Food Tours in Edinburgh

Scottish cuisine is so much more than just haggis and potatoes, and food tours in Edinburgh aim to highlight the diverse offerings of this iconic city.

The city is a foodie haven with a fabulous selection of international, fusion and traditional dishes that are made to shine with the help of food tours. Steep yourself in the culinary scene on one of these tours and discover the many facets of Edinburgh.

Here's all you need to know about food tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Edinburgh.

What are the best food tours in Edinburgh?

At first glance, food tours in Edinburgh seem rather similar, but you can rest assured that each one of them offers a unique take on this vibrant city’s food scene.

3-Hour Edinburgh secret food tour

Experience a mouth-watering 3-hour guided food tour through Edinburgh's captivating Old Town, immersing yourself in the culinary heritage and culture of the city with six stops along the way. Delight your taste buds with an array of traditional Scottish delicacies, including an assortment of delectable treats. You can also book this as a private experience.

Begin your food tour in Edinburgh by savoring a delectable portion of Scotland’s finest haggis accompanied by "neeps and tatties" as you make your way towards the renowned Edinburgh Castle.

Delve into the castle's rich historical tales and seize the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos amid its majestic presence. Continue the journey by indulging in a whisky tasting as you enter a venue dedicated to serving exceptional lowland single malt. Treat your palate further with a Scottish cheese tasting, followed by a gin tasting.

A secret dish will be one of the last stops on the tour, a delicacy only revealed to adventurous eaters that join the tour. Conclude your journey with a traditional afternoon tea, relishing the delightful Scottish scones.

Edinburgh food safari

A popular way to discover the magic of Edinburgh’s food scene is with a tour down Leith Walk. Edinburgh’s longest street is filled with markets, restaurants and galleries all adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Let your guide introduce you to the locals that keep the food industry alive including fishmongers, butchers and cheese makers. You will taste haggis and whisky and a variety of other local delights on this 2-hour Edinburgh food tour.

10-Stop private food tour in Edinburgh

Book a private food tour in Edinburgh for a highly customizable and intimate experience. This tour takes you to 10 hand-picked food havens to indulge in delectable dishes and drinks that have put Edinburgh on the foodie map.

You will visit local favorites like Grassmarket, John Knox House Museum and Lady Stairs House and learn about the city’s history as well as its booming food culture. Private tours allow you the luxury of picking a start time and you can follow a relaxed pace, leaving room for customizing your itinerary.

Food tour with a local

There is no better way to get to know a city’s food scene than through the eyes of a local. Let passionate foodies take you on a walking tour and show you a cozy pub and local food hotspots while giving you tips on where to eat for the rest of your visit.

Walking through Edinburgh with a local will give you a chance to get away from the regular tourist haunts and learn about the secret spots that locals like to keep to themselves.

Which places are visited?

Food tours in Edinburgh are all unique experiences and tour operators have hand-picked the locations on the itinerary to best compliment their itinerary.

You will be visiting a selection of local pubs, food markets, trendy restaurants and under-the-radar eateries in search of food and drink that reflects the diversity of Edinburgh. Some tour operators also change the locations based on the season, ensuring that you get the most memorable experience year-round.

How much do food tours in Edinburgh cost?

A comprehensive 3-hour secret food tour in Edinburgh costs between £70 and £80 per person and includes all your tastings. You can also book the secret food tour as a private experience for £170 per person. The more in-depth food safari is limited to only 6 people and costs £140 per person, but for £380 you can book up to 6 spots.

When it comes to private tours, the 10-stop food tasting offers excellent value for money. The tour costs £120 per person and includes 10 different tastings over the course of 3 hours. A food tour with a local in Edinburgh is also a captivating experience that costs £160 per person.

What is included?

All food tours in Edinburgh include a selection of dishes to try. These are usually in the form of finger foods, appetizers or tasters rather than full meals. Many of them also include some drink tastings or soft drink alternatives. Each tour will be led by an experienced guide that is eager to share stories of the city, its people and of course, the food.

Where does it start?

Edinburgh food tours all start at different locations. You will usually meet your guide at the first eatery where you will dive head-first into your first tasting. You will receive meeting instructions a day before your tour, but the locations are also listed on your booking confirmation.

How long does it last?

The shortest food tour in Edinburgh is the food safari which only lasts 2 hours. Most commonly, tours last around 3 hours with some lasting between 3.5 and 5 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

The city of Edinburgh has gone to great lengths to make its streets wheelchair accessible. Many food tours in Edinburgh embrace this and have made the tours wheelchair friendly too. Some tours with more stops are not mobility friendly due to the amount of walking done and the brisk pace kept, but most of the tours are happy to make accommodations for people with mobility issues.

When is the best time for a food tour in Edinburgh?

The best time for a food tour in Edinburgh is in the summer (June to August). It's the time of year when many outdoor food markets and festivals take place, such as the Edinburgh Food Festival in July. Do keep in mind, however, that August is the peak tourist season because of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed, but some tours have a minimum drinking age of 18.

Travel tips

• If there are certain food experiences you really want to try, make sure to book in advance, as popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during the peak tourist season.
• Remember to drink plenty of water and don't rush. Food tours can often provide more food than you anticipate, so try to pace yourself to be able to enjoy everything.
• Edinburgh's historic streets can be cobblestoned and hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, be prepared for changeable weather by dressing in layers or bringing a light rain jacket.
• If you have any food allergies or restrictions, inform your tour operator ahead of time.