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 a charcoal roasted rump of 35-day dry-aged beef taking centre stage, surrounded by all your favourite trimmings: beef dripping roasties, carrots, cauliflower cheese and gigantic Yorkshire puds, all drowned in bone marrow gravy. 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.
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, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. If you still feel able, we’d recommend squeezing in a filled doughnut or a Basque cheesecake to finish as well.
Where: 10-12 Bonnington Road, Bonnington, EH6 5JD
Book now: Ardfern

Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison, Edinburgh & Edinburgh City

What: With sites in both Edinburgh city and Leith, Chez Mal Brasserie is a go-to for Sunday roasts in the capital. Choose between two or three courses, including appetisers from The Chef's Table, one of the Chateau Roasts, and a classic dessert. There's beef sirloin, pork fillet and chicken breast as well as stonebass and creamy lentil stuffed squash for the vegans in your party. On the drinks front, you'll find Bloody Marys on offer, alongside soft drinks, beer, wine and more.
Where: 1 Tower Place, EH6 7BZ; 22 St Andrews Square, EH2 1AY
Book now: Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Edinburgh; Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Edinburgh City

Bistro du Vin

What: Decorated with white tablecloths and low-level lighting, Bistro du Vin is a tasteful, charming place to spend a Sunday. Its Sunday roast offering comes as either two or three courses, with a full buffet spanning hot soup, smoked salmon, charcuterie, grilled vegetables and fresh breads to start. The main event is a toss up between roast beef sirloin or chicken with stuffing, serving with all the trimmings. If you're in the mood for a sweet treat, there's an array of classic desserts like creme brulee, tarte tatin and French artisan cheeses. 
Where: 11 Bristo Place, EH1 1EZ
Book now: Bistro du Vin

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 herb roast chicken or dry aged beef rump served with duck fat roast potatoes, glazed carrots and gravy. Here, it’s all about the trimmings, with additional sides of pigs in blankets, sage and onion pork stuffing or Koffman chips with parmesan and truffle oil.
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. 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.
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 two or three-course affair, with starters of gin cured smoked salmon or greek flatbreads with hummus and pomegranate, followed by your choice of sirloin, paprikash chicken or roast porchetta. Can’t choose? Just get all three! Served with roasties, maple glazed vegetables, seasonal greens and unlimited Yorkshire puds, all smothered with lashings of homemade gravy.
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 even a meat-free bavette, ensuring that everyone is catered for. Paired with Yorkshire puds, Wagyu beef dripping roasties, carrots, broccolini and drowned in beef marrow gravy, this one is bound to go down a treat.
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 fig and dolcelatte roast for veggies. Classic sides complete the meal, as well as the option to order dauphinoise potatoes or stuffing wrapped in bacon. Once you’re finished with your roast, be sure to head over to the skittles alley for some bowling.
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. You'll even get a sharing dessert as part of the deal - which sounds pretty sweet to us. If you're looking for something a bit different, you can even try the sharing pie of the day, served with seasonal veggies, lashings of gravy and a herby mash. Roasts are served till they run out, so be sure to get there early so you're not left disappointed.
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, pork shoulder or chicken supreme paired with roasties, Yorkshire puddings, tenderstem broccoli and more. 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.
Where: 1-2 Howard Place, EH3 5JZ
Book now: The Orchard Bar and Restaurant

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.