A trip to Edinburgh is a plunge into the most authentic history and traditions of Scotland, a land of verdant landscapes, medieval castles and ancient legends. However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Scottish culture, there is nothing better than to taste the typical local dishes: Edinburgh's cuisine, in particular, is characterised by a mix of dishes of British/European origins that are combined with recipes 'endemic' to the territory. To find out which dishes you absolutely must not miss during your trip to Scottish soil, take a look at our recommendations: 10 things to eat in Edinburgh, with the addition of some special addresses. Ready to lick your lips!
1 - Haggis
Among the most famous dishes of the Scottish culinary tradition, Haggis is undoubtedly at the top of the podium. Not for those who are not particularly fond of strong and decisive flavours, this dish is made from ground and stuffed sheep innards, flavoured with onion, kidney fat, salt, pepper and oatmeal. All cooked in the broth for about 3 hours. Usually used as an appetiser, it can also serve as a main course, especially if accompanied by baked potatoes, mash and whisky sauce.
Recommended for: lunch, dinner
Average cost: €10.00
Main ingredients: Sheep entrails
2 - Cullen Skink
A great classic not only in the cuisine of the capital but throughout the north of the country, Cullen Skink is nothing more than a soup of potatoes and smoked fish (mostly haddock or haddock, a saltwater fish). Although it is a dish much loved by the Scots, it is rumoured that the recipe is not original to Scotland but, on the contrary, was copied from a pre-existing one in the New England territories and then passed off as its own. What is certain, however, is that everyone loves it (especially on colder days)!
Recommended for: lunch, dinner
Average cost: €7.00
Main ingredients: fish, potatoes
3 - Smoked salmon
Still on the subject of fish, another ingredient used extensively in local Scottish cuisine is salmon, offered in every conceivable way, although the most popular version remains the simplest: toasted bread cut into triangles, butter and smoked salmon.
Simple, quick to prepare but delicious.... So much so that the Scots eat it at any time of day (including breakfast!).
Recommended for: always
Average cost: €9.00
Main ingredients: salmon
4 - Fish & chips
For those of you who don't like to splurge too much on food when abroad and want to play it safe, we recommend a UK classic that is popular in Edinburgh's eateries: Fish & Chips. This is pan-fried fish, accompanied by a generous portion of tasty chips. The fish used is thehaddock, also known as 'donkey fish', a typical species from the North Seas.
Everyone always likes it, especially tourists passing through town, plus it is a super cheap meal ideal for the budget-conscious traveller!
Recommended for: lunch, dinner
Average cost: €8.00
Main ingredients: cod
5 - Scottish beef & Ale Pie
Nothing tastes more Scottish than a tasty meat pie, better known to locals as Ale Pie. Specifically, it's meat, possibly beef stewed in beer and wrapped in two layers of pastry. The whole thing is baked in the oven until the pastry takes on a golden colour.
Present on the menus of almost every pub in the capital, it has become very popular as street food during the cultural events that enliven Edinburgh in spring/summer. With a pint of beer, it's the best!
Recommended: lunch, dinner, snack
Average cost: €6.00
Main ingredients: beef
6 - Hotch Potch
To combat the low temperatures typical of the Scottish winter, Hotch Potch is definitely the ideal dish: imagine the icy wind outside your window, the fire dancing merrily inside a pub and a steaming stew of meat welcoming you...
Did we get the idea?! Hotch Potch, in particular, is a stew made with lamb (or mutton) simmered very slowly and flavoured with carrots, potatoes, leeks, barley and other vegetables.
Recommended for: lunch, dinner
Average cost: €9.00
Main ingredients: lamb
7 - Shortbread
Let's now move on to the most representative sweets of Edinburgh's culinary tradition. Popular in bakeries and supermarkets alike, shortbreads are nothing more than shortbreads made from flour, sugar and a more than generous amount of butter, with a slight lemon aftertaste.
Ideal for a breakfast or a quick snack, we recommend that you absolutely try them, but be careful: one bite will lead to another and we can assure you that it will be very difficult to stop!
Recommended for: breakfast, snack
Average cost: €5.00
Main ingredients: flour, sugar, butter
8 - Sticky Toffee Pudding
Moving from biscuits to cakes, however, we can't fail to mention Sticky Toffee Pudding: a soft, moist cake made with dates whipped into the dough and toffee sauce, usually accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a big spoonful of cream caramel. A treat that will make the sweet tooth go crazy!
Recommended for: snack
Average cost: €6.00
Main ingredients: dates, toffee sauce
9 - Scottish Highlander steaks, sausages and burgers
The Highlander is a native Scottish bovine whose prized meat is the basis of many delicious recipes. In Edinburgh and throughout Scotland in general you can enjoy steaks, sausages, burgers and of course the classic boiled meat pie. Steaks and sausages are usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Average cost: €12.00
Main ingredients: Scottish highlander meat
10 - Whisky
Finally, to end a meal in the best possible way, enjoy a dram of fine local whisky. Chosen as the national drink and exported all over the world, whisky is one of the quintessential symbols of Scottish culture.
In the capital, you will find numerous distilleries where you can taste whisky. This is one of the most interesting experiences in the city and will bring you even closer to the locals. Cheers!
Recommended for: always
Average cost: €5.00
Main ingredients: cereals, alcohol
Where to eat in Edinburgh: best restaurants, cafes and street food
Edinburgh is a very lively city from a cultural point of view, thanks to the many museums and events that take place there, especially during the summer. In culinary terms, however, the Scottish capital also has a lot to offer: as you will notice during your stay, there is no shortage of restaurants offering traditional dishes, located both in the more central areas and in those further away from the city centre.
If you want to be on the safe side, head for the Royal Mile, the main street of the city centre, which is packed with (albeit mostly touristy) venues. Otherwise, wander freely through the city's narrow streets, discovering some of the most charming areas including Dean Village. If you are travelling at the weekend, we also recommend the Farmers' Market held every Saturday near the castle terrace: you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the life of the locals by sampling street food, sweets and other fresh produce. Finally, pay attention to meal times: lunch is usually eaten between 12 noon and 2 p.m. and dinner between 6 and 8 p.m.
1 - Skyline restaurant
Description: restaurant with a great view of the city skyline, specialising in traditional Scottish dishes.
Speciality: Scottish Beef
Average price: from €30.00 per person
Address: Tynecastle Park - Get directions
2 - Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Description: Traditional Scottish cuisine with plenty of choice for vegetarians, coeliacs and health food lovers.
Speciality: Haggis
Average price: from €20.00 per person
Address: Bank Street 12 - Get directions
3 - Condita
Description: starred restaurant, among the best in the Scottish capital.
Speciality: 8 course menu
Average price: from €80.00 per person
Address: 15 Salisbury Place - Get directions
4 - New Chapter
Description: Refined yet informal atmosphere, excellent quality ingredients and perfect pairings.
Speciality: Fish dishes
Average price: from €20.00 per person
Address: Eyre Place New Town 18 - Get directions
5 - The Table
Description: A restaurant specialising in Scottish/British cuisine, with an open kitchen to watch dishes being prepared live.
Speciality: fish dishes and desserts.
Average price: from €50.00 per person
Address: Dundas Street 3A - Get directions
