Heron: Michelin-Starred Modern Scottish Fine Dining in Leith
Michelin-starred modern Scottish fine dining in Leith, blending seasonal local ingredients with creative presentation and warm, relaxed service.
Heron is a Michelin-starred modern Scottish restaurant located in Leith, Edinburgh. Renowned for its creative tasting menus featuring seasonal Scottish ingredients, it offers a relaxed yet refined fine dining experience. The airy, well-lit space complements the innovative dishes crafted by chef Sam Yorke, the youngest Scottish chef to earn a Michelin star. Heron is celebrated for impeccable service, beautiful presentation, and a welcoming atmosphere that balances sophistication with approachability.
A brief summary to Heron
- 87, 91A Henderson St, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 6ED, GB
- +441315541242
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Thursday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Friday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-2 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-2 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance, especially for weekend dinners, as Heron is popular and seats fill quickly.
- Try the tasting menu to experience a variety of seasonal dishes showcasing the best of Scottish produce.
- Consider the vegan or vegetarian tasting menus if you have dietary preferences; they are thoughtfully crafted.
- Enjoy the expertly paired wines or cocktails to complement your meal, enhancing the flavors.
- Visit during daylight hours to appreciate the bright, airy dining room with its large windows and warm natural light.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Heron location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Heron
A Culinary Jewel in Edinburgh’s Leith District
Nestled on Henderson Street in the vibrant Leith area, Heron stands out as a beacon of modern Scottish fine dining. Since opening in 2021 and earning a Michelin star in 2023, it has become synonymous with culinary innovation and excellence. The restaurant’s location near the historic Water of Leith adds a subtle maritime charm, reflecting the coastal influences evident in its seafood dishes.Seasonal Menus with a Scottish Focus
Heron’s menus are thoughtfully crafted around the finest Scottish produce, showcasing ingredients such as Orkney scallops, venison, turbot, and veal sweetbreads. The tasting menus, including vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options, emphasize layered flavors and artistic presentation. Signature dishes like the Hasselback potato with Cumbrae oyster crème fraîche and the veal sweetbread with celeriac purée highlight the kitchen’s skill in balancing rich, umami-packed flavors with delicate textures.Atmosphere and Interior Design
The restaurant features an airy, high-ceilinged dining room with expansive wraparound windows that flood the space with natural light. The interior is modern and minimalist, with warm, flattering lighting that creates an inviting and relaxed ambiance. A softly glowing backlit bar and a grand staircase add elegant touches without pretension, making Heron feel both sophisticated and approachable.Service that Balances Warmth and Professionalism
Heron’s service departs from traditional fine dining formality, opting instead for a warm, cheerful, and knowledgeable approach. Staff are attentive and personable, with sommeliers offering expertly curated wine pairings that complement the complex flavors of the tasting menus. The team’s flexibility and friendliness enhance the overall dining experience, making guests feel comfortable and valued.Creative Drinks and Thoughtful Pairings
The cocktail list is concise but refined, featuring variations on classic drinks like the negroni and martini, signaling quality and precision. The wine list is carefully curated to match the seasonal menus, further elevating the meal. This attention to detail in beverage selection underscores Heron’s commitment to a holistic dining experience.A Celebrated Destination for Food Enthusiasts
Heron has quickly earned a reputation for exceptional food and presentation, often described as a must-visit for those seeking a memorable fine dining experience in Edinburgh. Its blend of modern Scottish cuisine, relaxed atmosphere, and Michelin-starred quality makes it a standout destination for locals and visitors alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
0.0 km
Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Robert Burns Statue
0.3 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.5 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Forth Lock
1.6 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Leith East Breakwater Lighthouse
2.0 km
Historic maritime beacon guiding ships into Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Docks since 1876, now a cherished symbol of nautical heritage.
Queen Mary's Bath House
2.4 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Dugald Stewart Monument
2.4 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Burns Monument
2.4 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
2.5 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
2.5 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
2.6 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
The Centre of Edinburgh
2.6 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
2.6 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
Robert Fergusson Statue
2.6 km
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.
Unmissable attractions to see
Shore
0.2 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
Custom House Leith
0.2 km
Historic Georgian Custom House in Leith, evolving into Scotland’s first fully digital museum and vibrant cultural hub.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
0.3 km
Discover Edinburgh’s artisanal gin heritage with interactive tours and tastings at Lind and Lime Gin Distillery in vibrant Leith.
Trinity House Maritime Museum
0.3 km
Explore Leith’s seafaring legacy in an elegant Georgian townhouse, home to a remarkable collection of maritime treasures and stories.
Teuchters Landing
0.3 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
Leith Citadel
0.3 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
Leith
0.3 km
Historic Edinburgh port transformed into a vibrant waterfront district famed for Michelin-starred dining, lively pubs, and cultural charm.
The Leith Mural
0.5 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.5 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
Wonder World Soft Play Edinburgh
0.6 km
Edinburgh’s largest indoor soft play and party venue offering thrilling slides, go-karts, and dedicated toddler zones for endless family fun.
Leith Links
0.6 km
Historic green oasis in Edinburgh’s Leith district, birthplace of golf and witness to centuries of Scottish history.
Ocean Terminal
0.8 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
0.8 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
0.9 km
Explore the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, a floating palace rich with royal history and stunning waterfront views.
Leith Walk
1.4 km
Leith Walk is Edinburgh’s vibrant, historic street linking city centre buzz with the lively maritime charm of Leith’s waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Heron
0.0 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish fine dining in Leith, blending seasonal local ingredients with creative presentation and warm, relaxed service.
Tapa
0.1 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.2 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
Domenico's
0.2 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality on the vibrant shore of Leith in Edinburgh.
The Kitchin
0.2 km
Experience Michelin-starred Scottish cuisine with a French twist in the historic heart of Leith’s waterfront at The Kitchin.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Leith's historic gastropub where Scottish seasons meet craft drinks, roaring fires, and port-side charm in a dog-friendly haven of flavor and vibe.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.4 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Fishers
0.4 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
The Walnut
1.6 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
The Gardener's Cottage
2.0 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
2.0 km
Bold Canadian comfort food and lively vibes meet in the heart of Edinburgh’s Antigua Street for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
2.1 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
Fhior
2.2 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Taisteal
2.2 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ScotClans
0.1 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
Flux
0.2 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
Destined for Home
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
TBCo | Tartan Blanket Co.
0.3 km
Discover sustainable tartan magic in Leith: touch lambswool blankets, customize with embroidery, and carry home Scotland's cozy soul from this Edinburgh gem.
Logan Malloch Ltd
0.5 km
Edinburgh's Leith gem: artisanal gifts, art prints, witty cards, books & Scottish crafts in a charming shop on vibrant Leith Walk.
Georgian Antiques
0.5 km
Explore 50,000 sq ft of Scotland's finest antiques in Leith's historic heart – from Regency cabinets to gilded mirrors in one vast warehouse.
The Leith collective
0.8 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
0.8 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
Build-A-Bear
0.8 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
Britannia Gift Shop
0.8 km
Discover exclusive royal souvenirs and nautical treasures at the Britannia Gift Shop, where the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's yacht comes alive in every carefully curated item.
Wee Leith Shop
1.2 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
Planet.A Boutique
1.7 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
The Cats Miaou
1.8 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
1.9 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant shopping park offering diverse stores, extended hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all your retail and dining needs.
The Dragonfly
2.1 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Three Marys
0.1 km
Leith's stylish cocktail gem with smoked margaritas, eclectic decor, and shareable plates in a historic portside nook—perfect for inventive sips and cozy evenings.
Malt & Hops
0.2 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
The Barologist
0.2 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.4 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Leith Dockers Club
0.5 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
The Lioness of Leith
0.5 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
The Vine Bar
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of Leith at The Vine Bar, a cozy spot offering a delightful selection of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Street
2.2 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
Nightcap
2.5 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
2.5 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.6 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
Cask
2.7 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.7 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
Bramble Bar
2.7 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
Grand Cru
2.8 km
Edinburgh's cocktail haven on Hanover Street, blending masterful drinks, modern European bites, and seamless day-to-night vibes in the heart of New Town.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Garibaldi's
2.8 km
Edinburgh's tiniest nightclub packs the biggest late-night punch on Hanover Street, with killer margaritas and a dance floor that never quits till 3am.
Why Not Nightclub
2.8 km
Edinburgh's multi-award-winning late-night haven with LED immersion, garden vibes, and non-stop beats on George Street.
Shanghai Nightclub
2.8 km
Edinburgh's Oriental nightlife den: Asian decor, themed beats, VIP vibes, and non-stop energy on George Street.
El Barrio Latino
2.9 km
Edinburgh's sizzling Latin nightclub where salsa beats pulse through New Town nights, drawing dancers to its vibrant Hanover Street heart until the early hours.
Opal Lounge
2.9 km
A stylish live music bar and nightclub in Edinburgh’s New Town, perfect for celebrations and vibrant nightlife.
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
3.0 km
Edinburgh's gritty Cowgate nightclub: cheap drinks, multi-room beats, and non-stop energy until 3am in the heart of Old Town.
Cabaret Voltaire
3.0 km
Vaulted live-music rooms and a relaxed upstairs bar—Cabaret Voltaire is Edinburgh’s atmospheric hub for alternative gigs and late-night clubbing.
La Belle Angele
3.1 km
Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
The Mash House
3.1 km
A vibrant Edinburgh nightclub and live music venue blending folk, electronic, and techno in a lively, casual setting.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
3.1 km
Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
Sneaky Pete's
3.2 km
Intimate live music and club nights in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where emerging talent meets vibrant nightlife.
Legends
3.2 km
Edinburgh’s only 24/7 rock nightclub, Legends pulses with raw energy and live alternative music in the heart of Cowgate.
The Bongo Club
3.2 km
Edinburgh’s underground hotspot blending eclectic music, live art, and a vibrant late-night scene in the historic Old Town.
The Liquid Room
3.2 km
Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
3.2 km
Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly