A Guide to Edinburgh's Best Dinner Spots

Excellent food with standout dishes like steak pie, fish pie, and sticky toffee pudding. Outstanding chips and mashed potatoes. Cozy atmosphere with lovely decor. Knowledgeable staff who explain menu items well. Popular with locals for special occasions. Good value for UK standards. Creative touches like marrow bone vents in pies.

Service can be surly and slow even when quiet. Some dishes lack flavor or have inconsistent cooking. Fish portions are underwhelming. Higher prices than similar restaurants. Unexplained charges added to bills like charity donations. Long walk from Old Town. Mixed experiences with staff friendliness.

Staff receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and professional. The fish pie and sticky toffee pudding are standout dishes, with the beetroot salad and partridge special also earning acclaim. Great atmosphere for celebrations and trying haggis for the first time. Restaurant supports local suppliers.

Poor table assignments near bathrooms or entrances create unpleasant experiences. Menu feels uninventive and dated. Haggis appetizer resembles basic meat croquettes with sad potato chips. The Wagyu burger arrives dried with little flavor or cheese. Quality chips are surprisingly bad. Overall expensive tourist trap.

Diners praise the exceptional quality of traditional Scottish dishes with modern presentation. The haggis receives particular acclaim, along with fresh seafood and perfectly cooked meats. Staff provide knowledgeable, friendly service in a cozy atmosphere that feels authentically Scottish yet refined.

Some guests report longer wait times during peak periods and occasional inconsistency in food temperature. A few diners found portions smaller than expected for the price point, while others mentioned difficulty securing reservations during busy tourist seasons.

Timberyard delivers exceptional fine dining with inventive, flavorful dishes and impeccable service. Staff are attentive and gracious, accommodating walk-ins and making thoughtful gestures. The stylish yet rustic atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience. Vegetarian options available. Standout dishes include mushroom preparations and lion's mane starters.

Music volume can be too loud at times. Winter menu may feel flat and uninspiring. Initial staff responses to complaints can seem dismissive. Reservations are essential - walk-ins risk disappointment. Some seasonal variations in menu quality reported by returning diners.

Exceptional Michelin-starred dining in a converted warehouse with industrial-chic atmosphere. Outstanding seafood dishes like mussels in wine sauce and perfectly cooked monkfish. Creative weekly-changing tasting menu with well-balanced flavors and thoughtful pairings. Great cocktail selection and countryside ambiance.

Inconsistent service with staff reading from menus and poor wine knowledge. Extremely small portions leave diners hungry despite high prices. Wine selection focuses on esoteric choices over mainstream options. Constant upselling attempts and rushed service despite mandatory gratuity. Poor value for Michelin standards.

Guests praise the creative seasonal menu and exceptional use of local Scottish ingredients. The wood-fired cooking techniques create unique flavors that impress diners. Staff knowledge about ingredients and wine pairings receives high marks. The industrial atmosphere appeals to many visitors seeking something different.

Some diners find portions small for the price point. The industrial decor feels cold and uncomfortable to certain guests. Service can be slow during busy periods. A few visitors report dishes being too experimental or unusual for their tastes. Limited vegetarian options disappoint some diners.

The Kitchin delivers exceptional Michelin-starred dining with perfect seafood dishes and creative vegetarian options. Staff provides outstanding, knowledgeable service while Tom Kitchin personally greets guests. Every course on tasting menus impresses with artistic presentation and unique flavors. Reasonable pricing for the quality.

Limited accessibility with a small step at the entrance that wheelchair users must navigate. Reservations can be difficult to secure, with lunch often the only available option. No other significant issues mentioned across the reviews.

Exceptional fine dining with outstanding food and flawless service. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming without being stuffy. Extensive wine list with expert sommelier guidance. Creative presentations include ingredient sourcing maps. Kitchen tours available. Extra courses complement the menu beautifully.

Very limited negative feedback from reviewers. One diner noted the monkfish dish was oversalted, but this was an isolated complaint. The restaurant appears to consistently deliver high-quality experiences with minimal issues reported across multiple visits.

Diners praise exceptional quality ingredients and masterful cooking techniques. Many highlight the knowledgeable service and beautiful presentation. The seasonal menu receives acclaim for showcasing Scotland's finest produce. Wine pairings earn consistent praise from guests.

Some guests find portions small for the high price point. A few mention the formal atmosphere feels intimidating. Occasional complaints about slow service during busy periods. Limited vegetarian options disappoint some diners.

Purslane delivers exceptional fine dining with perfectly executed multi-course tasting menus. The chef often adds surprise courses beyond what's ordered. Service is impeccable and attentive. Wine pairings are precise and diverse, with staff sharing wine origins. Diners consistently rate it above Michelin-starred restaurants for quality and value.

Wine service lacks detailed explanations about tasting notes and food pairings that some diners expect from fine dining experiences. The restaurant is physically very small with limited space. Some guests noted missing educational elements during wine service compared to other high-end establishments.

Purslane delivers exceptional fine dining with a 5-course tasting menu and expertly paired wines. Each dish bursts with flavor and stunning presentation. The service is friendly and attentive in an intimate, comfortable setting. Regular guests praise consistent high quality over years, with unique ingredients and mouth-watering appetizers.

The main criticism involves incomplete wine service explanations. While staff shares wine origins, they sometimes miss explaining how each wine specifically complements the food pairing, which diminishes the educational aspect of the tasting experience compared to other fine dining establishments.

Diners praise the innovative vegetable-forward dishes and exceptional flavor combinations. Many highlight the knowledgeable staff and excellent wine pairings. The seasonal menu approach receives consistent appreciation for freshness and creativity.

Some guests find portions smaller than expected for the price point. Occasional complaints about limited menu options for those with dietary restrictions. A few reviews mention slow service during busy periods.

This fine dining restaurant delivers exceptional experiences with perfect service and incredible food. Staff are attentive and welcoming, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The tasting menus showcase superb dishes with perfect flavors and classic techniques. Highlights include cheese soufflé, scallops, and desserts. Great value for Michelin star dining.

Some dishes like grouse and monkfish can have muddled flavors. Service lacks detailed explanations about ingredients and sourcing. Wine prices are marked up significantly at 3x retail. Desserts may not always impress. Some guests leave satisfied but not completely full from tasting portions.

Martin Wishart delivers exceptional Michelin-starred dining with outstanding food quality and presentation. Expert wine pairings from regions like Jura and Savoie complement perfectly cooked dishes. Friendly, knowledgeable staff provide impeccable service at a relaxed pace. Generous portions leave diners satisfied. Great value for fine dining with quality cocktails.

The main criticism involves outdated background music, specifically Sinatra playing during dinner service. Some diners felt the music selection needed updating to match the restaurant's modern dining experience. Otherwise, very few complaints were mentioned in the reviews.

Guests praise the exceptional food quality, creative presentations, and flawless service. The Michelin-starred cuisine consistently impresses with innovative flavor combinations and perfect execution. Diners appreciate the intimate atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and extensive wine pairings.

Some diners find the pricing extremely high for portion sizes. A few mention the formal atmosphere can feel intimidating. Occasional complaints about rushed service during busy periods and limited vegetarian options on the tasting menu.

Edinburgh diners rave about this restaurant's exceptional cocktails and standout dishes like the famous crab butter and North Crab. The friendly, accommodating staff create a relaxed atmosphere. Many call it their best meal in the city, praising the fresh ingredients and creative menu at reasonable prices.

Service can be frustratingly slow with 30-minute waits for drinks and lengthy delays between courses. While some dishes like pork shine, others disappoint with bland flavors despite elaborate descriptions. Small portions leave diners unsatisfied, and reservations are essential.

Exceptional food quality with standout dishes like sea bream, pork belly, and trout temaki. Outstanding friendly service and knowledgeable staff create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Great value set lunch menu and excellent cocktails. Minimalist rustic decor adds charm. Highly recommended by visitors who call it one of their favorite dining experiences.

Small portion sizes for some dishes, particularly the trout which could use more chunks. Higher price points, though most reviewers felt the quality justified the cost. The main dining area can get noisy, requiring requests for quieter back seating. Limited menu options due to the restaurant's minimalist approach.

Diners praise the creative flavor combinations and exceptional presentation. The open kitchen adds excitement and the staff knowledge impresses guests. Many highlight the freshness of ingredients and innovative takes on Asian classics that surprise and delight.

Some find portions small for the price point and service can feel rushed during busy periods. A few guests mention the noise level gets high in the compact space. Limited seating means booking ahead is essential but not always available.

Quick food preparation keeps wait times short. Vegan options available with good taste. Clean restroom facilities maintain basic hygiene standards. Tartar sauce receives positive mentions from diners.

Transformed from restaurant to chaotic self-serve cafe with soft play area. Poor service with dirty tables left unattended for 20+ minutes. Overpriced food quality disappointing - chips not homemade, meals thrown away. Staff unprofessional, avoiding work while chatting. Long waits despite empty venue.

Diners praise the innovative Scottish dishes and high-quality local ingredients. The haggis bon bons and Highland beef receive particular acclaim. Service is consistently described as friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere strikes an ideal balance between casual and upscale dining.

Some guests find portions smaller than expected for the price point. Occasional complaints about slow service during busy periods. A few diners felt the modern interpretations strayed too far from traditional Scottish cooking. Limited vegetarian options disappoint some visitors.

Fishers in the City offers exceptional fresh seafood in Edinburgh's Old Town. Standout dishes include Shetland mussels, Scottish salmon, fish cakes, and oysters. The cozy restaurant features attentive service, knowledgeable staff, and wine pairings. Prices are fair for quality portions in an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere.

Some minor issues include cold tortillas on shrimp tacos, non-crispy fries, and occasional bones in fish dishes. The restaurant is small and gets busy on weekends, requiring reservations. Limited menu size, though most reviewers view this focused approach as positive rather than negative.

Outstanding seafood preparation with fresh, expertly cooked dishes like traditional fish and chips and Dover sole. Friendly, attentive staff create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Professional service makes diners feel welcomed. Extensive drink menu complements first-class food and wine. Popular spot that delivers exceptional dining experiences worth the cost.

Extremely high prices make dining expensive. Always booked up, requiring advance reservations or hoping for last-minute availability. Set lunch menu gets removed during busy festival periods, forcing diners to order from the pricier main menu instead of more affordable options.

Guests praise the exceptional freshness of seafood and skilled preparation. The elegant atmosphere and attentive service receive consistent compliments. Many highlight the creative menu and excellent wine selection.

Some diners find portions smaller than expected for the price point. Service can be slow during peak hours. A few customers report inconsistent food quality on busy nights. The atmosphere may feel too formal for casual dining preferences.

Visitors love The Dog House's unique punk-style decor with stuffed toys and wild atmosphere. Staff are friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming vibe. The fully vegan Happy Fish restaurant inside serves amazing food that impresses even non-vegans. Great craft beer selection, old music, dog-friendly space, and Tuesday music jam sessions make it a must-visit Edinburgh spot.

Some staff members appear unmotivated despite being friendly. The quirky punk aesthetic and wild atmosphere may not appeal to everyone's taste. Limited negative feedback suggests most visitors enjoy the experience, though the unique style could be polarizing for some travelers seeking more traditional pub environments.

Visitors love the vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff at this unique venue. The quirky design and personality make it memorable, with excellent facilities including well-equipped rooms, creative spaces, and a fantastic mini bar. The vegan food options are outstanding value, especially the £25 munchy box. Great music and welcoming to all ages.

Some guests encountered an overly aggressive staff member who harassed customers, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned this person seemed to have authority despite doing minor maintenance work, which allowed them to terrorize patrons without consequence.

Diners praise the exceptional food quality and creative use of seasonal Scottish ingredients. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service receive consistent acclaim. Many highlight the unique setting and cozy ambiance as memorable aspects of their dining experience.

Some guests find the space cramped and uncomfortably small for longer meals. A few mention that noise levels can become excessive when full. Limited menu options may disappoint those seeking more variety or specific dietary accommodations.