Edinburgh offers a rich introduction to classic Scottish cuisine, where you can find traditional recipes, local ingredients, and the occasional creative twist. From the iconic haggis to fresh, local seafood, traditional Scottish dishes are featured in both casual and fine dining establishments across the city.
At No.35 at The Bonham, we’re proud to offer a menu that reflects Scotland’s culinary heritage, reimagined with a distinctive and modern twist. But what exactly are traditional Scottish dishes, and what should you try when visiting Scotland’s capital? Join us in this guide as we explore trusted restaurants, locally recommended favourites, and a few hidden gems that showcase the best of Scottish cuisine.
What Are Traditional Scottish Dishes?
Scottish food is shaped by the land and sea … hearty, simple, and full of character. Many of the dishes you’ll find in Edinburgh today have been passed down through generations, created from locally available ingredients and designed to provide warmth and nourishment in Scotland’s often wild climate.
Traditional Scottish food isn’t just about flavour, it’s also about identity. From humble recipes like stovies to the national dish of haggis, these meals tell the story of how Scots lived, farmed, and celebrated together. Some are everyday staples, others are saved for special occasions, but all are considered part of the country’s culinary heritage.
When you’re visiting Edinburgh, trying traditional Scottish food is one of the best ways to connect with the city’s culture. In the next section, we’ll explore the must-try dishes — from classics you may already know to hidden gems that deserve a spot on your list.
Must-Try Scottish Dishes in Edinburgh
No visit to Scotland’s capital is complete without sampling the country’s classic recipes. Some are instantly recognisable, others are less well known but just as important to Scotland’s food culture. Here are the dishes we recommend adding to your list.
Haggis
Scotland’s national dish, haggis, is both iconic and essential. Traditionally made with a mix of sheep’s offal, oats, suet, and spices, it’s rich, savoury, and surprisingly versatile. The classic way to enjoy it is with “neeps and tatties” (mashed turnip and potatoes), but you’ll also find haggis as part of a full Scottish breakfast or even in modern takes such as our very own bar menu ‘haggis bon bons’. If you’re visiting Edinburgh in January, Burns Night suppers provide the ultimate haggis experience, complete with poetry and whisky – and if you’re out on the town you’ll most likely come across it on chip shop menus.
Stovies
Stovies are a traditional Scottish dish dating back to the 19th century, when they were created as a way to utilise leftovers. It is typically made by slowly stewing beef, potatoes, and onions together. The dish is hearty, comforting, and usually served with an oatcake and beetroot on the side.
Cullen Skink
Cullen Skink is a traditional Scottish soup originating from the North-East fishing village of Cullen. It’s made from smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk (or cream) to create a thick chowder. Often served as a starter, Cullen Skink is a must-try dish for anyone looking to experience Scottish cuisine.
A Traditional Scottish Breakfast
A traditional Scottish breakfast provides a hearty start to the morning, offering a selection of regional delicacies, such as the Lorne sausage. Also known as square sausage due to its distinctive shape, it is made from minced meat, rusk, and a carefully balanced blend of spices.
No proper Scottish breakfast would be complete without a slice of Stornoway Black Pudding, a delicacy of such distinction that it has been granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. This ensures that only black pudding produced in Stornoway, using traditional recipes and authentic ingredients, may use the name.
Of course, our national dish, haggis, is also present and balancing these intense flavours is the humble yet essential tattie scone. Crafted from mashed potatoes, flour, and butter, which is griddled until golden.
Scottish Seafood
It is often said that Scotland is home to the best seafood in the world. The country’s rich marine environment produces a remarkable variety of fresh, high-quality seafood that features heavily in Scottish cuisine, from salmon to mussels, crab, and lobster (and you’re never too far from the coast!)
Tablet
Tablet is an authentic Scottish sweet treat whose origins date back to the 18th century. It is made from a simple mixture of sugar, butter, and condensed milk, which is slowly boiled, cooled and set to create a crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Often given as gifts, wedding favours, or enjoyed as a treat alongside your coffee, tablet holds a special place in Scottish tradition.
Shortbread
Shortbread is a traditional biscuit that’s rich in history, with origins believed to date back to the 12th century. Made simply from sugar, butter, and plain flour, shortbread is known for its crumbly texture and buttery taste. It has long been associated with celebration, commonly served at Christmas and weddings, and features in the historic custom of first footing at Hogmanay. Shortbread is also famously said to have been a firm favourite of Mary Queen of Scots.
Cranachan
Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert that perfectly captures the flavours of the Highlands. Initially enjoyed as a summer treat during the raspberry harvest, it’s made with a unique combination of whipped cream, toasted oats, fresh raspberries, honey, and a dash of whisky. It is now one of our most-loved desserts, typically served at special occasions such as Burns Night and Hogmanay.
Scottish Bakery Favourites
Scotland’s baking heritage is rooted in time-honoured traditional recipes, with some of the most iconic items still enjoyed daily across the country.
The buttery, also known as the rowie or Aberdeen roll, originates from the North East. Made with generous quantities of butter, flour, and salt, it features a crisp, flaky exterior and a rich, chewy interior. Traditionally enjoyed with a cup of tea, it remains a beloved staple.
Well-fired rolls are another uniquely Scottish creation. Baked at higher temperatures for longer, they develop a dark, slightly bitter crust that contrasts beautifully with their soft, fluffy interior.
Where to Eat Traditional Scottish Food in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city where you can enjoy traditional Scottish food in every setting, from laid-back pubs to elegant dining rooms. Here are some of the best places to try classic dishes across the city.
Casual & Authentic
If you’re looking for hearty, unfussy plates that showcase Scotland’s flavours, start with Makars Mash Bar just off the Royal Mile. Their haggis (available in both meat and vegetarian versions) is a highlight, and the menu is full of Scottish comfort food. Another great choice is Howies, a small group of restaurants known for seasonal Scottish ingredients and relaxed atmosphere. With three central locations, they make it easy to sample haggis, Cullen Skink, or cranachan. For a true local feel, The Piper’s Rest pairs a traditional menu with live music and an extensive whisky list.
At The Bonham’s Bar & Lounge, you’ll also find an informal menu that celebrates Scottish produce, from smoked salmon and East Cured charcuterie boards to Stornoway black pudding bon bons and their popular Cockburn haggis bon bons – ideal for sharing or enjoying alongside a dram.
Seafood & Fish & Chips
Scotland’s seafood deserves its own spotlight, and Edinburgh has plenty of places to enjoy it. At Bonnie & Wild in St James’ Quarter, MasterChef winner Gary Maclean’s Creel Caught focuses on sustainably sourced Scottish seafood, from Shetland mussels to haddock Cullen Skink. For something more casual, The Fishmarket in Newhaven is widely regarded as one of the best places for fish and chips in the city (it even featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil.) Closer to the city centre, #FISH in Marchmont was crowned “Edinburgh’s Best Fish & Chips 2024,” praised for its focus on sustainability and top-quality produce. If you’re up for a short trip out of town, The Lobster Shack in North Berwick is a local institution, serving seafood straight from the harbour.
Fine Dining with a Scottish Twist
For those seeking a more refined take on Scottish cuisine, No.35 at The Bonham is a must. The menu draws inspiration from Scotland’s culinary heritage while adding a modern European twist, and the elegant dining room makes it ideal for a special evening. The Dome on George Street offers another New Town setting, famous for both its architecture and its traditional haggis starter. Meanwhile, Aizle in Edinburgh’s New Town is one of the city’s most exciting dining experiences, with a Michelin-starred tasting menu that transforms the best seasonal Scottish ingredients into something truly original.
Scottish Whisky & Drinks in Edinburgh
No guide to Scottish food would be complete without a mention of whisky, Scotland’s national drink. More than just a spirit, whisky is tied to centuries of craft, tradition, and pride (and Edinburgh is one of the best places to explore it.)
Holyrood Distillery, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, offers a unique opportunity to experience whisky-making in the heart of the city. Visitors can choose between a range of tours, including the fully guided Holyrood Tour, the Holyrood Highlights, or the premium Behind The Cask experience. It is a must-visit for anyone exploring Edinburgh’s thriving whisky scene, and they were even awarded ‘Distiller of the Year 2025’ at the World Whiskies Awards.
The Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh sits on Princes Street in the heart of the city, offering immersive tours, guided tastings, whisky-and-food pairings, a rooftop bar with views of Edinburgh Castle, and a boutique retail space of rare drams. It’s about a 6–8 minute walk from The Bonham Hotel, making it very accessible for our hotel guests.
It’s about 0.3 miles (roughly a 6–8 minute walk) from The Bonham Hotel, making it very accessible for hotel guests.
Just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, Whiski Rooms on North Bank Street is a must-visit for anyone looking for a premium whisky experience. This award-winning bar and restaurant boasts over 300 Scotch malt whiskies, featuring an impressive selection that ranges from familiar favourites to rare finds.
If whisky is Scotland’s national drink, Irn-Bru is its fizzy cultural icon. This bright orange soft drink has been dubbed “Scotland’s other national drink” and has a unique flavour that’s hard to describe (somewhere between citrus and bubblegum.) It’s a favourite hangover cure, a nostalgic treat for locals, and a must-try for first-time visitors. You’ll find it everywhere from supermarkets to corner shops, so there’s no excuse not to give it a go.
The Edinburgh Gin Distillery & Visitor Experience, located at The Arches on East Market Street, invites visitors to step into the world of gin making with guided tours that showcase copper stills, fragrant botanicals, and the craft of distillation. Guests can enjoy curated tastings with carefully chosen mixers and garnishes, then relax with cocktails in the stylish bar or on the rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Here at The Bonham, our team love experimenting with all the flavours that Edinburgh Gin has to offer, and we often host special, themed evenings with them – including our Art and Cocktails event.
Edinburgh’s Sweet Side
Scotland’s love of sweets runs deep, and Edinburgh is a fantastic place to explore traditional treats alongside modern takes. From crumbly tablet to artisan ice cream, here are a few favourites worth seeking out.
Tablet
This classic Scottish confection has been around since at least the 18th century. Made from sugar, butter, and condensed milk, tablet is sweet, crumbly, and unlike fudge, has a grainier bite. You’ll find it in gift shops, markets, and cafés across the city (often packaged as a small keepsake to take home.)
Shortbread
With its buttery richness and crumbly texture, shortbread has been a Scottish staple for centuries. Once served only at weddings and Hogmanay, today it’s enjoyed year-round. In Edinburgh, you’ll find everything from classic shortbread fingers to creative versions flavoured with herbs, chocolate, or whisky.
Tunnock’s Tea Cakes
Few Scottish treats inspire as much affection as Tunnock’s Tea Cakes. First created in Uddingston, just outside Glasgow, these chocolate-covered marshmallow biscuits wrapped in red-and-silver foil are a staple of Scottish teatime. They’re inexpensive, widely available in Edinburgh’s shops, and instantly recognisable (making them the perfect sweet souvenir or snack with a cup of tea.)
Mary’s Milk Bar
Located in the Grassmarket, Mary’s Milk Bar is an Edinburgh institution. Each morning, unique flavours are crafted in the shop from black liquorice to olive oil and peach. These change daily, and they recommend checking their Instagram ahead of your visit to see what delights are on offer. A local favourite is the combination of whisky, oats, and raspberries.
The Fudge House
On the Canongate, The Fudge House, located on the Canongate, has been a family-run business since 1949. Their traditional recipes have been passed down through generations, with favourites like their rich butter tablet, pecan chocolate swirl and peppermint cream delighting visitors for decades.
Scottish Food at The Bonham Hotel
For us, food is one of the best ways to experience Edinburgh. We love seeing guests discover the classics for the first time, whether that’s a plate of haggis and neeps, a flaky tattie scone at breakfast, or something sweet like shortbread or tablet with their coffee.
At The Bonham, our Chefs strive to bring that mix of tradition and indulgence into our own menus. No.35 is where you’ll find dishes that put a modern twist on Scottish favourites, while the Bar & Lounge is perfect for something more relaxed (our haggis bon bons and charcuterie boards are always popular.) At the weekend, our Boozy Snoozy lunches are a bit of a highlight, giving guests the chance to linger over good food, a glass or two, and the company of friends.
If you’re as interested in Edinburgh’s food scene as we are, you might also enjoy some of our other blogs:
