Discover the Best Food in Edinburgh Old Town: A Culinary Guide

Introduction

Scotland is a country with a rich history and culture, and its capital city, Edinburgh, is no exception. Edinburgh’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filled with stunning architecture, museums, and attractions. However, one of the most exciting aspects of the Old Town is its food scene. From traditional Scottish dishes to international cuisine, the Old Town has something for everyone. In this culinary guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best food in Edinburgh Old Town.

What makes Edinburgh Old Town’s food scene unique? 🍴

Edinburgh Old Town’s food scene is unique because it combines traditional Scottish fare with international cuisine. You can find everything from haggis to sushi in this historic area. Additionally, many of the restaurants and cafes in the Old Town are housed in historic buildings, adding to the charm and character of the dining experience.

How did we choose the restaurants on this list? 🍽️

We conducted extensive research and consulted with locals to create this list of the best food in Edinburgh Old Town. Our criteria included the quality of the food, the atmosphere of the restaurant, and the overall dining experience. We also made sure to include a mix of traditional Scottish restaurants and international cuisine options.

The Best Food in Edinburgh Old Town

Without further ado, here are the top restaurants and cafes to visit in the Old Town for a delicious meal:

Traditional Scottish Fare

1. The Witchery by the Castle 🧙

The Witchery by the Castle is a must-visit restaurant in the Old Town. Located in a historic 16th-century building, the restaurant serves up traditional Scottish dishes with a modern twist. The menu includes haggis, venison, and smoked salmon, all cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is romantic and luxurious, perfect for a special occasion.

2. Whiski Rooms 🥃

Whiski Rooms is a lively restaurant and bar that serves up some of the best Scottish cuisine in Edinburgh. The menu includes classics like Cullen skink (a creamy smoked haddock soup) and haggis, neeps, and tatties (a traditional Scottish dish of haggis, turnips, and potatoes). They also have an extensive whisky menu, making it the perfect spot for a dram or two.

3. The Royal McGregor 🍻

The Royal McGregor is a cozy pub that serves up traditional Scottish pub food. The menu includes dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and steak pie. They also have an excellent selection of Scottish beers and whiskies to accompany your meal.

International Cuisine

4. Ting Thai Caravan 🍜

If you’re in the mood for some delicious Thai food, Ting Thai Caravan is the place to go. This cozy restaurant serves up authentic Thai dishes like pad thai and green curry, all at affordable prices. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, making it the perfect spot for a quick lunch or dinner.

5. Bodega 🌮

Bodega is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located in the heart of the Old Town. The menu includes classics like tacos and burritos, as well as unique dishes like smoked haddock quesadillas. They also have an excellent selection of tequila and mezcal cocktails to accompany your meal.

6. Oink 🐷

If you’re a fan of pulled pork, you won’t want to miss Oink. This small takeaway shop serves up some of the best pulled pork sandwiches in Edinburgh. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection and served with homemade apple sauce and stuffing. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Cafes and Bakeries

7. Lovecrumbs 🍰

Lovecrumbs is a charming bakery that serves up delicious cakes, pastries, and coffee. The menu changes daily, so you never know what delicious treats you’ll find. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to relax and indulge.

8. The Milkman 🍦

The Milkman is a small ice cream shop that serves up some of the best ice cream in Edinburgh. The ice cream is made in-house, with unique flavors like black sesame and miso caramel. They also have excellent coffee and pastries, making it the perfect spot for a sweet treat.

9. The Elephant House ☕

The Elephant House is a famous cafe in the Old Town, known for being the birthplace of Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book in this cozy cafe. The menu includes coffee, tea, and light bites like sandwiches and soup. This cafe is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is haggis, and should I try it? 🤔

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, spices, and oatmeal. It’s often served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). If you’re feeling adventurous, we highly recommend trying it. It’s a unique and delicious dish that’s a must-try when in Scotland.

2. Are there vegetarian and vegan options available in the Old Town? 🌱

Yes, many of the restaurants and cafes in the Old Town offer vegetarian and vegan options. Ting Thai Caravan, for example, has an entire vegetarian menu, and Lovecrumbs offers a variety of vegan cakes and pastries.

3. What is Cullen skink, and should I try it? 🐟

Cullen skink is a creamy smoked haddock soup that’s a staple of Scottish cuisine. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold day. If you’re a fan of seafood, we highly recommend trying it.

4. What is the dress code for restaurants in the Old Town? 👗

The dress code for restaurants in the Old Town varies. Some, like The Witchery by the Castle, have a smart dress code, while others, like The Royal McGregor, are more casual. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to confirm the dress code.

5. What is the best time to visit the Old Town for food? 🕰️

The Old Town is busy throughout the day, but if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting for lunch or an early dinner. Many of the restaurants in the area offer lunch specials, making it an affordable and delicious option.

6. Do I need to make reservations for restaurants in the Old Town? 📞

It’s always a good idea to make reservations, especially for popular restaurants like The Witchery by the Castle. However, many of the cafes and bakeries in the area are walk-in only.

7. What is the average cost of a meal in the Old Town? 💰

The cost of a meal in the Old Town varies depending on the restaurant. Traditional Scottish restaurants like The Witchery by the Castle can be quite expensive, with entrees starting at around £25. However, there are also many affordable options, like Ting Thai Caravan, where you can get a delicious meal for under £10.

Conclusion

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a food lover’s paradise. From traditional Scottish fare to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this historic area. We hope this culinary guide has inspired you to explore the best food in Edinburgh Old Town. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’re sure you’ll find something delicious to enjoy.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your culinary adventure today!

Disclaimer

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication. However, prices, menus, and other details are subject to change. Please check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to confirm details.