8 of the best non-Michelin tasting menus in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is no stranger to Michelin Stars, but those restaurants aren't the only places in the city serving tasting menus.
For a taste of the gourmet without a Michelin-priced bill, try one of these affordable Edinburgh tasting menus (Photo: Shutterstock)For a taste of the gourmet without a Michelin-priced bill, try one of these affordable Edinburgh tasting menus (Photo: Shutterstock)
For a taste of the gourmet without a Michelin-priced bill, try one of these affordable Edinburgh tasting menus (Photo: Shutterstock)

For a special gourmet dining experience in Scotland’s capital without the eye-watering bill at the end, give one of these alternative tasting menus a try.

Six by Nico

New kids on the block, Six by Nico originated in Glasgow, but opened their Edinburgh restaurant in March this year.

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They only offer a set six-dish tasting menu, and its theme changes every six weeks. The restaurant is currently cooking up a gourmet take on a ‘chippie’, and will soon begin serving Willy Wonka-inspired plates.

Visit: 97 Hanover Street, EH2 1DJ - sixbynico.co.uk

The Table

One of Edinburgh’s most understated gourmet restaurants, you really have to be looking to spot The Table - an unusual establishment with just 10 seats and one service per night.

You’ll have to book months in advance to bag a seat here, but the creative tasting menu (with strictly no substitutions) is well worth it.

Visit: 3A Dundas Street, EH3 6QG - thetableedinburgh.com

Aizle

Everything at Aizle is made in-house, and their set five course tasting menu changes constantly, depending on what is local and in season.

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With adequate notice, the restaurant can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy-free and gluten-free diets, but generally guests eat (and enjoy) what they are given here.

Visit: 107-109 St Leonard's Street, EH8 9QY - aizle.co.uk

Purslane

Described as ‘casual fine dining’, Purslane in Stockbridge offer both five and seven course tasting menus in cool but unpretentious surroundings.

The kitchen uses local produce where possible, cooking up well-presented dishes with European-inspired flavours.

Visit: 33A St Stephen Street, EH3 5AH - purslanerestaurant.co.uk

Restaurant Mark Greenaway

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Tucked away on the corner of North Castle Street and Queen Street, Restaurant Mark Greenaway offers a four course tasting menu with some fun and unusual takes on gourmet dishes.

With great service and attractive presentation, the award-winning eatery undoubtedly comes very close to Michelin Star standards.

Visit: 69 North Castle Street, EH2 3LJ - markgreenaway.com

Timberyard

Housed in a former timber yard (hence the name) in the West Port, this upmarket restaurant is arguably one of Edinburgh’s hippest fine dining establishments.

Along with cool decor and an inviting bar, the six or eight course evening tasting menus will blow diners away.

Visit: 10 Lady Lawson Street, EH3 9DS - timberyard.co

Taisteal

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Meaning ‘travel’ or ‘journey’ in Gaelic, Taisteal’s tasting menu uses the best local Scottish produce and combines them with recipes and influences from around the world.

Their five course tasting menu offers a great deal of variety, and is served in a relaxed and cosy environment.

Visit: 1-3 Raeburn Place, EH4 1HU - taisteal.co.uk

Gardener’s Cottage

Once home to a gardener who lived at the foot of Calton Hill, Gardener’s Cottage has a rustic feel and seats its guests at long, communal tables.

Of course, vegetables, fruits, herbs and all things found in a garden feature heavily on the seven course tasting menu, although you will find some meat and cheese there too.

Visit: 1 Royal Terrace Gardens, London Road, EH7 5DX - thegardenerscottage.co