Edinburgh is a vibrant city filled with spots and activities to try, including lively pubs that will make your night (or day) exciting and fun. However, not all pubs can deliver both exceptional drinks and mouth-watering meals.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best pubs with food in Edinburgh, perfect for locals looking for their next go-to hangout or tourists eager to taste the city’s must-try delights.
From hearty Sunday roasts to creative pub classics, these gastropubs combine flavour, atmosphere, and great pints for a truly memorable experience.
What Makes a Great Pub with Food?
Before we dive into our list, let’s first look at what makes a good pub truly stand out when it comes to food. A great pub should be a space where atmosphere, flavour, and quality come together to create an experience worth returning to.
- Welcoming atmosphere: From warm lighting to friendly service, the right vibe makes guests feel at ease, even if they’re there for a quick pint or a long, leisurely meal.
- Balanced menu: The best gastropubs cater to everyone, offering delicious options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and those with specific dietary preferences. This inclusivity makes sure no one feels left out when choosing where to eat.
- Quality ingredients and freshly cooked meals: A pub that takes pride in using fresh produce, perfectly cooked meals, and flavourful sides will always leave a lasting impression.
- Bonus points: locally sourced produce, drink pairings, or seasonal specials: These touches add unique and special detail to every dish. It also give guests a distinctive taste of the region and its culinary traditions.
Black Ivy – Stylish Dining in a Boutique Pub Setting
4 Alvanley Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1DU, United Kingdom
Black Ivy is a stylish boutique hotel that houses a vibrant pub. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a perfectly poured pint, savour fresh, flavourful food, and soak in an atmosphere that feels welcoming.
Food & drink highlights
Black Ivy is known for its wide selection of drinks, from refreshing lagers and stouts to hoppy IPAs and a range of guest taps. A must-try from their bar is their delicious Tank Beer: a crisp, refreshing larger straight from in-house tanks that’s guaranteed to hit the spot, especially on warm summer evenings!
You’ll also find a curated range of quality spirits, including gins, rums, and vodkas, alongside expertly mixed cocktails.
When it comes to food, you can expect quality pub meals made with fresh ingredients and caters to all appetites. If you’re after light bites, you can try their Bar Bites where you can try 3 of the following for only £21:
- Bar snacks (vegetable crisps, wasabi peas, Bombay mix)
- Haggis bon bons (Whisky sauce)
- Marinated kalamata & green olives
- Chicken skewers (Bang Bang dip)
- Grilled garlic prawns (Garlic flatbread)
- Crispy chicken wings (maple & chipotle glaze)
- Vegetable pakora (sweet chilli dip)
- Pint of think-cut chips (Chippy sauce)
- Salt & chilli fries
- Truffle & parmesan fries
- Onion rings
You also have the option of Burger & Beer for £16 where you can enjoy a classic cheeseburger and fries with a pint of Amstel.
For their full meals, they offer Sunday roasts, steaks, salads and sandwiches that you can pair with your drinks.
Atmosphere & setting
Black Ivy’s setting is fun and inclusive. You can enjoy drinks al fresco on their award-winning outdoor terrace or cosy up by the fireplace in their traditional pub area. The combination of stylish interiors, welcoming staff, and a lively vibe makes it a standout choice for both casual get-togethers and special occasions.
The Salisbury Arms
If you’re after a premium pub experience with a touch of charm, The Salisbury Arms is a must-visit. This pub, bar, and restaurant comes with its very own courtyard and garden that’s perfect for sunny days.
Photo from: www.thesalisburyarmsedinburgh.co.uk/
Food & drink highlights
Expect a menu that goes far beyond your average pub grub. From Pan-Fried Seabass Fillet and Pea & Asparagus Risotto to Slow-Cooked Duo of Pork & Scallops or 30-Day Aged Ribeye Steak, every dish is crafted with care.
Their starters, mains, platters, indulgent desserts are all freshly prepared using only the finest ingredients. The bar delivers just as much variety, with an impressive selection of wines, cocktails, spirits, and draughts to suit any mood.
Atmosphere
The Salisbury Arms balances elegance and warmth. It’s a top spot for Sunday lunch, a casual catch-up with friends, or quality time with family, all served with a welcoming smile and a mouthwatering meals.
The World’s End Edinburgh
The World’s End Edinburgh is a vibrant spot where tradition meets modern comfort, offering hearty food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere just steps away from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland.
Photo from: Ana Filipa Gamito via Google Photos
Food and drink highlights
The menu serves up pub classic like Chicken Kyiv, Pulled Mushroom Chilli, and Vintage Cheddar Mac & Cheese. If you’re up for some sweets, this pub also offers a variety of desserts. Guests can also view the full nutritional menu for complete transparency on every dish.
The bar also boasts a range of wines, champagnes, creative cocktails, beers and ciders.
Atmosphere
Equal parts historic and inviting, The World’s End offers a family-friendly vibe with plenty of charm. Enjoy your meal indoors surrounded by history, or head to the outdoor seating area to watch the city bustle by.
Regular live music performances add to the lively energy, making it a must-visit for history buffs and casual pub-goers alike.
The Queens Arms
Situated along Frederick Street, The Queens Arms is a hidden gem that captures the essence of a true Edinburgh pub: warm, welcoming, and brimming with character. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy quality food, exceptional drinks, and a lively yet cosy atmosphere.
Photo from: www.edinburgh.org
Food and drink highlights
The menu celebrates classic Scottish flavours and pub favourites. Think Fish & Chips, Rump Steak with Hand-Cut Chips, and Haggis, Neeps & Tatties. They also offer Sunday Roast, which is a must-book treat for locals and visitors alike.
From handpicked cask ales and craft beers sourced from Scotland’s top independent breweries to an impressive selection of malt whiskies, wines, and cocktails, there’s a flavour that suits every drinker here. Dessert cocktails like the Mocha Martini, Lemon Drop Margarita, and Cherry Amaretto Sour add a sweet twist to your evening.
Atmosphere
Whether you’re there for the big game, a weekend roast, or just to unwind over a drink, The Queens Arms offers a comfortable setting with a true sense of Edinburgh charm—the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Where Great Pubs Meet Great Food
Edinburgh is full of pubs that know how to pair delicious dishes with the perfect drink, making every visit a feast for both your taste buds and your love of good company.
Next time you’re exploring the city and searching for a great pub with food in Edinburgh, don’t forget to stop by Black Ivy. Serving up mouthwatering meals in a stylish setting, it’s the ideal spot when you’re looking for a pub with food in Edinburgh that truly delivers on both flavour and atmosphere.
Book a table today and round off your Edinburgh pub experience in style!
