The top 10 British restaurants and pubs in Edinburgh

From its commitment to sustainable sourcing to its creative menu offerings, Purslane has become a destination for foodies seeking fine dining in a non-formal environment. With an emphasis on contemporary British cuisine, the Michelin-recommended restaurant reimagines classic dishes while incorporating international influences. Head chef and owner Paul Gunning (who has worked at some of London’s top hotel restaurants) is at the helm of the venue, which is found at the New Town end of Stockbridge. Around 80% of Purslane’s suppliers are in this neighbourhood, making it uber-local and eco-friendly, and the dining room’s artwork is by a burgeoning British artist, Andrew Lennie. Choose from five and seven-course tasting experiences and a lunch menu.

Chef patron Jonathan Cook learned his craft beside his grandmother as he observed her baking cakes, pies and quiches for the wider family. As he took these skills into a career, he added a sense of theatre to his offering, opening this family-run establishment in the Stockbridge neighbourhood. The menu is seasonal, including British ingredients like pigeon, lamb, Jersey Royals, whole brown crab and George Mewes cheese. Join the team on Sundays for roasted Hardiesmill beef served with all the trimmings (available until it’s all gone, so get there early!). Look out for special food pairing events too, like champagne and fish and chip nights with live music and a bistro ambience.

Housed within a restored stable building dating back to the 1800s, this venue exudes a sense of rustic charm and authenticity. The exposed brickwork, wooden beams, log burner and antique equestrian touches create an inviting atmosphere that transports guests back in time. It has a cosy traditional pub feel, with additional outdoor seating in a large and peaceful courtyard. The Stables is a little out of town, in Mortonhall, beside working stables and expanses of green space (so perfect for a long stroll with the dog, who will also be warmly welcomed here). The menu comprises good, honest pub food, like scampi and chips, steak and ale pie, roasts and the Cumbrian classic: sticky toffee pudding. You may want to stay for a pint and a pub quiz, too. This is a place to hang out and socialise as well as one to eat.

Overlooking the shores of Newhaven Harbour, the Old Chain Pier in Edinburgh stands as a historical maritime landmark that has since transitioned into a beloved restaurant and pub. Offering stunning views of the Firth of Forth and the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, this establishment has an intrinsic connection to all things sea, from its heritage to decor and of course, food — from the day’s fresh catches to a plate of timeless battered fish and chips. But it’s not all about the ocean’s bounty. Steak and macaroni prepared with Scottish cheeses are also popular options. Beer gardens are an integral part of British pub life and the Old Chain Pier has its own, perched right next to the water, ideal for watching the sun set.

Bacon rolls? Check. Pies and stews? Check. Bangers and mash? Check (meaty and veggie). Casseroles? Check. This place has all the meals you remember from your childhood — good old classics designed to keep you warm and well-fed in a northern hemisphere climate. Its puds also tick all the boxes when it comes to humble favourites; MUMS treacle and date pud is a bestseller, and you can get stuck into some vegan-friendly crumble. And you can pair your food with a local beer or a Tetley tea. MUMS has been going strong for two decades (albeit under the name of Monster Mash Café for a period), serving breakfast through to dinner to hungry diners.

A nation formed of islands, Great Britain is a place of close ties with its coastline. You’re never that far from the sea here, least of all in Edinburgh, which borders the Firth of Forth on two sides. Thirty Knots is just outside the city in South Queensferry, a contemporary incarnation of the traditional British pub. Its ample terrace opens out to the water, with direct views of the iconic three bridges. While the menu has some international influences, there are plenty of native staples. Order a prawn cocktail, some pork belly bites, and steak and ale pie, followed by a tablet crunch ice cream sundae. Wash it down with a pint of ale or a draught beer. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and on the terrace and kids can dine until 10.30pm.

Husband and wife team Paul and Lisa Wedgwood conceived this restaurant, which has grown to become one of the highest acclaimed dining rooms in the capital. Menus change quarterly, in line with the season, and many ingredients are foraged. A la carte and tasting menus (with optional wine pairings) are provided, with inclusions like Avon Valley roe deer, venison haggis, black pudding, bone marrow crumb, salt baked celeriac and nettles. It’s adventurous fare, but not too “out there” for those with a simpler palate. Dessert options include cranachan and a “very” sticky toffee pudding. If you need some time to ponder your options, you can do so in style, over a glass of champers and some canapes. Set at the heart of the Old Town’s historic quarter, the restaurant is found on Canongate.

With a strapline of “Proper Fish and Chips”, this venue specialises in one of the dishes closest to our nation’s heart. Your fish can come breaded or baked and there are plenty of other chippie faves, like battered sausage, Whitby scampi, white pudding and deep-fried Mars Bar. Order a side of bread and butter, a twice-cooked chip buttie, a black pudding Scotch egg, some mushy peas or a portion of curry sauce to transport you back to the good old days of Friday night takeaways. Everything is fried in your choice of beef dripping or veggie oil, with gluten-free fryers set aside too. If you have any room left after all that, order up a whippy ice cream to remind you of the seaside, or a towering ice cream sundae. Set on two levels, the warehouse-style restaurant interior is super kid-friendly, caters to large groups and offers an NHS discount.

Dating back to 1360, The Sheep Heid Inn holds the prestigious title of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving licensed pub. Its name is derived from mediaeval times when sheep were reared in Holyrood Park close by and then brought to this area for slaughter. Set in the picturesque Duddingston village, the charming watering hole feels more like something you’d find deep in the countryside, yet it’s but a few minutes’ drive from the centre of the city. The inn captures the essence of a bygone era (there’s a vintage skittles alley downstairs which can be booked out for private gatherings) while delivering good food and drink. Tuck into a beef brisket and double Gloucester cheese pie with sautéed green beans, tenderstem broccoli, creamed potato and beef dripping, followed by an apple and damson crumble.

Expect dishes from around the island, such as English pea and broad bean risotto with aged parmesan and crispy egg; slow-cooked beef feather blade with roast garlic mash and roasted courgette; and deep-fried Shetland cod with pea and mint puree and tartare sauce. At The Broughton, “Sundays are Special”. In true British style, this means a roast with all the trimmings. Order the dry-aged beef, with Yorkshire puds and fine beans, or the herb-fed chicken breast and confit leg with tenderstem broccoli and bread sauce — both options come with glazed carrot, gravy and duck fat roast potatoes, with optional pigs in blankets. There’s also a kids’ menu, so this refined gastropub is perfect for family outings.