Edinburgh restaurants: 21 of the Edinburgh restaurants to be shortlisted for Food Awards Scotland 2023

Edinburgh boasts an ever-changing, mouth-watering array of restaurants – here are 21 establishments who are in the running this year (Photo: Minato Sushi, Buenos Aires Cafe & Grill, Google)
Edinburgh boasts an ever-changing, mouth-watering array of restaurants – here are 21 establishments who are in the running this year (Photo: Minato Sushi, Buenos Aires Cafe & Grill, Google)

Over 50 Edinburgh businesses have been nominated for awards ahead of the annual Food Awards Scotland later this month.

The prestigious event, that takes place on Monday, August 28 at The Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, recognises culinary talent from across the country and this year many restaurants, takeaways, cafes and bistros from in and around the Capital have made it to the shortlist, showcasing some of the best food it has to offer across a wide variety of cuisines.

A spokesperson for the Food Awards Scotland said: “In a country with so many food establishments and businesses, it can be hard to stand out. However, the 2023 finalists have all been distinguished as the real masters in their field due to their hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction. We would like to wish all finalists the best of luck.”

With two locations in the capital’s city centre, the restaurants serve a range of tasty items, from breakfasts, burgers, milkshakes and wraps. Nominated for a Cafe Bistro of the Year award, owners say they offer ‘the best Scran in town!’ (Photo: Google)
With two locations in the capital’s city centre, the restaurants serve a range of tasty items, from breakfasts, burgers, milkshakes and wraps. Nominated for a Cafe Bistro of the Year award, owners say they offer ‘the best Scran in town!’ (Photo: Google)

Here are 21 of the restaurants from Edinburgh and neighbouring areas who are in the running this year.

Haddington based, Minato Sushi ‘celebrate sushi as a healthy takeaway option’ preparing fresh sushi daily from ‘Firecracker Rolls’ to ‘The Deluxe Futomaki Platter’. This year the East Lothian business is nominated for the Best of South Scotland award and Takeway of the Year. (Photo: Minato Sushi)
Haddington based, Minato Sushi ‘celebrate sushi as a healthy takeaway option’ preparing fresh sushi daily from ‘Firecracker Rolls’ to ‘The Deluxe Futomaki Platter’. This year the East Lothian business is nominated for the Best of South Scotland award and Takeway of the Year. (Photo: Minato Sushi)
From Hot Cinnamon Bites, brownies, mini Dutch pancakes, donuts and waffle stacks Sweet Paradice Desserts. Located on Comiston Road, the award-wining business is nominated for the Desert Outlet of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
From Hot Cinnamon Bites, brownies, mini Dutch pancakes, donuts and waffle stacks Sweet Paradice Desserts. Located on Comiston Road, the award-wining business is nominated for the Desert Outlet of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
The South side restaurant offers a unique menu comprised of Macanese and Malacca Portuguese cuisine. A recent recipient of an AA Rosette, Macau Kitchen is nominated for the Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
The South side restaurant offers a unique menu comprised of Macanese and Malacca Portuguese cuisine. A recent recipient of an AA Rosette, Macau Kitchen is nominated for the Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
Described as a ‘a genuine neighbourhood pub with good food at its heart’ the Stockbridge restaurant is a recipient of the prestigious  Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award. This year The Scran and Scallie is nominated for Gastro Pub of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
Described as a ‘a genuine neighbourhood pub with good food at its heart’ the Stockbridge restaurant is a recipient of the prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award. This year The Scran and Scallie is nominated for Gastro Pub of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
Serving ‘authentic, traditional Chinese cuisine’ the New Town establishment is nominated for the Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year award. With house specials including salty and spicy squid and steamed seabass in black bean sauce Karen’s Unicorn combines ‘delicious Chinese cuisine’ with the ‘wonderful natural resources available in Scotland.’ (Photo: Google)
Serving ‘authentic, traditional Chinese cuisine’ the New Town establishment is nominated for the Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year award. With house specials including salty and spicy squid and steamed seabass in black bean sauce Karen’s Unicorn combines ‘delicious Chinese cuisine’ with the ‘wonderful natural resources available in Scotland.’ (Photo: Google)
Whether it’s European, Indian, Japanese, Italian or Mexican - Mr Basrai’s World Cuisines has you covered. The Fountain Park restaurant is nominated for a Family Restaurant of the Year award. (Photo: supplied)
Whether it’s European, Indian, Japanese, Italian or Mexican - Mr Basrai’s World Cuisines has you covered. The Fountain Park restaurant is nominated for a Family Restaurant of the Year award. (Photo: supplied)
Sister restaurant to the very popular Ting Thai Caravan, Saboteur on Teviot Place offers a range of Asian street food from noodle, curry and stir fry dishes to Bao buns and small plates. This year they are nominated for the Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
Sister restaurant to the very popular Ting Thai Caravan, Saboteur on Teviot Place offers a range of Asian street food from noodle, curry and stir fry dishes to Bao buns and small plates. This year they are nominated for the Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
Nominated for Vegan Restaurant of the Year, Brunsfield’s Seeds For The Soul offers a range of vegan dishes and gourmet cakes. (Photo: Google)
Nominated for Vegan Restaurant of the Year, Brunsfield’s Seeds For The Soul offers a range of vegan dishes and gourmet cakes. (Photo: Google)
With a new menu every six weeks and locations all across the country including Manchester, London, Glasgow and Belfast, Six by Nico has become a favourite for many offering quality food without breaking the bank. The Hanover restaurant is nominated for Restaurant of the Year and Best Italian Establishment. (Photo: Google)
With a new menu every six weeks and locations all across the country including Manchester, London, Glasgow and Belfast, Six by Nico has become a favourite for many offering quality food without breaking the bank. The Hanover restaurant is nominated for Restaurant of the Year and Best Italian Establishment. (Photo: Google)
Proud winner of the ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ prize at last year’s Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards, Crolla’s Italian Kitchen in Musselburgh is nominated for a Restaurant of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
Proud winner of the ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ prize at last year’s Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards, Crolla’s Italian Kitchen in Musselburgh is nominated for a Restaurant of the Year award. (Photo: Google)
The family run business in Musselburgh offers ‘home-made authentic Italian food’ inspired from their own family recipes. Nominated for a Restaurant of the Year award, Dal Patino ‘brings a touch of Picinisco to the heart of Musselburgh.’
The family run business in Musselburgh offers ‘home-made authentic Italian food’ inspired from their own family recipes. Nominated for a Restaurant of the Year award, Dal Patino ‘brings a touch of Picinisco to the heart of Musselburgh.’
The Grain Store on Victoria Street prides itself on using local produce, with the same team for 32 years using ‘only the best’ Scottish meat, market fresh fish and seafood.’ The Victoria Street restaurant has picked up three nominations this year: Best Scottish Cuisine, Best World Cuisine (the only Edinburgh nomination) and Best of South Scotland.
The Grain Store on Victoria Street prides itself on using local produce, with the same team for 32 years using ‘only the best’ Scottish meat, market fresh fish and seafood.’ The Victoria Street restaurant has picked up three nominations this year: Best Scottish Cuisine, Best World Cuisine (the only Edinburgh nomination) and Best of South Scotland.
Nominated for Restaurant of the Year, Mazzoli Italian Kitchen in Haddington ‘aim to create a range of dishes offering something irresistible for everyone.’ The Italian restaurant has added their ‘own twist to tried and tested recipes’ from Italy. (Photo: Google)
Nominated for Restaurant of the Year, Mazzoli Italian Kitchen in Haddington ‘aim to create a range of dishes offering something irresistible for everyone.’ The Italian restaurant has added their ‘own twist to tried and tested recipes’ from Italy. (Photo: Google)
Awarded a Michelin star in 2007, The Kitchin has gone onto win a vast collection of culinary awards over the years including five AA Rosettes. A nominee for The Best of South Scotland award, the Leith restaurant ‘presents modern British cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques and an appreciation of the best quality ingredients available from Scotland’s fantastic natural larder.’ (Photo: The Kitchin)
Awarded a Michelin star in 2007, The Kitchin has gone onto win a vast collection of culinary awards over the years including five AA Rosettes. A nominee for The Best of South Scotland award, the Leith restaurant ‘presents modern British cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques and an appreciation of the best quality ingredients available from Scotland’s fantastic natural larder.’ (Photo: The Kitchin)
On a mission to ‘deliver memorable dessert experiences that spark joy for every guest’ Heavenly Desserts at Fountain Park boast they ‘deliver a dining experience like no other.’ This year they are nominated for a Desert Outlet of the Year award. (Photo: Heavenly Desserts)
On a mission to ‘deliver memorable dessert experiences that spark joy for every guest’ Heavenly Desserts at Fountain Park boast they ‘deliver a dining experience like no other.’ This year they are nominated for a Desert Outlet of the Year award. (Photo: Heavenly Desserts)
Nominated for the Best Vegetarian award, Sen Viet Vegan in Tollcross offers a range of traditional Vietnamese cuisine from tofu summer rolls, pho, stir-fried noodles and vegetable spring rolls. (Photo: Sen Viet Vegan)
Nominated for the Best Vegetarian award, Sen Viet Vegan in Tollcross offers a range of traditional Vietnamese cuisine from tofu summer rolls, pho, stir-fried noodles and vegetable spring rolls. (Photo: Sen Viet Vegan)
Finalist at the Scottish Food Awards 2022 the Argentine restaurant is a contender for the Restaurant of the Year award. Located in Musselburgh, family run Buenos Aires Cafe & Grill offer unique dishes that ‘have been perfected in house by our experienced chefs through the years.’ (Photo: Buenos Aires Cafe & Grill)
Finalist at the Scottish Food Awards 2022 the Argentine restaurant is a contender for the Restaurant of the Year award. Located in Musselburgh, family run Buenos Aires Cafe & Grill offer unique dishes that ‘have been perfected in house by our experienced chefs through the years.’ (Photo: Buenos Aires Cafe & Grill)
Nominated for a Hotel Restaurant of the Year award, Commons Club at the Virgin Hotels on Victoria Street showcases ‘the best of Scottish larder’ offering ‘a contemporary menu that delivers impeccable Scottish produce with an imaginative flair.’ (Photo: Contributed)
Nominated for a Hotel Restaurant of the Year award, Commons Club at the Virgin Hotels on Victoria Street showcases ‘the best of Scottish larder’ offering ‘a contemporary menu that delivers impeccable Scottish produce with an imaginative flair.’ (Photo: Contributed)
Nominated for the Best Scottish Cuisine award, Amber Restaurant on Castlehill offers ‘seasonally inspired signature dishes’ served with ‘innovative flair.’ Serving an à la carte menu and a ‘Taste of Scotland’ food experience, the restaurant ‘has been a ‘runaway success since it launched in 2012.’ (Photo: Ian MacNicol)
Nominated for the Best Scottish Cuisine award, Amber Restaurant on Castlehill offers ‘seasonally inspired signature dishes’ served with ‘innovative flair.’ Serving an à la carte menu and a ‘Taste of Scotland’ food experience, the restaurant ‘has been a ‘runaway success since it launched in 2012.’ (Photo: Ian MacNicol)
With a name inspired by French and Italian words for luxury sweetness, Haute Dolci has a mission of creating ‘edible art.’ This year, the St James Quarter establishment is nominated for a Desert Outlet of the Year award. (Photo: Haute Dolci/ Ginny Sanderson)
With a name inspired by French and Italian words for luxury sweetness, Haute Dolci has a mission of creating ‘edible art.’ This year, the St James Quarter establishment is nominated for a Desert Outlet of the Year award. (Photo: Haute Dolci/ Ginny Sanderson)