Whether you'd like a delicious bite in town, an inspiring country-eatery, or a dash of opulence with your Sunday roast, we've got it covered. Our top lunch spots in and around Edinburgh will leave you feeling peckish.
Mouthwatering lunch ideas
The Secret Herb Garden | Set within an old nursery, this delightfully shabby-chic café keeps it simple but seasonal and delicious. They serve soups, quiches, and cakes with a sprinkling of herbs and edible flowers. Wander throughout the nursery and greenhouses set with tables and chairs and lunch amongst the verdant herbs. On cold days, curl up in the cosy old leather loungers by the wood-stove in the schoolhouse surrounded by drying herbs.
Timberyard | In a fabulous candlelit brick warehouse just a few minutes from the Grassmarket you will find a wonderful Scandi-inspired restaurant. Family-run, they are sticklers for well sourced local ingredients. Expect a simple, seasonal Nordic menu. Their tasting menu comes highly recommended.
Jupiter Artland | Set within a country estate turned sculpture park, the drive takes you quite literally THROUGH a Charles Jenks land-art sculpture. The restaurant serves delicious, seasonal meals with super-fresh summer salads, cakes, and coffees from their Silver Bullet caravan. Tables are arranged under umbrellas in the cobbled courtyard. The shops and exhibitions, as well as the spectacular sculpture park of course, are well worth a post-lunch exploration.
The Secret Herb Garden
Gardener's Cottage | Escape the hustle and bustle of the city as you walk up the garden path to this wonderfully intimate little restaurant. A real hidden gem in Edinburgh's city centre. Built in 1836, for many years the cottage was home to the gardener of Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace Gardens. Today, the tradition continues with their restaurant gardener who grows fruit, vegetables and herbs that make their way to your plate.
Fhior | An understated Michelin starred restaurant hidden away down Broughton Street. Simple decor and stunning food. Seasonally sourced and inventively prepared. We feel the experience is perfectly summed up by Dish Cult: "Their dishes pay homage to the natural world and the agricultural abundance of Scotland, celebrating the diversity of the British wilderness, from the hedgerows to the shore." A real lunchtime treat with a 7 course tasting menu.
Drift | Well worth the drive down the coast, DRIFT sits on the clifftop overlooking the beach and Bass Rock. Made from reclaimed shipping containers, the interiors are super-cool and the view is to die for. Simple soups and savoury scones are for lunch and the best of cakes and teas in the afternoon.
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Timberyard
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Timberyard & Jupiter Artland
Montpeliers | Bruntsfield is really like a bustling village within Edinburgh. Central to the neighbourhood of shops, jewellers, chocolatiers, and bakers is Montpeliers bar and restaurant. They serve light bites, pub grub and coffees to the locals. On a sunny day sit out under the awning and watch the world go by. From here, it's a short walk to the Brunstfield Links. There it's great to lie back on a summer's day as the rest of the family explore the local boutiques.
Rhubarb at Prestonfield | Set on the edge of the Queen's Park with views to Arthur's Seat, this grand, Baroque country house is home to 'Sheer glorious indulgence' (Hotel Guru). It is also one of the capital's most memorable dining experiences for its sheer opulence. Explore the adjacent historic rooms as places to enjoy a drink from their impressive cellar before and/or after dining.
The Papermill | Overlooking the River Esk in the tranquil conservation village of Lasswade, this family friendly bar and restaurant serves the very best of local produce within a characterful old paper mill. In the summer, their riverside terrace is the perfect spot for an alfresco lunch by the water. Retreat indoors during the colder months for the log fire and excellent selection of locally brewed beer.
The Papermill