The best Edinburgh restaurants with a view

Positioned with a front-row seat to the serene waters of Newhaven, Harbour Bistro delights diners not just with its view but with a menu that captures the essence of the sea. This spot is a celebration of local seafood, offering dishes that bring the freshness of the ocean straight to your plate. From seared king scallop with horseradish crème fraîche, to cullen skink soup with Arbroath smokies, the dishes are as captivating as the scenery.

Find us an Edinburgh restaurant with a better view than Chaophraya’s and we’ll be seriously surprised. Set high up on Castle Street, the main dining room overlooks Edinburgh Castle and much of the city, making it a great place to have lunch. Oh and the food’s not bad either! In fact it’s delicious with an opulent Thai menu, featuring your favourite Eastern dishes, all washed down with very impressive cocktails.

Sitting right on the gardens entrance of the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound, this gorgeous restaurant has equally gorgeous views. Sit and gaze over the iconic Princes Street Gardens as you enjoy dishes like pan-fried Burnside Farm pigeon, Cullen Skink, and lemon posset. Best of all it has a decent selection of whiskies so you can really relax at the end of your meal.

Overlooking the lush Bruntsfield Links, LeftField is the epitome of a relaxed neighbourhood bistro, where fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients take centre stage. Begin with Cumbrae oysters or crispy squid before moving on to the heartier roast hake or chargrilled octopus. The Seafood Platter is a must-try, perfectly complemented by a selection from the organic, minimal intervention wine list.

One of our favourite places to eat in Edinburgh, Ondine is a seafood restaurant that fills your belly and your friends’ Insta feeds with its stunning dishes. It doesn’t have a view of the castle or Arthur’s Seat, but it does have a beautiful view down Victoria Street’s colourful rows. Try out the famous oysters from Loch Fyne, Dungarvan or Lindisfarne, or try a roasted shellfish platter with scallops, lobster, langoustines, and much more.

Perched atop Waverley Station, Cask Smugglers offers unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat. This open-plan cocktail bar, complete with a vast outdoor terrace, is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a drink with a view. Food-wise, the cocktail bar offers a selection of Mediterranean sharing plates to perfectly accompany your tipples. You can’t go wrong with the mezze board, loaded with sweet potato falafels, grilled veg, hummus, guacamole and more!

By the shore of Leith, Restaurant Martin Wishart is a haven for those who appreciate the marriage of fine dining and exquisite views. Here, the commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every dish, offering a culinary journey that’s enhanced by the tranquil backdrop of the water. This restaurant is perfect for celebrations and special occasions — just be sure to book a table well ahead of time.

Located at the foot of Calton Hill, Howies occupies a stunning Georgian building, offering views that are as impressive as the menu. Here, the focus is on Scottish cuisine done right, with every dish telling a story of tradition and place. Highlights include pan-roasted Scottish lamb rump seared with hasselback potatoes and a delightfully decadent chocolate sundae made with homemade brownie pieces, toasted pecans and ice cream.