For a time, new restaurants and cafes seemed to pop up in Edinburgh every other week, which was great for keeping the city’s dining scene fresh and exciting. Sadly this also means we’ve had to wave goodbye to plenty of old favourites in order to make room for the new names. Although these Edinburgh eateries of days gone by are no longer with us, we won’t forget them any time soon. How many do you remember?
. The former Wimpy restaurant on Princes Street in Edinburgh is now a branch of HSBC. Picture: TSPL
The old Wimpy restaurant on Princes Street. Picture: TSPL Photo: TSPL
. Brattisani’s
An Edinburgh institution, Brattisani’s served up traditional chip shop fayre for over 100 years from their five shops across the city. Sadly they closed down in 2004. Photo: TSPL
. Burger Meats Bun
Excitement was high back in 2014 when news broke that popular Glasgow burger restaurant Burger Meats Bun was opening in the capital. But sadly it lasted only two years before closing. Photo: TSPL
. Fat Sam’s
This legendary Chicago gangster-themed restaurant opened in 1986, and served up both huge portions and unique entertainment for nearly two decades. The restaurant closed for good and the building razed to the ground in 2007. Photo: TSPL
. Iggs & Barioja
Owned by local personality Ignacio ‘Iggy’ Campos, Iggs Restaurant first opened in 1989 and was followed by sister venue Barioja in 2001. Sadly, both premises closed when Iggy retired. Photo: TSPL
. Mr Boni’s
Located on the corner of Gilmore Place, Mr Boni’s (which started life as the Empress Cafe in 1910) remained popular with locals for generations. The family owned cafe was forced to close in 2002. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood
9. The Plumed Horse
Former Michelin starred restaurant, The Plumed Horse, was known for its fantastic food and top-class service, making it one of the best gourmet eateries in Leith. Sadly it closed in 2016. Photo: TSPL
10. The Vintners Rooms
Located on Giles Street near The Shore, the restaurant struggled to compete with the many other top restaurants which had set up shop in Leith. And after more than 25 years of trading it closed in 2011. Photo: TSPL
11. Wimpy
They were once numerous, but Wimpy’s burger restaurants are no longer commonplace in Edinburgh. This Princes Street Wimpy was opened in 1984 but was turned into a Burger King in the 90s. Photo: TSPL
12. YummyTori
Offering up tapas-style dishes rather than sushi, YummyTori on Lothian Road brought something new to Edinburgh’s Japanese dining scene. Sadly, it was only around for a few years before it closed in 2015. Photo: TripAdvisor