If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to expand your culinary horizons, Edinburgh’s ever-evolving food and drink scene is the perfect place to start.
From a Michelin Guide-recommended Parisian-style wine bar to a fine dining debut by an ex-Gleneagles chef, here are six new restaurants to try in Scotland’s capital city this year.
Vinette
36 Broughton Street
Acclaimed Edinburgh chef Stuart Ralston has 'struck gold again' with his latest venture added to the Michelin Guide just three months after opening.
Launched by Ralston and co-owner Jade Johnson in October 2025, Vinette is the latest addition to the Aizle Hospitality Group, which also includes Noto, Tipo, and the Michelin-starred Lyla.
Taking over the former site of Fhior at 36 Broughton Street, the venue is modelled on the “convivial spirit” of Parisian wine bars, with a speakeasy-style bar named Vivien operating downstairs.
On the menu are sharing plates and bistro-style dishes, such as a chicken liver and foie gras parfait with figs, or duck hearts au poivre served with brioche.
You can read more here about Vinette here: Star Edinburgh chef's new wine bar added to Michelin Guide
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Bombay Bistro
14 to 17 Bruntsfield Place
Award-winning ex-Gleaneagles hotel chef, Mandeep Saini, launched his new Indian fusion restaurant in November last year.
Located in Bruntsfield, Bombay Bistro brings the chef's signature 'East-meets-West' style to the capital for the first time, blending the vibrant flavours of modern Bombay with the best of Scottish produce.
The venue replaces Tom Kitchin’s Kora and promises an 'elevated yet relaxed dining experience that celebrates creativity, culture and connection'.
Well known for his celebrated Sunday Indian Feast at Gleneagles and for creating dishes that 'bridge culinary traditions', Saini’s debut Edinburgh menu included highlights such as Beef Chettinad, Haggis Tikki, and Sirloin Boti, alongside a curated selection of Indian whiskies and wines imported exclusively from India, making Bombay Bistro the only venue in Edinburgh to offer them.
He said: “Opening Bombay Bistro in Edinburgh is something I’ve dreamed about for years.
"This city has such an exciting food culture, and I wanted to bring something fresh - authentic Indian flavours with a refined, modern twist.
"Our menu is all about comfort and creativity, dishes that feel familiar but surprise you."
Dogstar
17 Portland Place
Dogstar, the new venture from long-time friends, chef James Murray and Nauticus cocktail bar co-owners Kyle Jamieson and Michael Lynch, opened its doors in the old Portland Bar on Portland Place in early November last year.
The painstakingly renovated space brings together decades of experience from some of Scotland’s most acclaimed kitchens and bars, creating a relaxed dining room where thoughtful cooking, innovative drinks, and easy-going service shine equally brightly.
On their weekly menus, expect the likes of half lobster with whipped lobster roe, pink fir potato and samphire; radishes with Lanark Blue ranch; or pheasant with blood plum preserve, kale, bread sauce and roasting juices.
Read more here: Leith pub transformed into new neighbourhood restaurant
Brown's of Leith
4 to 6 art The Shore
This new collaborative space for food, drink and the arts serves as a new home for a trio of Edinburgh favourites.
First up, Haze from the makers of Timberyard and Montrose.
Designed to "blur the lines between morning coffee and evening wine", the team serves a carefully curated menu of small plates, inspired by some of Europe’s best wine bars, featuring cheese, cured meats and tinned fish, alongside wines, spirits, soft drinks and speciality coffee.
Elsewhere, Shuck Bar is a new seafood bar celebrating the best of Scottish produce, created by the celebrated Portobello seafood shack, Shrimpwreck. The new outlet promises a more refined menu, whilst keeping the spirit of its street food origins.
Finally, Edinburgh-born, NYC-style pizza brand Civerinos brings a new chapter to Leith with a menu dedicated to East Coast American–style pizza.
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Nami
63 at The Shore
Another new addition to Leith's thriving food and drink scene is Pan-Asian restaurant, Nami.
From the family behind the recently closed Mimi's Bakehouse at the same address, the space has been reimagined by sisters Ashley Phillips, Natalie Togher and Gemma Clearie.
They now offer a selection of small plates like sesame prawn toast or crispy braised pork ribs, alongside mains of miso-grilled fish and shiitake dan dan noodles, and a drinks list including daily cocktail specials.
Abacus at the Scholar
The Scholar Hotel, 18 Holyrood Park Road
Abacus, the newly refurbished bar and restaurant at The Scholar Hotel, recently opened in Edinburgh’s Southside, offering an all-day dining experience where 'seasonal Scottish produce meets Mediterranean influences'.
Breakfast options include Loch Fyne smoked salmon, Scottish porridge with honey and seeds, a full Scottish breakfast and a selection of continental staples.
The all-day offering ranges from small plates designed for sharing to more substantial mains such as venison loin with seasonal accompaniments and a vegetarian winter squash, harissa and spinach wellington.
Speaking of the new opening, group general manager, Gavin MacLennan said: “We’re delighted to introduce Abacus to Edinburgh’s Southside. Following a full refurbishment, Abacus is designed to welcome guests from morning through to evening, whether for coffee, a casual meal or a special occasion.
"We look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors and hope Abacus quickly becomes a favourite neighbourhood spot.”
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