The 10 best Edinburgh restaurants according to Trip Advisor

Looking to enjoy a great meal in the capital? Then why not find out some of the favourite places to go for locals and visitors alike with Trip Advisor?

Published 20th Oct 2017
Updated 18 th Sep 2023

According to Trip Advisor, Edinburgh has almost 2,000 restaurants listed on its site, with recommendations and user reviews for each.

Here are the ten restaurants in the capital who were the biggest hits with Trip Advisor users.

1.The Table

(3A Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QG, 0131 281 1689)

Trip Advisor

Picture: Trip Advisor

With nearly 240 reviews - 96 per cent of which were rated excellent - it seems the capital's hugely popular dining experience is also a massive hit with foodies visiting the capital.

Located in the heart of the New Town, the Table offers a simple equation: take ten guests and then add two chefs and one table to create a unique, unforgettable dining experience which features the the very best in Scottish ingredients like Lobster, Halibut and Venison.

2. Forage & Chatter

(1A Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH,  0131 225 4599)

Picture: Ian Georgeson

Located in the city's west end, F&C was lauded for its innovative menu which features exciting Scottish ingredients such as Slow Cooked Pig Cheek, North Sea Hake and Monkfish all cooked with a modern flair that left users singing the kitchen team's praises.

Described by one user as the sort of versatile place to go no matter if you are "wishing to celebrate something special, meet up which chums for lunch" or simply "treat yourself", the restaurant's charming interior - think open brick work, plants and Berwick Tweed - was also a big hit with reviewers.

• READ MORE: The best small Edinburgh restaurants (expert view)

3. Aizle

(107-109 St. Leonards Street, Edinburgh EH8 9QY, 0131 662 9349)

Located in Edinburgh’s south side near Holyrood Park, Aizle is a “dinner only” restaurant with a set seasonal menu.

Named after an old Scots word meaning ember or spark, the restaurant is run by husband-and-wife team Stuart Ralston and Krystal Goff, and has had nearly 600 reviews, 85 per cent of which are in the “excellent” bracket.

User Jessica, who visited from New York, said that dinner here was “was the best meal” she had enjoyed while in Scotland.

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4. Number One at The Balmoral

(1 Princes Street, The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, 0131 557 6727)

Trip Advisor

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Popular with users who were looking to enjoy fine dining during their stay in the capital, Number One is considered to be one of the city's top restaurants and for good reason.

Part of the renowned Balmoral Hotel on the corner where Princes Street Meets North Bridge, it has received the most reviews of all of the eateries on the list but still managed to have 85 per cent of users rate it as 'excellent'.

One reviewer posted: “The finest of food, expertly cooked and presented in a restaurant exuding outstanding ambiance.”

• READ MORE: 25 foodie things to do in Edinburgh

5. Locanda De Gusti

(102 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2DW, 0131 346 8800)

Michelin inspectors reveal their favourite dishes - and one is from a Scottish restaurant
trip Advisor

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Locanda is located on Dalry Road and was praised for offering a true taste of Italy in the capital, with many hailing it as the "best Italian restaurant" in Edinburgh.

Francesco, a reviewer visiting the city from Italy, wrote: “I struggled a lot in finding a place that could remind me something from my home town, then I discovered Locanda.”

6. Pickles

(56A Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3SA, 0131 557 5005)

Trip Advisor Traveller

Picture: Trip Advisor

Considered to be something of a surprise admission when it made it to the top of the TA rankings in May, the small basement bar has since dropped down a little but continues to impress with its relaxed atmosphere and delicious sharing platters.

One user said: “Pickles is the perfect place for a few glasses of wine. It’s a cozy, relaxed place with a great atmosphere.“

7. Colonnades at The Signet Library

(Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, 0131 226 1064)

Trip Advisor

Afternoon tea at Colonnades. Picture: contributed

Tucked away in the Signet Library, Colonnades is described by reviewers as a "glamorous setting" for afternoon tea, with many saying that it is the place to go for afternoon tea when visiting Edinburgh.

Offering “a sumptuous lunch, delicious cocktails and fizz” as well as coffees and cakes, user Ann said that she would highly recommend it "if you want to treat yourself or as a special gift for someone"

Natalie, a reviewer from Nebraska described going there as a “wonderful experience.”

8. Nok's Kitchen

(8 Gloucester Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 6EG, 0131 225 4804)

Trip Advisor

Picture: TSPL

Described as homely and welcoming by our very own Gaby Soutar, Nok's Kitchen's inclusion on this list reflects the amazing choice of global cuisine on offer in the city.

Hailed by many for its exciting Thai menu, Nok's Kitchen had one user writing: "I could not fault the evening! Perfect from start to finish. We've been twice and will be back again."

9. Bia Bistrot

(19 Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DP, 0131 452 8453)

Trip Advisor

Roasted bone marrow, pork belly and lamb rump. Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Owners Roisin and Matthias Llorente have built up quite a fanbase since they took over Bia Bistrot in 2010.

Combining Scottish and Irish ingredients and traditional cooking - bia is Irish Gaelic for food - with a little Gallic flair - bistrot is the French way of spelling bistro - the pair have gone out of their way to provide "good food in a bistro atmosphere", and though the mulitple awards they have won seem to confirm they have achieved this, it's the confirmation from their customers that should surely be the most rewarding.

User Lily P described the "small but amazing restaurant" as a "must visit".

10. Purslane

(33A St. Stephen Street, Edinburgh EH3 5AH, 0131 226 3500)

Trip Advisor

Picture: Purslane

Scotland’s 2015 “Best Fine Dining Award” winner has 725 reviews, with 81 per cent of those visiting this charming little restaurant have rated it as “excellent”.

Devika from London called it a “pocket of happiness” and anyone who has been here is usually inclined to agree.

Small, quaint and reasonably priced, it is the definition of a hidden gem, and due to its size, booking ahead is advised.

It's so enjoyable that user Emily seemed to have run out of superlatives to describe it, she wrote: "The food is absolutely outstanding. The presentation of the food is outstanding. The staff are outstanding."

• Vote for your favourite Edinburgh restaurants in the Edinburgh Restaurant Awards here

Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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