Where to Eat in Edinburgh
Although Scottish cuisine is very similar to the English cuisine, the country also has a great variety of unique dishes that are only made in Scotland. Some of its cooking is influenced by foreign cuisine, especially French cuisine.
Scotland’s dishes are normally very filling, so you will never be left hungry, especially after a traditional Scottish breakfast which are offered in most hotels and B&Bs.
Traditional Scottish Food
Here is a list of the country’s best food, so that you make sure to try at least some of the most renowned dishes:
- Haddock: Haddock is both served smoked, a speciality of Arbroath in Angus, or battered as in the traditional fish and chips.
- Kipper: smoked kipper
- Neeps and tatties: Tatties are mashed potatos and neeps are diced or mashed swede. Neeps and tatties are normally eaten with haggis.
- Cock-a-leekie: Soup made of leeks and peppered chicken stock.
- Scotch broth: A meaty vegetable soup (lamb, carrots and swedes) perfect for a cold winter night.
- Partan bree: Seafood soup. "Parten" means crab and "bree" means soup.
- Cullen Skink: Filling soup made of potatoes, smoked haddock and onions.
- Stovies: A potato and onion salad
- Grouse: Bird that is very similar to a partridge
- Porridge: Crushed oats mixed with water or milk
- Oatcakes: A type of flatbread, similar to a cracker or biscuit.
- Shortbread: A buttery biscuit baked at a low temperature
- Dundee cake: A rich flavour fruit cake
- Cranachan: A traditional Scottish dessert made from whipped cream, whisky and raspberries.
The Famous Haggis
Haggis is probably the most famous Scottish dish, this is why it is worth explaining in detail what it consists of and how it's made.
Haggis is a filling and savoury pudding made of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs mixed with onions, oatmeal, spices and encased in the sheep’s stomach and cooked for several hours.
This is a commonly eaten dish in Scotland, but one particularly associated with Burns Night, the day celebrating Scotland's most famous literary figure. On Burns Night (25 January), it is typical to eat haggis, a night where the life and works of the poet Robert Burns are commemorated (indeed Burns even wrote a poem called "Address to a Haggis").
Even though haggis used to be peasant food, (it is made of the parts of the sheep nobody wanted, making it both cheap and nutritious), it is now so common that most restaurants in Edinburgh will serve it.
To Suit Every Budget
Edinburgh is a relatively expensive city to eat out in, but it is always possible to find spots that are cheaper.
Since most museums and top attractions close between 5 pm and 6 pm, we recommend having lunch in a fast-food place, like a kebab, “fish and chips” or a sandwich.
The best time to sit down for a nice meal is when it gets dark and cold outside, and you long to keep warm and relax after a long day of exploring. This is the best time to try some of the traditional Scottish cuisine. Prices will vary greatly depending on the restaurant you choose, but a main course will typically cost between £ 10 (US$ 12.70) and £ 15 (US$ 19).
When to Have Lunch and Dinner in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, the opening times of restaurants and fast-food places are very similar to other North European countries. Lunch is normally served between 12 noon and 2 pm and dinner begins at 6 pm and finishes at 8:30 – 9 pm. It can prove difficult to find a restaurant with an open kitchen after 9 pm.
Usually restaurants and pubs on the city’s main arteries are open until later since Edinburgh is used to international tourists, so we recommend heading to these areas if you want a late meal.
Best Areas to Eat in Edinburgh
It is easy to find restaurants and pubs anywhere in the city centre, however, the most interesting areas are the top of the Royal Mile and Princes Street, as well as the charming Rose Street.
Practical Advice
In pubs, the bartenders or waiters will not come to your table to take your order. You’ll have to go to the bar to get the menu and order from there directly. You will also most likely have to pay immediately.
Beers are usually served in pint glasses. If you don’t want to drink as much make sure to order “half a pint”.
In Scotland, whisky is not a mixing alcoholic beverage. It is typically served in a glass without any ice and sometimes it is served with water. If you wish to mix it with coke or any other drink we recommend you ask for the two drinks separately and mix them.
