Restaurants Worth the Drive from Edinburgh

Scotland is known for having a very strong and delicious scene for foodies from all over the world. The foods, which are both traditional and chic, simply cannot be missed, especially if you’re prepared to travel a little way out of Edinburgh to the surrounding areas. If a restaurant is worth travelling to due to its reputation, then it must be good. So, for our favourite and most memorable dining experiences read on – you might just find your new favourite restaurant worth the drive from Edinburgh.

The Fleece Bar and Kitchen

 1 Ettrick Terrace, Market Pl, Selkirk TD7 4BY

In 2020, the Fleece Bar and Kitchen won the Best Scottish Cuisine award at the Scotland’s Food Award ceremony – and we aren’t surprised. This culinary wonder is the perfect place to visit for its delicious menu and ever-changing local produce. The gourmet dishes are made with the authentic touch of some of Scotland’s best chefs and best of all, the restaurant is very affordable too, so it's worth the drive – trust us. 

Noto

47a Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DY

Drawing on personal experiences with Asian and Scottish foods, Stuart Ralston has brought his dream to life with the Edinburgh restaurant, Noto. With its simply sophisticated menu full of small platters perfect for sharing among friends, the attractive restaurant is the ideal meeting place for those all-important catch-ups. This place is hard to forget and once you’ve been one time, you are sure to want to plan your next visit as soon as possible. In fact, it is so great that it was awarded a Bib Gourmand – tempted yet?

The Hoebridge

Gattonside, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9LZ

Small but mighty should be used to describe the Hoebridge. Despite being small, its personality makes up for it and is one of the most memorable menus you will ever try. This stylish restaurant is the perfect place to dig into some wonderfully Scottish cuisine and a delicious wine menu. Each item on the curated menu has been put together with Scotland in mind, which shows from the very first bite. We are certain this restaurant is worth the drive from Edinburgh. 

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie

Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scottish Borders, PH3 1NF

If you’re looking to eat at one of Scotland’s most popular foodie destinations, then look no further. The Restaurant Andrew Fairlie is known for its incredible menu and the endless choices of wines and foods available to you. Guests can also have the opportunity to try the tasting menus, giving you the opportunity to try some of the kitchen's most popular dishes; namely, their favourite home-smoked Scottish lobster. This dish has people returning time and time again and is a must when in the area.

Crabshakk

18 Vinicombe St, Glasgow G12 8BE

Looking for something a little fancier? Then why not try ordering the oysters on ice at the Crabshakk in Glasgow? This dedicated and welcoming restaurant is situated in the heart of the city, near the Botanic Gardens. Despite it being a fancy place to buy crab and lobster from their intricate menu – you don’t have to come here for special occasions alone. There are so many items available, and some are extremely affordable – including fish sandwiches and fish pies. Anyone who loves seafood absolutely must try this nation's favourite.

Eleanore Edinburgh

30-31 Albert Place, Leith, Edinburgh, EH7 5HN

Roberta Hall made her presence known on the Great British Menu in 2020 when she came to our screens to represent Scottish foods. She has since put all her time and effort into creating amazing menus for the Eleanore Edinburgh – and it has absolutely been worth all of the effort. Despite not having a specific ‘genre’ of food, the exotic ingredients and wonderful flavours produced on-site are truly memorable. Despite it being hard to truly put your finger on what is so great about this restaurant – you will feel it too from your very first visit, and we promise you won’t be disappointed.