In a city as old as Edinburgh, it's no surprise that some of our eateries have been serving for decades - if not centuries.
It's said that half of businesses launched don't make it past the first five years, but there's a few Edinburgh establishments that have far surpassed that mark. From tiny Stockbridge steakhouses to grand George Street dining rooms, we have some long standing outlets here in the capital.
While we all love to try something new, there's a reason these spots have stood the test of time. Check out our list below of some of the city's longest standing eateries, and see if you spot your favourite.
READ MORE - Seven lost Edinburgh eateries we wish could be brought back to the city
Bell’s Diner
Having served burgers and steaks since 1972, Bell’s is a Stockbridge staple. The one room restaurant may be tiny, but they’ve built a sizable reputation over time.
Their no nonsense meals have gained them regular customers as well as a never ending parade of tourists, and kept the business going for 50 years. Next time you’re in Stockbridge, stop in and see what’s going on at Bell’s.
Café Royal
Originally opened right across the street in 1826, Café Royal has been housed in its current location since 1863 - so some could argue it’s been serving the people of Edinburgh for almost 200 years.
The stunning decor and stained glass windows keep the tourists coming through the doors, looking for a slice of that ‘old Edinburgh’ we’re known so well for. There was a stint in the late ‘60s where Café Royal almost became a thing of the past, when the owner tried to sell to Woolworths.
Thankfully, the city stepped in and thousands petitioned to save the sale.
Viva Mexico
Fast forward a few decades to 1984, and Edinburgh welcomed Viva Mexico. Reportedly the city’s first ever Mexican restaurant, the eatery has sat in the same spot on Cockburn Street since.
Serving up favourites such as enchiladas, fajitas and tacos - it’s been a hit with locals and tourists alike for almost 40 years now. Back in 2019, owners Julio and Judith Gonzalez decided to retire from the business.
Fans of Mexican cuisine across the city were left hanging, though it didn’t take long for the business to find a new owner and return to its former glory.
The Witchery by the Castle
Opened in 1979 by chef James Thompson, the Witchery by the Castle initially ran with just three members of staff - and has grown to employ over 70 people.
Housed in Boswell’s Court, a building erected in 1595, it’s said to be haunted by one of the women burned for witchcraft on Castlehill in the 25th and 16th centuries. Celebrities including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Catherine Zeta-Jones have stayed in the adjoining hotel, in one of the eight Gothic style rooms.
These days, the Witchery has a four star rating on TripAdvisor and sits 264th out of 1,772 restaurants in the city.
Vittoria
Vittoria on Leith Walk has been serving the people of Edinburgh for over 50 years, opened by Alberto Crolla in 1970.
The business was passed on to Alberto’s son Tony in 1994, with the business having expanded onto George IV Bridge. Alberto passed away just last year, though Vittoria continues on as an Edinburgh institution.
Sign up to our Edinburgh Live nostalgia newsletters for more local history and heritage content straight to your inbox
Rendezvous
One of Edinburgh’s original Chinese restaurants, Rendezvous was established way back in 1956 on the city’s Queensferry Street where it still stands today.
Serving authentic Cantonese and Peking cuisine, the spot is a firm favourite with visitors to the city as well as residents - which explains their 66 year run.
Maxies
This family-run spot has been a staple in Edinburgh’s Old Town since 1980.
Boasting one of the finest outdoor terraces in the city, it's no surprise that Maxies has stood the test of time.
The Sheep Heid
Some may argue it’s a pub, though the Sheep Heid Inn describe themselves as a ‘pub, bar, restaurant and courtyard.’
It’s thought that there’s been an inn on the site since 1360, though the core of the current building is said to be from the 18th century. If the 1360 foundation date is correct, it could make the inn not only the oldest surviving licensed premises in Edinburgh - but the whole of Scotland.
In addition to this claim the Sheep Heid can also boast the country's last surviving old fashioned bowling alley, built around 1880.
The Dome
First built as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland in 1847, the Dome is a category A listed building - which now houses a bar, restaurant and nightclub.
In 1993, the Royal Bank of Scotland decided that the building was no longer viable for the business and moved on to St Andrew Square office with 14 George Square put up for sale. Caledonian Heritable Ltd purchased the building and formed The Dome, opening its doors to the public in 1996.
Since then, it’s become one a ‘must’ for any visitor to the city - known especially for their festive decor over the Christmas period (even if some do say it goes up a little early).
Royal Yacht Britannia
To some it’s a yacht, to others it’s a visitors attraction - but the fact of the matter is that it does contain a restaurant, which has been serving since 1998.
The formal royal yacht of the British monarchy, the boat was in HMY Britannia was in service from 1954 until 1997. The Queen was once quoted as saying: “Britannia is the one place where I can truly relax.”
These days, the yacht is permanently docked in Leith - bringing in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Onboard, you can dine in the Royal Deck Tea Room - and treat yourself like royalty.
The King’s Wark
It may be a pub of sorts, but anyone who’s been in for their Sunday roast knows The King’s Wark is as good a restaurant as any.
The building was erected by King James I in the early 15th century, though was damaged by fire by the mid 16th century. Mary Queen of Scots ordered a rebuild, though this only lasted until 1690 when they were destroyed again by fire.
In 1613, King James VI gave the buildings to Bernard Lindsay and empowered him to keep four taverns on site. The King’s Wark has stood as it does today for several decades and while it was once nicknamed ‘the jungle’ after its rowdy clientele, the up-and-coming nature of the shore has seen the spot grow massively in popularity.
READ NEXT:
Old Edinburgh nightclubs from the 00s and beyond that we still miss today
Remembering the lost Edinburgh roadside restaurant - once every kid's dream
Seven lost Edinburgh eateries we wish could be brought back to the city
Edinburgh residents recall legendary sweet shop Casey’s
The Edinburgh nightclub lost forever after a Western-themed party ended in disaster
