The finest restaurants in Edinburgh

You can enjoy some of the finest restaurants in Scotland in Edinburgh, including many with Michelin stars and other awards, where you can have a truly special dining experience.

We’ve chosen some of our favourites Fine Dining restaurants in Edinburgh, which have the highest quality of food and service on offer.

1. The Kitchin

78 Commercial St, Edinburgh EH6 6LX

0131 555 1755

The Kitchin is one of Edinburgh’s Michelin starred restaurants. You will find it in The Shore area of Leith, and it is one of the top choices to visit while in the city, if you enjoy fine dining.

The restaurant is designed using wood and stone, so you can experience a comfortable, yet elegant atmosphere, and there is a screen so you can watch what is happening in the kitchen.

The Kitchin serves traditional Scottish dishes, but with a modern twist, and you can see a map displaying the origin of each ingredient, allowing you to understand more about Scotland’s geography, farming, and other industries.

You can try the three course set lunch menu for a good, affordable option. You can also choose from the full à la carte dinner menu, or try the seven course surprise tasting menu. It is advised to book well in advance, as it can be difficult to get a table otherwise.

The Kitchin

2. Purslane

33A St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AH

0131 226 3500

Located in the artsy neighbourhood of Stockbridge, Purslane advertises itself as offering a casual fine dining experience, and was chosen as Scotland’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant winner in 2015.

You can enjoy a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, which aims to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Your food will be prepared with great attention to detail, using a large variety of fresh ingredients.

You can choose from 5 or 7 course tasting menus. You can also add supplementary wine pairings for the regular or premium versions.

Interior de Purslane

3. Moss

112 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AD

0131 622 5600

If you are looking for a modern and creative dining experience in Edinburgh, Moss is one of the most exciting options in the city. Located in Stockbridge, this intimate restaurant focuses on seasonal tasting menus built around Scottish ingredients and a strong connection to local producers.

The cooking style is refined and contemporary, but still deeply rooted in Scotland, making it an excellent choice if you want to try something elegant, original and closely linked to the local landscape. The restaurant has quickly built a strong reputation for its farm-to-table approach and beautifully presented dishes.

Moss is a particularly good option for diners who want a more thoughtful and memorable meal, with a menu that changes regularly according to the seasons and the best produce available.

Moss restaurant in Edinburgh

4. The Witchery

352 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NF

0131 225 5613

If you want a truly iconic dining experience in Edinburgh, The Witchery is one of the city’s most famous restaurants. Located beside Edinburgh Castle, it is known as much for its dramatic and atmospheric interiors as for its luxurious food and historic setting.

This is an excellent choice if you are looking for something memorable and romantic, with richly decorated rooms and a menu that makes the most of Scottish produce in an elegant and indulgent way. Few restaurants in Edinburgh offer such a distinctive sense of occasion.

The Witchery is especially popular with visitors who want to combine fine dining with one of the most unforgettable settings in the Old Town, right at the top of the Royal Mile.

The Witchery restaurant in Edinburgh

5. Howies

29 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ

0131 556 5766

If you are looking for a reliable and welcoming Scottish restaurant in the city centre, Howies is one of the best-known options in Edinburgh. Known for its long-standing reputation and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a menu built around fresh Scottish ingredients and classic local flavours.

It is a great choice for visitors who want to enjoy traditional Scottish dishes in a setting that feels comfortable and accessible, without being too formal. The restaurant is especially popular for combining quality food, central locations and a consistently good experience.

Howies works particularly well for travellers who want to try Scottish cuisine in a straightforward and enjoyable way, whether for lunch or dinner in the heart of the city.

Howies restaurant in Edinburgh
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