The Edinburgh Festival attracts over four million visitors to the city centre every year, but just a few minutes away from the crowded streets, Edinburgh’s waterfront in Leith and Tollcross are just two of the capital’s most popular gourmet boltholes.
The coastal Edinburgh neighbourhood of Leith alone now boasts more fine dining restaurants than anywhere else in the country, including a wide variety of restaurants brimming with the best fish and seafood landed around the shores of Scotland.
Here is just a small menu of ideas to tempt you away from the city centre this August, including a green urban oasis cocktail bar and garden in Tollcross; a Michelin-acclaimed Scottish seafood restaurant in a waterside setting; and a two AA Rosette restaurant and outdoor deck onboard Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel.
1. Barry Fish, 62 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh
One of Scotland's top chefs has launched a new summer menu on Edinburgh's waterfront at the Shore in Leith, showcasing the best fish and seafood from Scotland. Chef Barry Bryson's 'Barry Fish' is now one of just a handful of restaurants in the Scottish capital included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Barry Fish has also earned its place on The Good Food Guide’s UK-wide list of ‘100 Best Local Restaurants 2026’. Diners can enjoy views directly into the open-plan working kitchen from the pass, as well as out over the Water of Leith from the comfort of the restaurant. Big snack highlights of the new summer menu at Barry Fish include Berwick crab flan pâtissier, crème fraîche, apple and pickled celery; as well as smoked sea bass rillettes, soused Orkney herring, radish, tartar and crackers. | contributed
2. Dogstar, 17 Portland Place, Leith, Edinburgh
Opened in autumn 2025, this restaurant and bar is the latest venture from chef James Murray- the former chef at Michelin starred - but now sadly closed - Edinburgh Food Studio. It opened to much anticipation, and rave reviews and was mentioned in the Michelin Guide in spring 2026. Drop in for San Sebastian-inspired dishes and creative cocktails - the ideal tonic to avoid festival crowds. | TSPL
3. Ardfern, 10-12 Bonnington Rd, Edinburgh
Ardfern opened in 2024 and takes its name from a village in Argyll and Bute. It is Roberta and Shaun McCarron’s third venture, joining The Little Chartroom and Eleanore. From morning till night, Ardfern offers a relaxed all-day experience, with brunch, bar snacks and heartier dinners alongside cocktails, draught beer and wine from its bottle shop. It has also been mentioned in the Michelin Guide and has a Bib Gourmand, meaning it offers quality food at a good price. Visit for cocktails or a glass of wine and stay for some snacks; it’s a perfect spot to unwind this summer. | AwAyeMedia Photo: AweAyeMedia
4. Heron, 87-91A Henderson Street, Leith, Edinburgh
Take in views of the Water of Leith at this Michelin Star restaurant, which opened to critical acclaim in 2021. The coveted Guide calls it “fresh, understated and uncluttered”. Book to try their tasting menu and enjoy an evening away from crowds.