 2: £27.50 / 3: £32.50 |
| First Coast | Thursday–Saturday; confirm times when booking | 2 courses: £24.95 / 3: £29.95 |
| Fishers, Leith | Monday–Friday, 12–5pm | 2 courses: £25 / 3: £30 |
| Hendersons | Weekday lunch specials | Check format and price |
Prices reviewed on 7 October 2026. Check the restaurant’s menu to confirm conditions, supplements and availability on your date.