Scotland is known to many foreigners the land of Bagpipes and Kilts (and apparently, Unicorns). However, after traveling to the country’s capital, Edinburgh a few weeks back, it became obvious that there is a lot more to Scotland than just those glorious accents and wool scarves. Edinburgh (pronounced “Eh-din-brah” to those of us who call it “Ed-in-burg”) has a surprising variety of cuisines. While the country is quite proud of its Haggis and Oatcakes, you can find excellent pub food with accompanying choice beers, Italian food, Indian curry, American diners, Chinese takeaways  and Middle Eastern restaurants, among many, many more.

5. Deacon Brodies Tavern – 435 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh, EH1 2NT

Mom and I had accidentally slept in till 12 on our first day in Edinburgh. Naturally, we were starving when we woke up so this was one of our first stops. What attracts me is that it is always a busy pub, right off of the Royal Mile. They have a breakfast menu and a regular menu. We, of course, opted for the fish and chips and really delicious apple cider. The upstairs area of the restaurant was neat and nicely decorated and the service was really friendly.

{I don’t like my peas mushy for some reason}

{Mom’s ready for fish n’chips}

4. Ox 184 – 184-186 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JJ

We had arrived late on Friday night after a 3 hour train ride. As soon as we checked into our hotel, we we realized we were famished. Mom and I were scrambling to try and find a pub that would serve us some food. We were told that Ox 184 would have plenty of bar food and serve it till 2:30 am. We quickly scuttled over there for a few pints and some apps.

We had their BBQ wings and some chips. The menu had plenty of options, but we really just wanted something to nibble on. The food was great but it was the atmosphere that sold it to me – It was just hoppin’. Although it was still fun with mom, I think it would be better to come again with my friends, because this was totally my scene.

{Plenty of liquors to choose from}

{Even hung out with good ol’ Jack}

3. Ecco Vino – 19 Cockburn Street Edinburgh EH1 1BP

Ecco Vino was a restaurant we stumbled upon during the day, and thought it would be nice to try later, for dinner. We shared the Creamy Goat Cheese as a starter and it was everything. Lately, I’ve been craving goat cheese on everything, but never seem to remember that when I’m actually buying groceries. This was the perfect start to our meal, because it made me excited for more.

{Drooling…}

I chose the Eggplant (or melazane in Italian or aubergine in British English) Parmigiana and Mom chose the Penne with Pomodoro. We were both “chuffed” (or ‘pleased’) with our meals.

{I was particularly chuffed with the wine selection}

2. La Laconda – Cockburn St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 1BS

This was an accidental find as well. Mom and I were looking for some place to eat on Sunday morning for breakfast. As we were walking up Cockburn Street, and American backpacker walked by us and said, “If you’re looking for an amazing breakfast, go to La Laconda, just up the street”. So we shrugged and thought “why not?”. I had the full Scottish breakfast as did Mom. Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of the food, because I managed to inhale it as soon as it was brought out. You can imagine it was the typical fare – eggs, bacon, beans, black pudding, etc. Even though this was an Italian Bistro, they made a killer Scottish Breakfast. I highly recommend this cute restaurant for breakfast or lunch.

While the meal was digesting, we decided to wash it down with creamy lattes. I would definitely come back.

1. Victor & Carina Contini The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant – Scottish National Gallery

The Contini Scottish Cafe and Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery  was a delightful find. In fact, the only restaurant we went to that I had known about was Deacon Brodies – the rest were chance encounters. Mom and I were walking past the Contini cafe and we decided that we would stop by for a quick lunch, since it was nearby the Waverley Station. We were still full from our morning Scottish Breakfast, but we didn’t want to go on the train without having eaten anything. Both Mom and I ordered the soup of the day. It was so creamy and wonderful. We ended our visit with some peppermint tea and dashed off to catch the train.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Edinburgh? Add to the comments so I can check it out next time I visit 🙂

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