Edinburgh’s a good place to eat alone, with lots of great venues to fit your needs.
Some people sense a weird stigma around eating alone, which is rooted in something, but it’s frustrating as it really shouldn’t be there. There’s literally no harm in being somewhere other than your home or hotel if you fancy something to eat.
However, there are some practical considerations. For example, how can you be at your table to show it’s occupied while also ordering at the counter?
This page calls out those reviews for locations that have the solo tag. As a bonus, I started to add that to write-ups in 2022 when venues felt especially suited to eating alone.
Dinner for one in Edinburgh, solo dining, call it what you want, but trust the lived experience of many others; it’s no bad thing.
Latest eating alone reviews
Experience authentic Neapolitan craft at scale. Paesano on George Street offers rapid service, traditional Italian ingredients, and a bustling vibe that makes it perfect for group dinners and quick City Centre bites.
A veteran of the Broughton Street food oasis, Eden’s Kitchen prioritises GMO-free and organic ingredients. The open kitchen and pizza oven create a relaxed, picturesque atmosphere perfect for a casual but high quality Mediterranean meal.
Read more Review: Eden’s Kitchen, a bistro on Broughton Street
Now in the old Kilted Donut unit, Bandits serves up hearty comfort food. From the titular Bandit Burger to buffalo wings and churros, the menu is packed. It’s family-run, warm, and offers a great alternative to the city’s many smash burger joints.
CATA is an authentic Spanish tapas and wine bar in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge, offering a candlelit atmosphere, generous pintxos, and a welcoming environment for both groups and solo diners.
Located near Haymarket station, Flatbread Turkish Bakery House serves authentic Pide and Lahmacun. The venue is clean with a great bakery counter. While portions are light, the Doner flatbread is delicious and the service is fast and friendly.
Read more Review: Flatbread Turkish Bakery House, Haymarket Terrace
A 5-star review of Leith’s Brunswick Book Club. It’s a well-run, casual pub and restaurant with “absolutely fantastic” food. Great for solo diners, groups, and terrace-lovers. A remarkable discovery that’s great value for money.
Read more Review: The Brunswick Book Club, a gastropub on Leith Walk
The Basement is an atmospheric Mexican restaurant on Broughton Street. With its Day of the Dead decor, it’s a perfect date spot. We love the tacos (Taco Tuesday!), drunken beans, and churros. Staff are superb, but it gets busy, so book ahead!
La Casa on Leith Walk is a lively, bright tapas bar perfect for catch-ups. It serves solid Mediterranean classics, from loaded bruschetta to great veggie options. Don’t miss the dessert specials! Service is relaxed. A reliable Leith survivor.