Our local's guide to Edinburgh
Food scene
It’s the oldest pub in Scotland, it has its own skittle alley (like bowling but without the machines) and you can sit on the same seat the Queen sat on when she visited! Booking definitely required. 5 mins from the house.
167 locals recommend
The Sheep Heid Inn
43-45 The CausewayIt’s the oldest pub in Scotland, it has its own skittle alley (like bowling but without the machines) and you can sit on the same seat the Queen sat on when she visited! Booking definitely required. 5 mins from the house.
Our favourite pizzeria by far - and we eat a lot of pizza! It has a proper authentic menu (you won’t find any pineapple or chicken pizza here) and it’s friendly, fuss free and affordable. Great take away or sit in.
22 locals recommend
Razzo Pizza Napoletana
59 Great Jct StOur favourite pizzeria by far - and we eat a lot of pizza! It has a proper authentic menu (you won’t find any pineapple or chicken pizza here) and it’s friendly, fuss free and affordable. Great take away or sit in.
The place to go for an authentic, locally-sourced Scottish breakfast
55 locals recommend
The Edinburgh Larder
15 Blackfriars StThe place to go for an authentic, locally-sourced Scottish breakfast
Our favourite fine dining experience, with a seasonal set menu and great cocktails
17 locals recommend
Borough
50-54 Henderson StOur favourite fine dining experience, with a seasonal set menu and great cocktails
The best fish and chips in Edinburgh, overlooking a beautiful harbour.
44 locals recommend
The Fishmarket
23A Pier PlThe best fish and chips in Edinburgh, overlooking a beautiful harbour.
Amazing homemade food, cakes and coffee. Unique recipes with middle eastern twist, although it caters to more standard tastes too with amazing scones. A 2 mile walk from the house around Arthur's Seat.
107 locals recommend
Red Kite Cafe
7-8 Cadzow PlAmazing homemade food, cakes and coffee. Unique recipes with middle eastern twist, although it caters to more standard tastes too with amazing scones. A 2 mile walk from the house around Arthur's Seat.
An unlikely food stop but if you are looking for a tea, scone or a quick lunch (and the Sheep's Heid is busy), this place is very friendly, affordable and offers generous portions! 5 mins walk from the house.
9 locals recommend
Duddingston Golf Club
135 Duddingston Rd WAn unlikely food stop but if you are looking for a tea, scone or a quick lunch (and the Sheep's Heid is busy), this place is very friendly, affordable and offers generous portions! 5 mins walk from the house.
The Beach House
57 Bath StCafe with the best view in Portobello
The Royal Mile is hit and miss for coffee and food, but this place is consistently good, offering great brunch, coffees and cocktails.
189 locals recommend
Loudons
94B FountainbridgeThe Royal Mile is hit and miss for coffee and food, but this place is consistently good, offering great brunch, coffees and cocktails.
If you are ever caught out in the cold or rain (in Edinburgh, never!) there is nothing more warming than some ramen from here.
Ikigai Ramen Southbridge
29-30 South BridgeIf you are ever caught out in the cold or rain (in Edinburgh, never!) there is nothing more warming than some ramen from here.
Owned by the same people as the Sheep Head Inn (same menu), but more of a modern/gastro pub vibe. Much bigger so you are more likely to get a table last minute than the Sheep Heid Inn
54 locals recommend
The Salisbury Arms
58 Dalkeith RdOwned by the same people as the Sheep Head Inn (same menu), but more of a modern/gastro pub vibe. Much bigger so you are more likely to get a table last minute than the Sheep Heid Inn
There are a few of these bakeries across town - this one in Portobello is our local - which have tasty pastries, bread and great takeaway coffee.
Twelve Triangles.
There are a few of these bakeries across town - this one in Portobello is our local - which have tasty pastries, bread and great takeaway coffee.
Neighbourhoods
Portobello
Leith
Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh Old Town
Check out Dr Neil's Garden with incredible views over the loch before heading to the community orchard (opposite the Sheep Heid Inn) where you can get incredible views over Edinburgh...and you can say hi to some local chickens!
11 locals recommend
Duddingston
Check out Dr Neil's Garden with incredible views over the loch before heading to the community orchard (opposite the Sheep Heid Inn) where you can get incredible views over Edinburgh...and you can say hi to some local chickens!
Queensferry
Bars
One of Edinburgh’s speakeasies, a hidden bar with a great vibe and good cocktails
297 locals recommend
Panda & Sons
79 Queen StOne of Edinburgh’s speakeasies, a hidden bar with a great vibe and good cocktails
City advice
Don't miss
Invisible Cities
A walking tour with a difference. Invisible cities is a social enterprise which trains homeless people to becoming tour guides, providing an alternative view of the city