Five Top Tables: Where to Eat in Edinburgh Right Now
The Scottish capital punches above its weight and has plenty to offer beyond haggis, neeps and tatties
Food from the sea stars at Dulse in Leith.
Photographer: Grant AndersonWelcome to Five Top Tables, a column from Bloomberg Pursuits to guide your dining decisions in major cities around the world, including London, New York, Dubai, Paris, Brussels and Manila.
The Edinburgh food scene has long been a beloved target for comedians. But amid all the belly laughs about deep-fried Mars bars, Scotch eggs and haggis on toast, the Scottish capital has a rich culinary landscape with seven Michelin-starred restaurants, the highest number of pubs per capita in the UK and dozens of snug cafes. Its nearby port at Leith has developed into its own foodie destination and serves as a reminder that locally sourced provisions extend beyond whisky and venison. Think quality halibut and langoustines.
As capitals go, Edinburgh is one of the smallest. It has the same population as Atlanta, Georgia. But that also means it’s easy to get around, and as host to one of the world’s finest universities, it boasts an international hodgepodge of bonhomie. If you’re not hungry, don’t worry: History will feed your soul at every corner.
But with restaurants like these, you should come with an appetite. For this time of year with truly long, dark nights (sunset is about 3:40 p.m. on Christmas Day), we’ve selected a new brunch place with unparalleled city views, a tram-ride-worthy business-meal spot, a great-value Korean joint and somewhere to get your haggis fix. We’d also like to introduce you to the Bloomberg DINE Index, where you’ll find what’s ranking high on the Bloomberg Terminal’s DINE <GO> guide.