Looking to spend some time in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Here are a few food recommendations for your trip!

I was only able to spend three days total in Edinburgh, but I could not recommend it more. It is easily the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to, and I would live there in a heartbeat. If you decide to spend some time in Edinburgh, I can guarantee that you will never regret it.

Quick note: I combined breakfast and lunch spots under the brunch category because these options work very well for either meal. I was also on a tight budget when I traveled here, so I pretty much restricted myself to brunch and dinner.

Also, I should mention that I did not try Haggis – a traditional Scottish dish – while I was in Edinburgh. Of course I recommend you try everything, I just couldn’t muster up the courage at that time!

Coffee Shops

Black Medicine Coffee Co.

A beautiful coffee shop not too far from the Royal Mile, this spot has tons of character. With comfortable furniture carved out of wood and delicious coffee, pastries and smoothies, this shop has it all.

Origin Coffee

A very modern and cozy coffee spot, Origin is a great place to sit for a bit while you figure out what you want to do next (or to wait until the rain subsides!). The coffee is great, and there’s plenty of space to hang out if you’re traveling with friends.

Brunch

The Coffee Mill Cafe

An adorable coffee and brunch spot right next to Grassmarket Square. I had a delicious latte and bagel, and the service was great. It’s a cute spot to sit and people-watch as they pass by, as well as to plan out the day ahead. Just a few feet away from the entrance and you get a beautiful view of the Edinburgh Castle!

Edinburgh Larder Cafe

A delicious brunch spot right off the Royal Mile, I loved every second of the meal. The coffee, the eggs benedict, the service, all great. I do recommend getting there early, because I got there around 11am and the line was out the door. Regardless, it’s a perfect place to sit and plan out your day!

Southern Cross Cafe

A nice little cafe tucked away on the side of a busy foot-traffic street, this place has a great patio to sit outside (if the weather permits) and enjoy the view down a beautiful gothic avenue. I had the eggs benedict and a latte, and I could not recommend it more.

Dinner

Biddy Mulligans

A really nice pub right on the edge of Grassmarket Square. I had the mac n’ cheese, but I will say that this pub gets incredibly busy past around 8pm! But with the crowd comes some great live music, so I’d consider it a good trade-off. Regardless, it’s a great place – and right next to the street that inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter!

City Restaurant

I had a really good pizza here, however it’s not necessarily a spot with a whole lot of character in my opinion. The other two dinner places are much tastier, but this is a good choice with big portions if you’re really hungry.

George IV Bar

Plenty of seating, great service, beautiful interior and delicious food. I had the fish & chips, and it was spectacular. I also ordered Cranachan, a traditional Scottish dessert, and it was great as well. I recommend getting a table by the window if possible, there’s a great view.

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Enjoy your time in Edinburgh! It’s the kind of city that sticks in your mind forever, and you can’t stop thinking about it once you leave. The moment my plane took off, I missed it already.

P.S. – While you’re in Scotland, try a glass of Irn Bru! It’s Scotland’s most popular soda, and it’s one of the best sodas I’ve ever had. I also haven’t been able to find it in the States, so try it while you can!