Edinburgh has a reputation for having incredible restaurants and cafés, but this year we lost quite a few. From fine dining Michelin star restaurants like 21212, to legendary takeaway vans like Mike English’s snack bar on Leith Links, the Capital said farewell to many beloved businesses in 2023.
Some Edinburgh businesses that closed their doors for the final time this year said it was simply the right time for their journey to come to an end whilst others said their closure was brought on by rising costs and the impact of the pandemic. Changes are inevitable on the business scene, but it is always sad to see favourite places close their doors for the last time. Here are 26 restaurants and cafés which have shut in Edinburgh in 2023.
21. East Finch
The Hanover Street restaurant that served up American-style food and cocktails closed its doors in September after opening in 2021. Owners said: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the last two years and it's been a pleasure to serve everyone that's walked through our doors. Not every business can say they have been profitable in their first two years and we feel incredibly blessed to have done this under such hard circumstances for the hospitality industry.” Photo: East Finch
22. La Bocca
Award winning Italian restaurant, La Bocca, closed for good in September this year. Located on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, owners made the announcement just 15 months after opening the business. The said: ‘We would like to say a huge thank you to all our loyal customers, friends and family for making La Bocca Stockbridge.” Photo: Third Party
23. Loch Fyne
Newhaven seafood restaurant, Loch Fyne, announced its shock closure in October this year. Located on Pier Place at the picturesque harbour, the restaurant had converted a former fish market site that dated back to the 1890s. A spokesperson for Loch Fyne said: “It is with great sadness that we have made the difficult decision to close our Edinburgh Loch Fyne restaurant.” Photo: Google Maps
24. Cairngorm Coffee
Cairngorm Coffee on Frederick Street shut their doors in October after ten years of trading. Staff at the city centre coffee shop said in a social media post: “Bittersweet emotions that we’re closing the chapter that got us started on our journey, but thankful that we completed a ten year lease – an enormous achievement in recent years.” Photo: Third Party