Everyone is invited to explore some of Edinburgh’s coolest neighbourhood restaurants and bars this ‘Scottish Food & Drink September’.
As the curtain closes on the Edinburgh Festival for another year, there’s no better time rediscover some of the best independent foodie hotspots on your doorstep at venues around the city, as well as the capital’s new ‘Big Cheese’…
Scottish Food & Drink September is a month-long celebration honouring the people, products, and produce that make this sector so special.
1. Barry Fish, 62 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA
Michelin-acclaimed Barry Fish is located on Edinburgh’s waterfront at the Shore in Leith, showcasing the best fish and seafood from Scotland. The Good Food Guide’s ‘100 Best Local Restaurants 2026’.
2. The Blackbird, 37-39 Leven Street, Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9LH
One of Edinburgh’s most popular neighbourhood cocktail bars has unveiled a £100,000 summer glow-up to coincide with the grand re-opening of King’s Theatre on Leven Street in Tollcross.
Located just opposite King’s Theatre, The Blackbird is home to a unique garden terrace, which offers a green urban oasis throughout the year. An all-day food menu and cocktail list is available.
https://theblackbirdedinburgh.co.uk
3. The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, Fingal Hotel, Alexandra Dock, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX
Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, Fingal is Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel and is a world-class foodie destination with a nautical twist. Step aboard Fingal’s top deck for Champagne and cocktails with stunning waterfront views.
4. The Voyage of Buck, 29-31 William St, Edinburgh, EH3 7NG
A concept cocktail bar and restaurant centred around fictional character William ‘Buck’ Clarence and his many voyages to far away cities. Showcases cocktail styles from the golden age of bartending (1900-1935). Located on a beautiful 19thcentury cobbled street.
www.thevoyageofbuckedinburgh.co.uk
5. Cold Town House, 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU
Edinburgh’s most iconic rooftop bar experiences high up above the city streets with a stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Cold Town House is the ultimate destination for Neapolitan pizza, cocktails and locally brewed Cold Town Beer in the heart of the Grassmarket, come rain or shine.
6. McLarens on the Corner, 8 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh, EH10 4DD
A stylish neighbourhood bar and restaurant with a large outdoor terrace for social gatherings during the day or night. Situated on the corner of Bruntsfield and Morningside, this family and dog friendly venue has a corner for everyone.
7. Badger & Co, 32 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3HT
Badger & Co takes its name from one of the main characters in the classic children’s book, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, who was born at 32 Castle Street in 1859.
This creative dining experience that celebrates the best local and seasonal produce, including ingredients foraged from local hedgerows.
Open seven days a week, the classic Georgian townhouse venue now provides indoor and outdoor seating for around 45 diners, as well as space for four-legged friends in the lounge. Private dining experiences for up to 12 guests and special events are also available.
8. Lucky Yu, 53-55 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3RJ
Since its launch in 2018, Lucky Yu on Broughton Street has been bringing its own brand of irreverent Asian fusion small plates to Edinburgh’s culinary scene. What started out as a tiny hole-in-the-wall canteen has blossomed into an institution with a cult following.
The restaurant now joins a prestigious list of restaurants in the Scottish capital to be recognised by Michelin for culinary excellence.
Expect speciality gyoza, bao buns and a wide range of Asian inspired small plates. An Asian-inspired cocktail menu is also available.
9. The Captain Darling, 16-18 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU
Launched in 2025, the brasserie-style bar and restaurant is now a social hub for the whole community on the local high street.
A dedicated bar space has been created for people to drop in for a leisurely drink and snacks seven days a week from lunchtime until late.
The focus of the restaurant menu is on classic, well-made, seasonal dishes that are created to be full of flavour. The Captain Darling Sunday roast with all the trimmings is another star of the show.
10. The Big Cheese, 27 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3JU
A new independent cheese store has opened its doors to customers on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street.
The Big Cheese now stocks over 50 carefully selected varieties of fine cheese from around Scotland, the rest of the UK and continental Europe. Around half of the cheeses at The Big Cheese are not currently available to buy from any of Edinburgh’s other speciality cheese shops.
Classic staple varieties include Isle of Mull cheddar, Gubbeen farmhouse cheese, and parmesan, as well as gorgonzola soft enough to serve with an ice cream scoop. More unique varieties are smoked over whisky barrel chips, washed in red wine or brandy, or coated with garlic, herbs or chilli.
