9 of the best restaurants in Edinburgh's Grassmarket

Full of fantastic shops, bars and restaurants, the historical Grassmarket is a great place to refuel in Edinburgh.

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in and around Edinburgh's Grassmarket

From fresh seafood to traditional pizza, there’s so much to choose from in this small area with buzzing nightlife.

The Mussel and Steak Bar

Having served locally sourced seafood and steaks for more than a decade from their Grassmarket location, The Mussel and Steak Bar is the place to go for delicious surf and turf.

Start with fresh oysters on ice and then treat yourself to Scottish mussels cooked in white wine and shallots or a juicy sirloin steak.

Visit: 110 Grassmarket, West Bow, EH1 2HH - musselandsteakbar.com

Petit Paris

On a sunny day or rare warm evening, you can dine al fresco at French restaurant Petit Paris and imagine you are on the cobbled streets of the city of love.

Expect classic dishes like French onion soup, coq au vin and crème brûlée on the menu.

Visit: 38-40 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU - petitparis-restaurant.co.uk

O'Oliviero

A little slice of Italy in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, O'Oliviero specialise in everything from pizza and pasta to antipasti and traditional Italian meat dishes.

Choose a bottle of fine Italian wine to wash everything down, and save some room for a dessert like tiramisu or panna cotta.

Visit: 64 Grassmarket, EH1 2JR - olivieros.co.uk

Agua

Hidden in the Grassmarket’s Apex Hotel, the modern Agua Restaurant and Bar serves an all day menu of everything from comfort food to small plates.

Expect a bistro-style menu with plenty of Scottish produce, including dishes like haggis bonbons, beer-battered haddock and Scottish steak.

Visit: 61 Grassmarket, EH1 2HJ - apexhotels.co.uk

52 Canoes Tiki Den

Just a few steps outside of the Grassmarket itself, 52 Canoes are masters of exotic rum-based cocktails and delicious pub food like nachos and burgers.

Visit: 27-31 West Port, EH1 2JA - facebook.com/52Canoes

Mamma’s American Pizza

Opened in 1985, Mamma’s has been serving handmade, stone baked pizzas for the last three decades.

Diners can choose from more than 40 pizza toppings, and those sticking to a gluten-free diet don’t have to miss out.

Visit: 28 - 30 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU - mammas.co.uk

Under The Stairs

Cosy and inviting, relaxed restaurant and bar Under The Stairs can be found by walking just east of the Grassmarket.

They serve a modern, varied and interesting menu with plenty of delicious vegetarian options.

Visit: 3A Merchant Street, EH1 2QD - underthestairs.org

El Toro Loco

For something casual but tasty, stop by El Toro Loco - an authentic Mexican eatery with plenty of options.

There’s everything from breakfast burritos to quesadillas and chilli chocolate mousse on offer here, all dreamed up by the same food-obsessed couple who run Mamma’s Pizza.

Visit: 60 Grassmarket, EH1 2JR - toroloco.co.uk

The Grain Store

Located just off the Grassmarket on pretty Victoria Street, The Grain Store has been serving gourmet food and fine wine for 25 years.

Their creative menu showcases fresh Scottish produce, and the charming and rustic restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere.

Visit: 30 Victoria Street, EH1 2JW - grainstore-restaurant.co.uk