Private Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour

Private Edinburgh Old Town Food & Drinks Tour

A wee wander in Auld Reekie’s most historic streets, paired with its most iconic bites. A private experience for families, corporate groups, and celebrations. Your schedule, your pace, your people.
National Geographic
Rick Steves
Lonely Planet
Fodors
Virgin

A wee wander in Auld Reekie's most historic streets, paired with its most iconic bites.

Ages: 7+
Duration: 3 hours
Departs: Daily 11:00 am, 3:00 pm
Stops: 5
Group Size: Max. 12
Location: Old Town & New Town
171 Reviews

Highlights

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town — the medieval Royal Mile and elegant Georgian crescents — exclusively with your group and a private guide.

Hesitant about haggis? Try haggis bon bons with whisky marmalade — the modern twist that makes converts.

Taste a selection of locally produced Scottish cheeses from a family-owned cheesemonger.

Explore Victoria Street, said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and the famous Royal Mile.

Savour proper fish and chips at a Grassmarket pub — with a spooky twist to boot.

Slurp a bowl of Cullen skink, the rich smoked-haddock soup that’s a Scottish staple.

Finish with an indulgent stuffed cookie — the dessert worthy of the Royal Mile.

Built for families, couples and celebrations, corporate teams, and groups of friends — Edinburgh’s Scottish classics, on your schedule.

Tour Description

Looking for a private Edinburgh food tour through the medieval charm of Old Town and the Georgian elegance of New Town? Our Private Old Town Food & Drinks Tour walks the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket across 5 stops, designed exclusively for your group, with everything you came to Edinburgh to taste.

In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, your private guide takes you to some of the Royal Mile’s best hidden spots. From haggis bon bons with whisky marmalade and Cullen skink to iconic fish and chips at a Grassmarket pub and a stuffed-cookie finale, you’ll sample quintessential Scottish flavours in new and exciting ways. Discover the city’s food culture through locally made cheeses from a family-run cheesemonger, traditional pub fare, and unexpected culinary delights — all paired with a wander down legendary Victoria Street (the one that inspired Diagon Alley) and through the historic closes that tumble down from the castle.

Who this private food tour is for

  • Families with kids 7 and up — Scottish food can be bold, the modern haggis bon bons make great kid-friendly entry points
  • Couples and celebrations — anniversaries, milestone birthdays, romantic Edinburgh weekends, proposals on the Royal Mile
  • Corporate groups and team building — Edinburgh Festival and Fringe client programs, Hogmanay incentive trips, executive offsites, finance and tech client hosting
  • Groups of friends — private celebrations, hen and stag weekends, foodie reunions
  • First-time visitors to Scotland — the most efficient introduction to Scottish food and Edinburgh’s history in one tour
  • Harry Potter fans and Outlander enthusiasts — Victoria Street, the closes, and Edinburgh’s literary heritage feature throughout

Dietary Information

Vegetarian-friendly tour. Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options may be limited given the haggis, fish and chips, and smoked haddock-led menu. Please share dietary restrictions when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk; the company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

Why Eat with Us?

  • Expert Local Guides — Fun, knowledgeable Edinburgh locals who know every Royal Mile pub, Grassmarket hideout, and Victoria Street institution by name
  • Edinburgh’s Hidden Gems — Exclusive access to a family-run cheesemonger, hidden closes, and a Grassmarket pub with a spooky twist
  • Culinary Diversity — Cullen skink, haggis bon bons with whisky marmalade, Scottish cheese selection, classic fish and chips, and a stuffed cookie finale
  • Cultural Immersion — Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Victoria Street (Diagon Alley’s inspiration), Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat — Edinburgh’s stories, told as you walk
  • Established Expertise — Europe’s best food tours, top-rated since 2011; 500,000 clients; 25,000 five-star reviews
Tripadvisor Awards
171 reviews
"I have to say I was very impressed with the tour we were given. Having lived in Edinburgh during some of my college years I though there was no way they’d be able to take me to spots I hadn’t heard of, but there were several great surprises that were new even to me! My son, who previously said he’d never try haggis loved the bon bons at Arcade, which was incredible. "
— Dan MacDonald | Google

Share the experience

Love this itinerary but prefer a more social setting? Join our shared group version of this tour for a vibrant atmosphere at a more budget-friendly price.

  • (ages 7+) From £130 per guest

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
DD slash MM slash YYYY

Free cancellation 7 days in advance for a full refund

Lowest Price Guarantee

❤️ This experience gives back.

With every booking, we donate a fresh meal via World Central Kitchen.

Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!

11 countries, 22 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.

Book Now

The Flavors You'll Taste


  • Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup)
  • Haggis bon bons with whisky marmalade
  • Classic Scottish fish and chips
  • Locally produced Scottish cheese selection
  • Stuffed cookie (the indulgent finale)
  • Irn-Bru (Scotland’s other national drink)
  • Scottish beer (a customary pub pint)
  • Water

Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of authentic Scottish flavours. Whisky tastings can be added to your private tour on request.

Meeting Point

Melville Monument
42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD

Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag, right next to the Paddington Bear statue.

What’s included in your private booking

  • Private Edinburgh Old Town and New Town food tour led exclusively for your group
  • All food and drink across 5 stops
  • Cullen skink, haggis bon bons, Scottish cheese selection, and proper fish and chips
  • Irn-Bru, Scottish beer, and water (whisky tastings available on request)
  • A dedicated English-speaking local guide
  • Flexible date with daily 11:00 am or 3:00 pm departures
  • 7-day cancellation policy for private tours
  • Company invoicing, advance payment, and dedicated event coordination for corporate bookings
  • A donated meal via World Central Kitchen with every booking

What Makes Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town Special

The Old Town tumbles from the castle along the Royal Mile in a dramatic spine of medieval closes and hidden courtyards. Its narrow wynds reveal Edinburgh’s most characterful eating — traditional pubs serving haggis, neeps, and tatties alongside a dram of single malt, cozy spots dishing up Cullen skink, and bakeries turning out fresh morning rolls and buttery shortbread. Every meal here comes with centuries of Scottish story soaked into the stone walls around you.

The New Town stretches north in elegant Georgian crescents and wide, airy streets. The mood shifts — refined but never stuffy. Its handsome townhouses hold some of Scotland’s finest dining rooms, modern restaurants working with Highland game, fresh coastal seafood, and seasonal farm produce. Stylish wine bars, independent coffee roasters, and classic afternoon tea rooms line the broad avenues. Where the Old Town feeds you with warmth and tradition, the New Town does so with quiet elegance — together they make Edinburgh one of Britain’s most rewarding cities to eat through.

What people are saying

Private tours

A private Edinburgh food tour means just you, your group, and your guide — no strangers, no fixed pace, no compromises. Available for 2 to 12 guests (larger groups accommodated on request) with a flexible morning or afternoon start time you choose.

How our private tours work

Pick your date and start time. We’ll confirm your private guide, route the tour around your group’s interests, and handle every reservation, pour, and pairing in advance. Pricing is all-inclusive — no hidden fees, no upsells. Your schedule, your pace, your people.

Corporate Edinburgh food tours and team experiences

A private Edinburgh food tour is one of Scotland’s most distinctive corporate hospitality experiences — Edinburgh Festival and Fringe season turns the city into Europe’s biggest cultural moment, and Hogmanay is one of the world’s great year-end celebrations. Perfect for client entertainment during festivals, conference end-of-day experiences, executive offsites, finance and tech sector client hosting, and team building. We offer company invoicing, advance payment, purchase orders, and dedicated event coordination — plus optional whisky-tasting add-ons through our private tour team.

Popular corporate use cases:

  • Edinburgh Festival, Fringe, and Book Festival client programs
  • Hogmanay incentive trips and reward experiences
  • Finance, fintech, and asset management client hosting (Edinburgh is a major UK finance hub)
  • Executive retreats and leadership offsites
  • Conference and summit end-of-day experiences
  • Team building, milestone celebrations, and team welcomes
  • Whisky-tasting and Scottish heritage add-on programs

Languages available

English by default. Other languages may be available on request — please ask when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Get in touch

For private bookings, custom corporate proposals, or specific requests, contact [email protected] or call +1 917-909-6432. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure.

Why Eat with Us?

#1 food and drink experience in Europe - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Edinburgh’s food scene.

Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.

Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included

Dining with Purpose

We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.

Looking for a Unique Corporate Experience?

Treat your team or clients to a private food tour tailored to your needs. Flexible group sizes, seamless organization, and unforgettable moments in Europe’s top cities.

Meet Your Local Edinburgh Tour Guides

Our Edinburgh food tours are led by people who know this city tastes far better than the world gives it credit for. Whisky enthusiasts, bakers, foragers, and regulars at pubs that have been pouring pints for centuries. They take you past the castle and into the closes, market stalls, and neighborhood kitchens where Scotland's food culture comes alive — warm, proud, and full of stories that make every bite taste better.

Ailsa
Ailsa
Born in Aberdeen, Edinburgh became my second home throughout my University years here.
My current favourite is the Palmerston by Haymarket Train Station - the best lunch deal you can find in Edinburgh!
I recommend that anyone who comes to Edinburgh should spend a day walking around the Old Town - tripping over cobblestones and getting lost in Closes are all part of the quintessential Edinburgh experience. The more 'dreich' the weather, the better.
Andre
Andre
Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, I came to Edinburgh for the first time in 2008 and, after a few visits, moved here permanently in 2023.
My favorite place to eat is Soul Vegan in the Southside area is the ultimate comfort food you can find in Edinburgh.
You should go to Calton Hill! You will get a very good understanding about the geography of Edinburgh, plus the views of the skyline are breathtaking.
Emery
Emery
I am originally from Philadelphia, PA in the United States
My favourite place to eat in Edinburgh is Paloma in Leith - the most delicious and creative Mexican-inspired food!
The National Museum of Scotland is one of my favourite places to visit. The history is inspiring and fascinating, I could spend all day walking around in there! I also love a trip to the National Gallery.
Helen
Helen
My accent and a passport say I’m French, but I spent the past 15 years living in Singapore, Zurich, London, and now bonnie Scotland and Edinburgh are the place I call home. I am an "F" person (no, not what you think! ) : French, Foodie, and Forever hungry
My favorite place to eat is "The Ship on the Shore". It is an incredible seafood restaurant tucked along the Water of Leith
Get lost! This is honestly the best advice I can give. If it’s your first time here, roam the Old Town and let your five senses lead the way
Jack
Jack
Born in Aberdeen, moved to Edinburgh in 2020 for a change and have never looked back
I have too many food recommendations to list but my new favourite spot is sloe lane bakery on Leith walk. Some of the best pastries in the city! Ask me on a tour for any recommendations!
I love exploring the Stockbridge area of the city. So many fun quirky shops, great restaurants and bars as well as nature walks in Inverleith Park by the water in dean village

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

Is a private Edinburgh food tour worth it?

Absolutely. Edinburgh’s food scene is far better than the world gives it credit for, and a private tour gives your group exclusive access to family-run cheesemongers, hidden Old Town pubs, and the kind of stories that make every bite taste better — at a flexible pace, with a guide focused entirely on you.

What’s included in the price of the private Edinburgh tour?

All food and drink across 5 stops, your dedicated private guide, and a donated meal via World Central Kitchen. No hidden charges, no upsells. Whisky-tasting add-ons available on request.

How long is the tour?

This private food tour runs 3 hours, with daily 11:00 am or 3:00 pm departures. Custom timings available for corporate groups on request.

What neighborhoods does the tour cover?

Edinburgh’s Old Town (the medieval Royal Mile, the closes, Victoria Street, the Grassmarket) and New Town (the elegant Georgian crescents and squares). The two are easy walking distance apart.

What is the private group size?

Private bookings are available for 2 to 12 guests. For larger groups, we can arrange a custom experience — get in touch.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend at least 2 weeks ahead. Corporate groups should book 4+ weeks in advance — and around the Edinburgh Festival, Fringe, and Hogmanay, much earlier (these are the busiest weeks of the year).

Can I customize the private tour?

Yes. Stops, pacing, dietary focus, and start time can be adjusted. We can add whisky tastings, distillery visits, or extended itineraries with our private tour team — including Highland day-trip programs.

What’s the minimum age?

This tour is suitable from age 7 and up. Beer and Irn-Bru pairings adapt for younger guests; whisky add-ons are 18+ only.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste?

Scottish classics with modern twists — Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup), haggis bon bons with whisky marmalade (the haggis converter), a Scottish cheese selection from a family cheesemonger, classic fish and chips at a Grassmarket pub, and a stuffed cookie to finish.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Irn-Bru, Scottish beer, and water are included in the price. Whisky tastings can be added on request — Scotland’s national drink deserves its own moment.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-friendly. Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options may be limited given the haggis, fish and chips, and smoked haddock courses. Share dietary restrictions when booking; on a private booking we have more flexibility to plan around dietary needs.

Are portions enough for a meal?

Yes — you’ll eat at least the equivalent of a full meal across the 5 stops. Cullen skink and a proper fish and chips alone can fill most appetites.

Booking and Payment

How do I book a private Edinburgh tour?

Book directly via the Book Private Tour button above, or contact [email protected] / +1 917-909-6432 to discuss custom requirements.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Major debit and credit cards, iDEAL, and Bancontact. Corporate invoicing, advance payment, and purchase orders available on request.

What is the cancellation policy for private tours?

Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure.

Do you offer corporate invoicing?

Yes. We handle company invoicing, advance payment, purchase orders, and dedicated event coordination for corporate bookings — including Edinburgh Festival and Fringe programs, Hogmanay incentive trips, and finance sector client hosting.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

All guides are fluent in English. Other languages may be available on request — please ask when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. The majority of Edinburgh stops are family-run venues that work exclusively with us, and on a private booking the route is built entirely around your group.

Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Edinburgh’s Old Town has steep cobbled streets, narrow closes, and stairs in places. The New Town is generally easier. Please contact us before booking and we’ll plan a route that works.

Do you offer other private food tours in the UK?

 Yes. We also run private food tours in London — including Borough Market, Soho Twilight, and the East End. Get in touch and we’ll help plan your full UK itinerary.

City Tips

Zoo_Bologna

A Food Lover’s Guide to Breakfast in Bologna

Bologna is the undisputed culinary capital of Italy. That said, when it comes to food in Bologna, we tend to hear more about hearty plates of tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini en brodo than breakfast dishes. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t secure some tasty morning-time fare during your visit....
The_Balmoral_Hotel_Tearoom_Edinburgh

A Culinary Guide to Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh

Afternoon tea is a great British tradition that also has deep roots in Scottish culture. In fact, there are tons of fantastic historic venues, elegant hotels, and charming tearooms to include in a food trip to Edinburgh.   What Makes Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh Special? Afternoon tea in Edinburgh is...
Panda_&_Sons_bar_Edinburgh

Navigating Bars and Nightlife in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s eclectic bar scene is a reflection of Scotland’s capital being a truly international city. It offers everything from centuries-old pubs steeped in history to stylish cocktail lounges, discrete speakeasies, and modern gastropubs. This b...
Pulse_Edinburgh

A Local’s Guide to Vegan Food in Edinburgh

If you’ve been on one of my Edinburgh food walks, you’ll know that the Scots are rather fond of their meat and fish-based dishes! While the Scottish capital may not seem like the most vegan-friendly city on the surface, there’s a surprisingly extensive selection of vegan restaurants in Edinburgh. The...
More Edinburgh Tours

Know where to eat before you arrive

Food tips, travel inspiration, and special offers across Europe. Always free.