13 great Edinburgh restaurants and cafés which opened their doors in 2023 and are worth a try this year

Edinburgh welcomed many new restaurants and cafés in the last 12 months

By Neil Johnstone

Published 7th Jan 2024, 04:45 GMT

We’re spoilt for choice in Edinburgh when it comes to eating out. And though we said farewell to several popular businesses in 2023 we also welcomed a wide range of new establishments, from the unique Port of Leith Distillery, a rock n roll themed bar and grill in the city centre, to a Stockbridge bakery that became so popular people were queuing up to two hours for a croissant.

In part one of this list we will look at 13 new businesses that are worth checking out.

Turkish restaurant, Shish, opened in February last year in Potterrow, Newington. Highlights on the menu include Karisik Izgara (traditional mixed grill platter with chargrilled lamb and chicken, lamb ribs, chicken thigh, succulent meatballs and adana kebab), Tire Kofte (skewered tomato infused kofte served with buttery tomato sauce and garlic yoghurt) and Kusbasili Pidi (Turkish style flatbread topped with cubes of beef, capsicums and tomato).

1. Shish

Turkish restaurant, Shish, opened in February last year in Potterrow, Newington. Highlights on the menu include Karisik Izgara (traditional mixed grill platter with chargrilled lamb and chicken, lamb ribs, chicken thigh, succulent meatballs and adana kebab), Tire Kofte (skewered tomato infused kofte served with buttery tomato sauce and garlic yoghurt) and Kusbasili Pidi (Turkish style flatbread topped with cubes of beef, capsicums and tomato). Photo: Shish

Skua in St Stephen Street, Stockbridge opened in March 2023 and is the latest venture by chef duo Tomás Gormley and Sam Yorke, who manage the acclaimed Heron restaurant in Leith. The eatery offers a menu of small plates inspired by the seasons as well as a drinks list of cocktails, beers, spirits and wines.

2. Skua

Skua in St Stephen Street, Stockbridge opened in March 2023 and is the latest venture by chef duo Tomás Gormley and Sam Yorke, who manage the acclaimed Heron restaurant in Leith. The eatery offers a menu of small plates inspired by the seasons as well as a drinks list of cocktails, beers, spirits and wines. Photo: Skua

The UK’s first vertical distillery opened in September last year and has been described as the biggest tourist attraction to be built in Leith for decades. Although whisky will be the main thing on people’s minds when they visit, the distillery also offers a range of stylish small plates from Clava Brie Tartiflette to Arbroath Smokie Scotch Egg.

3. Port of Leith Distillery

The UK’s first vertical distillery opened in September last year and has been described as the biggest tourist attraction to be built in Leith for decades. Although whisky will be the main thing on people’s minds when they visit, the distillery also offers a range of stylish small plates from Clava Brie Tartiflette to Arbroath Smokie Scotch Egg. Photo: LISA FERGUSON

Opening in Morrison Street in early 2023, Slice of Greece “brings the Greek patisserie tradition and 25 years of experience in dessert making to Edinburgh.” From traditional baklava, Black Forest gateauxs, unique birthday cakes, this patisserie has you covered.

4. Slice of Greece

Opening in Morrison Street in early 2023, Slice of Greece “brings the Greek patisserie tradition and 25 years of experience in dessert making to Edinburgh.” From traditional baklava, Black Forest gateauxs, unique birthday cakes, this patisserie has you covered. Photo: Slice of Greece

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