Must-Try Foods In Princes Street Gardens (Edinburgh) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Princes Street Gardens, the verdant space dividing Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, isn't famous for its food heritage in the same way as it is for its scenery and history. However, what makes the Gardens significant in Edinburgh's culinary scene is its proximity to some of the city's best dining establishments and traditional Scottish food experiences. As the Gardens are a popular spot for tourists and locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors, they often serve as a starting or ending point for exploring Edinburgh's gastronomic offerings.

The Gardens themselves were created in the early 19th century, after the draining of Nor Loch, which used to separate the Old Town from the New Town. While food wasn’t grown here, Princes Street became a bustling hub where people could purchase food at markets and nearby shops. Over time, the area has seen the development of various eateries catering to the needs of a diverse crowd, offering a blend of both traditional Scottish dishes and international cuisine.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, United Kingdom for Tourists

When visiting Princes Street Gardens, one might venture into the nearby streets to find a plethora of Scottish culinary delights:

1. Scottish Salmon (Non-Veg) - Scotland is famous for its fresh, high-quality salmon, often served smoked or as part of a sophisticated dish.
2. Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties (Non-Veg) - A classic Scottish dish consisting of haggis (a savory pudding containing sheep's offal), turnips (neeps), and potatoes (tatties).
3. Scotch Pie (Non-Veg) - A small, double-crust pie filled with minced mutton, a hearty choice typically found in bakeries and at food stalls.
4. Cullen Skink (Non-Veg) - A thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions.
5. Scottish Tablet (Veg) - A medium-hard, sugary confection that's a more crumbly relative of fudge.
6. Cranachan (Veg) - This dessert is a mixture of whipped cream, whisky, honey, fresh raspberries, and toasted oatmeal soaked overnight.
7. Stovies (Non-Veg) - A traditional Scottish dish with a base of potatoes and onions with different variations that might include meat.
8. Vegetarian Haggis (Veg) - A meat-free version of the traditional dish, often made with lentils, beans, and a variety of vegetables.
9. Porridge (Veg) - Though simple, Scottish porridge made with oats is a warming and traditional way to start the day.
10. Shortbread (Veg) - An all-butter biscuit that's a sweet staple of Scottish cuisine and often enjoyed as a snack or with tea.

Top Famous Restaurants in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

While the Gardens themselves do not house restaurants, several renowned eateries in the vicinity include:

1. The Witchery by the Castle
   Address: 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF
   Famous for its luxurious dining experience and Wild Mushroom Risotto (Veg).
2. Contini George Street
   Address: 103 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3ES
   Known for authentic Italian cuisine and its spectacular Vegetarian Antipasti (Veg).
3. Angels with Bagpipes
   Address: 343 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PW
   Offering modern Scottish cuisine with dishes like Roasted Cod (Non-Veg).
4. The Dome
   Address: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF
   Famous for its afternoon teas and splendid décor along with Grilled Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta (Veg).
5. Chaophraya
   Address: 4th Floor, 33 Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3DN
   This Thai restaurant is celebrated for its exquisite Thai Green Curry which can be made with tofu (Veg) or chicken (Non-Veg).