Barry Fish
62 Shore
Weel-kent popper-upper Barry Bryson’s first solo restaurant has an unapologetically fish-forward menu in an easy-going and comfy spot where they don’t flip tables in the evening. Settle in for plump Loch Fyne oysters, signature sea trout pastrami or a seared catch of the day. Fresh and fun.

Little Capo
18 Howe Street
You won’t find stodgy carbonara on the daily hand-written menu here. Rich and spicy cioppino (orzo seafood stew) or gnocchetti with sausage ragù are a delightful introduction to lesser-known regional Italian dishes, made with seasonal Scottish ingredients. Since opening at the end of 2024, it’s become a firm favourite: booking is essential.

Nishiki
151–155 Morrison Street
Less is definitely more at Nishiki, where a beautifully minimalist interior is complemented by a small menu honed to precision. Kitsune udon is an umami delight and pork tonkotsu is perfectly crisp. There’s a raw bar for the sushi purists, while Japanese-style breakfasts are a welcome addition to Edinburgh’s brunch scene.

Norah
3 Pier Place
Norah is the perfect haven after a blustery walk, with hearty cuisine inspired by chef Claire Hanrahan’s Irish background. Think hand-cut chips and pork bangers to dip in gooey egg yolk, or a potato-layered tartiflette. It’s all about simple dishes done well; so well that the food almost distracts from the glorious sea view.

Santu Roastery
23 Union Street
In this former steamie, an achingly cool coffee bar sits at the centre of a warehouse-sized space. With a fully functioning roastery, each Americano or hand-pour might be one the freshest hits of caffeine in town. There’s just a handful of seats and tables though.