Society Bar & Kitchen ★9.7

Restaurant · in Edinburgh · ⭐ 9.7/10 · 6590 reviews

Address: 1 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BG

Bright, modern dining with views over Princes Street

Society Bar & Kitchen is a bright, modern restaurant with panoramic views over Princes Street, close to Calton Hill and just moments from Waverley station. The fresh, contemporary room — with plants, an open kitchen and a buzzy, welcoming feel — makes it an ideal spot for everything from a leisurely brunch to drinks and dinner.

What to order

The menu offers fresh, regional dishes with an international, Mediterranean-leaning touch. Breakfast and brunch are particular highlights, from the Highlander (salmon, poached eggs and cottage cheese on toast) and Turkish eggs to a full Scottish breakfast. For dinner, look to the Margherita pizza, steak with chimichurri or the miso aubergine. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options throughout.

Who it’s for

With its bright atmosphere and crowd-pleasing menu, Society suits a relaxed brunch with friends, a casual dinner or drinks with a view. Its central location and varied options make it a dependable, all-day choice.

The Space

Perched on Waterloo Place at the eastern end of Princes Street, Society makes its big windows the main event, framing wide views across the street and out towards Calton Hill. Inside, the palette is fresh and contemporary — pale tones, trailing greenery and plenty of daylight.

An open kitchen sits within view, so there’s a little theatre to the room without ever losing its easy, all-day calm.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Society Bar & Kitchen serve? Fresh, regional dishes with an international, Mediterranean touch — brunch, pizzas, salads and steak.

What should I order? The Highlander or Turkish eggs at brunch, and steak with chimichurri or a Margherita pizza for dinner.

Are there options for special diets? Yes — vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

What’s the view like? Panoramic views over Princes Street, near Calton Hill.

Do I need to book? Reservations are easy to make online and worth it for weekend brunch; at quieter hours walk-ins are usually seated without a wait.

Opening hours

Day Hours
Monday 08:00–21:30
Tuesday 08:00–21:30
Wednesday 08:00–21:30
Thursday 08:00–21:30
Friday 08:00–21:30
Saturday 08:00–21:30
Sunday 08:00–21:30

Visitor reviews

  1. D Alzahrani

    A tasty breakfast, and the croissant was very tasty. The place was clean, and the portions generous. The egg choice was limited — either very well done or not done enough, without any medium option. However, the shakshuk…

  2. Ece Acar

    I had a very tasty breakfast with a stunning view. The atmosphere inside is beautiful and very well thought out. The staff are extremely attentive and friendly. A special thanks to the host by the entrance for kindly acc…

  3. Sushmito Praxides

    At first I booked a table for 7:30pm, but couldn't get through the queue the day before, and since I was nearby, I came over and asked whether I could move our booking to 8pm. And the staff easily accommodated my request…

  4. Irma Tu

    Wonderful atmosphere and very friendly staff. We came for breakfast, two adults with a baby, and the team was extremely kind. They even made a well-cooked egg for our 10-month-old, despite it not being on the menu, which…

Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 21:24:41

Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: edinburgh-trend.com and editorial picks based on reviews.

Comments

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