The Capital is full of shops, restaurants and other businesses – but residents still think something is missing.
We asked our readers what businesses they wanted to see open in Edinburgh, and they came up with a long list – including restaurant chains, coffee shops and clothes retailers. Locals also shared their hope to see some old shops and restaurants return to the Capital, after closing.
These are the 10 businesses that should open in Edinburgh, according to our readers.
. Turtle Bay
This is just one of several restaurant chains that locals want to open in Edinburgh. Turtle Bay, which serves up flavourful Caribbean food and tropical cocktails, has 51 venues across the nation. Photo: Submit
. Karen's Diner
Karen's Diner recently visited Edinburgh for a limited-time pop-up, but now many want it to set up shop permanently. The restaurant chain provides an immersive experience, in which visitors are served up delicious diner-style food by a team of rude ‘Karens', who antagonise diners while they eat. Photo: Dean Atkins
. Wimpy in Terminus Road (Pic by Jon Rigby)
This fast-food burger chain once had several locations across the country - including two in Edinburgh, but now only has three venues in Scotland. Wimpy, which first opened in 1954, serves up burgers, fries and milkshakes. Photo: JON RIGBY / 07850 900673
. Betty's Tea Room
Several readers said they wanted to see a Betty's Tea Room open in Edinburgh. There are five of the traditional tea rooms, which are known for their afternoon teas, all of which are located in England,. Photo: James Hardisty
9. Debenhams
Readers were also keen to see the return of old businesses that closed in the Capital. Edinburgh used to have two Debenhams stores on Princes Street and in Ocean Terminal, which closed in 2021, when BooHoo bought out the company. Now, the business mostly operates online - but Edinburgh locals are hoping that Debenhams could return to the city. Photo: Dean Atkins
10. Khushi's curry house
Our readers are desperate for this beloved Indian restaurant to open again in the Capital. Khushi's, which was first established in Edinburgh in 1947, was many locals favourite spot to get a curry, before it closed its doors back in 2018. Photo: Andrew Stuart
11. Brattisani's
Legendary chippy Brattisani once had branches all over the city, with the most famous located at Morrison Street and Newington. The Edinburgh fish and chip restaurant closed in 2002 but our readers are still waiting for it to return. Photo: Colin Hattersley
12. Woolworths
Readers want Woolies' to make a return to the Capital. The high street institution was much loved by Edinburgh locals for generations – especially kids, who would spend their pocket money on the legendary Pick ‘n’ Mix. However, Edinburgh Woolworths stores closed in 2009, when the company that owned them went into administration. Photo: Roger Grayson