Edinburgh’s best Michelin star / Michelin Guide recommended venues

Located in the city’s trendy port neighbourhood, this is one of Edinburgh’s most renowned and longest standing Michelin starred establishments. Led by acclaimed local celebrity chef Tom Kitchin, the restaurant focuses on using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create classic Scottish dishes with a modern twist. A commitment to supporting local producers and reducing waste has earned it numerous accolades, including a Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) rating of three stars. In addition to the main dining room (designed by Tom’s wife), there’s a private space for celebrations and events, accommodating up to 20 guests.

Holding a Michelin star between 2009 and 2019 and four AA rosettes, 21212 is a glamorous New Town favourite, set in an elegant Georgian building. It was led by the late chef, Paul Kitching until last year and takes an innovative and experimental approach to modern European cuisine. There are two dining rooms, each possessing its own unique character and charm, and bedrooms above for those wanting to make a night of it. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasonality of the ingredients, with quirky dishes like pig’s head croquettes and sea bream with blood orange and hazelnut. 21212’s wine list features organic and biodynamic wines, carefully selected to complement the menu.

Found in the West End, Condita is helmed by chef-patron Conor Toomey and is a real treat for those who enjoy an air of mystery; the surprise ‘no choice’ tasting menu is a memorable three hour culinary journey. A minimalist decor and intimate atmosphere, with attentive service sets the scene for a pampering experience where the food is at the fore. Like many of the Michelin level eateries, the menus are seasonal with locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are both beautiful to look at and a delight to the taste buds. Condita was awarded its star in 2022.

Celebrated for its imaginative approach to French cuisine, this Shore-based restaurant which opened at the turn of the 21st century, is a near neighbour to The Kitchin. Like Tom Kitchin, Martin Wishart is a local lad, having grown up in the Blackhall area of Edinburgh. Take a seat at his restaurant, overlooking the Water of Leith, and tuck into dishes like seared scallops with black pudding and apple, or saddle of Scottish hare with juniper berry sauce. The chef secured his Michelin star over two decades ago and has held it ever since, making this fine dining venue a veteran of the guide. If you enjoy this, you can also visit his other venture, Honours, a more casual, brasserie-style restaurant.

This is the most recent recipient of the Michelin star on our list. Along with Leith’s Heron, it received the gong in the 2023 guide. And with Timberyard’s existing reputation, this came of little surprise to many, having gained a reputation for excellence. Beloved by foodies, the industrial-chic venue with its focal wood stove creates a more laid-back ambience in which to sample incredible Lothian fare. Its a la carte and tasting menus cater to a range of preferences and budgets with seasonal ingredients. Family-run, Timberyard is committed to supporting Scottish businesses and the local community.

Looking for the kind of food that’s top notch, but family-friendly with a casual, gastropub atmosphere? Book a table at this Stockbridge haunt, that’s always filled with locals and visitors alike. It’s presented by the team that brought us The Kitchin and holds the Michelin Bib Gourmand. The food is traditional yet contemporary, with options like haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink and cranachan, prepared using Scottish cooking methods, such as slow roasting and smoking and sourced from ethical farms. The result is comforting, enhanced by the charming, old-fashioned and homely backdrop of a building, with exposed brick walls and wooden floors.