Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Restaurants in Edinburgh
"For a tasty ‘create your own’ lunch, try Red-Box Noodle Bar and have your pick of whichever meat, vegetables, noodles, sauce and garnishes you like. Regardless of what you go for, the price per noodle box is always £5.80, and it’s more than enough to fuel you up for the rest of the day. If you’re more peckish in the evening, you can order a meal deal for one, adding any starter and any soft drink to your customised noodle box for a total price of £8.80."
"Close to the University of Edinburgh is budget Chinese fast food restaurant Red Box. Here, you can grab a noodle or rice box with your choice of meat, 3 vegetables and sauce for just £6.90. For an extra 50p you can choose to have a mixed meat box if you just can't decide which to go for."
"Build-your-own meal is the order of the day at this popular noodle bar. You choose everything from the kind of noodle (egg, rice, ramen etc) to the meat, vegetables and sauce in the mix – which, even if you’re picky, makes it rather hard to go wrong!"
"Dusit provides a modern take on traditional Thai cuisine using local produce combined with exotic spices imported from Thailand. Many dishes have been given whimsical nicknames, such as "run-away fish" for the Thai staple Tod Mun Pla (fishcake) and "lovely lady" for teriyaki prawns, but there is no doubt that the chefs take their jobs very seriously, as they consistently serve food of the highest quality. The decor is minimalist with crisp white linen complimenting black wooden tables and some beautifully understated Thai art, including a wonderfully serene Buddha."
"A Thai restaurant that’s a cut above the rest, Dusit can be found on offbeat Thistle Street. There’s a wealth of great dishes to choose from here, but anything with monkfish, scallops or king prawns comes especially recommended. This slightly hidden gem is a small space with tables to match, so it is often pretty busy."
"Very different from Ting Thai Caravan, Dusit is a more formal Thai restaurant. They serve dishes with beautifully crafted vegetable flowers and have a more fine dining style of service. The food is absolutely fantastic, with a very diverse menu of delights."
"Wee Budda is a laid back bar and restaurant serving delicious tapas style Asian dishes. The entrance hall is home to a large smiling Budda. Moving downstairs there is a single cosy room furnished with reclaimed wood tables and chairs and minimally decorated with a few small art works inspired by Asian culture."
"Indian food can be such a delight, and Mumbai Mansion is an excellent place for your BFF date; with its exquisite décor and unique selection of curries it will not disappoint. This is the ideal restaurant, as they have the traditional Indian cuisine and additionally this place serves yummy cocktails, so you and your BFF can ponder over the selection. So, get ready to post your order on Instagram and make others jealous."
"Situated on the Canongate, The People's Story explores the history of Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th to the late 20th century. Visit: 163 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN - edinburghmuseums.org.uk"
"Transport yourself to the Outlander set at Callendar Park & House. Callendar Park & House was used for one of the most well-known Outlander scenes as the Duke of Sandringham’s home."
"Right next to the Scottish Parliament building and underneath the stunning backdrop of the Crags and Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth tells the story of the history of the Earth. This is a really fun museum, with an emphasis on interactive and entertaining rides – although the science is certainly not dumbed down. We really feel it has something for everyone. From a time machine ride into the past, to a spaceship simulation that takes you right to the Big Bang itself, this is an educational and fun experience that we think is fun for the whole family."
"The rocky peak of Arthur’s Seat (251m), carved by ice sheets from the deeply eroded stump of a long-extinct volcano, is a distinctive feature of Edinburgh’s skyline. The view from the summit is well worth the walk, extending from the Forth bridges in the west to the distant conical hill of North Berwick Law in the east, with the Ochil Hills and the Highlands on the northwestern horizon. You can hike from Holyrood to the summit in around 45 minutes."
"I suggest a late lunch after you explore the charming, cobbled streets of this historic area and experience some street performers, Canongate Kirkyard (Adam Smith is buried here), Dunbar Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and eventually Edinburgh Castle itself, all the way at the top of the Royal Mile (Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets in advance). The charm and beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland never cease to amaze me."
"Italian is ever so popular, but finding a good quiet place is never easy. However, at Mia this ticks all the boxes; a quiet relaxing atmosphere, good fine Italian wine, and great Italian food makes this place the ultimate restaurant to have a BFF date. Making it extra special is the quaint layout looking out onto the Dalry area, so there’s a lot to see and talk about."
"Located: 96 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2AX & 394 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 5HX. Website: mia-restaurant.co.uk. Image: Mia Italian Kitchen website"