Best Bistros and Brasseries in Edinburgh

Sample some of Edinburgh’s best cuisine in bistros across the city

Galvin Brasserie de Luxe

There’s more than a hint of French cooking in Edinburgh’s bistros – and, married to the best of Scotland’s larder, that means a match made in heaven. Bistros and brasseries aren’t about fine dining (although there are a handful of venues where both food and prices come sprinkled with the stardust of a five-star hotel or a Michelin- awarded chef). But generally, a good bistro remains an informal, neighbourhood place, often family-run, with affordable wines and feel-good food to please the belly and nourish the soul. If you’re in the mood to kick back and enjoy easy eating with friends, this is where to start.

Bijou
2 Restalrig Road, Leith, EH6 8BN
A pocket-sized gem among the city’s bistros, open for business from breakfast right through to dinner.
bijoubistro.co.uk | read our review of Bijou

The Dome Grill Room
14 George Street, New Town, EH2 2PF
One of the most gloriously lavish dining rooms in Edinburgh with a superb kitchen and lovely staff.
thedomeedinburgh.com | read our review of The Dome Grill Room

Galvin Brasserie de Luxe
Caledonian Hotel, Princes Street, West End, EH1 2AB
This brasserie makes good on the 'de luxe' tag with great service and an upscale take on traditional brasserie dining.
galvinbrasseriedeluxe.com | read our review of Galvin Brasserie de Luxe

Monteiths
57–61 High Street, Old Town, EH1 1SR
Sophisticated Royal Mile cocktail bar and kitchen with confidently composed modern Scottish cuisine and skilfully selected wine list.
monteithsrestaurant.co.uk | read our review of Monteiths

The Outsider
15–16 George IV Bridge, Old Town, EH1 1EE
Downtown venue with plenty of flair and a tasty, well-conceived menu
theoutsiderrestaurant.com | read our review of The Outsider

The Shore Bar & Restaurant
3 The Shore, Leith, EH6 6QW
Reliable, high quality and welcoming – dining at The Shore feels restorative, like coming home to the mother ship.
fishersbistros.co.uk | read our review of The Shore Bar & Restaurant

Three Birds Restaurant
3-5 Viewforth, Bruntsfield, Southside, EH10 4JD
Deservedly popular, cosy neighbourhood bistro with an inspired, flavoursome menu.
threebirds.co.uk | read our review of Three Birds Restaurant

The Walnut
9 Croall Place, Leith Walk, EH7 4LT
Wonderful things come in small packages at this exciting and cannily priced new neighbourhood eatery on Leith Walk.
read our review of The Walnut