Edinburgh's food improved sharply in the last twenty years and the reason is raw material. 19 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 19 food tours
Updated 2026-09-11The full list · sponsored partner links
- 01
Stirling Private Tour + Whisky Distillery + Lake Lomond
Private and personalized tour with Brazilian Guide in Scotland according to the interests of the client, the tour itinerary can be changed according to the customer's needs or weather conditions. Tour with private vehicl
9h - 02
Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla
Unique tour to three top distilleries! We pick you up! Let us know where you are. Whiskywheels tours specialise in the wonderful whisky that Scotland has to offer. Whisky Trifecta tour - Glenlivet, Glenallchie and S
12h - 03
4-day Islay Platinum Whisky Tour - Whisky Included! With free pickup!
Take a private whiskywheels.scot tour through Scotland’s rich whisky history by tasting and learning about the ‘water of life’ on a four-day tour from the pickup location of your choice. Explore the beauty of our countr
96h - 04
Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews
****** Private Tour ***** Three distilleries included ***** Visit at least three Speyside distilleries in one day for a distillery tour and tutored tasting at three distilleries or a mix of distillery tours and tastings
12h - 05
Edinburgh Holiday Food Tour: Donuts, Pastries, & Sweet Treats
This incredible holiday tour of Edinburgh begins in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Our first doughnut shop is one of the cities original shops that hand-makes uniquely flavored donuts daily. Once you’ve had your fill at
2h - 06
Edinburgh: Ultimate 5-Day Skye & Highlands Privately Guided Tour
Discover Scotland in style on this 5-day privately guided tour in a premium minivan. Explore historic Edinburgh, the mystical Loch Ness, and dramatic Glencoe, before venturing to the Isle of Skye’s natural wonders like t
120h - 07
Private Edinburgh Whisky Themed Walking Tour by an Expert
This is a whisky tour like no other! Led by a former whisky brand ambassador who travelled around the world promoting Scottish Whisky, you will be in the hands of one of Scotland’s foremost experts as you explore the his
4h - 08
Whisky Distillery Private Tour in Speyside Scotland
This tour goes beyond just visiting distilleries — it’s a journey into the heart of Scotland’s whisky story, combining world-famous names with hidden gems and unforgettable scenery. Unlike larger, rushed tours, our small
72h - 09
Castles, Coastline, Distillery and Whisky Tasting Private Tour
A special day exploring the wonderful coastline of Scottish Border country with your personal expert guide. Travel in luxury and style in a V Class Mercedes. Exploring the geology and landscape of the area and a visit to
8.5h - 10
Rosslyn Chapel and Gin Distillery Small Group Tour with Admission
Discover Scotland’s history, legends, and flavors on a memorable day trip from Edinburgh. Visit the iconic Rosslyn Chapel, renowned for its intricate carvings and connections to the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail, and c
8h - 11
7th Century Kingship and Whisky Small Group Tour with Admission
A fascinating day, accompanied by an expert guide, diving into ancient history of early medieval, Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of the North. A period known as the golden age of these Kingdoms. A chance to experience life in the
9h - 12
Castles, Coastline and Whisky Tasting Tour with Admission
An enthralling day exploring the wonderful coastline of Scottish Border country with an expert guide. Exploring the geology around St Abbs Head, a National Nature Reserve with it's spectacular cliffs, seals, birdlife and
8.5h - 13
Glencoe, Central Highlands, Rob Roy, Whisky, Private Tour
Embark on a journey of opulence, grandeur, and unparalleled beauty with Wee Scottish Tours, a distinguished and award-winning luxury tour company. Discover the untamed magnificence of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands o
8h - 14
Speyside Scottish Highlands Whisky/Whiskey Trail Private Bespoke Edinburgh Tour
As a discerning traveler, you deserve a journey that transcends the ordinary. We invite you to join us on an extraordinary adventure into the heart of Scotland's Speyside region. Our Speyside Scottish Highlands Whisky T
10h - 15
Oban Distillery Scottish Highlands Day Tour
Indulge in the epitome of luxury with Wee Scottish Tours, available exclusively on Viator. Our meticulously crafted luxury driving tour from Edinburgh to Oban is a journey of opulence, sophistication, and breathtaking sc
10h - 16
Scottish Gin & Whisky Distillery Experience from Edinburgh
Your Scottish Gin and Whisky Distillery Experience offers you a full day discovering our Famous water of life and Scottish Gin, with the luxury of an experienced Local Scottish Driver and Door to Door Service from Edinbu
8h - 17
Edinburgh Old and New Towns Walking Tour with Whisky Tasting
Uncover the rich history of Edinburgh on this 5-hour walking tour, taking you through both the Old and New Towns. Begin at the Royal Mile and explore highlights like St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle, where histor
5h - 18
A Wee Taste: Scottish Classics & Whiskey with Local Guide
Discover Edinburgh's hidden culinary treasures with an Edinburgh native and qualified historian who knows the city like the back of her hand. Your host, Karly, invites you to join her on a journey that offers an authenti
2h - 19
Guided Tour Experience of Oban Local Food, Drink and History
This is a private tour with an experienced guide who will help you experience Oban like a local. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accomodation in Edinburgh and be transported in comfort and style in one of o
9h