With the new year on its way, people are already beginning to look forward to 2023 and all the new and exciting things coming to the capital.
And nowhere is this more obvious than in Edinburgh's thriving food and drink scene, which has a packed schedule of new openings and events happening to keep even the fussiest foodie happy.
So, to bring in the New Year in style – which we all know the city does better than anyone else – here are some of the best new bar and restaurant openings, collaborations and exciting launches to look forward to.
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Duck & Waffle, St James Quarter
Edinburgh has been named as the first location outside of London to get its own Duck & Waffle and we can't wait to see what the famous team have in store for their first Scottish restaurant.
With a menu created around the brand’s namesake dish; Duck & Waffle, made with crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup, the exciting new restaurant will offer new dishes showcasing a blend of the brand’s signature, innovative executions made with the very best, Scottish sourced ingredients developed exclusively for Edinburgh.
Highlights include the specially created for Scotland Deep Fried Haggis Bar crafted with a rich layering of ox cheek, haggis and duck fat caramel and served with a side of Bovril.
Read more about Duck & Waffle.
Hope Izakaya, Queensferry Street
Located on Queensferry Street, the site formerly occupied by Italian pizzeria Quattro Zero, is now home to a brand-new Japanese eatery and bar.
Informing locals of their incoming arrival, the restaurant was seen covered in Star Wars-themed frontage and decor, exciting fans of the film franchise.
The Izakaya is being introduced by the same team behind Hope Omurisu, a popular Japanese restaurant on Nicolson Street.
Read more about Hope Izakaya.
Junk: Bar & Restaurant, Newington
Cameron and Jade Laidlaw have just launched Junk: Bar & Restaurant in Newington after creating a hugely successful street food offering that has seen them win big at not only the Scottish and British Street Food Awards but also take home two awards at the European event.
Dishes on offer at the South Clerk Street restaurant will include their British Street Food award-winning Monsieur Crabs; soft shell crab kaarage, yuzu kosho tartare, kimchi and flaked Port Seaton white crab meat; and European Street Food beast snack award-winning Spanish Armada; crispy Jersey Royals, sobrassada, aioli, charred lemon, puree de patatas and black garlic.
Read more about Junk.
Patina, Edinburgh Park
Tucked away at Edinburgh Park just off the tram route, this exciting new venue combines a restaurant, bar and bakery.
Launched by the team behind Newcastle’s Kiln, they have been serving up a "contemporary European and Levantine-inspired menu", offering up small plates and snacks like Gordal Olives and East Coast Cured salami alongside a seasonal mains menu, sweet treats from the bakery and stunning wines and cocktails.
Read more about Patina.
EL&N, St James Quarter
EL&N, who have multiple branches in London, as well as European cities such as Paris and Milan, arrived at St James Quarter in November bringing their world-famous pink and punchy décor to Edinburgh's city centre with their first Scottish location.
They offer sweet treats as colourful and vibrant as their interior.
Read more about EL&N.
Tipo, Hanover Street
Expected to open its doors in March 2023, the popular Aizle owner will be welcoming customers to 'Tipo', a new dining experience serving a selection of small plates.
It is reported to be a more casual restaurant than the likes of Aizle, which has been listed as one of the top fine-dining spots on multiple occasions.
Offering dishes such as fresh pasta and charcuterie boards, the meals will be paired with a selection of different cocktails and wines.
Read more about Tipo.
Foodstory, Easter Road
A hugely popular sustainable café, which first opened in Aberdeen in 2012, opened its new site in the capital at the start of December
The exciting new cafe on Easter Road is designed to be a space for people to gather and socialise as well as eat locally sourced, sustainable food and drink great coffee.
Read more about Foodstory.
The Slice Girls, out and about in East Lothian
Two dinner ladies from East Lothian hit upon a novel idea to make some extra dough in their spare time.
During the week, friends Laura Robertson and Deborah Stenhouse work together in the kitchen at Yester Primary school in Gifford.
But at the weekend the pair saddle up and head out in their bright yellow horsebox, selling their range of quality homemade pizzas.
The pair are now often found galloping around the lanes of East Lothian and will then park up in small villages like East Saltoun, Gifford, Ormiston, Athelstaneford, Prestonpans, Haddington, and Gullane.
Read more about the Slice Girls.
The Black Grape, Cannongate
Experienced restaurateur Murray Ainslie is helming the new restaurant at the former Pancho Villas site on Edinburgh’s Canongate will focus on small plates designed for sharing.
The team say they are developing a menu of "irresistible dishes" including beef tataki, yuzu hollandaise and crispy shallots; bbq fillet tail, peppercorn sauce and black pepper oil; nduja arancini, fennel and lemon; and fried potato skins, caviar and sour cream.
Read more about The Black Grape.
Tuk Tuk, Drummond Street
Popular Indian street food restaurant Tuk Tuk has just opened up its second branch in the capital on Drummond Street in the Southside area.
Delicious favourites on the new menu include chicken lollipops, puri yoghurt bombs, and Bengali fish cakes. There are also many classic curries like the Bombay chilli chicken and railway station lamb curry.
Read more about Tuk Tuk Southside.
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