6 of the best restaurants on Lothian Road

The perfect location for  a pre-theatre/cinema/concert bite to eat, Lothian Road is home to a range of popular bars and restaurants. If you can't decide on which to choose, here's our pick of the best six.

Published 24th May 2017
Updated 12 th Sep 2023

Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchen

(81-83 Lothian Rd, EH3 9AW )

Picture: Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchen

Now firm favourites on the craft beer scene, Innis & Gunn opened up on Lothian Road in 2015. Serving traditional pub grub with a hoppy twist - think IPA battered fish, a rarebit sauce infused with the original brew and Spicy Innis & Gunn Session IPA infused prawn and avocado ceviche.

Open for pretty much all meals, from breakfast and weekend brunch through to dinner, their Thursday steak night is worth a look as they source the meat locally from family-owned Shaws Fine Meats

The Hanging Bat

(133 Lothian Rd, EH3 9AB)

Picture: The Hanging Bat Facebook

Opened in 2012 as one of the first bars not to serve pints, The Hanging Bat brews their own ales as well as stocking other UK beers and rare, imported options.

The food menu is as interesting as what's behind the bar. Cooked on a smokey BBQ, the dishes are made to compliment the drinks and include pulled pork, beer mac and cheese and a range of smoked hot dogs that were created especially for the bar.

Topolabamba

(93 Lothian Rd, EH3 9AW)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD0yxZCQUPP/?taken-by=topolabamba&hl=en

Glasgow's favourite Mexican opened up in the capital last year. Serving up the same moreish menu of Mexican street food, sharing dishes and favourites such as burritos, Topolabama is ideal for a laid-back dinner.

There's also a dedicated vegetarian menu and an extensive list of margaritas, cocktails (including a tequila section), beers, wines and spirits.

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If popping in for an after work drink then look out for their £1 Taco happy hour deal, from 4-6pm Monday-Friday.

Red Squirrel

(21 Lothian Rd, EH1 2DJ)

Picture: Red Squirrel Facebook

Serving an 'epic' brunch menu and over 15 gourmet burgers (including veggie options), Red Squirrel is the place to go if you're needing some weekend sustenance.

But if you're after something healthier then don't despair as there's a range of seasonal salads, such as the new Cumin Roast Sweet Potato Salad (pictured).

Drinks range from smoothies to coffee, cocktails and wine. Beer lovers will enjoy the many options available from ale to stout and a rotating tap of Fallen and Brooklyn options.

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Bread Meats Bread

(92 Lothian Road, EH3 9BE)

Bread Meats Bread, Lothian Road Edinburgh

Picture: Bread Meats Bread Facebook

Another export from Glasgow, Bread Meats Bread is a burger lover's dream. Offering a wide variety of burgers, from the traditional to the more creative such as the Lothian Wolf (American cheese, Crispy Bacon, Pulled Pork in BBQ sauce, crispy fried onions and ‘Nduja mayo).

Bread Meats Bread ensures there's a burger for all thanks to their veggie, vegan, gluten free and halal options.

A family owned business, the ingredients are local and, a word of warning, don't go if you're not hungry as portion sizes are generous.

Frizzante

(95 Lothian Road, EH3 9AW)

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Frizzante Lothian Road, Edinburgh

Picture: Frizzante Facebook

Family owned and run, Frizzante has been serving up traditional Italian food to Edinburgh residents for over 30 years.

As you'd expect the menu includes pizza, pasta, traditional meat dishes and risotto. A budget-friendly pre-theatre menu is also available for £14.95 for 2 courses.

Frizzante also offers an extensive prosecco list, alongside wines, beer and cocktails.

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