Edinburgh stands out as a top destination for food lovers, offering a blend of hearty traditional dishes, lively pubs, and hidden culinary spots. The city’s history is woven into every bite, with iconic foods like haggis, whisky, and fresh seafood. Among the many ways to experience its culinary scene, guided food tours give travelers a chance to taste authentic flavors while learning about Scottish culture. We’re especially fond of tours that combine storytelling with delicious bites, like the Edinburgh: Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, Secret Dish & More, which offers a three-hour walk through the Old Town. This tour is a well-rounded introduction to Scottish cuisine, including a traditional haggis dish paired with neeps & tatties, plus a sip of award-winning Scotch and a sweet cranachan dessert. It’s perfect for anyone eager to connect food with history in an engaging way.
Another favorite is the The Best Food Tour in Edinburgh, which provides a more intimate, VIP experience at a traditional restaurant. For around $135, you get five courses with four drinks, making it ideal for those wanting a deeper dive into Scotland’s culinary secrets. These tours tend to attract foodies and curious travelers who want to explore beyond the typical tourist fare. If private experiences are more your style, the 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals offers a customizable, private tour that showcases Edinburgh’s diverse flavors—from whiskey to local markets. Whatever your taste and pace, Edinburgh’s food tours promise a memorable way to experience the city.
1. Edinburgh: Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, Secret Dish & More
At number 1 on our list, this Edinburgh: Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, Secret Dish & More scores a stellar 4.8 out of 5 based on 462 reviews. It lasts about 3 hours and takes you through the Old Town, where you’ll get to taste haggis served with neeps & tatties and sip on award-winning single malt Scotch whisky. The tour is led by a local guide who shares stories behind traditional Scottish dishes, making each bite a lesson in Scottish culture. The dessert, cranachan—a creamy blend of whipped cream, oats, honey, and fresh berries—is a sweet finishing touch that leaves a lasting impression.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of food and storytelling, giving you a genuine sense of Scottish culinary identity. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the focus on authentic ingredients makes it a great choice for travelers wanting a true taste of Scotland. With a moderate price of $124, it offers good value for those interested in a comprehensive, lively experience that covers history, local secrets, and delicious food. Perfect for first-timers and those who want a relaxed but informative overview of Edinburgh’s food scene.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded introduction to Scottish cuisine with a side of history and stories, this tour is a top pick.
2. The Best Food Tour in Edinburgh
At number 2, this The Best Food Tour in Edinburgh boasts a perfect 5.0-star rating from 38 reviews. Its roughly 2-hour-15-minute itinerary takes you into a hidden, traditional restaurant for a five-course meal paired with four drinks. The guide, Noam, receives high praise for being friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable, making the experience both educational and delicious. The tour isn’t just about eating; it’s about understanding Scottish culture through its food, with stories woven into each course.
Guests rave about the varied and tasty selection, which includes regional dishes and drinks. This tour is excellent for travelers seeking an intimate, VIP-style experience, where they can savor authentic flavors without the crowds. The focus on a single, charming restaurant creates a cozy atmosphere, and the full meal makes it a good value at $135.72 per person. It suits those who want a deeper connection to Scottish cuisine and enjoy guided storytelling along the way.
Bottom Line: For foodies who want a flavorful, storytelling dinner experience in a cozy setting, this tour hits the mark.
3. The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour
Number 3 is the 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals, which scores 4.5 out of 5 from 58 reviews. This private tour lasts about 3 hours and allows you to tailor your experience based on your tastes. Led by a passionate local host, you’ll visit over five locations, including the Grassmarket and John Knox House Museum, with a focus on authentic local bites and drinks like whiskey, haggis, and regional specialties.
What makes this tour distinctive is its flexibility—it’s fully customizable, so you can focus on foods you love or want to try. The private setting also means you get undivided attention, and the tour is perfect for small groups, couples, or families seeking a personalized culinary adventure. Highlights include discovering hidden eateries and receiving tailored recommendations for the rest of your trip.
Reviewers mention that the tour felt very personalized and that the storytelling added depth to the tasting experience. At $179.97 per person, it’s a good investment for those who prioritize exclusivity and bespoke experiences.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a private, customized food tour that explores Edinburgh at your own pace, this is an excellent choice.
4. Edinburgh: VIP Food Tour at a Secret Traditional Restaurant
Coming in at number 4, this Edinburgh: VIP Food Tour at a Secret Traditional Restaurant offers an intimate, high-end experience. Priced at $133 per person, it lasts about 2 hours and 9 minutes, including a guided tour of the city’s hidden culinary gems. The tour includes tasting five traditional Scottish dishes and enjoying four regional drink pairings, from Cullen Skink to seafood delights and authentic desserts.
What makes this tour unique is its off-the-tourist-trail location and small-group format, which ensures personalized service. The guide is an expert in Scottish food and history, making each tasting part of a larger cultural story. The small group size and exclusive setting are perfect for travelers seeking a more refined, behind-the-scenes experience.
Guests rave about the food quality and the knowledge of the guide. The tour’s value lies in the quality of food and the exclusive access to a hidden restaurant, making it ideal for those wanting a memorable, boutique experience in Edinburgh’s culinary scene.
Bottom Line: For travelers craving a more private, upscale tasting experience in a secret spot, this VIP tour fits the bill.
5. Edinburgh: 4-Hour Guided Food and Drink Tour
Number 5, the Edinburgh: 4-Hour Guided Food and Drink Tour, offers a solid four-hour immersion into Edinburgh’s food and drink scene. With a focus on local history and multi-course meals, this tour includes a cheese and cracker starter, dinner overlooking Edinburgh Castle, a whisky tasting, and desserts at The Arcade. The guide, Wullie, is praised for his knowledge and friendliness, making the experience engaging and informative.
What makes this tour appealing is its combination of culinary highlights and cultural stories, including a whisky tasting that’s perfect for those wanting to learn about Scotch in context. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy Edinburgh’s vibrant atmosphere, especially for travelers short on time but wanting a comprehensive experience.
The value depends on whether you enjoy a longer, more varied tour, since it covers a lot in four hours. Its main audience is food and whisky lovers who want an easy, well-paced introduction to Edinburgh’s flavors and history.
Bottom Line: If you want an inclusive, multi-course experience that mixes food, drinks, and stories, this guided tour offers excellent value.
6. Edinburgh: Ceilidh Dance Night w/ Whisky & Traditional Food
Number 6 on our list is the lively Ceilidh Dance Night with Whisky and Traditional Food. Lasting about 4 hours, this experience combines Scottish music and dancing with traditional food and a welcome dram of whisky. The highlight is learning to dance with the help of a friendly ceilidh caller, making this a fun, interactive evening.
The tour features a Haggis, neeps & tatties platter, and a cash bar with Scottish drinks. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Scotland’s lively social culture rather than just taste food. The energetic atmosphere and opportunity to participate in dancing make it stand out.
Reviews note the friendly staff and good value for the full evening of entertainment. It’s best suited for active travelers or those wanting to combine food with entertainment and Scottish tradition in a fun-filled night.
Bottom Line: For an engaging night of Scottish music, dance, and food, this tour delivers authentic entertainment.
7. Edinburgh: Leith Waterfront Food Walking Tour
Rounding out our list, the Leith Waterfront Food Walking Tour offers a full day of food exploration. Starting with kedgeree in a historic ferry waiting room, the tour includes visits to a farmer’s market, a local brewery, and a trendy Spanish bar, ending with afternoon tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream.
This tour is ideal for those who want to spend a day exploring Edinburgh’s maritime side and culinary diversity. Highlights include tasting handcrafted quiches, sampling local beers, and enjoying sweet and savory treats—making it perfect for foodies eager to see more than just the city center.
The full-day format means you’ll cover a wide range of tastes and sights, and the variety makes it a good value. It’s best for travelers with a flexible schedule and a love for discovering local food traditions in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a comprehensive, full-day experience that combines food, history, and waterfront scenery, this tour fits the bill.
How to Choose Your Edinburgh Food Tour
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a quick but tasty overview, the VIP Traditional Restaurant offers a more intimate culinary experience. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, longer day, the Leith Waterfront Food Walking Tour covers a broad range of flavors in a relaxed pace.
For those interested in private, customizable experiences, the 10 Tastings of Edinburgh provides tailored tastings and local insights. Budget-conscious travelers might find the Food and Drink Guided Tour a good balance of variety and value.
Timing-wise, most tours run year-round but check availability in advance, especially for special nights like the ceilidh or full-day excursions. Booking early guarantees your spot, especially during peak travel seasons.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you want a quick tasting in a cozy restaurant, a private tailor-made adventure, or a lively night of traditional music and dance, there’s something to satisfy your appetite. For first-timers, the Food Tour with Scotch and Haggis provides a great foundational taste, while the Leith Waterfront Food Tour is perfect for soaking in local flavors all day. Consider your interests, time constraints, and budget, then book early to secure your spot—it’s a tasty way to experience Edinburgh beyond the usual sights.