Alternative Dining in Edinburgh: Unique Experiences

With an emphasis on the experience, these are some of Edinburgh’s most-talked-about restaurants, offering dining with a difference

Alternative dining is pushing the boundaries in terms of customer experience. With frequently changing menus and wacky themes, these restaurants are guaranteed to impress and delight in equal measure. What was originally an underground scene has fast become a worldwide phenomenon. We found Edinburgh’s most innovative and flourishing alternative dining restaurants to whet your appetite.

Six by Nico

A new addition to Edinburgh’s dining scene, Six by Nico, offers experimental dining at an affordable price. Every six weeks, Nico and his team serve a brand new six-course tasting menu – each themed around a different place or pop culture phenomena. Past menus have included Willy Wonka, Disney and 70s themed dishes. Visit www.sixbynico.co.uk for the latest theme and to book a table.

Six by Nico serves a brand-new tasting menu every six weeks. On their Chippie menu guests were served deep fried Mars Bars with sorbet, oranges and carmilla nougat.

Aizle

Aizle is passionate about fresh, nutritious ingredients. For that reason, everything at Aizle is made in-house, from the hand-churned butter, to the home-grown herbs and vegetables. The 6-course tasting menu is dictated by what is in season, putting the freshest ingredients on your plate. To make a reservation, visit www.aizle.co.uk

Aizle offers homegrown meals and the menu is rotated based on what ingredients are in season. During the summer guests were served hake with summer vegetables and lemon sabayon.

Timber Yard

This family-owned restaurant is situated in an authentic brick warehouse with a cosy wood-burning stove. Local artisan growers and producers supply all the ingredients. The Scandie-influenced menu places an emphasis on distinct and punchy flavours. To secure your place next to the fire, visit www.timberyard.co

Family-run, Timber Yard, is a cosy and friendly restaurant. One of Timber Yard’s most popular dishes is the Venison, beetroot and juniper salad.

The Gardener’s Cottage

This restaurant, located at the foot of Calton Hill on Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace Gardens, was once the cottage of the gardener who looked after the surrounding grounds. Dedicated to seasonal cooking and communal dining, this restaurant is favoured by critics and locals alike. The Gardener’s Cottage offers a welcome escape from the buzz of the city. Visit www.thegardenerscottage.co to make a reservation.

The picturesque Gardener’s Cottage sits at the foot of Calton Hill on Edinburgh's Royal Terrace Gardens. With seasonal dishes and communal dining, many guests often forget they are in the city centre.

Edinburgh Food Studio

Edinburgh Food Studio is a crowdfunded restaurant and food research hub. While serving up revered cuisine, it also publishes research with its many collaborators. A restaurant with a focus on sustainability and community, the studio’s passion shines through in the food. Research your visit www.edinburghfoodstudio.com

Founders Sashanna Souza Zanella and Ben Reade along with Head Chef, James Murray, serve devilled crab on ryebread with a side of innovative ideas.