A Foodie’s Guide to the 8 Best Fine Dining Spots in Edinburgh
There’s nothing I love more than indulging in a mouthwatering meal at a restaurant. My husband knows this all too well, which is why he makes sure to treat me to a fancy dinner now and then. Smart man, right?
From showcasing the best of Scottish culinary talent to embracing international flavours, this city’s fine dining scene always keeps me on my toes—and my taste buds thrilled.
If you’re a foodie like me, I’ve got the insider scoop on the best local fine dining spots that’ll have you savouring every last bite (and maybe even licking the plate!).
The Kitchin
– Media from thekitchin
Address: 78, Commercial Quay, Leith
Contact Details: +44 131 555 1755
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cuisine: Scottish and French
Kickstart your culinary journey in Edinburgh with a reservation at The Kitchin, a Scottish-French restaurant that has earned the most coveted Michelin Star. Their concept is that they use Scottish produce and add a modern French twist to each dish.
Apart from the food, the ambience here is a total showstopper, thanks to the open-kitchen concept where you can watch the chefs at work. It’s a solid spot to treat your date to a private dinner, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Tips:
- If you want to explore all of the restaurant’s finest and most signature dishes without over-ordering, I recommend getting the tasting menu. This way, you get smaller portions of all their signature dishes in a full course. You’ll need to make a reservation for this in advance, and I suggest making one at least a week or two in advance.
- If you have strict dietary preferences, don’t hesitate to tell the staff about them. They can easily adjust their menu to fit your needs, whether it’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-free!
Lyla
– Media from lylaedinburgh
Address: 3 Royal Terrace
Contact Details: +44 131 285 8808
Operating Hours:
Wednesday and Thursday, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday and Saturday, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cuisine: Scottish, seafood
If you’re after a fine dining experience that’ll stick in your memory, Lyla is the place to be. Stuart Ralston calls this his grand finale as this is his fourth establishment in the city.
Every dish is a seafood masterpiece, from delicate canapés to rich mains that will leave you wanting more each time you take a bite. The ambience is swanky but warm and welcoming, giving you a touch of Scottish hospitality at its finest.
Aye, it’s a splurge, but for those who adore unforgettable flavours and top-tier foodie adventures, Lyla is worth every penny.
Tips:
- The restaurant shares a building with the luxurious 21212 Rooms boutique hotel. If you’re celebrating or just fancy spoiling your other half, book a room for the night.
You can savour a stunning meal, then head straight upstairs to unwind in style—no taxis or post-dinner logistics needed! Learn more about the hotel here.
- The restaurant isn’t able to cater to vegetarian or vegan diets or menus completely free of dairy, eggs, fish, or shellfish. That said, they do offer gluten-free options and can tweak dishes for pescatarians or those with nut allergies. It’s always a good idea to mention any dietary needs when booking!
Timberyard
– Media from timberyard10
Address: 10 Lady Lawson St
Contact Details: +44 131 221 1222
Operating Hours:
Thursday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Cuisine: Modern British
For visitors curious to experience British cuisine with a creative flair, Timberyard is a standout choice. Tucked just minutes from the Grassmarket and surrounded by iconic landmarks, this gem offers a uniquely local take on fine dining.
Housed in a charming brick warehouse, Timberyard’s cosy, Nordic-inspired ambience sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable meal. Every dish showcases the freshest ingredients, with their pickled and foraged greens stealing the show.
Tips:
- The restaurant has a private dining room called The Shed that is reserved for small parties who want a space all to themselves. They can only seat a maximum of 10 guests inside, so if you’re a larger group, you may have to reserve the whole restaurant to accommodate everyone.
Note that group dinners will be offered a reduced menu, so give the restaurant a call to confirm what will be served during your visit.
- Children are only allowed to dine here during lunch hours. Once the clock hits 7:00 pm, all children, even those accompanied by adults, must leave the premises.
Avery
– Media from avery.edinburgh
Address: 54 St Stephen St
Contact Details: +44 131 563 4470
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cuisine: Californian, Scottish
If you love experimentational creations, I highly recommend dining at Chef Rodney Wages’ Avery. This groundbreaking restaurant moved from sunny San Francisco to Edinburgh and shifted to blending Scottish produce into their creative dishes.
Avery boasts some of the most stunning presentations I’ve seen, and I’ve dined at my fair share of fine dining spots. Their mains, showcasing the best of Scottish meats, seafood, and foraged ingredients, are as visually striking as they are delicious.
Tips:
- If you’re a fan of wine pairings, make sure to ask for Jason. He’s the wine expert around here and knows exactly what works with each dish. He once recommended a pairing I wouldn’t have considered, but it turned out to be spot on!
- I’d recommend arriving a bit earlier for your reservation, especially if you’re driving. Parking can be tricky around here, as it’s all paid street parking. This area is pretty popular with tourists, so finding a spot can be a challenge, especially during the day.
Dean Banks at The Pompadour
– Media from deanbankspompadour
Address: Princes St
Contact Details: +44 173 871 8387
Operating Hours:
Monday and Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am
Thursday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am
Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Dean Banks, who made it to the Top 3 in the 2018 season of MasterChef: The Professionals, is now making a name for himself with his fine dining restaurant, Dean Banks at the Pompadour.
Before you even taste the food, the stunning ambience and décor will leave you speechless. Nestled in the grand Caledonian Hotel, this spot serves up Scottish dishes that are as exquisite in flavour as they are in the presentation.
Tips:
- The restaurant is actually a very popular wedding reception venue thanks to its location at the Caledonian Hotel and the Pompadour. The dining room features stunning views of the Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens. You can host your ceremony and/or reception.
- If you’re looking to make your meal extra special, the team here can tailor the experience to your exact needs. Just note, there’s a minimum spend for the private dining room, which can vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week. The bookings manager will fill you in on all the details when you reach out.
Heron
– Media from heron.scot
Address: 87, 91A Henderson St, Leith
Contact Details: +44 173 871 8387
Operating Hours:
Wednesday to Friday, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Since opening in 2021, Heron has quickly earned a Michelin star, thanks to chefs Sam Yorke and Tomás Gormley, the youngest in Scotland to receive the honour. Their farm-to-table concept brings in visitors daily to their humble restaurant.
They feature seasonal Scottish ingredients like fish, Orkney scallops, mackerel, hazelnuts, and so much more. Their dishes are inventive, fun, and playful, giving diners an exciting culinary journey through each plate that passes in front of them.
Tips:
- Heads up! You’ll need a valid credit card to secure your booking. Just a wee reminder: if you cancel too late or don’t show up, the restaurant may charge £85 per person as a no-show fee. Plan ahead to avoid any surprises!
- If you or your dining pals have any dietary restrictions, be sure to let the team know before finalising your booking. Giving at least 48 hours’ notice is key, as they might not be able to handle last-minute allergy requests. Better safe than sorry!
Contini
– Media from continibites
Address: 103 George St
Contact Details: +44 330 164 9385
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am to 11:30 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:30 pm
Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Cuisine: Modern Italian
For a truly refined fine dining experience, Contini on George Street is a top-notch choice. Housed in a magnificent 19th-century former banking hall, this Italian fine dining gem exudes timeless elegance with its grand decor and historic charm.
Imagine dining inside a historic building, enjoying your meal inside an old bank vault, and just having a good time with your date or friends while being served by an outstanding staff. It’s literally everything you could wish for in a fine-dining restaurant!
Tips:
- Contini’s menu shifts with the seasons, so if you’re organising a private dinner, be sure to let them know your preferences in advance. They’ll craft a tailored menu for your event, showcasing the freshest ingredients available at the time.
- For truly special occasions, you can book the entire dining hall for a private event. The space fits up to 96 guests, making it ideal for larger gatherings. If you’re planning something big, I suggest securing the venue 6 months to a year in advance, as tables here tend to fill up fast.
Gaucho Edinburgh
– Media from gauchogroup
Address: 4a St Andrew Square
Contact Details: +44 131 278 3410
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday, 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Sunday,12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Cuisine: Argentinian, steakhouse
For an unforgettable fine dining experience tailored to steak lovers, Gaucho is a standout choice. Renowned for its exceptional Argentinian Aberdeen Angus beef—free-roam and grass-fed—it’s the perfect spot to treat yourself or your date.
What sets Gaucho apart is their attention to detail in curating menus. Whether it’s indulgent beef-focused starters, mains, or creative alternatives for different dietary preferences, they’re all about delivering a bespoke dining experience.
Tips:
- If you’re planning a meal out with your pup, this place is a great choice! Just be sure to mention your furry friend when you book. Dogs need to stay leashed and settle on the floor. No seats for them here.
The bonus? Your pet will be well looked after with unlimited water refills to keep them hydrated!
- This spot takes dietary needs seriously, so make sure to share any restrictions for your group before finalising the menu. No changes can be made after it’s set. They’ll flag any allergens for you, but giving them a heads-up early is the best way to ensure everyone’s happy with their meal.