Leith has one of Edinburgh’s richest dining scenes, with destination restaurants, neighbourhood favourites and excellent seafood gathered around the old port. Whether you want a Michelin-starred tasting menu, a leisurely brunch or oysters by the water, these are some of the best restaurants in Leith and The Shore.

Getting There

From Ben Cruachan Guest House and Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios, 17 and 21 McDonald Road: Walk to the McDonald Road tram stop and take an eastbound tram to The Shore for the waterfront restaurants. Continue to Newhaven for Porto & Fi. The Little Chartroom on Bonnington Road is a straightforward walk or short taxi ride from McDonald Road.

From Caledonian Apartments, Caledonian Crescent: Walk to Haymarket and take an eastbound tram to The Shore. Continue to Newhaven for Porto & Fi. For The Little Chartroom, a taxi is the simplest direct option.

Restaurants

The Kitchin: Tom Kitchin’s Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates Scotland’s natural larder through polished seasonal cooking in a converted whisky warehouse.

Restaurant Martin Wishart: A landmark on The Shore serving precise Michelin-starred tasting menus that combine Scottish ingredients with a refined French sensibility.

The Little Chartroom: An intimate Bonnington Road restaurant known for confident modern cooking, thoughtful service and menus shaped by the Scottish seasons.

Fishers in Leith: A long-standing harbour favourite where seafood leads the menu, joined by a small selection of meat and vegetarian dishes.

The Ship on the Shore: Part seafood restaurant and part Champagne bar, offering oysters, shellfish and carefully prepared fish in a warm maritime room.

Barry Fish: An independent restaurant with a clear focus on excellent fish and shellfish served through contemporary, unfussy cooking.

Ardfern: A relaxed daytime café and evening wine bar from The Little Chartroom team, serving brunch, small plates and seasonal dinner dishes.

Porto & Fi: A welcoming Newhaven choice for breakfast, lunch, coffee and homemade cakes with views over the harbour and Firth of Forth.

Opening hours and menus can change, so check the restaurant websites and book ahead where advised.

Image credits: The Shore in Leith by Richard Webb, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. The Kitchin at Commercial Quay by Lokal_Profil, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Both images have been cropped or resized.