6 Edinburgh Restaurants Worth Travelling To

Edinburgh has cultivated a strong foodie scene, blending traditional foods with trendy food movements creating a hub of deliciousness. If a restaurant is worth travelling to, it will be serving up some of the best food in town, but a few Edinburgh restaurants have put their heart into developing memorable dining experiences we believe are worth travelling for. Explore six of Edinburgh’s restaurants we believe are worth travelling to.

1. Noto

• What makes Noto a restaurant worth travelling to: Fresh Scottish produce with an Asian flair, small plates for sharing
• Where:47A Thistle Street
• Where to stay: Our one bedroom Frederick Street home is located centrally on Edinburgh’s smartest shopping street, and just a short walk from Noto.

Okay, so maybe this dish isn’t one you would want to share! Photo: @notoedinburgh

Stuart Ralston is bringing a vision to life with Noto. Drawing on his personal experiences, Noto serves Scottish produce with an Asian flair in a simple yet sophisticated menu made of small plates which are ideal for sharing. An attractive space set on a picturesque lane in the city centre, identifiable by the gloss black painted exterior. It may be easy to miss, but hard to forget once you set foot inside. A shared experience is always more meaningful and with plates made for sharing, your focus will be drawn to the food as memorable plates continue to arrive. In 2021 Noto was awarded Bib Gourmand, which is Michelin’s award for ‘good quality, good value cooking’.

2. The Lookout

• What makes The Lookout a restaurant worth travelling to: The most incredible view
• Where: Top of Calton Hill. Make your way to the top of Calton Hill on foot, or taxis have access for drop off/pick up. Blue badge parking is available.
• Where to stay: This modern and stylish one bedroom home on Brunswick Street with parking is always a favourite of our guests, with so much to do nearby, and just a short stroll to Calton Hill.

Image: @thelookout

As you make your way up Calton Hill, you will sense you are about to experience something special. Once atop the hill, Edinburgh’s breathtaking views come into focus and you’ll be delighted with your choice of setting for your meal. Combining the location and view with a fresh Scottish menu, seasonally updated, and diners know they are in for a treat. The menu draws the ethos and flavours of The Gardener’s Cottage, the well regarded parent restaurant of The Lookout.

3. Bonnie & Wild

• What makes Bonnie & Wild a restaurant worth travelling to: A foodie’s rendition of a food court
• Where: Fourth floor of the newly opened St James’ Quarter
• Where to stay: Our cosy and cocooning two bedroom home on Hart Street is very welcoming and with an Everett range, it’s an ideal stay in the cooler months.

Not a dish you would expect to see in a foodcourt. Photo:@bonnieandwildmarket

Traditionally, a food court would never make a list such as this, but the Bonnie & Wild Scottish Marketplace has dared to reimagine the experience of open dining within a shopping mall. Bonnie & Wild is a space to nip in for a quick lunch or grab a coffee on the go – but there is so much more to be experienced in the same space. Take a moment to look at the range of menus on offer and you’ll be delighted to sit in and take time to delve into the unrestricted choice and unrivalled options of the marketplace. An elevated open food experience where everyone can dine on different cuisine, from the freshest seafood, hand-made sourdough pizzas, innovative plant-based vegan dining and succulent pasta at the same table.

4. Fhior

• What makes Fhior a restaurant worth travelling to: Scandi aesthetic with a truly Scottish menu
• Where: 36 Broughton Street
• Where to stay: This serene home is a gem on bustling Broughton Street, with high ceilings, wooden panelling, shutters and pretty cornices highlighting the hints of Georgian architecture.

The passion of Scott and Laura, owners of Fhior, to share a truly Scottish food experience shines through the simple and understated Scandi aesthetic of this Broughton Street restaurant. They’ve built a strong network of local suppliers and recently launched the Fhior kitchen garden just outside of Edinburgh to ensure the freshest and truest Scottish flavours make it to their tables through an ultra seasonal menu.

5. The Table

• What makes The Table worth a travel: An interactive fine dining experience
• Where: 3A Dundas Street
• Where to stay: One of our most loved homes Great King Street is a calm and elegant two bedroom home with great detailing and small touches.

A memorable food experience from the table. Photo: @thetableedinburgh

The centrepiece of this restaurant is the stone counter which comfortably seats 10 in front of the open plan kitchen. Guests take their seats overlooking the open plan kitchen, and marvel as chefs work their magic to prepare exquisite dishes right before their eyes. Guests are encouraged to engage and ask questions as the seven courses are prepared, of which there is only one sitting each evening. This may feel like an incredibly formal and daunting approach to dining but the atmosphere is wonderfully accessible and welcoming, creating an intimate and very special dining experience.

6. Grain Store

• What makes Grain Store worth a travel: Ambiance and a Pintxos menu
• Where: 30 Victoria Street (upper)
• Where to stay: The Painter’s Studio has the most iconic views over Edinburgh. Stay right next to Edinburgh Castle in this extra special one bedroom home.

A stones through from Edinburgh Castle, down the famous Victoria Street, the Grain Store sits above the curved, cobbled street just below the stone archways of the original store rooms of the shops below. The alcoves and adjoining rooms of this traditional building create an intimate dinging experience while the flickering candlelight adds a romantic quality to the Grain Store. A Pintxos menu, inspired by a trip to Basque Country by owner Carlo, can be found alongside their full seasonal and Scottish menu. The Pintxos menu perfect fit for a day of sight seeing as you can indulge in a few small plates between exploring Edinburgh’s iconic Old Town.

For inspiration, see 5 Things We Love To Do In Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Home Spotlight: Hart Street

Nestled just behind bustling Broughton Street, there is a cracking vibe about this two bedroom home. Cocooning, cosy and cool, our Hart Street home was recently renovated. At the heart of this home is an Everhot range, keeping guests warm in the cooler months. Double doors in the stylish and comfortable open plan kitchen, dining and living space lead to a private garden, ideal for bringing your four legged friends (woof woof!).

Guests enjoy fantastic amenities just around the corner, as brilliant Broughton Street has a superb range of local food shops, cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants, while still only being a short walk from the Princes Street.

Are there any other Edinburgh restaurants you know are worth travelling for? We would love to hear about them in the comments below…