Edinburgh attracts millions of visitors from across the globe every year on account of its beauty and history - there's no doubt the capital is a city with dozens of stories to tell.
And while the majority of tourists will ensure to cross the likes of the Castle, Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat off their must-see list, an increasing number of visitors are spending a good portion of their stay in Leith on account of its menu of food and drink options, its energy, culture and a chance to enjoy capital life by the water.
So attractive is Leith as a destination these days, luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller has just compiled a 10 best things to do in Leith list, for anyone paying a visit from overseas, across the country and perhaps for residents of Edinburgh too.
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A big part of their round-up features food and drink spots, with locals helping to narrow down the list to pick out six bars, cafes, restaurants and markets you should be heading to if you want to make the most of Leith.
Here's where Conde Nast recommend and what they say:
William and Johnson’s
"Tucked away in a backstreet, this achingly cool coffee shop, roastery and art space at Custom’s Wharf offers those who visit more than just a good quality coffee and perfect crema, the flagship cafe invites visitors into its airy loft space to learn more about the entire bean to brew process as well as meander the gallery space and gift shop."
The Pitt Street food market
"Open Friday through to Sunday, grab a craft beer or a glass of organic wine and dig into the culture here.
"Ròst, Edinburgh's street food royalty and Pitt resident since day one, is a particularly popular option, serving seasonal and local Scottish street food with a creative twist, including the iconic crispy pheasant burger."
Heron
"Heron offers farm-to-table fine dining with an a-la-carte menu that pivots every few weeks to showcase the best of Scotland’s seasonal produce, housed in a prominent Victoria corner building that surveys the river mouth.
"The setting is mellow with a permanent Friday feeling and the food is a beautifully balanced, considered smorgasbord of rich, smokey and fragrant dishes."
Fishers on the Shore
"Ask a local Leith resident where to head for fish and chips and they’ll tell you ‘Fishers on the Shore’ without so much as a pause for breath."
"At the base of a 17th-century windmill, fortified during the Napoleonic Wars, this dockland seafood bistro is an enchanting mix of fresh seafood (oysters, fishcakes, fish soup and a chilled seafood platter including everything from smoked salmon and trout to oysters, prawns and crab claws) and maritime decor to set the scene."
Smoke & Mirrors
"Serving a range of locally brewed beers and cocktails in an enclave of biophilic decoration (that’s plants, in layman's terms) and fairy lights, pull up a mismatched chair and settle in the evening, alongside some of the area’s trendiest locals and their dogs."
Leith Farmers Market
"Right beside the Water of Leith, small, independent traders cluster together on a Saturday to give visitors a taste of street food, crafts, original artwork and other locally-sourced wares.
"From meats and cheeses to upcycled jewellery and watercolour portraits, this atmospheric gathering is an easy way to get a flavour for the area and stock up on souvenirs and snacks."
To see the Conde Nast Traveller list in full you can visit their website here.
Do you agree with Conde Nast's recommendations? Let us know in the comments!
