Top 10 Best Gastropubs in Edinburgh

Dating back to 1360, Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston Village is Edinburgh's oldest surviving pub and worth the trip beyond the city centre. The building oozes history (Mary Queen of Scots supposedly drank here), and the beer garden with views of Arthur's Seat is unbeatable on sunny days. Their fish pie is legendary—chunks of smoked haddock, salmon, and prawns in creamy sauce under cheesy mash. There's even Scotland's oldest skittles alley tucked in the back, making it brilliant for a full afternoon out.

Royal Mile Tavern keeps things refreshingly straightforward in a neighbourhood full of tourist traps—solid pub food, generous portions, and prices that won't make you wince. The venison casserole is rich and gamey in all the right ways, showcasing Scottish game at its best. The downstairs bar often hosts impromptu traditional music sessions, while upstairs offers a quieter dining experience. It's the kind of place locals actually recommend to visiting friends, which in Edinburgh is high praise indeed.

On the bustling stretch of Rose Street, The Auld Hundred has quietly built a reputation as one of the city's most dependable gastropubs. Their lamb shank, slow-cooked until it falls off the bone, pairs perfectly with their rotating craft beer selection. The space manages to feel both intimate and lively, with a local crowd that gives it authenticity often missing on this tourist-heavy street. It's ideal for casual dinners where you want good food without pretension—just honest cooking and friendly service.

Step into The Guildford Arms and prepare for sensory overload—this Victorian masterpiece features ornate plasterwork, stained glass, and a gallery level that feels like dining in a cathedral. The selection of real ales is outstanding (12 on tap at any time), and their beer-battered haddock rivals any chippy in the city. Despite the grandeur, prices remain remarkably reasonable, making it a favourite among both students and architecture enthusiasts. Grab a spot on the upper gallery for the full theatrical effect.

With its impressive 4.8 rating from over 6,000 reviews, Society isn't just popular—it's doing something exceptionally right. The all-day menu transitions seamlessly from brunch to dinner, with their Society breakfast (a Scottish take on the full English) being the stuff of hangover-cure legends. Located on Waterloo Place with views toward Calton Hill, the airy space works for everything from solo working lunches to group celebrations. The gin bar downstairs is a hidden bonus, offering over 100 varieties for post-dinner sipping.

Perched right at the heart of the Royal Mile in Hunter Square, The Piper's Rest offers front-row seats to Edinburgh's street theatre alongside seriously good food. Their Scottish burger—topped with haggis and whisky sauce—is the kind of gloriously over-the-top creation that shouldn't work but absolutely does. The outdoor seating is prime people-watching territory in summer, while inside maintains that cosy pub warmth year-round. It's particularly brilliant for groups, with sharing platters that showcase the best of Scottish produce.

This elegant New Town establishment strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated cocktail bar and neighbourhood gastropub. The Queens Arms' steak and ale pie has a cult following—slow-cooked beef in a rich gravy beneath the flakiest pastry imaginable. The Georgian building's high ceilings and chandelier lighting create an unexpectedly glamorous backdrop for pints and pub grub. It's ideal for business lunches or pre-theatre dining, with service that's attentive without hovering.

Claiming the title of Edinburgh's oldest pub (dating back to 1500s), The World's End sits right on the historic Royal Mile with more character than most museums. The haggis, neeps and tatties here is proper traditional fare done right, and the sticky toffee pudding is dangerously addictive. With live folk music several nights a week and a crowd that's half locals, half savvy tourists, it's your quintessential Edinburgh pub experience. The upstairs dining room offers a quieter escape if the bar gets too raucous.

Run by Michelin-starred duo Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack, The Scran and Scallie elevates pub dining to an art form in leafy Stockbridge. The menu reads like a love letter to Scottish comfort food—their culter fish and chips uses day-boat caught fish and comes with the crispiest triple-cooked chips you'll find in the city. It's refined without being stuffy, equally welcoming to families with kids and groups celebrating special occasions. Book ahead for Sunday lunch; locals guard these tables fiercely.

Tucked down a hidden close off the Royal Mile, The Devil's Advocate feels like discovering Edinburgh's best-kept secret. This subterranean gem champions Scottish produce with a whisky collection that'll make enthusiasts weep—over 300 bottles line the bar. The pan-seared scallops with black pudding are legendary, and the intimate booths make it perfect for date nights or catching up with old friends. Despite the upscale vibe, the atmosphere remains refreshingly unpretentious, with knowledgeable staff who'll guide you through both the menu and that intimidating whisky list.