Best Historic Restaurants in Edinburgh

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Angels with Bagpipes restaurant

1. Angels with Bagpipes

4.6

Exceptional(4318)

Price: Expensive

• Scottish • Old Town

Booked 12 times today

Having opened its doors in 2010, Angels with Bagpipes quickly established itself as one of the finest restaurants to have graced Edinburgh’s most iconic and historic street, The Royal Mile. With upmost pride in sourcing fresh Scottish ingredients.Mixing an atmospheric Old Town setting with chic, contemporary looks, the restaurant reflects many of the city’s most defining features. With a humble facade nestled in the beautiful 17th century building, rich tones of bronze and marble cascade throughout the two tiers of Angels with Bagpipes.Angels with Bagpipe’s kitchen has gained a glowing reputation in a city abundant with restaurants of the highest standards. Sourcing the best produce and ingredients, allowing the quality to shine through their elegant dishes. By blending innovative and traditional techniques, their menu is fresh and exciting throughout all seasons

A photo of The Mussel and Steak Bar restaurant

2. The Mussel and Steak Bar

4.7

Exceptional(537)

Price: Expensive

• Scottish • Old Town

Booked 15 times today

The Mussel & Steak Bar is dedicated to serving high quality, fresh and locally sourced seafood & steaks, with warm service and welcoming surroundings. Our restaurant is located at the bottom of Victoria Street in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, just a few steps from the historic Royal Mile. While enjoying the best mussels, oysters and steaks that Scotland has to offer, you can catch a glimpse of Edinburgh Castle from our window.Our menu features classic seafood and steak favourites with seasonal Scottish specialties: fresh oysters, kilo pots of steamed mussels, shellfish platters and delicious matured Scotch beef steaks. Sourced from the West to North coast of Scotland you can expect to find seafood specials of lobsters, crabs, langoustines and scallops.

3. Merchants

4.7

Exceptional(107)

Price: Expensive

• Scottish • Old Town

Booked 2 times today

Back after more than a two year closure following the George IV Bridge in late 2021, Merchants has undergone a full refurbishment. Merchants serves Scottish cuisine in one of the most bustling areas of Edinburgh. Braised shin of beef, haggis and seared seabass are some of the dishes on an ever-changing menu, and the restaurant is happy to try and cater for any specific dietary requirements. Situated at 17 Merchant Street, Merchants Restaurant is proud to use fresh, locally sourced produce in its dishes. Historic Edinburgh Castle is a nine-minute journey on foot and Greyfriars Kirkyard a mere two minutes walk.

4. Le Bistrot

4.5

Awesome(1803)

Price: Moderate

• French • Edinburgh

Booked 7 times today

The famous Le Bistrot is ready to welcome you! Located at the new House of France on the Royal Mile (former Lothian Chambers), we aim to provide you with a friendly and authentic French experience, filled with passion and love in what we are doing.Open every day from breakfast to dinner, we are there for everyone to feel like in France, in fantastic surroundings!

A photo of Metro at Apex Grassmarket restaurant

5. Metro at Apex Grassmarket

4.2

Awesome(276)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary British • Old Town

Booked 1 time today

Nestled within Edinburgh's iconic Grassmarket, Metro offers spectacular food and the views to match with an unrivalled vantage point of the historic Edinburgh Castle. ** 'TIS THE SEASON TO JINGLE & MINGLE ** Make this December one to remember with friends, family and loved ones around you at our range of showstopping seasonal events! From Party Nights, Festive Dining, Christmas Day celebrations and even hire exclusive spaces for more intimate celebrations too.There’s something for every family, friend group, workplace and beyond. Get in touch today by calling 0800 049 8302 or experiences@apexhotels.co.ukFor Private Dining and parties of 9 or more guests please call 0800 049 8302 or contact experiences@apexhotels.co.uk

A photo of Burgers & Beers Grillhouse restaurant

6. Burgers & Beers Grillhouse

4.4

Awesome(175)

Price: Moderate

• Grill • The Royal Mile

Burgers & Beers is a stylish new Bar & Grill situated on Edinburgh’s most historic street The Royal Mile.Boasting interesting rustic décor, comfortable seating, friendly attentive staff, an impressive food menu expertly created by our culinary team consisting of the finest locally sourced produce including a large range of gourmet burgers, slow cooked meats, exciting side dishes and traditional desserts. We also have a separate bar area carry a large imported and craft beer selection as well as offering cocktails, premium spirits, wines, champagne, soft drinks and ice cream milkshakes.Burgers & Beers is a must for anyone visiting the city and locals alike. We even have an outdoor seating area where you can wonder at the sites of the Royal Mile including the number one street performers spot right on our doorstep.

7. The Piper's Rest

4.4

Awesome(16)

Price: Moderate

• Scottish • The Royal Mile

Traditional Scottish Bar and Kitchen located in the heart of Edinburghs historic Old Town.Serving up good quality food sourced from local ingredients, a wide range of drinks and good old fashioned Scottish hosptiality.

A photo of Cafe Royal - Edinburgh restaurant

8. Cafe Royal - Edinburgh

4.3

Awesome(1462)

Price: Expensive

• Continental • Edinburgh

Booked 23 times today

Edinburgh's hidden gem! Traditional oyster bar and restaurant serving fine food and a great selection of continental lagers, beers and local ales.We're proud of our history without being complacent and we love to see a happy customer. We've always focused on making our pub unique and we are sure you will notice. So pull up a seat, take a tour round our pub and discover what sets us apart from the rest.** Please note all bookings are for our restaurant, we offer first come first served for drinks in our bar area.*** Please note due to licencing restrictions under 18's are not permitted in the main bar, we can seat under 18's and over 5's in the restaurant for dining. We cannot allow under 18's in the restaurant after 10pm.**** As we are a listed building we do not have Accessible toilets on the ground floor.

9. Monteiths

4.6

Exceptional(1970)

Price: Expensive

• Scottish • The Royal Mile

Booked 3 times today

Monteiths bar & restaurant is nestled in a fairy-lit close in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The award winning venue is located just off the historic Royal Mile and combines chic cocktail bar with intimate restaurant. A favourite of locals and visitors alike, Monteiths is a must for relaxed dining and innovative cocktails. Monteiths is by the team behind the White Horse Oyster Bar, and Chop HouseDue to licensing restrictions Monteiths cannot accept children under the age of 5 at any time. Children aged 15 & under can be admitted until 10pm. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

A photo of Abbotsford Restaurant restaurant

10. Abbotsford Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(147)

Price: Moderate

• British • Old Town

Booked 2 times today

The Abbotsford serves wholesome pub food in one of the busiest parts of Edinburgh’s New Town. Classic pub fare is the mainstay of the menu, with dishes including beer battered haddock and chips, steak and ale pie, and haggis, neeps and tatties, and diners have the choice of dining al fresco, in the main bar, or in the restaurant. Situated at 3-5 Rose Street this is a pub beloved by diners and popular with locals and tourists alike. Edinburgh Waverley station is a five minute walk on foot, and historic Edinburgh Castle and the famous Royal Mile are a ten minute walk.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gerardo
Edinburgh/Midlothian •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The meal was amazing I will come back every time I visit Edinburgh. We had the 3 courses menu and I would recommend everyone to pair it with the house wine also really good:)!
More info
Le BistrotPrice: Moderate• French• Edinburgh
•
4.5
C
Carol
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We loved this restaurant! Our friends from Philadelphia USA - recommended this & our first stop in Scotland was Mussels& Steak! Our waiter was Duncan & he was worth it! The food was perfect!! Thanks!
More info
The Mussel and Steak BarPrice: Expensive• Scottish• Old Town
•
4.7
A
Angela
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was great the haggis bonbons are a must . I had sea trout and it was wonderful . My friends had sirloin and ribeye steak and both said it was the best they have had. Don’t be fooled with the small plates , we all have healthy appetites but after sharing the small plates to start and then the larger main plates it was an early night for us. The service was helpful and friendly and we even had a birthday candle when I let them know it was my friends birthday . Many thanks and well done to the whole team, I will definitely return next time I visit your beautiful city.
More info
Angels with BagpipesPrice: Expensive• Scottish• Old Town
•
4.6
K
Kate
Edinburgh/Midlothian •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 2, 2025
Really beautiful, staff were attentive but not overbearing or pretentious. Lovely restaurant, brilliant food.
More info
MerchantsPrice: Expensive• Scottish• Old Town
•
4.7
N
Nigel
London •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Fantastic food and service and view ,got our stay in Edinburgh to a fantastic start 😁
More info
Metro at Apex GrassmarketPrice: Moderate• Contemporary British• Old Town
•
4.2

Explore OpenTable

Edinburgh

Best Historic Restaurants in Edinburgh

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Angels with Bagpipes

2. The Mussel and Steak Bar

3. Merchants

4. Le Bistrot

5. Metro at Apex Grassmarket

6. Burgers & Beers Grillhouse

7. The Piper's Rest

8. Cafe Royal - Edinburgh

9. Monteiths

10. Abbotsford Restaurant

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable