A solid addition to Leith, Thillai Pandia’s offers great value South Indian food. The menu is specialised, with standout biryanis and curious “Scottish” hybrids. While the venue feels a bit clinical, the food quality and friendly service make it a winner.
Eat your fill with food and drink in Edinburgh
Ah, a favourite subject of ours! When it comes to food and drink in Edinburgh, the city is just brimming with restaurants, cafes, bistros, gastro pubs, pizzerias, chippies and just about everything else to tickle your fancy.
If you're looking to dine out, Girdy & Birdy are gradually eating their way through the 'Burgh and updating their restaurant experiences regularly, both on the blog, and - more frequently - through social media.
You don't even have to eat out, either! You can order in, with many delivery services (such as JustEat, Deliveroo and UberEats) happy to bring exactly what you want straight to your door. Food and drink in Edinburgh is always a delight!
Our Edinburgh Food and Drink Guide partners
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Review: Chola Highlands, an Indian restaurant on Duke Street
Chola Highlands on Duke Street is a rough-around-the-edges Indian restaurant serving exceptional South Indian staples like idly and dosas.
Review: Smittens – vegan sweets
Girdy tries Smittens, the new budget range from Candy Kittens. Are they worth it? He thinks so! They are a third cheaper and still taste great. The sour ones are tangy but mild.
Review: The Queens Arms – a city centre basement pub
Atmospheric New Town cellar bar with a unique book-lined interior. Good for pints and pub grub, though popular dishes often sell out. Great for photos, but the stairs make it tricky for those with mobility issues.
Review: The Golf Tavern – A historic sports pub on Bruntsfield Links
Facing the Links, The Golf Tavern blends student vibes with 500 years of history. Great for watching the match or grabbing a burger deal. The staff are friendly, if overworked, and the Edgefield bangers are a highlight. A lively, iconic spot.
Review: The Rusty Seagull – A Pub on Portobello High Street
A fantastic, if noisy, addition to Portobello. The Rusty Seagull shines with a great atmosphere and a commitment to local beer. Expect separate queues for food and drink, but the quality of the burgers and the dog-friendly vibe make it worth the visit.
Review: 3 Old Monks – A Leith Pub Resurrected
A welcome return to form for Commercial Street. 3 Old Monks mixes sports bar utilities with gastro-pub quality. Friendly staff, cheap pints, and a “Chamber of Secrets” function room make it a winner. The food is the real star here.
Review: Fierce Beer – A Rose Street Pub in the City Centre
Located between Princes and George St, Fierce Beer brings Aberdeen’s finest brews to Edinburgh. Features include outdoor seating, Iron Brew beer, and late opening hours. A friendly, modern pub that’s ideal for meeting friends, though food is scarce.