10 restaurants not to miss in Edinburgh – 2025’s ‘most exciting food destination’ | Edinburgh holidays

Edinburgh is having a foodie moment. Last week it was named the Most Exciting Food Destination for 2025 by The Good Food Guide. This week, the Michelin Guide Ceremony (Great Britain and Ireland) – held in Scotland for the first time – saw new stars awarded to Lyla and Avery, and new Bib Gourmand awards for Ardfern and Skua.

The city is not immune from hospitality sector pressures, but there has been wave after wave of new openings recently, from casual cafes, pizza and taco bars to fine-dining, and everything in between.

After seven years reviewing restaurants in the city, it’s hard to narrow down my favourites … but here are 10 places that I’m always thrilled to eat at, for every budget.

The Palmerston

Few restaurants have claimed the heart of Edinburgh residents quite like The Palmerston. It’s a bright airy space, a former bank branch transformed into an elegant easy-going restaurant. Sustainability and local produce guide the menus, with proper starters, mains and puddings. Settle in with a large plate of baked Berkshire pork shoulder, swede mash, January King cabbage, cider and sage (£27) with a glass of something delicious from the cellar. The weekday set lunch (Tues-Fri) is a steal (two courses £21, three courses £24).
1 Palmerston Place, thepalmerstonedinburgh.co.uk

Ardfern

This relaxed all-day cafe and wine bar from Edinburgh-born, award-winning chef Roberta Hall-McCarron is next door to her flagship restaurant The Little Chartroom. While the Chartroom is dreamy for a special occasion, Ardfern has become part of the fabric of Leith. The day begins with good coffee and fresh doughnuts (£4.50), pork belly brioche buns (from £6.50), and stacked hash browns (£8). Later, order barbecue aubergine tacos with sweetcorn, fermented chilli and feta (£13) or braised beef pie with beans (£20).
10-12 Bonnington Road, ardfern.uk

Pomelo

On cold days I daydream about hot hand-ripped noodles at Pomelo: chewy, spicy and singing with Sichuan peppercorns (£11.50). Chef Jun Au’s vibrant take on modern Chinese cooking is fresh and fun with a small changing menu. Come for the noodles at lunchtime, or in the evening for family-style dishes to share (from £8.50). The windows steam up and you’ll bump elbows with a neighbour, but I promise you won’t care.
27 Sciennes Road, pomelocafe.co.uk

Leftfield

Every neighbourhood deserves a restaurant like this: one where you feel…