Let’s be honest—trying local food is often one of the best parts of traveling. It’s also a great way for kids to practice being brave and step outside their comfort zone! For our family, eating in Edinburgh was no exception. (Is there a better way to practice courage than tasting a bowl of haggis?!)
Before our trip, I did tons of research and made a list of highly rated restaurants and traditional foods to help us decide what and where to eat while in Edinburgh. Below you’ll find the spots we loved, plus a few restaurants we really wanted to try but just didn’t have time for!
Local Scottish Cuisine to Try
This is a simple list of classic Scottish dishes. As a family of six, I knew we’d probably only eat out a few times (it gets pricey fast!), so I wanted to focus on the essentials.
1. Haggis – Undoubtedly Scotland’s most classic dish. Traditionally, it’s made from a mixture of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, all finely chopped and blended with onions, oatmeal and other spices. The mixture is then traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach and boiled. (Today, however, artificial casings are often used.) This is definitely an adventurous new food to try and surprisingly tasty if you don’t think about what it’s made of.
2. Irn Bru – This bright orange soda is uniquely Scottish and totally iconic. It tastes like a mix between orange soda and bubblegum, with a bold, sweet citrus flavor. Our second oldest couldn’t get enough!
3. Fish and Chips – Hands down our favorite things to eat in Scotland. Kids and adults think it’s delicious…and a side of mushy peas just takes it to the next level!
4. Black Pudding – A classic blood sausage which is often served as part of a full Scottish breakfast.
5. Fried Mars Bar – This is actually a thing in Scotland and lots of the local places have them as dessert! Although they aren’t my favorite, but you should try one when you’re in Edinburgh!
Our family's favorite place to eat in Edinburgh!
Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips – With a big family, we eat out quite sparingly and almost never go to the same restaurant twice—but we made an exception for Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips. We absolutely LOVED it and ended up going back a second time! Dinner cost us nearly £100, but the kids’ meal was a great deal with a large portion of fish and chips, dessert, and juice being £10. The kids begged us for two days to return. If you’re planning where to eat in Edinburgh, put Bertie’s right at the top of your list!
Oink – These are amazing pulled pork sandwiches! It’s more of a take away location, but they do have basic seating as well. Even if you’re not going to eat here, stop by to see the whole roasted pig in the window!!
The Haggis Box – Several locals recommended this spot for trying a classic haggis. It not exactly a restaurant, but more of a community center, with one side set up for ordering and a few simple tables for dining. It’s a great place to sample a small portion of haggis without committing to a full meal.
Where to eat in Edinburgh with your family- more ideas!
These were on my list of must-try spots in Edinburgh, but we ran out of time before we could check them out! Maybe you’ll have time to eat here!
Scran and Scallie – If you’re looking for perfectly cooked traditional Scottish food, this could be your spot! The menu features dishes like roasted bone marrow, ox tongue, fish and steak pies, mashed potatoes, cabbage with bacon, and classic fish and chips.
Canon’s Gait Pub – A bar just off the Royal Mile with a full menu of classic Scottish fare. It’s supposedly reasonably priced, and like most bars in the UK, kids are welcome until 9 pm.
Bread Meats Bread – This is an award winning burger place with a good kids menu and unpretentious comfort food.
Mimi’s Bakehouse – Everyone says this place serves amazing treats and baked goods. There are multiple locations around the city and it could be a fun place to get a treat with the kids.
Mary’s Milk Bar – This is another place that so many blogs mentioned. Mary makes the fresh ice cream every day and it’s supposedly really delicious!
I hope you leave Edinburgh with a full stomach and happy memories! To plan the rest of your trip, read my full Edinburgh itinerary!
