From Breakfast to Cocktails: 24 Hours of Food on George Street, Edinburgh
If Edinburgh is the capital of Scottish elegance, then George Street is its culinary catwalk. Lined with sandstone facades, boutique hotels, designer shops and polished windows, this iconic boulevard isn’t just a place to be seen—it’s a place to eat exceptionally well.
In this guide, we’ll take you through 24 hours of food on George Street, from your first morning espresso to that last nightcap—each moment packed with flavour, ambience and a touch of Edinburgh charm.
Planning a foodie trip? Don’t miss our review of The Witchery in Edinburgh for a gothic dining experience.
☕ 8:00 AM – Best Coffee to Start the Day: The Edinburgh Press Club
Kick off your day with a flat white or oat milk cappuccino from The Edinburgh Press Club. Just off the east end of George Street, this café is known for its calm Scandinavian interiors, local roast beans, and buttery almond croissants.
Why go?
✔ Quality coffee
✔ Free Wi-Fi for early planners
✔ Laid-back atmosphere
🍳 9:30 AM – Brunch Time: The Ivy on the Square
Walk west and you’ll hit The Ivy, a high-glam brunch spot with art deco touches and velvet booths. Order the lobster benedict or the hot buttermilk pancakes stacked with berries and yoghurt. Brunch cocktails here are almost mandatory—try the Bellini.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead—this place is always buzzing on weekends.
🥂 12:00 PM – Midday Glass & Light Bite: Browns Brasserie & Bar
Perfect for a no-fuss yet classy lunch, Browns offers modern British fare with a bistro twist. A chilled glass of white Burgundy paired with their smoked haddock fishcake or chicken liver parfait is all you need to recharge.
Sit near the windows to people-watch—George Street is prime for that.
🛍️ 2:00 PM – Sweet Pause: Hotel Chocolat or The Pastry Section
Need a sugar boost? Hotel Chocolat offers decadent dark hot chocolate and tiny truffles. But for something more artisan, pop into The Pastry Section (just a few steps off George Street) for lemon drizzle cake or a flaky cinnamon twist.
🥗 3:30 PM – Afternoon Graze: Dishoom Edinburgh
Although technically on St Andrew Square (just off George Street), Dishoom deserves a spot on this itinerary. Their small plates and chai are iconic. Try the chilli cheese toast or gunpowder potatoes, paired with a monsoon espresso martini if you’re feeling bold.
Why it fits: It’s between lunch and dinner, just like Dishoom’s menu.
🕯️ 6:00 PM – Dinner Elegance: Hawksmoor Edinburgh
This is where George Street turns on its golden-hour glamour. Hawksmoor is legendary for its grass-fed British beef, dry-aged sirloin steaks, and old-school martinis.
Book a booth, share the bone-in prime rib, and let the house sommelier walk you through their outstanding wine list.
Vegetarian? Their roasted aubergine with tahini and pomegranate is no afterthought.
🍸 9:00 PM – Cocktail Time: The Dome
No George Street food journey is complete without stepping into The Dome. Lit like a movie set, this neoclassical building is home to one of the city’s most opulent cocktail bars.
Order a Smoky Old Fashioned or their signature Scottish Raspberry Bramble, and enjoy it under the chandeliers.
Holiday season bonus: The Dome’s Christmas décor is Instagram legend.
🍷 10:30 PM – Late-Night Wind Down: Le Monde Hotel Champagne Bar
For a softer, quieter close, head to Le Monde Hotel’s champagne bar for a final flute or a digestif. The vibe here is velvet sophistication without the pretension.
Pair it with a cheese board or dark chocolate truffle if your sweet tooth returns.
🌃 Summary: George Street in 24 Delicious Hours
| Time | Spot | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Edinburgh Press Club | Flat white & almond croissant |
| 9:30 AM | The Ivy | Lobster Benedict + Bellini |
| 12:00 PM | Browns Brasserie | Fishcake + Burgundy |
| 2:00 PM | The Pastry Section | Lemon drizzle or hot chocolate |
| 3:30 PM | Dishoom | Gunpowder potatoes + chai |
| 6:00 PM | Hawksmoor | Sirloin steak + classic martini |
| 9:00 PM | The Dome | Bramble under chandeliers |
| 10:30 PM | Le Monde | Champagne & peace |
🧠 FAQs About Eating on George Street, Edinburgh
1. Is George Street expensive to eat on?
It leans upscale, but there are smart lunch menus and off-peak offers at most restaurants.
2. Are reservations necessary?
For dinner (especially Hawksmoor, The Ivy or The Dome), absolutely. Book 2–3 days in advance, more on weekends.
3. Is there vegan or vegetarian food?
Yes—many spots like Dishoom, The Ivy, and even Hawksmoor offer great plant-based options.
4. Can I do this itinerary in winter?
Definitely. In fact, George Street is magical in winter—The Dome’s Christmas lights are iconic.
5. Is this walkable?
Totally. George Street is just under 1 km end-to-end, perfect for a slow food crawl.
Final Thoughts
George Street, Edinburgh isn’t just about polished facades and designer windows—it’s a full-day journey through Scottish sophistication, global flavours, and timeless indulgence.
Whether you’re a traveller hungry for discovery or a local rediscovering your city, there’s no better way to taste Edinburgh than one George Street bite at a time.
