Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Best Food Tours

November 19, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals. Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh

1. Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Edinburgh

St Giles' Cathedral, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK Secret Food Tours Edinburgh
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We are Edinburgers who are wildly passionate about all the delicious food found around our world-famous and historical city. By booking on our Edinburgh tour, you will have the opportunity to experience our passion by eating traditional Scottish food (such as authentic Haggis, award winning Lowland Single Malt Whisky), sample tasty Scottish treats, desserts and sample our flavorful cheeses. Enjoy the enriching combination of tea and Scottish scones. Additionally all our tours, there is our Secret Dish, which you can only find out about on the day. As a private tour, everything works around you! Our start times are much more easy going, dates can open up. It's a much more intimate and cozy experience. No need to shout over other tourists, you will have every question answered, and leave feeling like a native yourself!

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions:

Reviewed By FidelmaMcMorrow

On Monday I had a delightful tour of Edinburgh from the comfort of my own home. Its been a long three months of lockdown here in NYC and this was a wonderful respite from the worries and stresses of everyday life right now. Kimi was a wonderful tour guide with humor, history, quizzes and enthusiasm. I took so many notes for when I can actually visit in real life! So many thanks!

2. Edinburgh Food & Drink Private Tour

Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, UK Eat Walk Edinburgh
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4.9 based on 192 reviews

The Edinburgh Food and drink tour explores both the medieval Old Town of Scotland’s capital and its elegant Georgian New Town. There are five food stops en route, three of them with a drink tasting. All of the stops have been carefully chosen not only to highlight Scotland’s iconic food and drink but also because the venues are much loved by local residents. This food tour takes you off the tourist trail. As well as delving deep into Scotland’s natural larder, the tour illustrates Edinburgh’s past and present; its history and the day-to-day reality of 21st century living in such a historical city. In tours of more than two people will be offered audio headsets to listen to the guide as they walk at their own pace or stop to take photos. The Edinburgh food & Drink tour takes place Monday to Sunday at 11am

Inclusions: Certified English-speaking guide, Five food stops with three drink tastings, Private walking tour

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Reviewed By Ray G

We went on this tour at the beginning of October and had a great time. It was straightforward to arrange and our guide Alan e-mailed me the day before the tour with his phone number in case we needed to contact him which is a nice touch. We walked down to meet Alan in the strangely titled Monboddo bar in the Doubletree Hilton. Alan is very easy to talk to and we were quickly put at ease. We had a drink of Scottish gin and canapés and then set off on the tour. Alan provided us with headsets so it was easy to keep up with his commentary as we wandered along. Alan provided a lot of interesting information in an entertaining manner and was happy to answer any questions. Due to Covid we could only visit 4 establishments, rather than the normal 5 but this didn’t prove to be a drawback. Each of the places we visited provided us with food of largely Scottish origin accompanied by drinks. One place I would highlight was the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. This is a club in amazing premises with a terrific ambience. My reason for highlighting this stop on the tour is that we were provided with a sample of haggis which was absolutely delicious and had me looking for haggis on the menu for the rest of our stay! Of course we also sampled a malt whisky which was very enjoyable. All in all the tour was a great introduction to Edinburgh and I am so happy we went on it. A big thank you to Alan

3. 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh w/ Private Tour Option

St Giles' Cathedral, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK Secret Food Tours Edinburgh
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4.9 based on 207 reviews

We are Edinburgers who are wildly passionate about all the delicious food found around our world-famous and historical city. By booking on our Edinburgh tour, you will have the opportunity to experience our passion by eating traditional Scottish food (such as authentic Haggis, award winning Lowland Single Malt Whisky), sample tasty Scottish treats, desserts and sample our flavorful cheeses. Enjoy the enriching combination of tea and Scottish scones. Additionally all our tours, there is our Secret Dish, which you can only find out about on the day.

Inclusions: Food tasting, Beverages, Local guide, Lunch, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By nwmoneyman

This virtual tour included stories of the history, architecture, food and drinks of Edinburgh. It was very interesting and the guide, Kimi, was knowledgeable, personable and funny. I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who wants to “travel” and be entertained during this time.

4. The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour

379 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, UK Withlocals.com Private Tours in Edinburgh
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4.7 based on 7 reviews

Eat your way through Edinburgh's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Haggis and Whiskey. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Inclusions: Private Tour, Small group tour option available, Local Guide, 10 Food & Drinks Tastings

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food & beverages not listed as inclusions

Reviewed By 475alani

Evelyn is an absolutely fantastic tour guide. She really knows her city well and brings the myths and legends to life with her amazing stories. The whole family enjoyed the afternoon (despite the rain, which didn't really matter) and in fact it was the highlight of our weekend in Edinburgh. I would thoroughly recommend the myths and legends tour with Evelyn to anybody who is planning a visit to this really interesting city.

5. Edinburgh Food & Drink tour

Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, UK Eat Walk Edinburgh
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

The Edinburgh food and drink tour explores both the medieval Old Town of Scotland’s capital and its elegant Georgian New Town. There are five food stops en route, three of them with a drink tasting. All of the stops have been carefully chosen not only to highlight Scotland’s iconic food and drink but also because the venues are much loved by local residents. This food tour takes you off the tourist trail. As well as delving deep into Scotland’s natural larder, the Old & New Town food tour illustrates Edinburgh’s past and present; its history and the day-to-day reality of 21st century living in such a historical city. Guests will be given audio headsets to listen live to the guide as you walk at your own pace or stop to take photos. Tour size is limited to 8 people so you all get a chance to get to know each other on the tour. The Edinburgh Old & New Town food tour takes place Monday to Saturday at 1pm & Monday to Thursday at 5pm. Private tours, are available at other times.

Inclusions: Food and drink tastings

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Reviewed By Saveling

Alan was very knowledgeable in all matters regarding Edinburgh's history and adapted his tour for the knowledge of his audience. Despite driving rain he was upbeat and perseverant. The restaurants had to be adapted due to COVID-19 driven closures yet all were great, with helpful staff and good food and drink. Di'Vin was so enjoyable we went back two days later.

6. Spirit of Scotland Show

The Jam House, 5 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JE, UK Spirit of Scotland Show
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3.5 based on 27 reviews

Whether you are alone or with a group of friends, whether you wish to dine or just want some good fun, you will feel thoroughly at home at The Spirit of Scotland Show, a traditional Show and dinner event. Located in the heart of Edinburgh City Center (New Town), guests are welcomed by our traditional piper in full Highland Dress. The evening comprises of a four course choice menu with Haggis Tasting and also includes one drink per person.

Inclusions: Dinner, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Mike S

You are greeted outside by a huge, burly piper playing tunes like "The Black Bear" and "Highland Laddie." It is a precursor to a basic song and dance routine initiating the tourist into Scottish culture. Young folks do a sword dance, the piper appears to play more tunes, and the audience feasts on what is billed as typical Scottish fare - including haggis. Everyone is encouraged to sing along for some of the songs and there is, as always the stereotypical "Amazing Grace," really - adopted by the bagpipes decades ago but traced to an American slaver in the 18th century. I've seen personally several regimental pipes and drums including military tattoos, and that impression is far more Scottish. This events feels like Brigadoon coming out of it's slumber a bit too early.

7. Scottish Dining Experience: Discover Edinburgh’s Specialties With City Host

Edinburgh, UK CityUnscripted

Enjoy an authentic taste of the very best of Scottish cuisine with a like-minded local by your side who is as much of a foodie as you are, and is passionate about sharing specialities made from the freshest local produce with you! Whether you’d like to taste classic Scottish dishes in a historic pub or fancy a contemporary twist on the city’s traditional dishes, enjoy a meal with your local that suits your preferences and tastes. You’ll be able to enjoy regional specialities and Scottish dishes at a restaurant or pub that’s loved by locals and which makes the most of Scotland’s natural larder by using only the very best local ingredients.

Inclusions: Private and personalised experience, 3 hours with a Local Host, A traditional Scottish dish (examples: steak pie, fish pie, haggis, sausage and mash) and two drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks), Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages, Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks additional to those stated above, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs, Gratuities

Reviewed By tracybT3447LJ

Great day out, partner loved it, Stuart our host made the experience much more enjoyable, he had good chat, very knowledgable And stayed well over his time ! Made our weekend xx

8. The Ultimate Malt Whisky Tour

Islay Airport, Glenegedale PA42 7AS, UK Lang Atholl Experience

As a full service tour operator, we organise everything, including accommodation, dining, excursions, driving, providing the most exceptional luxury tours Scotland & Ireland have to offer. Allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of our countries and have the most memorable and luxurious vacation. Submit your enquiry today and we will send further details to begin planning your trip of a lifetime.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Dinner, Chauffeur, Excursions, V.A.T

Exclusions: Flights

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