The best restaurants in Edinburgh and Lothian

PERMANENTLY CLOSED. we booked online and turned up and the place is permanently closed……..

Aizle – Seasonal Simplicity and Culinary Precision in the Heart of Edinburgh Among Edinburgh’s top-tier gastronomic destinations, Aizle confidently carves its own space—not by opulence, but through a focused, seasonal, and quietly ambitious approach to fine dining. Set within the elegant Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, this restaurant delivers a consistently inspired experience that speaks to both locals and discerning travelers alike. Location & Atmosphere: A Refined Retreat in the Heart of the City Perfectly located within the Kimpton Hotel, Aizle blends seamlessly into its luxurious surroundings, offering a retreat of calm, minimal elegance. The space is understated and contemporary, allowing diners to focus on what truly matters: the food and the experience. Whether you're seated in the sleek main room or, as we were, at the bar, the ambiance is intimate and thoughtful. Watching cocktails being crafted just a few feet away only adds to the immersive quality of the experience. Lunch Menu: Accessible, Creative, and Exceptionally Well-Priced Although we didn’t get a chance to sample the full dinner tasting menu, our lunch experience was more than enough to appreciate the culinary philosophy at play. Aizle’s lunch format is a clever offering: refined yet relaxed, creative but not overwrought—perfect for breaking up the routine of a day in the city. Dishes were both visually appealing and flavor-forward, combining seasonal ingredients with flair. The combinations were simple yet original, showing restraint in all the right ways. The format delivered an exceptional experience at a very reasonable price point, making it one of the best lunch options for anyone wanting a taste of high-end dining without committing to a full tasting journey. Cuisine: Seasonal, Scottish, and Exceptionally Balanced The name "Aizle" (a Scots word for a glowing ember) captures the restaurant’s identity well—there’s a slow-burning, thoughtful intensity to what they do here. Chef Stuart Ralston’s kitchen revolves around a harvest menu that adapts constantly to the rhythm of Scottish produce. Even within the shorter lunch format, the dishes were deeply satisfying. From the perfectly balanced small plates to the final course, the ingredients were allowed to shine—each combination clean, seasonal, and memorable. Service: Professional, Warm, and Attuned Service at Aizle was at the level one would expect from a Michelin-caliber establishment: polished yet personal, informative without pretension. Staff offered insightful guidance and warm conversation, enhancing the experience without ever interrupting its flow. Final Verdict: Elevated Simplicity in Every Sense Aizle is more than a restaurant—it’s a philosophy built around seasonality, minimalism, and precision. Whether you're stopping in for a spontaneous lunch or planning an indulgent evening tasting, the experience is one of understated excellence. If you're in Edinburgh and looking to experience something modern, seasonal, and genuinely distinctive, Aizle should be at the top of your list. It’s not just a meal—it’s a quiet revelation of what Scottish produce can become in the right hands.

Goed hotel voor een tijdens een reis. Kamers waren erg goed, goede douches, lekker bed. Het restaurant was heel erg goed. Het eten was erg lekker. Aanrader! Service was ook erg goed en vriendelijk. Een volgende reis naar Schotland kom ik hier zeker weer.!

Incredible meal at Rollo. The food was v tasty, fresh, and imaginative. There was lots of atmosphere. The service led by Veronica was impeccable!

Great pizza, super happy with their Vegan options. Friendly staff and reasonable prices.

Mi esposa y yo disfrutamos de mariscos frescos y pasta en este auténtico restaurante italiano. Excelente servicio y ambiente cómodo, la calidad de la comida era de un alto nivel y un gran menú, disfrutamos de una comida de 3 platos y estábamos muy satisfechos. Gracias!

Awesome place! Loved the music and the food! Place to try out!

Booked a Table originally for six definites and 4 maybes, the lady was absolutely brilliant letting us confirm the exact number on the morning of the booking. Words cannot describe how amazing the staff were, from hiding the flowers and bringing out the Birthday cake, to joining in singing Happy Birthday. I will gladly recommend this amazing place, from popping in for a coffee to meeting friends for lunch.

The food was amazing and I would definitely get it again sadly my boyfriends hoggie was very small compared to what he was expecting

Reservamos este restaurante después de haber visitado antes con un amigo y quería ver si era tan bueno como la primera visita. Nos dieron una cálida bienvenida y nos llevaron a nuestra mesa por el camarero, siento no haber pillado su nombre. Pedido de bebidas tomado rápidamente para permitirnos seleccionar del menú a nuestro antojo. El pan y el aceite salieron con las bebidas que siempre pienso que es un toque encantador. Cuando salió la red la presentación era realmente bueno y generoso tamaños de porciones. Mi marido tenía lasaña, que dijo que era mejor que cualquiera que tenía en Italia hace 2 años! Los ñoquis en pesto estaban deliciosos y la foccacia de ajo era increíble, tan ligero. Disfrutamos mucho de nuestra visita, bromas del camarero era brillante, la comida era deliciosa y el ambiente era fantástico. El restaurante es bastante pequeño, pero se siente muy acogedor. Si de vuelta en Leith visitando de nuevo sin duda volvería.

Increíble lugar bastante acogedor! Pasé a tomar un café para esconderme de la lluvia y terminé tomando un poco de brunch / almuerzo. El especial de haventee con halloumi y avo es definitivamente una idea que me llevaré a casa conmigo! Increíble café y una encantadora parada de sensación hogareña!

Acabo de tener un fantástico desayuno aquí. Mucha elección, todo sabe increíble. Gran servicio. Los propietarios son muy acogedores y hay un ambiente agradable: locales y habituales que entran, asientos acogedores. ¡Buenos precios también!

Sick of eating only pub food for your first three days in Edinburgh! Give your taste buds a refreshing change with this easy, delicious, quick eatery. Perfect for lunch or take to dinner in the park. Seriously, this was so yummy and affordable!

This cafe does not exist - or it’s not at the address and location on Google!!

The best value for money pizza you will find in Edinburgh. The pizza is made fresh right in front of you, piping hot and delicious. Not to mention the price, which is extremely fair.