When you stay at Ocean Serviced Apartments in Leith / Western Harbour, you’re not just getting a peaceful, waterfront base – you’re also within easy reach of a thriving and eclectic food scene. From fine seafood dining to cozy cafés serving the best brunches, here’s your guide to the best restaurants and cafés near Ocean Serviced Apartments – perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a mid-day coffee break.
Why Dining in Leith & Shore is Special
Leith, once Edinburgh’s port district, has evolved into one of its most vibrant culinary quarters. With a mix of upscale restaurants, seafood bistros, tapas bars, and independent cafés, you can enjoy everything from Michelin-starred cuisine to laid-back local eats. Many of the top spots are walking distance or a short ride away from your apartment, providing both convenience and variety.
Featured Restaurants Near Ocean Serviced Apartments
Below are standout restaurants you should consider — ranging in style, budget, and ambiance.
| Restaurant | Cuisine / Specialty | Why It’s Worth Visiting | Approx. Distance or Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Kitchin | Michelin-starred, Contemporary Scottish | A high-end, seasonally driven tasting menu using local produce; it’s one of Leith’s culinary crown jewels. | Located on Commercial Quay, in Leith |
| Dulse Leith | Modern Seafood / British | Elegant, on-the-water venue, focusing on Scottish seafood done with flair. | Very close — ideal for a special night out |
| Fishers in Leith | Seafood / Bistro | Located in a 17th-century watchtower by the shore; excellent for seafood with ambience. | On the Leith Shore |
| Barry Fish | Fish & Seafood | A seafood restaurant from acclaimed chef Barry Bryson; premium fish & shellfish offerings. | On The Shore, Leith |
| Toast Leith | Café / Brunch / Wine Café | Versatile eatery: breakfast, brunch, lunch, and wine + light dinner menu. Good all-day option. | In Leith, easy walk |
| Tapa | Spanish / Tapas | Hidden in a former bonded warehouse, great for tapas and sharing dishes. | In Leith area |
| Hemingways | British / Modern | Dependable mid-range restaurant with locally inspired dishes. | Leith |
| Paloma | Mexican / Street-food style | Casual, fun, good for a lighter, vibrant meal (tacos, etc.). | Leith |
| The Ship on the Shore | Shellfish / Seafood & Bar | Great location by waterfront, combining seafood with a relaxed bar atmosphere. | Leith Shore |
| Nobles | Brunch / Bistro | A great local café / bistro, good for brunch, lighter meals, and relaxed evenings. | Leith / nearby |
Note: Distances depend on your specific apartment within Ocean Serviced Apartments; many of these are walkable or a short ride away.
Cafés & Coffee Spots to Try Near You
Sometimes you need just a cup of coffee, a cozy place to work, or a spot to rest between walks. Here are cafés you won’t want to miss.
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Williams & Johnson Coffee Co.
Nestled on Customs Wharf in Leith, this café is celebrated for its artisan coffee and tranquil riverside location.
It’s a perfect spot for a morning coffee or brunch if you want something near the waterfront. -
Bonnie Barista
Located in Edinburgh’s New Town / Castle Street area, this independent café is known for excellent baked goods, relaxed vibe, and quality coffee.
It’s a bit further from Leith but worth a detour if you’re exploring the city centre. -
Black Medicine Coffee Co.
With a moody, artsy interior, this café in the Old Town is beloved by locals for its relaxed ambiance, sandwiches, and strong coffee. -
The Milkman
A favourite among travellers, with two locations on Cockburn Street in Edinburgh. Cozy, good cakes, and perfect to step into while walking the Royal Mile. -
Kuna Café & Bakery
Tucked away from main streets, known for warm hospitality, comfort food (toasties, baked goods), and as a cozy refuge from Edinburgh’s weather. -
Roseleaf Café
Closer to Leith, this café provides a good mix of lunch options, relaxing atmosphere, and drinks. -
Toast (Café / Wine Café)
In Leith itself, Toast is a café that transitions smoothly from day to evening – brunch to wine and small plates.
You’ll find that many cafés double up as lunch spots, so you can plan your day knowing you can stop in for both coffee and a light meal.
Suggested Dining Itinerary While Staying at Ocean
Here’s a sample approach to making the most of the nearby food options during your stay:
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Day 1 Dinner: Reserve a table at The Kitchin for a special “fine dining introduction” to Leith.
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Day 2 Lunch: Try Toast Leith or Williams & Johnson for a relaxed brunch or lunch.
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Day 2 Dinner: Head to Fishers in Leith or The Ship on the Shore for waterfront seafood.
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Day 3 Lunch or Café Break: One of the city-centre cafés like Black Medicine or Bonnie Barista, especially when you head into Old Town.
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Evening Options: For a more casual or sharing-style meal, try Tapa or Paloma in Leith.
Intermix with your sightseeing schedule so you can explore food spots along your route rather than detouring drastically.
Tips for Dining in Edinburgh & Leith
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Book in advance for popular restaurants, especially weekends or festival season (The Kitchin often fills up).
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Check opening hours, especially on Sundays. Some restaurants may close mid-afternoon.
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Menus and dietary options: Many places now list vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options online. If in doubt, call ahead.
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Transport & walking: Because Leith is fairly compact, many restaurants are walkable. For cafés in the Old Town or New Town, plan your route to combine meals with sightseeing.
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Ambiance matters: Some restaurants are better for a relaxed evening, others are more formal. Use the day to scout cafés and reserve dinners accordingly.
Why Ocean Serviced Apartments Is a Great Base for Food Lovers
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You’re close to a densely packed culinary area (Leith / Shore) with options for every budget and style.
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After a long day of exploring, you can return to your apartment comfortably — many cafés and restaurants are nearby.
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Having a kitchen / self-catering facility in your apartment means you can balance between dining out and preparing lighter meals.
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If you arrive late or return after dining, you’re not far from quality restaurants, reducing the friction of finding dinner last minute.