Edinburgh Crowned Best UK City for Dining Outside London

Edinburgh has been recognized as the city with the best dining options in the UK outside of London, as revealed by the recent Harden’s diners’ poll. The Scottish capital boasts an impressive 51 listings in the Harden’s UK Guide 2026, including three establishments in the national top 100. This marks the third consecutive year that Edinburgh has held this prestigious title.

Top Restaurants in Edinburgh

The newly released 35th edition of the guide features a total of 121 Scottish restaurants, with Glasgow contributing 22 entries, two of which are also in the top 100. Notably, the Harden’s guide is unique as it relies exclusively on feedback from diners, gathering insights from over 30,000 reports submitted by regular patrons.

Leading the way for Edinburgh is Restaurant Martin Wishart, which is located at 54 The Shore in Leith. This acclaimed eatery secured the 36th spot on the list and has maintained its status as a fine dining favorite for over 25 years. Diners praise the restaurant for its “exceptional service,” “beautifully presented food,” and recognition as “one of the finest kitchens in the UK.”

Chef Martin Wishart, who grew up in the Blackhall area of Edinburgh, began his culinary journey at the age of 15. He trained under renowned chefs such as Albert Roux and Marco Pierre White before establishing his own restaurant.

Following closely is The Kitchin, situated at 78 Commercial Quay in Leith, which ranked 69th. Operated by chef Tom Kitchin and his wife, Michaela, this Michelin-starred venue is lauded for its “attentive service” and “superb cooking.” Although some patrons noted rising prices—£130 for the à la carte menu and £165 for the Surprise Tasting Menu—the £69 lunch option is considered excellent value.

Opened in June 2006, The Kitchin earned its Michelin star within six months and specializes in French cuisine. Tom Kitchin, Scotland’s youngest Michelin-star chef proprietor, also manages other establishments, including The Scran and Scallie and The Bonnie Badger in Gullane, East Lothian.

Another notable entry is Number One, located in The Balmoral Hotel at 1 Princes Street. This restaurant is described as a perfect venue for both business discussions and enjoyable meals, offering a three-course menu priced at £99 per person and a five-course tasting menu at £119, with optional premium wine pairings.

Glasgow’s Contributions and National Rankings

Outside of Edinburgh, Glasgow made its mark with Cail Bruich and Unalome by Graeme Cheevers, which ranked 68th and 98th respectively. Scotland overall had 121 entries in the Harden’s guide, with seven establishments making it into the top 100. Notable mentions include Edinbane Lodge on the Isle of Skye and The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant in Perth & Kinross.

Topping the national list this year is Moor Hall, helmed by chef Mark Birchall, which is set in a Grade II-listed 13th-century manor house in Aughton, West Lancashire. After rising from 74th place the previous year, Moor Hall outperformed previous winners L’Enclume and Waterside Inn Bray, with diners describing their experience as “superb from beginning to end” and the food as “faultless in every way.”

Reflecting on the past year in the hospitality sector, Peter Harden, co-founder and editor of Harden’s, commented on the challenges faced by the industry. He noted that rising costs—including food inflation, escalating wages, and soaring utility bills—have made 2025 particularly difficult for long-established establishments.

Despite these challenges, Harden highlighted the resilience exhibited by those in the trade. The number of entries remains robust, and a wave of new restaurants is emerging, demonstrating a higher quality than ever before. “What is challenging for suppliers can be good for consumers,” he stated. Rising customer expectations compel restaurants to elevate their offerings, contributing to a dynamic dining landscape.

Celebrating its 35th year of polling diners, the latest Harden’s guide is one of only two established UK restaurant guides still available in print, and is the sole guide based on feedback from everyday diners rather than professional inspectors. The guide includes a diverse range of 2,800 restaurants, from street food vendors to high-end dining experiences, ensuring a comprehensive look at the UK’s vibrant culinary scene.