For hundreds of years Leith was a port town and separate from the City of Edinburgh (which it only joined in 1920) and that commercial and industrial past has left its mark on the area. Leith has an attitude like nowhere else in the city. Indeed, it still has a stubborn, independent streak to this day.
The dockers and shipyards may now be mostly gone, but recent gentrification has seen families, young professionals, immigrants and students move to the area. Today you’ll be spoilt for choice with artisan cafes, bakeries and bars, fine dining and independent shops - not to mention an active creative scene.
Gritty, vibrant and changing for the better - just be careful not to run into Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting character Begbie.
Modern European eatery open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Montreal-style bagels in Scotland
Industrial Estate Brewery Taproom
Vintage boutique
Venue and Bar
Gourmet Burgers & Beers
Intimate Asian Fusion
Sicilian Street Food
Nautical Cocktails
Barbers & Craic
Laid Back Bistro
Eateries & Drinkeries
An absolute Leith institution
Responsibly Sourced Boozer
Late Night Pies
Brunch Spot at The Shore
Sourdough Breads, Pastries and Doughnuts
Flagship Coffee
The Best Brunch. Period.
Antiques & Vintage
Historic Italian Food
The best sourdough pizza
Speciality coffee
Big Hot Focaccia Sandwiches
Chef and owner Kamil opened this modern European eatery on Great Junction Street in 2018. This is high-end restaurant food, in a very relaxed and homely setting.
The menu is a delight of flavour combinations, such as pigeon breast with wild mushroom and bulgur wheat cake, pickled beetroot, and pear. Or go for the reinvention of haggis, neeps & tatties in bon-bon form.
Aurora is open for weekend brunch as well - and their full Scottish breakfast is highly recommended.
Did I mention it’s a total bargain too? Book now, Aurora is going places.
