Edinburgh’s lunch scene combines historic settings with hearty Scottish fare. Skip the tourist traps and head straight for authentic experiences through well-planned tours. The Scottish Highlands tour stands out, offering quality packed lunches featuring local specialties while you soak in dramatic mountain views. The city walking tour, complete with a pub lunch stop, is perfect for travelers wanting to maximize their sightseeing time. I love the Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands full-day tour – their regional lunch gives you a true taste of Highland cuisine during the journey.
For atmosphere and reliable food, consider the Hard Rock Cafe’s set lunch menu. Mystery fans will appreciate the Sherlock Holmes pub tour, where lunch is served in a centuries-old tavern with ghost stories on the side. These are our favorite lunch tours in Edinburgh, ranked by quality and value.
Key Points
- The Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands Tour offers a packed lunch including sandwiches, chips, and shortbread, providing a well-rounded dining experience.
- The Edinburgh Guided City Tour includes a lunch as part of the comprehensive tour, allowing visitors to refuel while exploring the city’s landmarks.
- The Hard Rock Cafe Dining Experience in Edinburgh provides priority seating and a choice of 2-course or 3-course menu options, catering to various dining preferences.
- The Sherlock Holmes Immersive Tour offers a unique dining experience at the haunted Tolbooth Corner pub, adding to the literary-themed exploration of the city.
- The Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour includes a local packed lunch, allowing travelers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery while satisfying their appetite.
Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands With Lunch From Edinburgh
This full-day tour from Edinburgh provides travelers with an immersive experience into the captivating landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Priced at $76.57 per person, the tour offers a low-price guarantee, free cancellation, and flexible rescheduling.
Guests will depart at 7:30 AM, arriving 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point in Edinburgh. The itinerary includes stunning sights like the Forth Bridge, Caledonian Canal, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis, with an optional boat ride on Loch Ness.
A small packed lunch is included, featuring sandwiches, chips, and shortbread. Feedback on the tour guides is generally positive, with praise for their knowledge, humor, and punctuality.
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Edinburgh: Guided City Tour With Lunch
Set out on a captivating guided tour of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems with this comprehensive city experience.
Enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of the Scottish capital as you explore the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the stunning Holyrood Palace, and the historic underground network of the Edinburgh Vaults.
Complement your sightseeing with a delightful lunch, providing a well-rounded introduction to this enchanting city.
With a 4.8-star rating and a duration of 2 hours, this tour offers an efficient and enjoyable way to experience the best of Edinburgh.
Discover the city’s highlights, from its architectural marvels to its captivating stories, all while satisfying your appetite.
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Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh With Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
Where can visitors to Edinburgh indulge in a delightful dining experience steeped in rock-and-roll history? Look no further than the Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
Offering a 2-course Gold menu or a 3-course Diamond menu, the cafe provides priority seating and diverse, appealing food. With a starting price of $33.72 per person, the Lowest Price Guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offer flexibility.
Customers praise the friendly staff, great atmosphere, and quick service, although some report issues with food quality and wait times.
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Edinburgh: Sherlock Holmes Immersive Tour With Lunch
Visitors to Edinburgh can indulge in a captivating Sherlock Holmes-themed tour that immerses them in the city’s rich literary history.
The 4-hour “Edinburgh: Sherlock Holmes Immersive Tour with Lunch” takes participants on a guided adventure, retracing the steps of Arthur Conan Doyle and exploring significant locations that inspired the legendary detective.
Highlights include the eerie Greyfriars Cemetery, the Medical School, and the discovery of Joseph Bell, Conan Doyle’s mentor and the inspiration behind Sherlock Holmes.
The tour culminates with a unique dining experience at the haunted Tolbooth Corner pub, where guests can savor a main dish and a molecular cocktail or mocktail.
With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this immersive tour offers an engaging and memorable way to explore Edinburgh’s Sherlock Holmes legacy.
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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour With Lunch
Travelers seeking to enjoy the captivating landscapes and rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands can embark on the Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour with Lunch.
This 12-hour excursion, priced from $70.25 to $73.95 per person, takes visitors to iconic destinations like Glencoe, Fort Augustus, and Pitlochry.
Highlights include a Loch Ness boat cruise, photo stops, and free time to explore local shops and historic sights. Knowledgeable guides share the history and legends of the region, and a locally produced packed lunch is included.
Rated 4.2/5 based on 686 reviews, this well-organized tour offers excellent value and opportunities to witness the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
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Edinburgh: Hard Rock Cafe With Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
For those seeking a more urban dining experience in Edinburgh, the Hard Rock Cafe offers a set menu for lunch or dinner. Prices start from $31.88 per person, with the option to reserve and pay later.
The menu features American-style dishes in large portions, including the Original Legendary burger and vegan Moving Mountains burger. Guests can choose between a 2-course Gold Menu or a 3-course Diamond Menu, with desserts like brownie and chocolate cake.
Located near iconic attractions, the restaurant is known for its rock and roll memorabilia. Reviews highlight the great food selection, excellent service, and enjoyable environment, though some suggest expanding the dessert options.
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Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour With Lunch
One of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh is the Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour with Lunch. This 12-hour tour covers over 300 miles, taking visitors through the stunning Scottish Highlands, including stops at Callander, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, and Pitlochry.
The tour includes a picnic lunch featuring sandwiches, shortbread, and crisps, as well as an optional Loch Ness boat cruise. Travelers can also enjoy scenic hikes or relaxation by the Caledonian Canal.
With a knowledgeable local guide, air-conditioned transportation, and downloadable audio guides in multiple languages, this tour offers an immersive experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available for the Lunch?
Yes, many Edinburgh restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options for lunch. Diners can find a variety of plant-based dishes, from sandwiches and salads to hearty main courses, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
Can I Request a Specific Dietary Requirement for the Meal?
Yes, most restaurants in Edinburgh can accommodate specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal. Customers should communicate their needs when booking or upon arrival to ensure the restaurant can cater to their dietary needs.
Is the Lunch Included in the Tour/Activity Price?
Whether the lunch is included in the tour or activity price typically depends on the specific offering. Travelers should check the details of each tour or activity to determine if lunch is covered in the overall cost.
What Is the Duration of the Lunch Break During the Tour?
The duration of the lunch break during the tour typically ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely meal and recharge before continuing their sightseeing activities.
Is There an Option to Add Additional Activities to the Tour?
Yes, many tour operators offer the option to add extra activities or experiences to their lunch tours. This allows visitors to customize their itinerary and make the most of their time in the city.
The Sum Up
Edinburgh offers a variety of unique lunch experiences for visitors. From guided city tours with lunch to immersive Sherlock Holmes experiences, there’s something for every taste. Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness while enjoying a delicious meal. Or indulge in the iconic Hard Rock Cafe’s set menu. With so many options, travelers can easily find the best lunch to complement their Edinburgh adventure.