5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Map reveals must-visit food spots for Edinburgh Fringe Festival visitors
As the Fringe returns, Edinburgh offers unforgettable food and drink experiences alongside its world-class performances.
As the world's biggest arts festival returns to Edinburgh this August, the city once again becomes a vibrant stage not only for global performances but also for exceptional food and drink experiences. Whether visitors are staying for a single night or the entire festival, the city's culinary scene offers an array of unforgettable stops to enjoy between shows.
With millions arriving for the Fringe, Edinburgh's food and drink venues are stepping up, delivering flavours and atmospheres that match the excitement of the festival. This guide highlights some of the most impressive spots to explore during the festival's run.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery Step into Edinburgh Gin's new carbon-neutral distillery, where rooftop bars offer sweeping views and a cocktail menu featuring icy martinis, citrus spritzes, and tasting flights. Visitors can also book immersive tastings or even create their own bottle of gin.
Scott's Kitchen Ideal for daytime dining or drinks on the terrace, Scott's Kitchen serves Belhaven-smoked salmon alongside creative brunch cocktails like Berry Bubbles and Rhubarb Sour.
Tigerlily A festival hotspot with a seasonal Edinburgh Gin terrace bar open only during the Fringe. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with British and European dishes and refreshing cocktails.
The Scottish Café & Restaurant Located in the National Gallery, this café offers artisan-led Scottish fare such as Cullen Skink and venison, using ingredients from over 70 local suppliers. The terrace is perfect for sipping a garden-inspired G&T or a classic French 75.
The Newsroom Bar & Eatery A casual stop featuring playful Scottish twists on pub food, including haggis nachos and Guinness pie, alongside local ales and inventive cocktails like the Berry Bramble.
The Famous Spiegeltent, St Andrew Square More than a performance venue, the Spiegeltent serves award-winning Edinburgh Gin cocktails such as the Berri Summer Slushie under its magical lights.
Bonnie & Wild This vibrant food hall showcases some of Scotland's top chefs, including Gary Maclean's sustainable seafood and Tony Singh's Indian street food. Three bars offer craft beers, gins, and signature cocktails.
Howies Restaurant Set in a Georgian hall, Howies offers classic Scottish dishes like East Lothian lobster with an extensive drink menu featuring local whiskies and creative cocktails.
Biddy Mulligans A lively Irish pub in the Grassmarket serving hearty Irish stew, Irish Coffees, Scottish gins, and cocktails such as Fig and Fizz.
The Virgin Hotel Combining Old Town charm with modern style, this 5-star hotel offers several dining and drinking options, including a curated Edinburgh Gin cocktail menu for the Fringe.
La Monde Hotel A sophisticated venue with a bar, restaurant, and award-winning nightclub for those seeking a stylish night out.
Nor' Loft Sip premium Scottish gin cocktails like the Speyside Blossom while enjoying seasonal small plates and skyline views, a perfect mid-festival retreat.
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar Enjoy modern Scottish dishes made with seasonal ingredients alongside stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.
Le Petit Beefbar Edinburgh An upscale steakhouse serving Kobe and Scotch-aged T-bone steaks, with a luxe cocktail list featuring drinks like the Leaf Garden and Harmony.
Contini George Street Italian classics meet Scottish produce in this grand Georgian banking hall, with homemade pasta, burrata, seafood, and Italian wines.
Rabble Taphouse and Grill Hearty robata grilled dishes such as pork belly and tandoori sea bass, paired with cocktails focusing on light spritzes and G&Ts.
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BABA Levantine small plates with bold Scottish produce from chef Tom Greer, including grilled lamb, charred cauliflower, and inventive mezze.
The Scotsman Hotel Modern Scottish cuisine led by chefs Chris Niven and Paul Hart, focusing on local produce and an exceptional selection of craft gins, whiskies, and cocktails like the Grande Café Negroni.
Bar Prince, The Balmoral Over 500 whiskies and elegant gin-based cocktails, including Edinburgh Gin's Cramond Island and Glengoyne's Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
The Court, Caledonian Hotel Award-winning chef Mark Greenaway offers bold, seasonal Scottish dishes in a refined six-course tasting menu, paired with inventive cocktails such as the Wild Negroni or Edinburgh Rose.
