Best Restaurants in Edinburgh

In total, there are 49 award winning restaurants in Edinburgh, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more restaurants in Edinburgh? Remember at Leading Restaurants we only list restaurants holding awards from major restaurant guides; currently less than 3% of all restaurants in the UK and Ireland hold an award from a major guide.

The best restaurant in Edinburgh is The Kitchin (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where head chef Tom Kitchin serves up award winning Modern Cuisine. The Kitchin currently holds 1 Michelin Star, 5 AA Rosettes and a ranking of 81st in UK in the Hardens Top 100.

There are currently 7 listed Michelin Star restaurants in Edinburgh consisting of 7 restaurants holding 1 Michelin Star. There are also 5 restaurants holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 19 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 27 listed AA Rosette restaurants in Edinburgh consisting of 1 restaurant holding 5 AA Rosettes, 2 restaurants holding 4 AA Rosettes, 3 restaurants holding 3 AA Rosettes, 10 restaurants holding 2 AA Rosettes and 11 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland nested in the United Kingdom, is a captivating city that combines a rich history and lively gastronomical scene which tells stories about its culture and history. This city is more than just a picturesque postcard perfect town, it's a culinary canvas where traditional Scottish cuisine intertwines with influences from across the globe. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and the calming waters of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh serves as a fascinating hub for food lovers and critics alike. Its strategic Northern location plays a prominent role in shaping its culinary identity, offering a variety of fresh seafood from its coasts, game from its highlands, and vegetables and grains from its fertile lands - all of these elegantly reflected in the dishes served in the city's top restaurants. With an impressive heritage dating back centuries, Edinburgh's dining scene has evolved from humble beginnings into a foodie paradise that houses multiple Michelin-starred establishments, charming bistros, and the go-word for experimental flavours. The city's dining history is championed by establishments such as The Witchery by the Castle, a restaurant that has been serving delectable Scottish food since 1979. Traditional eateries, where haggis, neeps and tatties are still prepared with the same passion and love as in the annals of time, proudly stand alongside a wave of innovative restaurateurs who are pushing the envelope in gastronomic creation. With such a steeped history in food culture, Edinburgh's not only offering an array of iconic dishes and unforgettable dining experiences but is also remaining at the forefront of culinary innovation.