This year has seen a lot of exciting new bars and restaurants joining the capital's already burgeoning food and drink scene, with everything from big chains to smaller independents announcing launches.
It's an exciting time if you're a foodie or a drinks fan, and gives Edinburgh Live even more excuses to get out there and find the best of these new openings for you to enjoy.
With that in mind, here are some of the biggest and most exciting new openings we've covered in 2023.
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Restaurants
Chaiiwala, Fort Kinnaird
Chaiiwala made its debut in Edinburgh in March as the New Delhi style café opened its doors in the capital.
The unit located at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird is bringing a taste of India to foodies in the capital with customers able to enjoy some of Chaiiwala's signature hot drinks including their Caramel Chaii, Garam Chocolate, Pink Chaii and Cinnamon Tea.
Not only this, but those visiting the street-food style café will also be able to devour delicious dishes such as their Desi Breakfast, English-Ish Breakfast, Karachi Bun Kebab, Chicken Tikka in Naan and Masala Chips.
Edinburgh Street Food, Omni Centre
Set to be the place to go this summer for people looking for the freshest dishes and most exciting drinks, Edinburgh Street Food (ESF) took over a corner of the Omni Centre in February.
Offering the hottest and freshest Street Food vendors, Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland has to offer, ESF is packed to the brim with different styles of cuisine with everything from delicious Vegan tacos to mouth-watering Peruvian dishes on offer.
Kuzina, New Town
Described as an ‘Authentic Taste of Greece with a Modern Twist’, Kuzina opened at 18 Howe Street in April and offers the "finest Greek food and flavours".
Named for the Greek word for Kitchen, this exciting restaurant is serving up some innovative Greek dishes.
Tipo, Hanover Street
Top Edinburgh chef Stuart Ralston announced he would be opening his latest venture on Hanover Street in March.
The celebrated chef, who is behind the Top 100 National Restaurant Aizle and Michelin Bib-awarded Noto, confirmed that he and business partner Jade Johnston have opened Tipo, which would have a menu focussing on a modern take on European cuisine, with in-house prepared ingredients such as fresh pasta and cured and aged-charcuterie and cheeses.
Duck & Waffle, St James Quarter
Edinburgh was named as the first location outside of London to get its own Duck & Waffle and the first Scottish restaurant has made a big impact since it opened.
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 offers 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.
Skua, Stockbridge
Chef patron duo, Tomás Gormley and Sam Yorke, who originally launched the popular Heron restaurant in Leith, introduced their second venture, Skua in spring.
Featuring a menu of small plates inspired by the seasons and an innovative drinks list featuring cocktails, beers, spirits, and natural and rare wines curated by Heron bar manager, Seoiridh Fraser, the latest restaurant has opened on St Stephen Street.
Assagini, Rose Street
This exciting new Italian restaurant opened in Edinburgh's city centre, focusing on fresh and flavourful small plates.
Launching on Rose Street, Assagini offers a casual and contemporary dining experience across two floors with space for over 160 guests.
Bars
Timorous Beastie, Bernard Street
Tim’rous Beastie opened at Bernard Street in March offering a wide variety of musical acts from techno to folk music.
While the name is new, the venue will be familiar to many as the much-loved spot Iso-Bar.
Buck's Bar, Grindlay Street
Buck's Bar, which first launched in Glasgow in 2016, recently launched its first restaurant in the capital (Friday, April 14) with a new venue near Lothian Road, close to the Lyceum Theatre.
Grindlay Street is now home to Edinburgh's first Buck's, with the 50-cover restaurant promising rock and roll, good times and the very best in fried chicken.
On the menu, you'll find American classics such as Chicken and Waffles, Nashville Hot style chicken, and of course, the ever-popular wings – as well as an extensive menu of chicken burgers.
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