Best Restaurants in Midlothian
Hungry in Midlothian? Explore top-rated restaurants with menus, reviews, and local recommendations. Open the free web guide or Evendo app.
The best restaurants in Midlothian
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
29 restaurants
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Restaurant4.4★3,067 reviews
The Witchery by the Castle
Nestled at 352 Castlehill on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, The Witchery by the Castle is a unique 5-star boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant famed for its richly atmospheric gothic interiors and proximity to Edinburgh Castle. With just nine lavishly themed suites, it offers an intimate, romantic escape blending old-world charm with modern comforts, alongside two atmospheric dining venues known for their decadent Scottish cuisine and candlelit ambiance.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Scottish4.5★2,856 reviews
Howies Restaurant
Howies Waterloo Place is a celebrated Scottish restaurant located in a stunning Georgian building at the foot of Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Known for its fresh, locally sourced Scottish cuisine, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with attentive service. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Howies features classic dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, seafood, and vegetarian options, making it a versatile choice for a range of diners.
Mon–Thu 11:30–14:30, 17:15–22:30 · Fri–Sun 11:30–15:00, 17:15–22:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Pub4.0★3,161 reviews
Elginhaugh Farm - Dining & Carvery
Elginhaugh Farm - Dining & Carvery is a welcoming pub restaurant located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, known for its hearty carvery meals, buffet breakfasts, and family-friendly atmosphere. With a spacious interior and a play area for children, it offers a cozy and relaxed setting perfect for casual dining. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and classic pub dishes served throughout the week, including a popular Sunday roast available daily.
Price level $Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Pub4.3★1,668 reviews
The Melville Inn
The Melville Inn is a charming gastropub located in Melville Nurseries, Lasswade, offering a blend of traditional British and contemporary cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Known for its excellent food and cool drinks at reasonable prices, it features a spacious terrace perfect for outdoor dining. Open daily with extended hours, it caters to a variety of tastes with vegetarian options and a friendly atmosphere ideal for casual meals or social gatherings.
Mon–Fri 7:00–23:00 · Sat–Sun 8:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Pub4.4★1,578 reviews
The Steading
The Steading is a popular pub and restaurant located at 118-120 Biggar Road in Edinburgh, offering a warm, casual atmosphere with a menu featuring traditional British pub fare alongside pastas, risottos, and burgers. Known for its friendly service and accommodating gluten-free options, it serves as a cozy spot near the Hillend dry ski slope, ideal for both locals and visitors seeking hearty meals in a relaxed setting.
Daily 12:00–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Chinese4.3★1,618 reviews
Beijing Banquet
Beijing Banquet in Danderhall, Edinburgh, offers an extensive Chinese buffet with a rotating menu of fresh, flavour-packed dishes. Ideal for families and groups, this inexpensive restaurant features welcoming service, free parking, and flexible dining hours. Its spacious setting caters to casual dining with a focus on variety and value, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Asian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Mon–Sat 12:00–16:00, 17:00–21:30 · Sun 12:30–16:00, 17:00–21:30Price level $Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Steak4.5★1,434 reviews
Hawksmoor Edinburgh
Housed in a grand art deco banking hall in Edinburgh’s New Town, Hawksmoor Edinburgh is a high-end steakhouse that celebrates the best of British and Scottish produce. Expect expertly grilled grass-fed beef, fresh seafood from the Scottish coast, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for special occasions. The menu features iconic dishes like potted beef, roasted scallops, and a decadent Sunday roast, all served with Hawksmoor’s signature attention to detail and quality.
Price level $$$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
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Restaurant4.4★1,265 reviews
The Paper Mill
The Paper Mill in Lasswade is a vibrant all-day bar and brasserie set in a historic building overlooking the River Esk. It offers a welcoming atmosphere for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks, featuring a menu with British and European influences, plus an extensive selection of Scottish craft beers and wines. With free parking, outdoor seating, and live music, it’s a local favorite blending tradition with contemporary dining.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Italian4.7★1,080 reviews
Gigi's Italian Restaurant
Gigi's Italian Restaurant in Bonnyrigg offers a warm, family-run dining experience with authentic Italian cuisine, including pizzas, pastas, seafood, and grilled dishes. Known for its inviting atmosphere and attentive service, Gigi's is a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking quality Italian food in Midlothian. The restaurant features a casual yet stylish interior and is open daily from noon until midnight, welcoming families and groups alike.
Daily 12:00–24:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Restaurant4.8★947 reviews
Locanda de Gusti
Locanda de Gusti is a warmly inviting Italian restaurant located on Dalry Road in Edinburgh, specializing in rustic southern Italian cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Known for its homely atmosphere, attentive service, and high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and from Italy, it offers a refined yet unpretentious dining experience. The menu changes weekly, featuring authentic dishes like gnocchi, seafood platters, and Neapolitan specialties, complemented by an excellent wine list and gluten-free options.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Justinlees Inn
Justinlees Inn is a popular pub and gastropub located in Eskbank, Dalkeith, offering a broad menu of classic British and European dishes alongside vegan options. Known for its friendly staff, family-friendly environment, and reasonable prices, it combines a casual pub atmosphere with quality food and drink choices. The venue features wheelchair accessibility, free Wi-Fi, and a separate kids’ menu, making it a versatile spot for locals and visitors alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The Sun Inn
The Sun Inn in Dalkeith is a modern gastropub and inn known for its stylish interior, locally sourced Scottish cuisine, and all-day dining options. Located near the impressive Lothian Bridge and railway viaduct, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with a bar, restaurant, rooftop terrace, and comfortable rooms. Popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it combines traditional charm with contemporary touches and outdoor relaxation spaces.
Mon–Sat 8:00–23:00 · Sun 8:00–21:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Soutra
Soutra is a charming independent café located at House of Soutra, nestled at the northern foot of Soutra Hill just off the A68 near Pathhead, Scotland. Renowned for its expansive views stretching towards the North Sea and Bass Rock, it offers a welcoming stop for travelers and locals alike. The café serves a variety of homemade cakes, hearty lunches, and specialty coffees, with options catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Its spacious, family-friendly setting includes indoor seating and a terrace for enjoying the surrounding rural landscape.
Daily 9:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
The Radhuni
The Radhuni is a celebrated Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant located in Loanhead, Scotland. Renowned for its authentic, flavorful dishes and exceptional service, it offers a spacious, stylish dining environment with a large garden area. The menu features a wide variety of traditional and unique dishes, including set menus and a children's menu, making it a versatile choice for families and food enthusiasts alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The Cavaliere Italian Restaurant
The Cavaliere Italian Restaurant, established in 1968 in Dalkeith, Midlothian, offers a traditional Italian dining experience with wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and classic Italian dishes. Known for its charming atmosphere blending modern and traditional decor, it serves quality ingredients, many imported from Italy, in a family-friendly setting with attentive service. The restaurant is popular for both dine-in and delivery, with a menu featuring pizzas, steaks, chicken, veal, and seafood specials.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The Coronation Restaurant
The Coronation Restaurant in Gorebridge, Midlothian, offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with a menu featuring hearty Scottish and British classics. Known for its perfectly cooked steaks, generous portions, and attentive service, this moderately priced eatery is ideal for family meals, celebrations, and casual dining alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Lady Libertine
Lady Libertine is a sophisticated two-floor cocktail bar and restaurant located in Edinburgh's city centre within The Edinburgh Grand. The ground floor features a contemporary wine café with panoramic windows, while the basement showcases Art Deco styling with moody lighting and DJ performances. The venue specializes in expertly crafted cocktails and Mediterranean-influenced small plates designed for sharing, offering an upscale yet approachable atmosphere perfect for evening drinks or dining.
Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–4 hrs
The Palmerston
Tucked away on Palmerston Place in Edinburgh’s West End, The Palmerston is a stylish restaurant known for its modern Scottish cuisine and warm, contemporary interior. Housed in a handsome Victorian townhouse, it offers a refined yet relaxed setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant dining room, attentive service, and central location make it a popular choice for both visitors and locals seeking a memorable meal in a sophisticated but unpretentious atmosphere.
Tue–Sat 9:00–14:30, 18:00–21:45 · Sun 9:00–15:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Luci's Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
A contemporary Italian restaurant and cocktail bar situated on the banks of the River North Esk in Lasswade. Known for its modern décor, welcoming atmosphere, and diverse menu featuring Italian classics alongside Scottish breakfast options, Luci's offers an engaging dining experience with skilled mixology and attentive service. The venue balances casual comfort with refined presentation, making it suitable for everything from intimate dinners to family gatherings.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
Perched dramatically on Calton Hill, The Lookout is a cantilevered fine-dining restaurant offering panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. This architectural marvel, built in partnership with Collective and the City Observatory, serves seasonal Scottish cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city's skyline, making it one of Edinburgh's most visually stunning dining destinations. The minimalist interior allows both the landscape and meticulously prepared dishes to command attention.
Wed–Sat 12:00–22:00Price level $$$Time to spend 2–3.5 hrs
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a luxurious fine dining restaurant located within the lavish Prestonfield House in Edinburgh. Set in grand Regency-style rooms, it offers a refined menu featuring exceptional Scottish produce, including locally sourced ingredients and the estate's historic rhubarb. Known for its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and award-winning wine cellar, Rhubarb blends traditional heritage with contemporary culinary artistry for a memorable dining experience.
Daily 12:00–22:00Price level $$$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
tapas3
Tapas3 is a cozy, highly regarded tapas restaurant located at 6 Howden Street in Edinburgh’s Southside. Known for its authentic Spanish small plates, generous portions, and warm, friendly service, it offers a genuine taste of Spain away from the tourist trail. The restaurant features a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere with a focus on quality food and a well-curated wine list, including fine selections from Jerez.
Daily 12:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The Kitchen at Restoration Yard
The Kitchen at Restoration Yard is a charming restaurant nestled within Dalkeith Country Park, offering a bright, spacious setting with panoramic views of the historic estate. Open daily for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, it serves seasonal Scottish-inspired dishes alongside options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. The venue features an inviting indoor dining area and a summer patio where dogs are welcome, making it a versatile spot for families and food lovers alike.
Daily 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The Rabbit Hole
Nestled in Edinburgh’s leafy Marchmont district, The Rabbit Hole is a cozy British restaurant renowned for its high-quality, locally sourced dishes with a modern French influence. The inviting, intimate atmosphere complements a carefully crafted seasonal menu, offering exceptional flavors in a stylish yet relaxed setting. Ideal for food lovers seeking a charming neighborhood experience with attentive service and great value.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The Foresters
Tucked into the heart of Pathhead on Main Street, The Foresters is a warm, welcoming pub and restaurant that feels like a local’s living room. Recently refurbished, it blends traditional pub charm with modern comfort, serving hearty Scottish fare and international dishes in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Whether you’re after a pint with friends, a family meal, or a cozy dinner for two, this friendly neighborhood spot delivers great food, attentive service, and a genuine sense of community.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Wee Greek Kitchen
Wee Greek Kitchen is a family-run Greek restaurant located on Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh, offering authentic Mediterranean flavors in a bright, welcoming setting. Known for its generous portions, live Greek music on Sundays, and warm hospitality, it combines traditional dishes like spanakopita and lamb chops with a friendly, casual atmosphere. The restaurant is a local favorite for hearty, homemade meals and a taste of Greek culture in the city.
Wed–Sat 17:00–22:00 · Sun 11:30–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Memories of India
Memories of India in Gorebridge offers a rich culinary journey through traditional Indian cuisine with a modern touch. Known for its generous portions, flavorful dishes, and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant blends fine dining with casual comfort. It serves a broad menu including halal options, delivery, and takeaway, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors seeking quality South Asian flavors in Midlothian.
Daily 16:30–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
The Dungeon Restaurant
Dine in a candlelit, atmospheric chamber beneath Dalhousie Castle for a theatrical fine-dining experience blending Scottish and French cuisine. The Dungeon Restaurant offers an intimate, storybook setting with 2 AA Rosettes for its refined dishes, attentive service, and historic surroundings. Ideal for special occasions, romantic evenings, or a memorable meal in a unique castle setting near Edinburgh.
Price level $$$Time to spend 2–4 hrs
The Pentland Restaurant
The Pentland Restaurant, located within the historic Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club near Edinburgh, offers a refined dining experience with a distinctly Scottish ambiance. Overlooking the scenic golf courses and estate grounds, it serves breakfast and dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced Scottish produce. The restaurant combines elegant surroundings with a lively atmosphere, making it ideal for both relaxed meals and special occasions.
Daily 7:00–11:00, 14:00–16:00, 17:00–21:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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