Where to Eat in Edinburgh City Centre : 15+ Accessible Restaurants for Festival Fringe Season and Beyond
There’s no denying it , August transforms Edinburgh into a pulsating cultural powerhouse. The population swells by nearly a million as the world flocks to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival, and the International Book Festival. It's a glorious trifecta that draws in everyone from literature lovers and theatre buffs to stand-up stars and curious first-timers.
The city hums with energy. From midday poetry readings to midnight jazz sets, street theatre, food trails, and everything in between; it’s a 24/7 celebration of creativity and connection. You'll find something happening on nearly every corner, every hour.
Accommodation prices skyrocket and availability vanishes, yet this season is vital, it's when most of our hospitality venues earn the bulk of their annual income, helping them survive quieter months like January and February.
Lucky for us, Edinburgh is bursting with culinary gems. With over 3,000 restaurants (last count!), the choices are endlessly exciting. If you’re heading to the city centre think Royal Mile, Lothian Road, Princes Street, George Street — here’s my curated list of top picks. I've included price range, and flagged whether they’re child friendly, dog friendly, and accessible too, so everyone can dig in.
Where to Eat in Edinburgh City Centre: Your Guide to the Best Restaurants
Cafe Royal
Step into Cafe Royal, and boom you’re whisked straight into a vintage postcard. Think Victorian grandeur, stained-glass windows so pretty you might tear up, and an oyster bar that’s an absolute belter. Whether you're feeling fancy or just fancying a pint, this place has you covered.
If seafood’s your soulmate, you’ll be in good company here. It’s where heritage meets halibut (or haggis, depending on the day), served up in one of the city’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful interiors. You don’t just eat at Cafe Royal, you soak up centuries of Scottish stories with every sip.
Address 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA
Opening Hours Mon–Wed, Sun: 11am–11pm Thu: 11am–12am Fri–Sat: 11am–1am
Price Point ££–£££ – Mains typically range from £16–£35
Speciality Dish Haggis, neeps & tatties or the seafood platter with oysters
Booking Info Reserve via OpenTable or Cafe Royal’s website
Child Friendly Yes – children over 5 allowed in the restaurant (not in bar); no under-18s after 10pm
Dog Friendly No – dogs are not permitted inside
Disabled Access Partial – step-free entrance, but no accessible toilets due to listed building status
Milnes Bar
A proper Edinburgh institution since 1910, this place once played host to legendary Scottish poets and deep-thinking dreamers and let’s be honest, probably a few whisky-fuelled debates too. These days, it’s still buzzing with live music, footie screenings, and classic pub grub that'll warm your belly and your mood and it’s smack bang in the middle of the city! Basically it’s where old souls and new pals collide, with chips, charm, and a wee bit of literary magic.
Address 35 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PJ
Opening Hours Sun–Thu: 11am–11pm Fri–Sat: 11am–1am
Price Point ££ – Affordable pub fare; mains typically £12–£18
Scottish Dish Haggis pie or steak & ale pie — hearty and well-reviewed
Booking Info Book via Belhaven’s website or call 0131 225 6738
Child Friendly Yes – children welcome during meal times; some restrictions may apply
Dog Friendly Yes – dogs are welcome throughout the pub
Disabled Access Yes – step-free access and accessible facilities available
The Mussel and Steak Bar
Looking for Surf n Turf? Head here! This Grassmarket gem serves up locally sourced Scotch beef and West Coast shellfish with zero fuss and a whole lot of flavour. Whether you’re celebrating or just fancy a slab of steak that’s taller than your Fringe programme, this place delivers the goods. It’s casual but classy, like someone who wears tweed and still knows how to party. The staff? Sound as a pound. The portions? Generous enough to require stretchy trousers. And if you’re planning for a crowd, they’ll sort you out — just give them a ring and get ready to tuck in.
Address 110 West Bow, Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HH
Opening Hours Mon–Thu: Lunch 11:30–15:00, Dinner 17:00–22:00 Fri–Sun: 11:30–22:00
Price Point ££–£££ – Mains range from £20–£44; seafood platters up to £110
Scottish Dish Ribeye Steak with steamed mussels in a white wine sauce served with beef dripping chips
Booking Info Reserve via OpenTable or their website
Child Friendly Yes – highchairs available; welcoming to families
Dog Friendly Yes – dogs welcome in outdoor seating and some indoor areas
Disabled Access Yes – wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities
Copper Blossom
If Mother Nature had a cocktail bar, it’d probably look like Copper Blossom. Nestled under George Street, this blooming beauty brings serious garden party glamour, we’re talking hanging flowers, fairy lights, and cocktails so pretty you’ll want to name them. The menu’s a seasonal stunner too and let me tell you, their Sunday roast is a whole mood. Whether you’re brunching with your hens, or clinking glasses over the weekend, this spot hits that sweet spot between stylish and laid-back.
Address Basement, 107 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3BG
Opening Hours Mon–Thu: 12pm–12am Fri: 12pm–1am Sat: 11am–1am Sun: 11am–12am
Price Point ££–£££ – Small plates from £8–£14; brunch deals from £30–£40
Scottish Dish Aberdeenshire beef roast or haggis bonbons with whisky dip
Booking Info Reserve via Copper Blossom’s website or OpenTable
Child Friendly Yes – children aged 6–17 welcome until 8pm; no under 5s
Dog Friendly Yes – dogs welcome in outdoor seating area
Disabled Access Yes – step-free entrance and accessible toilets
The Dome
The Dome is where Edinburgh dresses up to dazzle. With Corinthian columns so majestic they practically wink at you, and marble bars slicker than a ceilidh dancer’s footwork, it’s the kind of place that’ll make your jaw drop before the waiter even offers a menu. And it’s Christmastime that The Dome transforms into a full-on tinsel-fuelled fairyland that could give Lapland a run for its money. During the rest of the year, it’s still pretty spectacular whether you're here for afternoon tea that makes you feel like royalty, a slap-up dinner, or plotting a private shindig in the swanky Green Room, this venue knows how to put on a show.
Address 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF
Opening Hours Daily: 10am–12am (Grill Room & Club Room from 12pm; Georgian Tea Room from 12pm)
Price Point ££–£££ – Mains typically £18–£35; afternoon tea from £30
Scottish Dish Pressed terrine of Scottish game & pistachio or Scottish mussels
Booking Info Reserve via The Dome’s official website or call 0131 624 8624
Child Friendly Yes – children welcome; highchairs available
Dog Friendly No – dogs not permitted indoors
Disabled Access Yes – step-free entrance and accessible toilets available
Angels Share
If you’re craving a slice of modern Scottish cool, head straight to Angels Share. This stylish spot serves up over 200 whiskies, nightly live music, and walls decked out with portraits of Scotland’s finest legends (you’ll be pointing out Sean Connery between bites of burger). It’s got the vibes of a boutique bar meets cultural hangout, where you can sip a smoky dram, dive into a cocktail class, or enjoy dinner that feels like a warm welcome to Edinburgh’s soul.
Address 7–11 Hope Street, Edinburgh EH2 4EL
Opening Hours Bar: Sun–Wed 8am–11pm, Thu 8am–12am, Fri–Sat 8am–1am Restaurant: Sun–Thu 8am–9pm, Fri–Sat 8am–10pm
Price Point ££ – Mains typically £14–£22; cocktails around £10–£12
Scottish Dish Best of Scotland Burger – beef, haggis, whisky sauce, and smoked cheddar OR The Burns Sharing Supper
Booking Info Reserve via Angels Share’s website or call 0131 247 7000
Child Friendly Yes – children welcome until 8pm; highchairs available
Dog Friendly No – dogs not permitted indoors
Disabled Access Yes – step-free entrance and accessible toilets
Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom
Grab your tastebuds because the Innis & Gunn Taproom is where good times go to ferment. With 26 taps, including straight-from-the-brewery Tank Lager, it’s basically Disneyland for beer lovers (but with fewer queues and more hops). Inside, it’s all laid-back banter and a vibe that says "stay a while and tell us a story." The staff know their suds and the food’s proper hearty.
Address 81–83 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AW
Opening Hours Mon–Fri: 12pm–12am Sat: 12pm–1am Sun: 12pm–12am
Price Point ££ – Mains typically £14–£22; lunch deals under £10
Scottish Dish Unlimited Scottish steak frites with garlic butter fries and house steak sauce
Booking Info Reserve via Innis & Gunn’s website or call 0131 228 6392
Child Friendly Yes – children welcome until 8pm; highchairs available
Dog Friendly Yes – well-behaved dogs welcome throughout the venue
Disabled Access Yes – step-free entrance and accessible toilets
Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food
Hold onto your tikka, because Tuk Tuk is like stepping into a Bollywood dream. There’s vibrant colours, cheeky flavours, and a vibe that screams bring your pals and your Prosecco. It's tapas-style Indian street food with swagger, and the best bit? BYOB, baby! Expect plates flying in hot, flavours that dance on your tongue, and décor that’s so fun you’ll forget your Insta story isn’t a movie set.
Address 1 Leven Street, Tollcross, Edinburgh EH3 9LH
Opening Hours Daily: 12pm–10pm
Price Point ££ – Small plates £4–£8; set menus from £25 per person
Scottish Twist Railway lamb curry – a rich, slow-cooked dish with bold spices
Booking Info Book via Tuk Tuk’s website or call 0131 228 3322
Child Friendly Yes – highchairs available; popular for family lunches
Dog Friendly Yes – dogs welcome in the dining area
Disabled Access Yes – step-free entrance and accessible toilets
Dishoom Edinburgh
Let’s be honest everyone loves Dishoom, and yep, you’ll probably have to queue. But trust me, it’s worth it. Dishoom’s a full-blown cultural cuddle, steeped in Bombay nostalgia and designed to get people talking, laughing, and sharing food like it’s the family table. Inspired by Scottish town planner Patrick Geddes (Edinburgh meets Mumbai), it’s the kind of place where a bacon naan roll in the morning might just change your life, and by evening, you’re sipping chai punch and tucking into a ruby murry that warms you to your bones.
Address 3A St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD
Opening Hours Mon–Wed, Sun: 8am–11pm Thu–Sat: 8am–12am
Price Point ££ – Small plates £6–£10; mains £12–£18; breakfast from £6
Scottish Dish Salli Boti – tender lamb in rich gravy with crisp salli chips, served with Roomali Roti
Booking Info Book via Dishoom’s website or call 0131 202 6406
Child Friendly Yes – highchairs available; popular for family breakfasts and early dinners
Dog Friendly No – dogs not permitted indoors
Disabled Access Yes – step-free entrance, accessible seating, and disabled toilets
The Outsider Restaurant
If you’ve ever fancied dinner with a view so stunning you forget your starter, The Outsider is your place. Tucked right beside the Castle (like, front-row vibes), this place serves up modern European dishes with zero pretension and maximum flavour. Inside? It's got that “quirky Edinburgh flatmate with impeccable taste” feel of mismatched chairs, cool artwork, plates that look like they belong in a gallery. And the food? Always fresh, always local, always plated like a wee masterpiece.Locals love it. Visitors rave. Whether you’re on a first date, Fringe frenzy break, or just celebrating the fact you remembered to book a table, The Outsider always delivers the goods without showing off about it.
Address 15–16 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EE
Opening Hours Daily: 12pm–10pm
Price Point ££ – Mains typically £14–£24; lunch deals and small plates available
Scottish Dish Steamed mussels in cream, bacon, pine nuts, parmesan & basil
Booking Info Phone bookings only – call 0131 226 3131 (no online or email reservations) The Outsider’s website
Child Friendly Yes – highchairs available; relaxed family-friendly vibe
Dog Friendly No – dogs not permitted indoors
Disabled Access Partial – step-free entrance, but no accessible toilets due to building layout
Twenty Princes Street
If you fancy food with a view, Twenty Princes Street has you covered, Castle views so dramatic you might propose to your steak. This place serves up posh plates without the fuss, from whisky-glazed meats to flaming desserts you’ll film before eating (we all do it). It’s elegant without being snobby, and the haggis bon bons? They’re like mini flavour explosions in a crisp wee coat.
Address 20 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AN
Opening Hours Daily: 12pm–10pm
Price Point ££–£££ – Mains from £16–£35; 2-course lunch for £20
Scottish Dish Haggis, neeps & tatties bon bons with whisky sauce
Booking Info Book via Twenty Princes Street’s website or OpenTable
Child Friendly Yes – highchairs available; family-friendly atmosphere
Dog Friendly No – dogs not permitted indoors
Disabled Access Yes – step-free access and accessible toilets
Cafe St Honore
Hidden down a cobbled lane like a secret for food lovers, Cafe St Honore whispers “Paris” while shouting “sustainability.” The North Sea fish pie is creamy comfort on a plate, and their changing seasonal menu means every visit feels a bit bespoke. Ideal for people who like their lunch with a side of Slow Food philosophy and a sprinkle of candlelit charm.
Address 34 North West Thistle Street Lane, Edinburgh EH2 1EA
Opening Hours Thu–Mon: 12–2pm & 5–9pm Closed Tue–Wed
Price Point ££–£££ – Prix fixe lunch from £24.50; à la carte mains £30+
Scottish Dish North Sea fish pie or braised pork belly with puy lentils
Booking Info Book via Cafe St Honore’s website or call 0131 226 2211
Child Friendly Yes – welcoming to families; highchairs available
Dog Friendly No – dogs not permitted indoors
Disabled Access Yes – step-free access and accessible toilets
Down the Hatch (Antigua Street)
Your go-to hangout for messy burgers, cheeky milkshakes, and serious comfort food that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Think Canadian classics with a Scottish swagger - gravy, curds, haggis... yes, please! Bonus? They’ve got gluten-free gear and boozy shakes that’ll make you feel like you’ve won the foodie lottery.
Address 13 Antigua Street, Edinburgh EH1 3NH
Opening Hours Sun–Thu: 12pm–11pm Fri–Sat: 12pm–12am
Price Point ££ – Burgers and poutine £12–£18; brunch skillets £10–£14
Scottish Dish Haggis poutine of fries, cheese curds, gravy, and haggis
Booking Info Book via Down the Hatch’s website or call 0131 374 5566
Child Friendly Yes – children welcome until 8pm; highchairs available
Dog Friendly Yes – dogs welcome throughout
Disabled Access Yes – step-free access and accessible toilets
Divino Enoteca
Fancy candlelight, jazz, and a wine list longer than a Scottish summer’s rain spell? Divino Enoteca is your spot. This place is pure velvet, all plush booths, Enomatic machines, and risotto that tastes like a secret your Nonna would whisper. Great for romantic nights or when you need to impress without shouting about it. Even their toilets feel fancy.
Address 5 Merchant Street, Edinburgh EH1 2QD
Opening Hours Wed, Fri, Sun: 5pm–10pm Sat: 12pm–10pm Closed Mon–Tue, Thu
Price Point ££–£££ – Mains £20–£35; wine flights available
Scottish Dish Ox cheek risotto with Chianti and caramelised onion
Booking Info Book via Divino Enoteca’s website or call 0131 225 1770
Child Friendly Yes – highchairs available; best suited for older children
Dog Friendly No – dogs not permitted indoors
Disabled Access Yes – step-free access and accessible toilets
Eve Edinburgh
Eve is the cool girl of the Cowgate - she makes pasta that looks like art, plays live music, and throws brunch parties that make you question every other breakfast you’ve ever had. Try the Eve Carbonara and brace yourself, it’s like a hug made of cream, cheese, and perfectly curled noodles. You’ll want to eat, snap pics, and dance all in one sitting.
Address 18–20 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JX
Opening Hours Daily: 12pm–1am
Price Point ££ – Mains £14–£22; brunch £9–£13; cocktails £10–£12
Scottish Dish Eve Carbonara – mafaldine pasta with guanciale and pecorino
Booking Info Book via Eve’s website or call 0131 526 4810
Child Friendly Yes – brunch and early dinners popular with families
Dog Friendly Yes – dogs welcome in outdoor seating
Disabled Access Yes – step-free access and accessible toilets
Brewhemia
Brewhemia is Scotland’s only beer palace, with 12 copper tanks and a menu full of hearty scran. Expect live music, drag brunches, and immersive cabaret. Best bit is, its directly opposite the Market St entrance/exit to Edinburgh Waverley Train Station and is an easy spot for meet ups or pre and post journey drinks.
Address 1A Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
Opening Hours Sun–Thu: 10am–12am Fri–Sat: 10am–1am
Price Point ££ – Mains from £14–£26; brunch and afternoon tea options available
Scottish Dish Rabbie’s Breakfast – Crombie’s sausage, beer-candied bacon, haggis, black pudding, potato scone
Booking Info Book via Brewhemia’s website or call 0131 226 9560
Child Friendly Yes – highchairs available; kids menu offered
Dog Friendly Yes – dogs welcome in designated areas
Disabled Access Yes – wheelchair accessible and step-free entrance
The Voyage of Buck
If you're wandering the cobbled charm of Edinburgh’s West End and fancy a cocktail with character, The Voyage of Buck is calling your name. This bar’s got a vibe - think vintage globetrotter meets mixology genius. The menu’s inspired by Buck, a fictional adventurer with a taste for the extraordinary, and the drinks? Proper belters.The staff are legends, the cocktails pack a punch, and the décor looks like your grandad’s attic if your grandad were an international man of mystery. It's classy, quirky, and the kind of place you'll want to tell your pals about over a dram and a tall tale.
Address 29–31 William Street, Edinburgh EH3 7NF
Opening Hours Sun–Tue: 12pm–12am Wed–Sat: 12pm–1am
Price Point ££–£££ – Small plates from £6–£12; mains £20–£26; cocktails £10–£13
Scottish Dish Anything Venison
Booking Info Book via Voyage of Buck’s website or OpenTable
Child Friendly Yes – children welcome; highchairs available
Dog Friendly Yes – dogs welcome in bar area
Disabled Access Yes – step-free access and accessible toilets
Fishers in the City
If you're into your oysters, langoustines and everything salty and sensational, then Fishers in the City is your happy place. Housed in a stylish converted warehouse just off Thistle Street, this spot serves up locally sourced seafood with serious finesse and zero faff. Whether you're tucking into a hot shellfish platter the size of a small island, or raising a glass over a celebratory dinner, this place delivers the goods every time. It's got that "chilled but classy" vibe, like a fisherman who wears cashmere.Expect cracking service, elegant plating, and enough seafood to make Poseidon jealous.
Address 58 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN
Opening Hours Daily: 12pm–10pm
Price Point ££–£££ – Mains from £16–£28; seafood platters up to £35
Scottish Dish Hot Shellfish Platter – mussels, langoustines, scallops, and more
Booking Info Book via Fishers in the City’s website or call 0131 225 5109
Child Friendly Yes – highchairs available; family-friendly vibe
Dog Friendly No – dogs not permitted indoors
Disabled Access Yes – step-free entrance and accessible toilets
Tips for Dining Out in Edinburgh with Kids, Dogs & Dietary Needs
Planning a meal out during Festival Fringe season (or any season, really)? The number one rule is: book early and I mean months ahead if you're coming in August. Yes, Edinburgh’s awash with brilliant restaurants, but they fill up faster than a Fringe flier bin on day one.
Kids: Bars serving food often have a curfew for under-18s, usually no later than 8pm. And strictly no underage patrons, even if they’re just sipping juice and hanging with family.
Dogs: We Scots are a nation of dog lovers, but every venue is different. Some welcome pups in the bar area, some outdoors, and others everywhere but the kitchen sink. Best to check ahead so your pooch isn’t turned away while you’re eyeing the cake menu.
Dietary Needs: Allergies or dietary restrictions? Always let the staff know when you book, or at least when you sit down. Edinburgh’s hospitality scene is wonderfully accommodating, but they’ll love you even more if they can prep in advance.
Tips & Service Charges: Often, a 10% service charge is quietly added to your bill, peek before you tip again. If there’s no charge included, it’s good form to leave around 10% (unless the service was spectacular, then feel free to go big).
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh and a local to Edinburgh for the last 20 years. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
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