Best Sunday roast in Edinburgh: 11 top places for a weekend visit

What better way to spend a Sunday than in your local boozer with a plate overflowing with Yorkshire puds and gravy? Britain’s most beloved weekend tradition is one that we wholeheartedly support, and has diners returning week on week to their favourite spots, hungry for plates of roasted meats with all the trimmings. If you're looking for a way to spend your weekend, but don't fancy slaving over your stove for hours, then why not give one of Edinburgh's best Sunday roasts a try instead?

Edinburgh has truly upped its restaurant game over the years, and now boasts several Michelin-starred spots that showcase the city's affinity to fine-dining. So, it should come as no surprise that they know how to whip up a pretty decent roast too. Edinburgh's rich history and stunning architecture just adds to the atmosphere, making a rather delightful backdrop to tuck into plates of crispy tatties. 

For visitors and locals alike, indulging in a hearty roast is an absolute must come Sunday and, lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. Many of the city's best pubs and restaurants serve up a stellar Sunday lunch, with everything from dedicated menus to multi-course feasts - whatever strikes your fancy. 

If you’re looking for the top roast dinners in Edinburgh, then you’ve come to the right place; Scotland’s capital is bursting with plenty of fabulous places to scoff roast beef and gravy. You'll find plenty of them served inside Edinburgh's cosy pubs, but we've also included a line-up of more refined Sunday lunches, where seasonal produce and tight presentation elevate the meal to new heights. From classic roasts with all the trimmings to slightly more creative twists on the traditional dining experience, the best roast dinners in Edinburgh are not to be missed.

Hawksmoor

What: Having already made a name for itself as one of London’s best steak restaurants, Hawksmoor’s first Scottish joint continues the legacy, cooking up a legendary Sunday roast. It’ll come as no surprise that it’s all about beef here, with 35-day dry-aged beef taking centre stage, surrounded by all your favourite trimmings: beef dripping roasties, carrots, buttered greens and gigantic Yorkshire puds, all drowned in bone marrow gravy. Don't forget to order a portion of Hawksmoor's signature stuffing, made with bone marrow and high-grade sausage. Set against the backdrop of an old banking hall - think sky-high ceilings, columned walls and lavish dark furnishings - it makes a rather luxurious lunch-time spot.
How much: From £29 per person
Where: 23 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Book now: Hawksmoor

Ardfern

What: The youngest of Roberta Hall-McCarron’s celebrated Edinburgh restaurant trio, Ardfern is the only one of the lot to serve a Sunday roast, but what a Sunday roast it is. There's only one option on the menu - a gorgeous rare beef rumpcap, with hash browns, seasonal greens, ox tongue stuffed Yorkshire pudding and gravy - as well as a veggie option, which swaps beef for stuffed courgette, served alongside veggie haggis, Yorkshire pudding, hash browns, carrots, greens and gravy. If you still feel able, we’d recommend squeezing in a filled doughnut or a Basque cheesecake to finish as well.
How much: £29.50 per person (£28 for vegetarian)
Where: 10-12 Bonnington Road, Bonnington, EH6 5JD
Book now: Ardfern

The Broughton

What: Located in the heart of the city centre, The Broughton is self-proclaimed as ‘everyone’s local’ with its cosy atmosphere, exposed brick walls and collections of brews, fine wines and creative cocktails. Not to mention the hearty plates of food that have made this a favourite amongst locals. A slightly elevated menu is on the cards here, with mains of roast pork loin or dry aged beef rump served with duck fat roast potatoes, glazed carrots and gravy. It’s all about the trimmings, with additional sides of pigs in blankets, cauliflower cheese and Caesar salad. 
How much: A la carte (roasts start from £25 per person)
Where: 46-48A Broughton Street, EH1 3SA
Book now: The Broughton

Kyloe

What: What list of the best roasts in Edinburgh would be complete without mentioning Kyloe? Another of the city’s top steakhouses, this independent restaurant pulls out all the stops every Sunday with its sharing roast. 28-day, dry-aged rump or sirloin comes from local Scottish farms and is carved at the table for an added theatrical touch. Alternatively, enjoy Kyloe's famous beef wellington, with servings for two, four or six people. And if you're sick of subpar portions, you'll be pleased to know that all Kyloe's sides are bottomless, so you don’t have to worry about running out of roasties. You’ll even get a sharing portion of sticky toffee pudding and ice cream at the end, so be sure to save room for dessert.
How much: Sharing roast frm £32.50 per person
Where: 1-3 Rutland Street, EH1 2AE
Book now: Kyloe

Brewhemia

What: Known for its theatrics and live entertainment, Brewhemia stands as Scotland’s only beer palace, offering a vibrant spot to sit back and relax when the weekend rolls around. Sunday lunches are a simple affair, with your choice of Scottish sirloin, vegetarian haggis wellington or roast pork knuckle, served with roasties, truffled mash, root veggies, seasonal greens, homemade Yorkshire pudding and lashings of gravy. Got little ones in tow? Brewhemia offers kids portions too, with half portions of roast beef or haggis wellington available to order. 
How much: From £22 per person
Where: 1 Market Street, EH1 1DE
Book now: Brewhemia

Le Petit Beefbar

What: Having already conquered most of the world, Le Petit Beefbar has made its way across the border, offering brasserie-style dining in The George hotel. This 18th century townhouse offers a slightly more upmarket space for your weekend roast, with menus featuring beef striploin or chicken in beefbar sauce, or a cauliflower steak roasted with brown butter, ensuring that everyone is catered for. Paired with Yorkshire puds, roasties, carrots, broccolini, hispi cabbage and drowned in gravy, this one is bound to go down a treat. And if you've got a real appetite, why not order a delicious dessert? Think French toast nibbles with Chantilly and prailine cream, or the signature cheesecake, made with a changing seasonal flavour. 
How much: One course for £35, two courses for £45
Where: 21-25 George Street, EH2 2PB
Book now: Le Petit Beefbar

The Sheep Heid Inn

What: More than just your local watering hole, The Sheep Heid Inn stands as Scotland’s oldest pub; a relaxing spot that’s steeped in history. It’s had a bit of a revamp since it first opened, although it still retains nods to the past with dark furnishings and wooden beamed ceilings. Beef, chicken and pork are all on the menu, with a sweet potato, butternut and chestnut roast for veggies. Classic sides complete the meal, as well as the option to order dauphinoise potatoes or cheesy leeks with cavolo nero. Once you’re finished with your roast, be sure to head over to the skittles alley for some bowling.
How much: From £19.75 per person
Where: 43-45 The Causeway, EH15 3QA
Book now: The Sheep Heid Inn

The Queens Arms

What: This quirky boozer has made a name for itself with its extravagant shelves of books and a chandelier made from upturned wine glasses. But that's not all! The Queens Arms is also famous for its sharing roast platters, complete with all of the best trimmings. If you're looking for something a bit different, there are also a range of Queen's Classic dishes spanning fish and chips, haggis, neeps and tatties, and an award-winning steak pie. For dessert? It's your choice of sticky toffee pud, Cranachan cheesecake, chocolate fondant and more. Roasts are served till they run out, so be sure to get there early so you're not left disappointed.
How much: A la carte (roasts start from £18 per person)
Where: 49 Frederick Street, EH2 1EP
Book now: The Queens Arms

The Orchard Bar and Restaurant

What: This drinking den is a relaxed little spot seven days a week, but it's on Sundays when things really get roasting. Located in the heart of Canonmills, The Orchard Bar and Restaurant offers up a full spread every weekend with a choice of Scotch beef, lamb or chicken supreme paired with roasties, Yorkshire puddings, tenderstem broccoli, carrots and red wine gravy. Be sure to try one of the site's ever-changing guest ales, or one of the cask whiskeys if that's more your style. The pub also hosts regular art exhibitions in its side room, so make sure to swing by as you leave. 
How much: From £25 per person
Where: 1-2 Howard Place, EH3 5JZ
Book now: The Orchard Bar and Restaurant

Tattu

What: Fancy something a little different to your usual Sunday roast? Tattu takes this weekly tradition and gives it an Asian twist, with a Sunday Roast menu offering Imperial Meats served alongside fusion trimmings. We're talking aromatic roast duck, Chinese BBQ chicken, honey glazed char siu pork and caramel soy steak paired with steamed bao buns, Chinese green beans and salt and pepper roasties. There are veggie options, wine pairings and delicious desserts, including Asian pear sticky toffee pudding and yuzu lemon drop. Combined with Tattu's iconic blossom ceiling, you may never return to a regular roast after this.
How much: £34.50 per person
Where: The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA
Book now: Tattu

Black Ivy

What: Part hotel, part restaurant, Black Ivy is a lively hub in the heart of Brunsfield, offering internationally-inspired plates, late-night drinking, live entertainment and hearty Sunday roasts. Pick from Scotch striploin of beef, chicken supreme or a veggie nut roast served alongside unlimited gravy and bottomless giant Yorkies. You'll also get thyme buttered carrots, honey roast parnsips, green beans and beef dripping roast potatoes, with the option to add on cauliflower cheese, blackened sprouts with bacon and goeey mac and cheese. If you don't fancy a classic roast, there are plenty of other dishes available to order on Sundays too. 
How much: £26 per person (vegetarian for £22)
Where: 4 Alvanley Terrace, Bruntsfield, EH9 1DU
Book now: Black Ivy

Now that you’re sorted for Sunday, why not take a look at one of the best boozy brunches in Edinburgh to complete your weekend festivities. And if you're looking to kickstart your day a bit earlier, here's where to head for a slap-up breakfast in Edinburgh.