Edinburgh’s Best Scottish Restaurants

Loosely translated as ‘true’ in Gaelic, Fhior’s title reflects its fidelity to regional produce, flavour and authentic artistic expression. Scott and Laura Smith – also responsible for the highly-regarded Norn – are at the helm of this three-year-old unpretentious, fine-dining establishment. And it’s become a buzzword among the city’s restaurant connoisseurs since opening in 2018. The menus are ultra-seasonal (many ingredients come from Fhior’s own offsite kitchen garden), offering nuanced and vibrant dishes. Lunch is a four-course set menu, while dinner takes the form of seven or ten-course journeys including the likes of aged duck with turnip and scurvy grass, cod with chicken butter and sea aster, and bramble with lemon verbena. The decor is neutral and simple, allowing the focus to fall on the main event: the imaginative creations that arrive on the plate.

In 1988, a man named Michael Quinlan set up a doughnut kiosk on Dublin’s O’Connell street, after driving a doughnut van around to concerts and sporting events for a decade. Since then, the original kiosk stands in the very same spot, with ‘The Rolling Donut’ having introduced six further branches to one of the most iconic Dublin dough franchises. In 2016, the current owner Lisa Quinlan began expanding the menu of ‘The Rolling Donut’, which now includes an array of chocolatey options. From their ‘classic chocolate ring’ doughnut to contemporary selections such as a ‘Terry’s chocolate orange’ and ‘The Milky Bar kid’, The Rolling Donut has it all. We’d recommend their “Dub Donut”, a decadent chocolate ganache coating a delicious vanilla custard cream filling. The Rolling Donut also cater for events, bringing a classy touch to what could be an unforgettable party.

At the heart of Edinburgh’s tourist trail on the Royal Mile, lies Pibroch (meaning ‘piping’) Scottish Restaurant. The family-run eatery specialises in classic native fare; Cullen skink, Stornoway black pudding, haggis, neeps and tatties and cranachan are some of the hearty options available. It’s decorated in accordance with this theme, incorporating plaid wallpaper, Gaelic artefacts and napkins bearing the brand’s bagpipe logo. So this venue is ideal for visitors to the area, seeking a more traditional Scottish dining experience. Open Thursday through to Monday, Pibroch Scottish restaurant receives consistently glowing reviews.

Wander a little further along the historic Royal Mile from Pibrcoh and you’ll come across the entrance to Monteiths. However, it’s hidden along an historic passage, welcoming guests through a pretty wooden archway strung with fairy lights and greenery, which, in summer, comes alive as patrons enjoy unique cocktails crafted with Edinburgh gin and whisky. The farm-to-table menus here change frequently, according to what’s in season. But you can expect fresh fish caught in the North Sea, and haggis, steaks and cheeses from Glaswegian artisan grocery IJ Mellis. It’s all served in a sophisticated, moodily lit dining room that’s conducive to grown-up gatherings. Monteiths’ sister restaurants, Chop House and White Horse Oyster and Seafood, are also super places for a meal.

A veteran of the city’s foodie scene, Stac Polly began life on Dublin Street back in 1990. Now recognisable by its denim blue painted frontage, the restaurant’s interior features rough stone walls, linen table cloths, a tiled floor and Bute tweed textiles. Meals are illuminated by flickering candlelight, making the ambience distinctly romantic. Its a la carte dishes are based on seasonal ingredients, but the Stac Polly evergreen favourites (baked filo pastry parcels of haggis, and either Edinburgh Fog or Cranachan) are always on the menu. And there’s a huge Scottish whisky list, as well as beers from the Orkney Brewery, so you can keep your beverages as local as your food.

The newest restaurant on our list, Heron has attracted rave reviews from The Times, The Scotsman and Scottish Field since opening in July 2021. Under the direction of Chefs Tomás Gormley and Sam Yorke, the chic venue with Water of Leith views, has a minimalist Scandi feel and an artful approach to the presentation of its dishes. Organic fruit and vegetables, wild fish and seafood, game and heritage breed meat come from artisanal suppliers including Free Company, Phantassie Organics, East Coast Cured, Macduff Butchers, Company Bakery and Castle Game. Heron opens for lunch service Friday through to Sunday and dinner service from Wednesday to Sunday.