Ali's Local Guide To Edinburgh

Ali
Ali's Local Guide To Edinburgh

Local Cafes

A selection of local cafes and food outlets.
A staple when I lived in the area. Especially when it was only just round the corner from the apartment! The friendly atmosphere, great coffee and array of artsy gifts make it a pleasure to visit.
26 locals recommend
Tea & Sympathy
1E Ashley Terrace
26 locals recommend
A staple when I lived in the area. Especially when it was only just round the corner from the apartment! The friendly atmosphere, great coffee and array of artsy gifts make it a pleasure to visit.
A great place to stop for something to eat if you like Montreal style bagels and are exploring the Bruntsfield area of the city. There are also shops located in other areas of the city.
92 locals recommend
Bross Bagels
6 Manderston St
92 locals recommend
A great place to stop for something to eat if you like Montreal style bagels and are exploring the Bruntsfield area of the city. There are also shops located in other areas of the city.
Another great stop off if you are in Morningside, a neighbourhood which is is slightly further out of the city than Bruntfsfield.
12 locals recommend
Roundsquare Coffee House.
132 Morningside Rd
12 locals recommend
Another great stop off if you are in Morningside, a neighbourhood which is is slightly further out of the city than Bruntfsfield.
A super trendy hangout in the west end of the city, the coffee is some of the best around and the bacon sandwich is an absolute must!
66 locals recommend
Cairngorm Coffee
1 Melville Pl
66 locals recommend
A super trendy hangout in the west end of the city, the coffee is some of the best around and the bacon sandwich is an absolute must!
A hit with the locals, its always busy! Located across the road Bross Bagels in Bruntsfield.
94 locals recommend
Project Coffee
192-194 Bruntsfield Pl
94 locals recommend
A hit with the locals, its always busy! Located across the road Bross Bagels in Bruntsfield.

Local Restaurants

Who doesn't love an Italian? This is probably on of the best in Edinburgh and its exceptionally lucky its so close to the apartment. Always busy so recommend booking in advance.
111 locals recommend
Mia Italian Kitchen Dalry
96 Dalry Rd
111 locals recommend
Who doesn't love an Italian? This is probably on of the best in Edinburgh and its exceptionally lucky its so close to the apartment. Always busy so recommend booking in advance.
A mixture of Greek and Spanish tapas.
11 locals recommend
La Casa Tapas & Mezze
103-105 Dalry Rd
11 locals recommend
A mixture of Greek and Spanish tapas.
Slightly more expensive but if you fancy steak in lovely surroundings then I couldn't recommend it enough. They specialise in Dry aged meat and cook the steaks on a charcoal BBQ.
16 locals recommend
Chop House Bruntsfield
88 Bruntsfield Pl
16 locals recommend
Slightly more expensive but if you fancy steak in lovely surroundings then I couldn't recommend it enough. They specialise in Dry aged meat and cook the steaks on a charcoal BBQ.
A French inspired brasserie from the same owner of the Michelin starred restaurant 'The Kitchin'. A more expensive option expect great service and great selection of wine.
11 locals recommend
Southside Scran
14 - 17 Bruntsfield Pl
11 locals recommend
A French inspired brasserie from the same owner of the Michelin starred restaurant 'The Kitchin'. A more expensive option expect great service and great selection of wine.
Not only a great bar its also serves good food. If you fancy having a few drinks and some food its a must visit.
40 locals recommend
The Voyage Of Buck
29-31 William St
40 locals recommend
Not only a great bar its also serves good food. If you fancy having a few drinks and some food its a must visit.

Neighbourhoods

Slightly south of the city centre Bruntsfield is located on the far side of the Meadows. A wealthy area, it contains plenty of independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Off the main shopping street you can find some of Edinburghs grandest houses. A famous author by the name of JK Rowling once resided in this neighbourhood.
70 locals recommend
Bruntsfield
70 locals recommend
Slightly south of the city centre Bruntsfield is located on the far side of the Meadows. A wealthy area, it contains plenty of independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Off the main shopping street you can find some of Edinburghs grandest houses. A famous author by the name of JK Rowling once resided in this neighbourhood.
If you continue past Bruntsfield you will reach the neighbourhood of Morningside. Its very similar to the latter with individual shops and restaurants. The 'Canny Mans' pub is one of Edinburghs' oldest bars and is more museum than conventional bar. A must visit if you want experience some local culture.
41 locals recommend
Morningside
41 locals recommend
If you continue past Bruntsfield you will reach the neighbourhood of Morningside. Its very similar to the latter with individual shops and restaurants. The 'Canny Mans' pub is one of Edinburghs' oldest bars and is more museum than conventional bar. A must visit if you want experience some local culture.
The historic port of Edinburgh. Many of Edinburghs finest restaurants can be found here and some of the trendiest bars. Because of its history it has a slightly edgier vibe than central Edinburgh. On a lovely day the bars and restaurants spill out next to the waterside. Because its located slightly further away from the centre than most neighbourhoods it often has less tourists.
162 locals recommend
Leith
162 locals recommend
The historic port of Edinburgh. Many of Edinburghs finest restaurants can be found here and some of the trendiest bars. Because of its history it has a slightly edgier vibe than central Edinburgh. On a lovely day the bars and restaurants spill out next to the waterside. Because its located slightly further away from the centre than most neighbourhoods it often has less tourists.
Similar to Bruntsfield and Morningside, Stockbridge is in the North of the city. Its in the new town where the architecture in Georgian but is equally as attractive. Be careful of the cobbled streets!
350 locals recommend
Stockbridge
350 locals recommend
Similar to Bruntsfield and Morningside, Stockbridge is in the North of the city. Its in the new town where the architecture in Georgian but is equally as attractive. Be careful of the cobbled streets!
The most historic area of Edinburgh. All the attractions that make Edinburgh famous can be found in this neighbourhood. Things like the castle, the royal mile, Scottish parliament and most museums. Worth seeing for all the very old architecture and history. Can be very touristy so expect it to be crowded.
195 locals recommend
Edinburgh Old Town
195 locals recommend
The most historic area of Edinburgh. All the attractions that make Edinburgh famous can be found in this neighbourhood. Things like the castle, the royal mile, Scottish parliament and most museums. Worth seeing for all the very old architecture and history. Can be very touristy so expect it to be crowded.

My favourite Bars

The place speaks for itself. If you like historic old style pubs, this is for you. Loved visiting here for a tipple when I lived in Morningside!
95 locals recommend
Canny Mans
237 Morningside Rd
95 locals recommend
The place speaks for itself. If you like historic old style pubs, this is for you. Loved visiting here for a tipple when I lived in Morningside!
A hidden gem in the historic old town. Located down a lane from the royal mile it exudes history and atmosphere. A great place to stop off for a quick drink if you have been visiting all the historic attractions.
227 locals recommend
The Devil's Advocate
9 Advocate's Cl
227 locals recommend
A hidden gem in the historic old town. Located down a lane from the royal mile it exudes history and atmosphere. A great place to stop off for a quick drink if you have been visiting all the historic attractions.
Leith is Probably Edinburghs trendiest neighbourhood. This bar epitomises all that is Leith.
12 locals recommend
The Barologist
23 Commercial St
12 locals recommend
Leith is Probably Edinburghs trendiest neighbourhood. This bar epitomises all that is Leith.
Not a bar which is frequented by tourists so if you want to avoid the crowds, this has you covered. Thats if you can find it! Inspired by a the prohibition in America it disguises itself as a barbers, before pulling back a book case to reveal a thriving bar.
297 locals recommend
Panda & Sons
79 Queen St
297 locals recommend
Not a bar which is frequented by tourists so if you want to avoid the crowds, this has you covered. Thats if you can find it! Inspired by a the prohibition in America it disguises itself as a barbers, before pulling back a book case to reveal a thriving bar.
An absolute institution In Stockbridge. If you would like to experience what a typical Scottish bar is like....this is it. Lovely local atmosphere - its great for relaxing with your paper and tipple of your choice.
82 locals recommend
The Bailie Bar
2-4 St Stephen St
82 locals recommend
An absolute institution In Stockbridge. If you would like to experience what a typical Scottish bar is like....this is it. Lovely local atmosphere - its great for relaxing with your paper and tipple of your choice.

City advice

Getting around

The bus system is one of the best I've been on. Use it!

Edinburgh isn't the biggest of cities so alot can be accessed by foot if you don't fancy public transport.