Edinburgh's food improved sharply in the last twenty years and the reason is raw material. 20 bookable food tours below — plus the neighbourhoods and dishes the city is built around.
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The guide
Edinburgh's food improved sharply in the last twenty years and the reason is raw material. Scotland has cold water shellfish, some of the best beef and lamb in Europe, wild game in season, and a whisky industry that gives every restaurant a serious drinks list without effort. The old reputation for deep frying is not entirely unfair but it belongs to a different part of the city than most visitors see. What is actually here is a small capital with a dense restaurant scene, strong seafood, and a bakery culture that has quietly become very good. The city fills completely during the August festival.
Where to focus
Four neighbourhoods to anchor a few days of eating
Leith
The old port, twenty minutes down the hill. The best concentration of ambitious restaurants in the city, several with stars, on and around The Shore.
Stockbridge
Georgian and residential, with a Sunday market and a run of delis, cheesemongers, and bakeries along Raeburn Place.
Old Town
The Royal Mile and the closes off it. Touristed and uneven, though the small places on Victoria Street and in the Grassmarket are worth the walk.
Bruntsfield & Marchmont
South of the Meadows, student and family territory. Neighbourhood bistros and cafés at prices the centre does not offer.
What to eat
The dishes the city is known for
- 01
Haggis
· Sheep offal, oats, and spice, traditionally in a stomach lining. Served with neeps and tatties. Far better than its description and worth trying once properly. - 02
Scottish langoustines
· Landed on the west coast and mostly exported to Spain and France. Grilled simply, and among the best shellfish in Europe. - 03
Cullen skink
· Thick smoked haddock, potato, and onion soup from the Moray coast. Lunch food, on most traditional menus. - 04
Scotch beef
· Aberdeen Angus from grass-fed herds, dry aged. The reason the steak restaurants here are worth the money. - 05
Cranachan
· Whipped cream, toasted oats, raspberries, honey, and whisky, layered in a glass. Harvest dessert that stayed on menus. - 06
Whisky
· Single malts by region: Islay peaty, Speyside sweeter, Highland variable. Most bars will pour a flight and explain the difference.
Practical notes
Meal timing, tipping, payment
Lunch 12:00 to 14:30, dinner from 17:30, and Scottish kitchens close earlier than continental ones. Book well ahead for August, when the festival doubles the population and every good table goes. Tipping is 10 to 12.5 percent and often added as an optional service charge. Sunday roast is a genuine institution and needs a booking. Pubs stop serving food earlier than they stop serving drinks.
All 20 food tours
Viator last revised 2026-11-09The full list · sponsored partner links
- 01
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting
Lind and Lime Gin is forged from the talent, heritage and industry of Edinburgh and its historic distilling district of Leith. In everything that is produced, the watchword is ‘balance’. Over the course of 75 minutes:
1.3h from $30 - 02
The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all about how the beans are transformed into delicious chocolate. Have fun
1.5h - 03
The Johnnie Walker Signature Experience in Edinburgh
Step into a world where tradition meets innovation and embark on The Johnnie Walker Signature Experience - A Journey of Flavour at The Johnnie Walker Experience. This isn’t just a tour; it's an interactive adventure that
1.5h - 04
Distill a bottle of Gin on mini copper stills
What makes this experience unique is the fact that it is a very hands on, bespoke, personal and very knowledgeable workshop like no other in the country. Where you learn of the workings of a micro distillery, get to tast
3h from $90 - 05
Edinburgh: Gin Distillery tasting & tour at South Loch Gin
Our team have been at the forefront of the growth of Scottish Gin. 56 North is Scotland's oldest gin bar so we take a relaxed and fun approach to teaching people how gin is made.
1.5h - 06
Scotch Whisky Tasting & Stories — Bespoke Whisky Lounge
Our Whisky Tasting and Tales tour is unlike any other whisky experience in Edinburgh. We’ll welcome you into our cosy private whisky lounge, where you’ll sip your way through four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from differe
2h from $18 - 07
Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Small-Group Food Tour with Drinks
Edinburgh doesn't give up its best stories easily, but it does give them up over food. On this 3-hour small-group tour, you'll move between the Georgian elegance of the New Town and the cobbled medieval closes of the Ol
3h - 08
The Original Premium, Small Group Edinburgh Foodie Tour
Locally owned and operated, this is not your average food tour. We visit exceptional restaurants and other stops serving superior-quality food. Our guides are some of the most experienced in town. We're different because
4h from $125 - 09
Edinburgh Food Tour with 5 Authentic Tastings & Local Scotch
Welcome to the fairy tale of a city that is Edinburgh! Be it sunny, rainy or foggy; this city has captivated every single person to ever set foot on it. What better way to explore its mysteries than through our shared lo
3h - 10
Private Food Tour of Edinburgh with Haggis, Scotch & More
Welcome to the fairy tale of a city that is Edinburgh! Be it sunny, rainy or foggy; this city has captivated every single person to ever set foot on it. What better way to explore its mysteries than through our shared lo
3h from $335 - 11
Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting
The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery - in fact, nobody has built anything quite like this anywhere
1.5h - 12
Edinburgh Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Pastries, and More
This incredible tour of Edinburgh begins in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. We’ll take a leisurely walk through the Grassmarket up Victoria Street, one of the most photographed and beloved streets in all of Edinburgh. Al
2h from $80 - 13
Bobby’s Bar Crawl: 5 Epic Bars & The Best Nightclub in Edinburgh
Ready for an unforgettable night out in Edinburgh? Join our guided bar crawl as we visit some of the city’s best nightlife spots with a fun, social crowd! We start at 9:00 PM at Pilgrim Bar. Arrive on time to meet the g
4h from $15 - 14
Edinburgh: Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting
Explore the rich pub culture of Scotland with a unique walking tour of Edinburgh Sample a variety of local craft beers at charming historic pubs and modern craft beer bars, while learning about the fascinating history o
2h from $45 - 15
Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail
Discover Edinburgh's quirkiest Gin Distillery on this small-group tour and tasting at Pickering's Gin. Whilst many distillery tours focus on big-name brands, this intimate experience takes you behind the scenes of a smal
1.3h - 16
Dine & Drink at Four Hidden Gem Restaurants in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's first food tour in 2011 - Eat Walk is locally owned. We share the story of the city through food and drink and enjoy access to small locally owned restaurants, wine bars, breweries, distilleries and members
2h from $237 - 17
The Johnnie Walker Collection: A Guided Tasting in Edinburgh
Begin your tasting with Johnnie Walker Black Label, a timeless blend, renowned for its deep character and smooth finish. Discover the balance of sweet fruit and creamy vanilla notes that make it a classic choice. Then,
1h from $45 - 18
Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hr
More than just a gin tasting - this is about the Evolution of Gin! On this experience you'll follow the journey of gin from its origins to the modern spirit we know and love. Your guide will lead you through the differen
1h - 19
Scotch Whisky Tasting - The True Spirit of Scotland
This whiskey tasting is an enriching and educational experience in which you will discover the history, culture and why this iconic drink arouses so much passion. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has played a key role
1.5h from $41 - 20
Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min
There's no tour like it in Edinburgh! A walking tour specifically around the history of the coffee trade in Scotland. Begin your journey at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, originally opened in 1688 and once frequented by
1.5h from $15
Frequently asked
- How much do food tours in Edinburgh cost?
- Roughly $15–$335 per person, with the median around $45.
- When should I book?
- One to two weeks ahead in peak season; same-day is sometimes possible off-peak but limits choice.