Top Indian Restaurants in Edinburgh - A Local's Guide

Edinburgh might be thousands of miles from India, but its Indian food scene is genuinely excellent. Whether you need a comforting dal makhani after a long flight or want to impress visiting family with a proper thali, the Scottish capital delivers. After 20 years of eating across the city, here is my honest guide - no sponsored recommendations, just the places I actually take my own family to.

Just off the Royal Mile (enter from Google Maps), this is consistently Edinburgh's best Indian restaurant. The tapas-style format means you can try 4-5 dishes in one sitting. Their dal makhani (slow-cooked overnight with cream) is the best in Scotland. Order the lamb saag, fish curry, and a garlic naan. Book at least a week ahead for weekends via their website. Mains: £12-16.

The Bombay-Irani cafe chain's Edinburgh outpost is in a beautiful Georgian building. Their signature black daal (cooked for 24 hours) is legendary, and the chicken ruby pairs perfectly with roomali roti. Go for breakfast too - the bacon naan roll (£7.50) is famous. No reservations for small groups - expect 20-40 min wait at peak times. Check wait times on Dishoom's site.

Hidden on the Royal Mile, this tiny spot serves the best Punjabi street food in Edinburgh. Their mixed pakora platter (onion, potato, paneer, chicken - £8.50) is outstanding, and the masala chai is brewed fresh with cardamom. Perfect for a quick lunch between Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. No booking needed.

With branches on Nicolson Street, Leith Walk, and Dalry Road, Tuk Tuk is the go-to for affordable Indian. Their thali (£12.95) includes dal, curry, rice, naan, and dessert. The pani puri is surprisingly authentic. The Nicolson Street branch is closest to the University of Edinburgh central campus - popular with students.

10 to 10 in Newington (65 South Clerk Street) serves huge portions of North Indian food for under £10 - their chana masala with naan is £7.50. Kebab Mahal on West Nicolson Street is open until 2 AM on weekends - a lifesaver after late study sessions or night outs. For South Indian, Haldi on Dalry Road serves excellent dosas, idlis, and vada at reasonable prices.

After your meal, pick up gulab jamun and jalebi from Krishna Foods on Gorgie Road - they get fresh deliveries on Fridays. We have a full guide to Indian grocery shopping in Edinburgh with addresses and prices.

The curry houses directly on the Royal Mile near the Castle Esplanade are overpriced and mediocre. Walk 5 minutes down any side street for better food at half the price. Also skip the 'Indian buffet' places on Rose Street - the quality is consistently poor.

- Best overall: Mother India's Cafe - book here
- Best ambiance: Dishoom Edinburgh - website
- Best street food: The Pakora Bar (Royal Mile, no booking needed)
- Best value: Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food - menu
- Best for students: 10 to 10 in Newington
- Best South Indian: Haldi on Dalry Road

For more Edinburgh tips, check our guide to Indian student life in Scotland and the best time to visit Scotland.