A neon-lit street food market in the Omni Centre

Edinburgh Street Food is a lively, covered street food market in the heart of the city, tucked into a self-contained corner of the Omni Centre on Leith Street with its own street-level entrance. Opened in 2023, it gathers a line-up of independent kitchens under one neon-lit roof, with more than 200 seats inside and a further 250 on a heated, covered terrace. Three bars focus on Scottish craft drinks, with around 70% of the draught beer coming from Edinburgh breweries — making it a relaxed, all-weather spot to eat, drink and share.

What to order

The appeal is variety: independent traders serve global street food that’s big on flavour, cooked fresh and made to be shared. The line-up has included award-winners like Junk (a British and European Street Food Award winner), Bundits, Antojitos (a Scottish Street Food Award winner), The Peruvian, House of Tapas and Fabbrica, among others — so you can graze across cuisines in a single visit. Order via a QR code at your table or from floor staff, and the food and drinks come to you.

Who it’s for

This is a great choice for groups with different tastes, a casual lunch or a relaxed evening of grazing and drinks. The mix of cuisines, communal seating and craft bars makes it especially good for friends who can’t agree on one thing to eat.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Edinburgh Street Food serve? A rotating mix of global street food from independent, award-winning traders.

How does ordering work? Order via a QR code at your table or from floor staff, and the food is brought to you.

What’s on offer to drink? Three bars focused on Scottish craft drinks, with most draught beer from Edinburgh breweries.

Is it good for groups? Yes — the variety of cuisines and communal seating make it ideal for groups.

Where is it located? In the Omni Centre on Leith Street, in central Edinburgh.

Opening hours

Authentic family-run Italian near the Playhouse

Mamma Roma is a much-loved family-run Italian restaurant on Antigua Street, founded back in 1995 and serving genuine Italian hospitality for over two decades. Just opposite the Edinburgh Playhouse — and a short walk from Princes Street Gardens and Waverley station — it’s a favourite for pre-theatre dinners and date nights. Spread over multiple floors, the main dining room is decorated in Tuscan farmhouse style, while the upstairs is theatre-themed, with paintings inspired by Italy’s most famous actors, opera singers and classic films.

What to order

Special attention goes to the elaborate list of pasta and pizza. Pizza lovers can choose from classics like the Margherita, the house Pizza Mamma Roma, pepperoni and calzone, while pasta favourites include carbonara and Bolognese, with seafood dishes also earning praise. Round things off with a bowl of gelato or a plate of tiramisu.

Who it’s for

With its warm, slightly buzzy atmosphere and attentive service, Mamma Roma is a great choice for a date night, a pre-theatre dinner or a relaxed meal with friends. Generous portions and authentic flavours make it a reliable favourite — it even featured in OpenTable’s Top 100 UK 2024.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Mamma Roma serve? Authentic Italian — pasta, pizza, seafood and classic desserts.

What should I order? The house Pizza Mamma Roma, a fresh pasta like carbonara, and tiramisu to finish.

Is it good for pre-theatre? Yes — it’s right opposite the Edinburgh Playhouse, ideal before a show.

How long has it been open? Since 1995 — a family-run restaurant for over two decades.

Where is it located? On Antigua Street, near the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Opening hours

Traditional Scottish food and live music off the Royal Mile

The Piper’s Rest sits at 3 Hunter Square, just off the Royal Mile, in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. It’s a classic Scottish pub-restaurant serving traditional dishes, local whiskies and craft beers, with live music seven nights a week and a warm, lively atmosphere. The menu is built entirely around Scottish favourites — recipes passed down through generations and given a modern twist.

What to order

Signature dishes include a hearty steak pie, rich haggis with neeps and tatties in a whisky sauce, and a classic fish supper of battered Peterhead haddock. For something more playful, try the haggis lollipops or a deep-fried Mars bar, and don’t miss the comforting Cullen Skink soup. Ingredients come from quality local suppliers, including Buffalo Farm for meat and Breadwinner for bread.

Who it’s for

With its live music, friendly service and traditional menu, The Piper’s Rest is a great choice for visitors wanting an authentic taste of Scotland, a sociable night out or a relaxed meal in the Old Town. Reservations are recommended, especially in the evenings.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does The Piper’s Rest serve? Traditional Scottish favourites — haggis, steak pie, fish supper and Cullen Skink.

What should I order? The haggis with neeps and tatties, the steak pie, or the haggis lollipops to start.

Is there live music? Yes — live music seven nights a week.

Where does the produce come from? Quality local suppliers, including Buffalo Farm for meat and Breadwinner for bread.

Where is it located? At 3 Hunter Square, just off the Royal Mile in the Old Town.

Opening hours

Modern Chinese with cherry blossom glamour

Tattu Edinburgh brings the contemporary Chinese restaurant’s signature glamour to the city, a venue as famous for its looks as its food. The interior is a masterpiece of modern elegance, known across the brand for its statement cherry blossom chandelier and cherry blossom trees, intricate detailing and a moody, atmospheric setting that’s made for special occasions.

What to order

The menu reinvents Chinese classics with flair, spanning small plates, dim sum, meat, seafood, rice and noodles. Signature dishes include the sweet miso Chilean sea bass, caramel soy beef fillet and saffron black cod, alongside Peking duck with pancakes and black pepper beef. Pair it all with one of Tattu’s theatrical signature cocktails.

Who it’s for

This is a place for date nights, celebrations and stylish dinners where the setting is part of the occasion. Diners consistently praise the service, attention to detail and vibrant atmosphere.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Tattu serve? Modern, contemporary Chinese — dim sum, Peking duck, sea bass and beef.

What should I order? The sweet miso Chilean sea bass, caramel soy beef fillet and Peking duck.

What makes the interior special? Its signature cherry blossom chandelier and trees, and a glamorous setting.

Is it good for a special occasion? Yes — its glamour and service make it a favourite for celebrations.

What about drinks? Tattu is known for its theatrical signature cocktails.

Opening hours

A whisky bar and Scottish kitchen in a Victorian pump house

The Devil’s Advocate is one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric bar-restaurants, tucked away up Advocate’s Close in the Old Town — just off the well-trodden tourist paths, in an old Victorian pump house. Soft amber lighting, bare brick and stone walls, raw wood and candle-lit booths create a warm, characterful space, complete with a mezzanine dining area and a 300-strong whisky shelf. It’s a place that rewards seeking out.

What to order

The kitchen serves comforting, seasonal Scottish dishes that celebrate the best of local produce. Signatures include a black haggis with celeriac purée, crispy leeks and apple gel, and whisky-cured Scottish salmon with sourdough melba toast and horseradish aioli. Venison is a highlight, and the steaks — selected by master butcher John Ritchie — are excellent, alongside dishes like duck breast with black pudding boulangère. To drink, choose from over 300 Scottish and world whiskies, plus inventive seasonal cocktails.

Who it’s for

This is a great choice for whisky lovers, a cosy dinner or a date in a hidden, atmospheric setting. With its award-winning bar and Scottish kitchen, it suits both a relaxed drink and a proper meal.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does The Devil’s Advocate serve? Comforting, seasonal Scottish dishes celebrating local produce.

What should I order? The black haggis, whisky-cured Scottish salmon, venison or a master-butcher steak.

What about whisky? There’s a collection of over 300 Scottish and world whiskies, plus inventive cocktails.

What makes the setting special? A hidden Victorian pump house up Advocate’s Close, with stone walls and candle-lit booths.

Where is it located? On Advocate’s Close, in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Opening hours

Brazilian churrasco, carved tableside on George Street

Fogo de Chão Edinburgh brings the Brazilian tradition of churrasco to the heart of the city, just moments from Princes Street on George Street. Served rodízio-style, the experience centres on continuous tableside service: succulent cuts of prime meat, expertly butchered, seasoned and grilled, then carved by gaúchos as they come to your table. The refined, contemporary space and warm, South American hospitality make it as much an experience as a meal.

What to order

The heart of the meal is the array of cuts — tender beef and lamb, juicy pork and chicken — all grilled to perfection and brought continuously to your table, complemented by the Market Table of fresh salads and Brazilian-inspired sides. For a more tailored visit, the Single Cut Churrasco lets you savour one expertly prepared cut, while the signature Indulgent Cuts feature the finest, most luxurious selections.

Who it’s for

This is a great choice for meat lovers, celebrations and group dinners, where the continuous service and generous spread make for a sociable, feast-like occasion. The fresh salad bar also gives lighter eaters plenty of options.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Fogo de Chão serve? Brazilian churrasco — prime cuts of meat carved tableside, rodízio-style.

How does the experience work? Gaúchos carve continuous cuts at your table, alongside a Market Table of salads and sides.

What should I order? The full churrasco for the complete experience, or a Single Cut for something more tailored.

Is there anything for lighter appetites? Yes — the fresh Market Table salad bar offers plenty of options.

Where is it located? On George Street, moments from Princes Street in Edinburgh.

Opening hours

Bright, modern dining with views over Princes Street

Society Bar & Kitchen, at 1 Waterloo Place, 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.

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.

Where is it located? At 1 Waterloo Place, in central Edinburgh.

Opening hours

Opulent dining under a spectacular glass dome

The Dome is one of Edinburgh’s most spectacular dining rooms, set in a former bank on George Street that dates back to the mid-1800s, with a stately Greco-Roman façade and Corinthian portico. Inside, opulence reigns: bronze doors, decorative marble floors, crystal chandeliers, high ceilings and fluted columns, all crowned by the spectacular glass dome that gives the place its name. The Grill Room, with its ornate, flower-festooned central bar, is a showstopper in itself.

What to order

The menu pairs classic Scottish cuisine with contemporary European flair. Must-try dishes include the roast lamb and the famous Dome burger, while the indulgent chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis is the perfect finish — rich, sweet and beautifully balanced. It’s grand cooking to match the surroundings.

Who it’s for

With its breathtaking interior and polished service, The Dome is a destination for special occasions, celebrations and memorable meals in the heart of the New Town. It’s equally suited to a glamorous dinner or a drink in one of its striking bars.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does The Dome serve? Classic Scottish cuisine with contemporary European flair.

What should I order? The roast lamb, the famous Dome burger and the chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis.

What makes the interior special? A former bank with marble floors, crystal chandeliers and a spectacular glass dome.

Is it good for a special occasion? Yes — its grand setting and service make it a destination for celebrations.

Where is it located? At 14 George Street, in Edinburgh’s New Town.

Opening hours

Scottish comfort food and gourmet mash on The Mound

Makars Mash Bar is a family-run restaurant in Edinburgh’s Old Town, offering a fresh, heart-warming take on Scottish comfort food. Located on The Mound — connecting the Old and New Towns, a short walk from the Castle and Waverley station — it has a relaxed, trendy vibe and a rustic, welcoming interior. It’s a multiple TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winner and one of the highest-rated restaurants in the city.

What to order

The concept is simple and fun: pick your main from a range of meaty and plant-based options, then pair it with one of nine gourmet mashed-potato choices. Classics include Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Black Pudding Mash and Aberdeen Angus beef, while the rare-breed pork Scotch egg makes a perfect starter and the sticky toffee pudding a fitting finish. Much of the food is cooked using traditional Scottish methods, with meats slow-cooked in whisky, red wine, local port sherry or craft beer.

Who it’s for

This is a great choice for a casual, comforting meal or a relaxed dinner with friends, with a menu that looks after most diets — there are gluten-free and vegan options and a fully nut-free kitchen. Its central location makes it ideal for visitors exploring the Old Town.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Makars serve? Scottish comfort food, built around a main paired with gourmet mashed potato.

What should I order? Haggis, Neeps and Tatties or Aberdeen Angus beef with mash, the pork Scotch egg and sticky toffee pudding.

How does the menu work? Choose a meaty or plant-based main, then pick one of nine mash options.

Are there options for special diets? Yes — gluten-free and vegan options, plus a fully nut-free kitchen.

Where is it located? On The Mound, in Edinburgh’s Old Town, near the Castle and Waverley station.

Opening hours