The 12 best diners in Edinburgh prove that good food doesn’t have to be fancy!
I’m happy to report that the best diners in Edinburgh have gone from greasy spoons to spots with poutine, pancakes, and vegan twists (meaning my family and close friends don’t have to argue over menus for brunch or dinner).
I should know, I’m a frequent customer! You’ll still get a proper fry-up, just with modern flair, mind.
This guide is for foodies, tourists, and locals hungry for hearty plates, from Old Town icons to Leith upstarts.
Cafe ElmRow
– Media from viktoriiatelfer
Address: 3 Elm Row
Contact: +441315578888
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–5 PM
Price: ££
I ducked into Cafe ElmRow after a long morning, and the fry-up nearly floored me (in the best way). Their tattie scones were crisp, the haggis portions generous, and the coffee strong enough to wake Arthur’s Seat.
The menu also hides gems like French toast stacks and loaded paninis, making it more than just a breakfast stop. With prices that don’t sting and no-nonsense service, it’s easy to see why locals keep this place buzzing.
| Pro-tip: Go early on weekends, as tables fill up fast and the scones sell out first. |
Mums
– Media from mumsgreatcomfortfood
Address: 4A Forrest Road
Contact: +441312609806
Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM–9 PM
Sunday, 10 AM–9 PM
Price: ££
Going to Mums on a rainy afternoon always feels like I’d just eaten at my gran’s, only louder and with better gravy (sorry, Gran!). The sausages and mash here are the stars; mix and match combos with sauces that make me forget the dreich weather outside.
The sticky toffee pudding is a proper finisher. It’s rich enough to share, but honestly, you won’t want to! The place nails the kitsch but comfy ambience, thanks to retro decor and a menu built on nostalgia.
| Pro-tip: Order the trio of sausages to taste more variety for the same mash. |
The City Cafe
– Media from thecitycafe
Address: 19 Blair Street
Contact: +441312200125
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9 AM–midnight
Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM–1 AM
Price: ££
It looks and feels like stepping into a time warp when I’m in The City Cafe. There are vinyl booths, neon lights, chequered floor, and burgers the size of my head!
I usually go for the all-day breakfast and a thick Oreo milkshake. When I’m there late at night, I like chilling and listening to the jukebox humming in the corner with a cold pint.
| Pro-tip: The pancake stacks are a must-try, and are fluffy enough to soak up syrup without collapsing. |
Rose Street Cafe
– Media from rosestreetcafe_edinburgh
Address: 192a Rose Street
Contact: +441314783612
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Price: ££
Rose Street Cafe saved me after a long stroll through New Town with a plate that could silence any hunger pang. Their all-day breakfast is the kind where the bacon is crisp, the eggs are well-behaved, and the tattie scones steal the show.
I went back another day for their toasties and wasn’t disappointed. The cheese and ham combo hits like proper diner comfort.
| Pro-tip: Grab a seat by the window. It’s the perfect spot for people watching while tucking into your fry-up plate. |
Filling Station
– Media from fillingstationedinburgh
Address: 235-241 High Street
Contact: +441312262488
Hours:
Monday to Friday, noon–10 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM–10 PM
Price: ££
I’ve always felt that Filling Station is Edinburgh’s answer to a Route 66 pit stop, but with better whisky. I always go for the BBQ burger paired with a thick chocolate shake, which I reckon is indulgence done right.
With its neon glow, squashy leather seats, and hearty portions, it perfectly captures that classic American diner vibe in the heart of the Royal Mile.
| Pro-tip: The nachos are a must-try starter: big enough to share, but easy to finish solo if you’re famished. |
Down the Hatch
– Media from bonniebitess
Address: 13 Antigua Street
Contact: +441313745566
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, noon–11 PM
Friday to Saturday, noon to midnight
Price: ££
Down the Hatch feels more like a Canadian road trip stop than an Edinburgh diner, but I love every messy bite. The poutine alone, gravy-soaked fries topped with cheese curds, is worth the trek.
I like chasing it with the stacked breakfast burrito, which is as over-the-top as promised. There’s zero pretension, big portions, and bold flavours at this spot for a proper comfort food fix.
| Pro-tip: Go there hungry! The poutine portions are massive and best shared. |
Bucks Bar
– Media from chip_stop
Address: 32-34 Grindlay Street
Contact: +441312028181
Hours:
Monday to Friday, noon to midnight
Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM–midnight
Price: ££
Bucks Bar is where I finally understood the phrase “finger-lickin’ good” (though napkins were definitely needed). Their buttermilk-fried chicken is the star; crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect with hot sauce.
I also tried the loaded waffles topped with chicken and syrup, which was pure luncheon indulgence. I love how loud, messy, and unapologetically bold the diner experience here is.
| Pro-tip: Ask for the hot sauce roulette; you’ll discover hidden gems off the usual menu! |
Boozy Cow
– Media from boozycow_edin
Address: 17 Frederick Street
Contact: +441312266055
Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, noon to midnight
Thursday to Friday, noon–1 AM
Saturday, 11 AM–1 AM
Sunday, 11 AM–midnight
Price: ££
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a burger joint turned up to eleven, try Boozy Cow. It’s got loud music, neon signs, and burgers stacked taller than my pint.
I once tried the mac and cheese burger, which was deliciously outrageous as it sounds. Add in craft beers on tap and a rowdy vibe, and it’s more than the usual diner experience but a full-blown night out.
| Pro-tip: Don’t sleep on the loaded fries (that’s chips to us!); they’re dripping with toppings that should require a warning sign. |
The Basement
– Media from the_basement_ed
Address: 12a Broughton Street
Contact: +441315570097
Hours:
Monday, noon–11 PM
Tuesday to Thursday, noon to midnight
Friday to Saturday, noon–1 AM
Sunday, 11 AM–midnight
Price: ££
The Basement mixes diner comfort with bold Mexican flavours. I go straight for the pulled pork tacos and like washing them down with a sharp margarita.
The nachos are piled high and ideal for sharing, though I’m proud to say I can finish them solo. It’s a diner with a twist that sticks, thanks to its funky underground vibes and hearty plates.
| Pro-tip: Go on Taco Tuesday for the best deals to make it a Mexican fiesta. |
Bread Meats Bread
– Media from breadmeatsbread
Address: 90-92 Lothian Road
Contact: +441312253000
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–10 PM
Price: ££
Bread Meats Bread had me at first bite; their Wolf Burger, piled with bacon and pulled pork, is a carnivore’s dream. It’s what I expect a proper diner meal should be: messy, tasty, and unapologetic.
I couldn’t skip their poutine, a Canadian import that somehow feels right at home here. Between the generous portions and the laid-back buzz, this spot nails indulgence without overthinking it.
| Pro-tip: Go in the early evening for the burgers, as they sell out fast by dinnertime. |
Ardfern
– Media from ardfern_edinburgh
Address: 10-12 Bonnington Road
Contact: +441316000067
Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM–11 PM
Sunday, 9 AM–7 PM
Price: ££
Being in Ardfern feels like stumbling into a neighbourhood living room rather than a proper diner, and there lies its charm. With friendly prices and shelves stocked like a wee bottle shop, it’s become a low-key gem that keeps regulars loyal.
I like ordering on the all-day breakfast menu, with the simple, hearty tattie scone as a highlight. Their homemade soups also change daily and are worth a punt, especially on a dreich afternoon.
| Pro-tip: For a solid, meat-free pick, try the veggie breakfast with the tattie scone and homemade soup combo. |
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh
– Media from winging_mamahood
Address: 20 George Street
Contact: +441312603000
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, noon–10 PM
Friday, noon–10.30 PM
Saturday, 10 AM–10.30 PM
Sunday, 10 AM–10 PM
Price: ££
There’s memorabilia everywhere and music loud enough to rattle your pint at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh. It honestly feels like stepping into a museum with burgers, which is a gustatory, visual, and aural delight.
I recommend the Legendary Burger, which is stacked high enough to require a bit of biting strategy. Between the cocktails, live rock vibe, and hefty portions, expect more of an event than a simple meal at this place.
| Pro-tip: The nachos are a great starter, layered so well that you won’t end up with sad, plain chips at the bottom. |