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Edinburgh has so many places to choose from when it comes to places to eat, but
sometimes finding ones which are wheelchair accessible can be a bit more tricky.
We’ve put together a list of places which have received great reviews on Euan’s Guide from wheelchair users no matter what your budget.
(1-5 Newington Rd, EH9 1QR)
Southpour restaurant. Picture: Contributed
Southpour is a popular spot for brunch in Edinburgh’s lively student neighbourhood.
The restaurant has glittering string lights, exposed brick walls and wooden beams, and ‘Easy Access’ is literally painted on the wall.
The trickiest part is getting parked, but if you’re familiar with Edinburgh’s public transport there are more than enough buses passing through this part of town. It’s worth it – they have one of the best brunches in Edinburgh, and their Smashed Avocado with Sourdough is a must.
(43 - 45 High Street, EH1 1SR)
Picture: Euan's Guide
This vibrant arts venue is located centrally on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
There is a wide programme of events running all year round, but the Storytelling Café is a great place to visit to watch the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile or soak in the atmosphere of the centre.
Staff are friendly and helpful, just make sure you don’t miss the wheelchair accessible entrance which is to the left of the main entrance.
(10 Cambridge Street, EH1 2ED)
Dine. Picture: contributed
Situated above the Traverse Theatre, next to the Usher Hall and only a one-minute walk from the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Dine offers you the opportunity to eat out in style between performances.
The brasserie serves locally sourced produce and there is a wide range of cocktails and mocktails on offer from the cocktail lounge.
This social spot is accessible via a lift with nearby parking and bus stops.
(6 Saint Andrew Square, EH2 2BD)
Picture: The Ivy on the Square, Facebook
This has been a popular spot in the city centre since it opened in 2017. The all-day brasserie serves a modern British cuisine as well as some international Ivy-inspired classics.
With a reputation for being an exclusive spot to eat, reviewers were pleasantly surprised with the price of food. They do however recommend that you book in advance requesting a ground floor table and letting them know in advance that you are a wheelchair user.
(331-325 Leith Walk, EH6 8SA)
La Favorita. Picture: Vittoria
Leithers will vouch for this modern pizzeria as being home to the best pizza in Edinburgh.
Don’t be put off by the fleet of La Favorita cars delivering pizzas around the city in fast food mode; the restaurant on Leith Walk continues to serve its famous crisp thin log fired pizzas in a large and spacious setting.
Like Southpour, La Favorita is in a location that will spoil you for choice with the number of wheelchair accessible buses rolling by.
(73 Holyrood Rd, EH8 8AU)
Picture: Hemma Edinburgh, TSPL
Part of the Joseph Pearce Boda Bar chain, Hemma Bar means ‘At Home’ in Swedish – so expect lounge chairs, lampshades and books for the taking.
The restaurant is perfect for a party or large gathering as it’s housed over three stories in a spacious glass building.
There is very little to get in the way of wheelchair users, so pick your favourite spot!
If you like this, their sister bar Akva in Fountainbridge has a beer gardens overlooking Union Canal.
It’s equally as spacious and has a younger, more playful mood to it.
(354 Castlehill, EH1 2NE)
Amber Restaurant. Picture: Scotch Whisky Experience
Situated on the approach to Edinburgh Castle within The Scotch Whisky Experience, this restaurant is far from a tourist trap.
It provides Scottish cuisine and a vast array of Scotch whiskies in a casual-dining environment.
The knowledgeable staff are happy to assist and help answer any questions and the building is a fine example of a listed building that has been sympathetically adapted to make it more accessible for wheelchair users.
Read disabled access reviews for Amber Restaurant here
(40 Portobello High St, EH15 1DA)
Guild of Foresters. Picture: TSPL
If the weather’s right, head to Porty for a spot of alfresco dining and drinks in the beach huts at Foresters Guild.
In summer, the beer garden is a hidden Edinburgh gem, and in winter you can take shelter inside beside the toasty log fire.
The food is gastropub at its best with brioche bun sandwiches, grilled dishes, classic fish ‘n’ chips, and not forgetting the ‘very sticky toffee pudding’.
Read disabled access reviews of Foresters Guild here
The easy access restaurants winning over Edinburgh’s wheelchair users
