Food destinations within easy reach of Edinburgh, worth the early start.
Food destinations within easy reach of Edinburgh. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.
Famous for: Guided tour of Scotland's Lowland malt distillery with three-dram tasting
Glenkinchie, 15 miles from Edinburgh, is the Lowland malt known as the Edinburgh Malt. Victorian red-brick buildings frame a sensory tour ending in a tasting room.
Famous for: Single malt Scotch whisky distillery tour with cafe serving locally sourced soups and scones
Kingsbarns opened in 2015 in a converted steading on the Cambo Estate. Family-owned Lowland single malt with distillery tours and a cafe using East Neuk produce.
Famous for: Artisan producers, farm shops and the Haddington market town food scene
The East Lothian food trail covers farm shops, artisan bakeries in Haddington, soft-fruit farms and the NB Gin distillery near North Berwick.
Famous for: Fish and chips on the pier at Anstruther, the best chippy in Scotland
The East Neuk villages of Anstruther, Pittenweem and Crail are one hour from Edinburgh. Anstruther Fish Bar is consistently voted Scotland's best fish and chip shop.
Famous for: Border lamb, Peebleshire bakeries and the Traquair House farm market
Peebles and the Borders, 40 minutes south, offer Peebleshire lamb, a farm market at Traquair House and independent bakers and butchers in the market town.
Famous for: The Birds and Bees gastropub for Scottish classics, plus the Stirling Gin distillery
Stirling is 55 minutes from Edinburgh by train. A historic royal town with the Stirling Gin distillery and a Saturday market beside the castle.
Peak food season in Edinburgh is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Edinburgh rewards trust.