The best restaurants serving Scottish food in Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh and Lothian

We never would have came across this place if not for TripAdvisor! It is hidden away in a library called the storytelling centre and is a little hatch in the wall but the food is AMAZING! Staff very lovely and helpful, offering us advice on what to go for. Went with traditional haggis neeps and tatties with whiskey sauce and practically licked the plate it was delicious. Make the effort to go!

Fantastic food and service Very busy when we were there so booking essential

This is my go to vegan spot when in Edinburgh. Delicious food, desserts, smoothies and coffee drinks. I get the falafel every time and it never disappoints! Also the Biscoff latte and the chai are favorites. The staff is friendly and wonderful, but service tends to be a bit slow – it’s worth it though.

On top of friendly and accommodating service, the food and espresso were as delicious as we’d hoped. I got the Full Scottish breakfast and my wife got the Eggs Benedict. It looked just like their photos on Google/Instagram, and we’re already talking about going back to get taste more of their menu tomorrow! Check it out, you will be glad that you did.

I ate here yesterday and loved the food, atmosphere, and service! Unfortunately, I heard the news of Maggie Smith passing while I was here, but I think that made the visit more momentous :( Heads up that reception is a bit sketchy here, but they also have free wifi, so just join it and you'll be alright!

Food was very good. Very good customer service from Ewan

I was pretty baffled at the experience I had here this week- I understand that this is a pub environment however, frankly, it's quite a nice pub, and I had been looking forward to coming here for food and some drinks. After a general bad attitude from one member of staff in particular, he decided to come over and rudely say 'there are coasters at the table you can use you know' whilst snatching our menus away. For context, at this moment, I scanned the room and not a single other person in there had a coaster under their drink. One of us had a corner of our glass on one of the menus without realising which, while I understand is irritating for the owners of said menu, I do not believe justifies rudeness to customers. I have worked in customer service and hospitality my whole life and have seen a lot worse be done to such items but still, I would never consider being outright rude. After we asked him if 'he would mind throwing a couple over', he again, rudely turned around and said 'what did your last slave die of?' before walking away. We left immediately and decided not to eat anything. Now, I really do have a personal belief that if you're going to take out your disdain towards life on the general public, customer service isn't really the career for you. It's very concerning when staff clearly get enjoyment out of being rude to people and putting a sour taste on their day. I will make sure to tell everyone I know to avoid this long haired, ponytailed, dark-haired, glasses-wearing man at all costs if they so happen to stumble into this establishment.

The owner of this restaurant can't take criticism and instead resorts to calling their patrons fake. I don't see the need to spend my time or mental energy reliving a poor experience to write a review for a place I didn't like. But because of a thin skinned owner, who probably shouldn't be in the restaurant business bc they don't have a constitution to handle any kind of negative review has insulted my integrity. I do not tolerate bullies and will always stand-up for myself. Apparently the owner doesn't understand how reviewing works bc you don't have to create a review immediately. Also just bc reviewed 8 places today doesn't mean they were all restaurants. They all deserved the 1 or 2 rating and the owners rude reply is evidence of why the restaurant earned the low rating. Now even if they were all restaurants why are you trying to shame me for the volume of food I eat, I like going to restaurants and eating food, this especially coming from a restaurant that claims they are accepting of all patron's food requirements. Due to your response I'm updating my review appropriately to the star rating you deserve. The food was nothing special, it was presented with some thought but that also was dependant on the dish, some where put together ok, others looked like it was just tossed into the bowl. Given the price being asked, I'm expecting a bit more effort. The service was friendly but at best it was haphazard, at worst careless. The atmosphere, well I'll let my audience be the judge. I found myself in a semi basement that you tried your best to make it look nice but that doesn't mean that the "view" isn't a back alley and some emergency fire stairs. They are also on top of a rowdy bar where you can hear all the drunken ruckus, such great ambiance!😝

Had a great time! Of course, Grassmarket's a bit of a touristy spot and thus so is Alba Bistro. However my pasta dish was great (and I've eaten a lot of pastas in my life) and the staff was incredibly caring and nice! Even gave me a few tips on what to see and do in the city. I had a glass of the Malbec with my pasta which tasted lovely. I was there a little before rush hour, around 17:15 so that might’ve improved my experience. But I’d recommend!

Absolutely delicious food great service home cooked food. The soup was delicious . The burrito was huge and very tasty . Clean friendly and great value . Highly recommend

Overpriced food, just like at Stirling Castle (even with Historic Scotland Discount) and we were Overcharged for our wine. Overcharge for Wine On the shelf, the price for all the Cans of Wine were £7.00 each, our receipt said £15.00 for 2 wines. The Till person did not scan a bar-code, but used some touch screen I could not see, but the receipt said 2 white wines (one was actually Red, though same price). Noticed too late, hopefully profit goes to HS. By Law, if you change your till price, you have to update the price at display point, especially alcohol. Not Impressed, or was I conned deliberately, hopefull not. Overpriced Everything £ 6.50 for a Ham & Cheese Baguette £ 8.00+ for some of the Baguettes displayed at Hat counter, £ 11.00+ for an Open Sandwich. They are taking the Michael. £ 28.00 bill for 4 items, 2 Ham & Cheese Baguettes & 2 cans of Wine (187ml). If visiting the Castle, eat before or after, plenty of more reasonably priced places at top of Royal Mile.