Margot is a modern european restaurant in Tollcross West End, Edinburgh.
Editorially verified May 19, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Why locals love it: Bruntsfield is where Edinburgh locals eat. Margot is the wine cafe on the corner of Barclay Terrace with a daily-changing small plates menu, a natural wine list and no social.
Multi-day trip · 4 days
Enjoy this unique 4-day tour to the “Queen of the Isles” and the Whisky Coast. Islay is home to 8 of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries.
Day trip · 9 hours
Escape Edinburgh and spend a day exploring 1,000 years of Scottish history, featuring the stories of golf, the Royal Family and Scotch Whisky!
Day trip · 10 hours
Discover a whisky paradise on this full-day, small-group whisky tour from Edinburgh. Visit two distilleries (Dewar's & Glenturret) and enjoy a relaxing stop in Aberfel...
Address: 7-8 Barclay Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 4HP
LeftField on Barclay Terrace in Edinburgh Bruntsfield, a neighbourhood seafood bistro serving seasonal small plates with minimal-intervention wines.
OrderWhatever shellfish came in from the West Coast that morning and a glass of Gros Manseng.
Why locals goBruntsfield is a 25-minute walk from the Old Town and most visitors never go. LeftField is Phil White and Rachel Chisholm's seafood bistro with a natural wine list and no PR.
TipNo website booking form; call ahead on 0131 563 1792 or walk in at 12:30 for a lunch table.
Dulse seafood restaurant on Queensferry Street in Edinburgh West End, from the Dean Banks Group, a two-rosette seafood and oyster bar open Wednesday.
OrderHalf a dozen Scottish oysters with the house mignonette, and the monkfish with Highland butter sauce.
Why locals goThe Dean Banks Group is better known for Haar in St Andrews. Dulse slipped into Edinburgh's West End in 2023 without much fanfare despite holding two AA rosettes.
TipThe oyster bar counter at the front takes walk-ins without a booking. The full menu requires a reservation.
The Fishmarket on Pier Place in Newhaven Edinburgh, a collaboration between Welch Fishmongers and the Ondine team, serving oysters, langoustines and grilled.
OrderA dressed crab with brown toast and a glass of house white on the outdoor deck.
Why locals goNewhaven Pier is a 20-minute bus from the Royal Mile and feels like a different Edinburgh: working harbour, outdoor tables, Ondine-team seafood at takeaway prices. Most.
TipBook the evening deck table in summer. Buses 16 and 32 from Princes Street reach Newhaven in 20 minutes.
LeftField on Barclay Terrace in Edinburgh Bruntsfield, a neighbourhood seafood bistro serving seasonal small plates with minimal-intervention wines.
OrderWhatever shellfish came in from the West Coast that morning and a glass of Gros Manseng.
Why locals goBruntsfield is a 25-minute walk from the Old Town and most visitors never go. LeftField is Phil White and Rachel Chisholm's seafood bistro with a natural wine list and no PR.
TipNo website booking form; call ahead on 0131 563 1792 or walk in at 12:30 for a lunch table.
Dulse seafood restaurant on Queensferry Street in Edinburgh West End, from the Dean Banks Group, a two-rosette seafood and oyster bar open Wednesday.
OrderHalf a dozen Scottish oysters with the house mignonette, and the monkfish with Highland butter sauce.
Why locals goThe Dean Banks Group is better known for Haar in St Andrews. Dulse slipped into Edinburgh's West End in 2023 without much fanfare despite holding two AA rosettes.
TipThe oyster bar counter at the front takes walk-ins without a booking. The full menu requires a reservation.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe on Sandport Place in Leith Edinburgh, an eclectic all-day pub and cafe in a converted Victorian bar, serving brunch until 17:00 and dinner.
OrderPoached eggs with wild mushrooms on sourdough and a pot of loose-leaf tea.
Why locals goSandport Place sits one street from The Shore in Leith and gets missed by everyone who stops at the waterfront pubs. Roseleaf is a converted pub with tea in china teapots.
TipTea comes in full china pots here, not a bag in a mug. Ask for the printed tea menu.
Union of Genius on Forrest Road in Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland's first dedicated soup cafe serving six freshly made soups daily with flavour-matched artisan.
OrderAsk the staff what they made today and take the one they recommend. They are right every time.
Why locals goA soup cafe sounds like a student canteen. It is. It is also Scotland's most consistent value lunch: six soups daily with artisan bread on Forrest Road.
TipCloses at 16:00 weekdays and 15:00 Saturday. No Sunday service. Arrive at 12:00 for first pick.
The Pitt street-food market on West Shore Road in Edinburgh, open Thursday to Sunday, an award-winning indoor market with rotating food trucks and craft bars.
OrderThe food truck list rotates weekly; check the website the day before and plan your order.
Why locals goWest Shore Road in Granton is a bus ride from the city centre that most visitors never take. The Pitt is Edinburgh's largest street food market: a purpose-built indoor venue.
TipFree entry. The sauna books up separately. Best visit is a Thursday or Friday evening before the weekend crowds.
