15 Best Restaurants & Places To Eat In Royal Mile Edinburgh 2024
Looking for the Best Restaurants in Royal Mile?
You are at the right spot if you are looking for the best restaurants & places to eat in and near Royal Mile. Royal Mile is a historic stretch connecting the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and there are a lot of eateries in and around the Royal Mile.
Royal Mile is located in Old Town Edinburgh & is a short walk from the famous Princes Street in New Town Edinburgh. From old iconic restaurants to modern eateries, Royal Mile has a lot of options for everyone to experience.
So let’s dive in!
Best Restaurants In Royal Mile Edinburgh
The Royal Mile offers a wide variety of breakfast, lunch & dining options, from fine dining establishments to casual restaurants and family-friendly pubs or quick bite restaurants. In this guide, I will cover the most popular restaurants in Royal Mile based on my first-hand experience as a local & also suggest places with multiple cuisines so that you can enjoy a hearty meal.
1. Albanach
Location: 197 High St, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1PE
This is a very popular restaurant in Royal Mile that offers finger-licking food with a lively atmosphere. This place offers authentic Scottish cuisines and combines the experience of a traditional Scottish Pub with a modern touch making it a favorite for locals & tourists.
This eatery is located in the heart of the Royal Mile making it a very convenient place to enjoy a quick meal & explore the old town. Some of the must-try foods in this restaurant are Haggis, Fish & chips & Burgers. The place also offers a wide range of drinks & is a great place to eat & drink in High Street Royal Mile.
2. Lukenbooths Restuarant:
Location: 329 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PN
Lukenbooths has quickly become a favorite due to its relaxed & modern dining experience and a touch of royalty. It offers a comfortable ambiance with a fine dining setup which is great for enjoying casual lunches with friends and family. This is one of the best casual dining restaurants in Royal Mile to enjoy a delicious lunch or a great breakfast.
The place is well known for great cocktails & drinks along with the delicious Burgers, Noodles, soups and Fish & Chips. Tourists often pick this restaurant as their go-to during the Edinburgh Fringe festival.
3. Bella Italia Restaurant:
Location: 54-56 North Bridge, Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 1SB
If you want to enjoy some delicious Italian food in Royal Mile, then Bella Italia is the place to be. Known for its classic dishes like pizza, pasta, lasagna and hearty mains, the restaurant delivers consistent quality and flavor. The rustic decor and warm ambiance make it a welcoming spot for both tourists and locals.
Located centrally in the Royal Mile, this restaurant offers delicious food in a relaxed & calm atmosphere. The service is excellent & professional & this is a very popular restaurant near the Royal Mile in the old town Edinburgh.
4. Deacon Brodies Tavern
Named after the infamous Edinburgh figure William Brodie, this historic pub in Edinburgh’s Old Town offers classic British & Scottish dishes. This is one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh Royal Mile if you want to experience some award-winning pies, soups and Balmoral Chicken (must try).
The place also offers live music on certain days of the week making the dining experience more enjoyable. Make sure you request a window table on the first floor to enjoy a view of the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile. This is a great option to enjoy a meal after a tiring day of visiting Edinburgh Castle.
5. White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar Restaurant
Location: Royal Mile, 266 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA
If you are in the mood for Seafood, then head over to White Horse restaurant which offers the best seafood in town. White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar in Edinburgh has garnered a lot of attention for its seafood dishes. Locals & tourists love the freshness of the seafood, particularly the oysters and must-try dishes items like monkfish satay, crab Scotch eggs, and seafood platters.
The atmosphere is very romantic & complements the overall dining experience. This restaurant in Royal Mile also serves Happy Hours!
6. Wedgwood The Restaurant
Location: 267 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ
Wedgwood restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Royal Mile if you want a fine dining experience. With a very relaxed & cozy atmosphere, Wedgwood is a favorite for couples & families due to the unique cozy experience it offers. The staff is friendly and they offer some creative dishes which makes it a popular place for special occasions.
Some of the must-try items here are Scallops and Pork Belly, Douglas Fir Cured Salmon, and Bone Marrow with Sweet Cream & Fish dishes. They also have a great tasting menu for drinks.
7. Filling Station American Restaurant:
Location: 235-241 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PE
This is a classic American gas-filling-themed restaurant that offers a lively atmosphere and finger-licking food in Royal Mile. With both indoor & outdoor seating available, this is a great place to enjoy some juicy burgers, crispy fish and chips and much more.
The Highlander Burger & the wraps are loved by many here for their juiciness and flavor. The pricing is reasonable for the portions offered in the restaurant and people often prefer the outdoor seating option on sunny days to enjoy views of the Royal Mile.
8. The World’s End:
This is another masterpiece if you want to experience a real Scottish ambiance with a historic charm. The World’s End is a very popular eatery in Royal Mile that has a very welcoming & lively atmosphere making it a favorite for tourists & locals.
The place offers indoor & outdoor seating and the service is very fast. Great place to eat an afternoon brunch or an evening snack with a few drinks. Some of the popular food items here are Haggis Fritters, Steak and Ale Pie, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Scottish Mussels and Fish & Chips. The place can be busy as it is very popular so advance booking is recommended.
9. Ikigai Ramen Southbridge Restaurant
Location: 29-30 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL
If you want to try something different to Scottish cuisine then highly suggest you try the Ikigai Ramen in the Royal Mile. This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Edinburgh Royal Mile to try some delicious soups & ramen.
Ikigai is a casual restaurant in Royal Mile Edinburgh that offers a friendly atmosphere with modern & simple decor. The restaurant is noted for its delicious ramen rich with its flavorful broth and high-quality ingredients. Popular dishes include Tonkotsu, Black Pepper Beef, and Spicy Pork ramen.
Some of the sides like akoyaki, gyoza, and kimchi fries are also very popular here. Ikigai is a great place to eat in Royal Mile if you are looking for value-for-money restaurants as the prices are very reasonable & portion size is filling.
10. The Inn On The Mile:
Location: 82 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1LL
A classic restaurant with beautiful decor situated right at the heart of the Royal Mile. The place offers a relaxed setting with amazing food & decor making it one of the best places to eat in Royal Mile.
The menu boasts a variety of hearty, British-inspired dishes from classics like fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and a selection of burgers and salads. The quality of the food is consistently delicious and are very flavorful and well-seasoned dishes.
This is a must-try restaurant to experience amazing breakfast, Lunch, or quick bites along with unique drinks.
11. Piggs (Spanish Restaurant and Cafe)
Location: 276 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA
Piggs is one of the best Spanish restaurants on Royal Mile to enjoy authentic Spanish food and some delicious platters, sandwiches and much more.
The tapas here are known for their taste, particularly dishes like patatas bravas, croquetas de jamón, and manchego cheese. Specials and charcuterie boards are also loved by many.
If you like to try out different cuisines & haven’t tasted Spanish food before, this can be a good starting point. The staff is attentive & friendly. So you can ask for any recommendations if you are not sure what to eat here but there are some no-brainers.
Also read: Best Restaurants Near Stirling Castle
12. Whiski Rooms Scottish Restaurant
Whiski Rooms is another fine dining restaurant on the Royal Mile that offers an upscale dining experience at reasonable pricing. Located near the Royal Mile this place offers delicious Braised Perthshire Lamb Shoulder GF, Haggis Spring Rolls Vo with Spiced Plum Sauce, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and Cullen Skink.
This place also offers great tasting options for drinks and some traditional Scottish cuisines.
13. No. 1 High Street
Location: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
This restaurant offers a traditional Scottish atmosphere with a very welcoming decor & vibe. It’s a pleasant spot for having a casual drink or meal & is a highly-rated place to eat in Royal Mile.
Some of the most popular dishes are Cullen Skink, Haggis, and fish and chips which are a local favorite due to their finger-licking quality and taste. The staff here are very friendly and accommodating even during busy times. This place might be overcrowded sometimes as this is also a tourist favorite.
14. The Nether Bow Port Cafe & Bistro
Location: 2 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB
The Nether Bow Port Cafe & Bistro is one of the best places to eat in Royal Mile if you are looking to grab a quick bite along and some good coffee. This cafe has a pleasant atmosphere along with some friendly & welcoming staff. This is a family-friendly restaurant and also has a kid’s menu.
The cafe has some great breakfast options and is known for its great coffee, pastries & desserts. A great option to consider if you are looking for restaurants for breakfast in Royal Mile.
15. Pizza Paradise Italian Restaurant:
Location: 4-6 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL
Pizza Paradise is another great restaurant if you are looking for some delicious Pizzas and Garlic Breads in town. This is a casual Italian restaurant in Royal Mile offering some great pizzas, Garlic breads, Burgers & other Italian cuisines.
Also Read: Princes Street Shops, Things To Do & Garden
Best Places to Eat Breakfast In & Near Royal Mile
There are a few great options to eat delicious breakfast in the Royal Mile, but here are my picks on the best breakfast restaurants in the Royal Mile based on my first-hand experience.
1. Starbucks:
Location: The Royal Mile, 124 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1QS
Starbucks is one of the most popular places to eat breakfast on the Royal Mile with a soothing ambiance & great views of the Royal Mile. Be sure to stop by here to grab a coffee and some quick breakfast bites.
2. Café Nero
Location: 1 Parliament Square, 192 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RF
Cafe Nero is another popular chain of coffee shops in the UK offering great coffee, hot and cold drinks, rolls, pastries & light food options. Must try if you are visiting UK for the first time.
3. Bun & Scoop
Location: 21 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP
Based on my first-hand experience, you should try the full Scottish breakfast here as it’s just as delicious as it gets. This a place with a relaxed ambiance & has great options for baked products, milkshakes, cookies & Gelatos.
4. The Nether Bow Port Cafe & Bistro
Location: 2 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB
As mentioned above, the Nether Bow Port Cafe & Bistro also takes a spot within the top 5 best breakfast restaurants in Royal Mile. Make sure to drop by the cafe to enjoy some great coffee, breakfast & desserts.
5. The Milkman
Location: 7 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP
This is an iconic coffee shop in Edinburgh and has been pictured a lot by various parties. This cute little shop offers one of the best coffees near Royal Mile along with some delicious cakes & pastries. From the Cappuccinos to the Croissants, everything is just delicious here. Highly recommended to visit this shop for breakfast.
Conclusion: Best Restaurants In Royal Mile Edinburgh
From traditional Scottish cuisines to wonderful European cuisines, Royal Mile has a variety of restaurants to cater to everyone’s needs. Royal Mile is an iconic location & is one of the hot spots for the best places to eat in Edinburgh.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Scottish food, vegan and vegetarian options, or international cuisine, the Royal Mile has something for everyone. With its mix of historic charm and modern culinary creativity, dining along this iconic street provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Edinburgh’s food setting.
Read Next: Princes Street Shops, Things To Do & Garden
